for or Against?
The strong man of this parable is evidently Satan, who guards the palace of man's nature, to which he has no right. It is the palace of the King, which has been captured by His direst foe. The demon-possession of the body is a parable and illustration of the terrible results of the possession of the soul by the demons of jealousy, passion, etc. Satan is strong-stronger than Adam in his innocence or David in his palace. He is armed with the lie; is always on the watch to lull us into false security; but the peace which He gives is of death.
Thank God, Christ is stronger! In the wilderness and on the Cross He proved Himself so. He took away His foe's armor and bruised his head. When Christ takes up His residence in the heart Satan may rage outside and fling in horrid suggestions, but the door is kept closed against his return. They are to be pitied who make a reform in their own strength-Satan will return. Only Christ can work permanent deliverance.