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January 27, 2019

Luke 11: 14-28 - Spiritual Warfare

Who is Jesus and where does His power come from? What happens when a demon is cast out? Is there protection from demonic possession?

Flashbacks are often used in movies, books or conversations to give more information. New believers are coming to Christ not knowing all the things Jesus taught earlier. Jesus shares past events so that His newer disciples can learn more.  Luke 11:14-28 gives some insight about who Jesus is and where His power comes from.

14. And He was casting out a demon, and it was mute. So it was, when the demon had gone out, that the mute spoke; and the multitudes marveled.
15. But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebub,[fn] the ruler of the demons.”
16. Others, testing Him, sought from Him a sign from heaven.
17. But He, knowing their thoughts, said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house divided against a house falls.
18. “If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? Because you say I cast out demons by Beelzebub.
19. “And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges.
20. “But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.
21. “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace.
22. “But when a stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoils.
23. “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.
24. “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’
25. “And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order.
26. “Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.”
27. And it happened, as He spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts which nursed You!”
28. But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

Jesus healing a demon-possessed man is reviewed as well as the various reactions of people who watched. While most people marveled that He cast out the demon, some were critical. Reference is made to how criticism applies to us and how we can use Scripture to recognize when criticism is fair or unfair.

The accusation that Jesus is able to cast out demons by using the power of Beelzebub or Beelzebul is examined. First, a little history is given about the names used for the ruler of demons, who according to Luke 11:18 is a manifestation of Satan himself. Then reasons are given why Jesus would not be casting out demons using the power from Satan. “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house divided against a house falls.” Examples of modern day nonsensical madness are given. Also discussed is what Jesus meant in Luke 11:19 when He talks about the sons who cast out demons who will also judge the scribes and the Pharisees. Included is a discussion of a world that completely misunderstands what Jesus said about judging in Matthew 7 and has also conveniently forgotten 1 Corinthians 6:2-3 and how those verses apply to local churches today.

Then the point is made that only God can cast out demons and that Jesus doesn’t just have God’s power, He is God Himself. The disciples cast out demons in the name of Jesus because human beings are simply not strong enough to cast out demons by our own power, but Jesus the Son of God can.

spiritual warfare


The sermon concludes with discussing spiritual warfare  and what happens when God casts out a demon.

Luke 11:25 says the demon goes back to their previous host and finds their life “swept and put in order.” Matthew 12:44 adds that it is, “empty, swept, and put in order.” What does that mean? It means while their life looks nice and orderly the Holy Spirit isn’t there.

If God delivers you from some calamity (demonic or otherwise), but you don’t respond with repentance from sin and faith in Christ then you are in serious trouble. Because if the Holy Spirit isn’t inside you protecting you from demonic possession and guaranteeing you eternal life in heaven it doesn’t matter how clean your life gets because it can all fall apart in an instant.

You need Christ. You need the salvation from sin He offers. And you need the power of the Holy Spirit inside you in order to stand against the schemes of the Devil.

Luke 11:27-28 says,

27  And it happened, as He spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, "Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts which nursed You!"
28  But He said, "More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!"

How do you find Christ? How do you receive the blessing of His Holy Spirit? You listen to the Word of God and obey what it says.

Spiritual warfare is real and the only way you will survive is with Christ’s help. And if you are not with Christ you are against Him. So don’t try to clean up your life without Christ. Listen to and obey the Word of God today.

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Spiritual Warfare - Luke 11: 14-28
Jan. 27, 2019

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Pray

Do you feel an emptiness in your life? Are you seeking answers but don't know where to look? Have you ever wondered if you are good enough? Please read the summary of the gospel message, "Four Things You Need to Know About God"

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Life Verse

1 Peter 3:15, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear."

We fully affirm the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.