Matthew 12:22-24
Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed him, so that the mute man spoke and saw. 23 All the crowds were amazed, and were saying, “This man cannot be the Son of David, can he?” 24 But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “This man casts out demons only by Beelzebul the ruler of the demons.”
Matthew 12:25-26, 28-30
And knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them, “Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand. 26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand.”28 …But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 Or how can anyone enter the strong man’s house and carry off his property, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters.
5 Ground Rules for Winning Spiritual Warfare
1. There is a spiritual war between two kingdoms and the field for battle is human lives.
Matthew 12:22 Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed him, so that the mute man spoke and saw.
2. Wherever the Kingdom of God is, people will be set free.
Matthew 12:28 But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
3. In this war, there are no non-combatants or conscientious objectors.
Matthew 12:30 He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters.
4. In this war, unity is all important for victory.
Matt. 12:25b “Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand.”
5. Jesus has bound Satan and restricted his power to deceive people and hold them in bondage.
Matthew 12:29 Or how can anyone enter the strong man’s house and carry off his property, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.
What does it mean that Jesus bound and restricted the devil?
1. He can’t hold someone captive who calls out to Jesus for deliverance.
Romans 10:13 for “WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.”
2. He limits Satan’s access to a believer’s life.
II Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
I Corinthians 10:13b (NIV)
“…God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
3. He subjected Satan to the authority of the believer.
II Corinthians 2:10-11
But one whom you forgive anything, I also forgive; for indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did so for your sakes in the presence of Christ, 11 so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.
These are the ground rules that govern our world in every generation.
How do we overcome the spiritual battle?
1. Fight the Right Enemy.
Ephesians 6:12 “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of wickedness…”
2. Use the Right Weapons
II Corinthians 10:4 (KJV) For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;
Luke 6:27-29, 31
“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either.” 31Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.
Romans 12:19-21
Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
James 4:7
Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Recommended Sermon:
Overcoming Evil and Hatred – Oct. 10, 2021
Romans 5:20
“Where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more.”
I John 4:4
“Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
Foothills Text Line:
Text PRAYER to 619-375-0805
Text DECISION to 619-375-0805