PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 12:22-29
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“The kingdom of God has come upon you.” (Matthew 12:28)
Humans were made to rule creation in the Spirit’s power (Genesis 1:26-28,2:7).
When we rebelled against God, Satan became the strong man.
Throughout history, no child of Adam has been able to beat the strong man.
One way or another Satan tricked and trapped every human being… until Jesus.
Jesus is the promised seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15), crushing the serpent.
After the cross, the victory is complete, all authority belongs to Jesus (Matthew 28:18).
Satan is bound, we are free… but that doesn’t keep Satan from pretending.
Satan still whispers his lies, like he did in the garden… and many listen.
We need to submit to the Spirit of Jesus, not the demons of Satan.
Too many people – even christians – are submitting to the wrong one.
Satan controls many people through discouragement, distraction, deception and doubt.
Every day we must discern our thoughts and experiences, to see if they’re true.
Like Jesus we battle in the wilderness all the time; like Jesus we have the Spirit.
The kingdom of God has come upon us, but am I living like it?
PRAYER
Lord, You HAVE overcome the devil and taken back creation for God and for us. Satan is a liar, and is good at it, but he cannot beat You. I choose to stand with You!
I’m struggling with a long-term decision that may or may not cause division in the house.
Lord I thank you for the opportunity to struggle and serve and strive to be better. Please come alongside me as I surrender this to you, and above all else I pray that the mission of your house stays undivided no matter what may come.
Jesus heals the demon possessed man – he took care of the demon – bound him up and cast him out so that the Spirit of God – the kingdom of God has come upon him. Jesus casts out the evil in us that binds us and prevents us from being fully connected with him – then we grow to be like Jesus and serve him! Jesus bound the strong man – Satan!
I am reminded of a nursery rhyme –
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall
All the king’s horses and all the king’s men
Couldn’t put Humpty Dumpty together again
Until Jesus Christ came along.
It is in His power I go forward each day anew clothed in His armour.
Jesus, Savior, pilot me
Over life’s tempestuous sea;
Unknown waves before me roll,
Hiding rock and treach’rous shoal;
Chart and compass come from Thee;
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
Lord Jesus I am yours and my body is the Spirit’s temple. In your name and by the Spirit of God help me to drive the demons taunting me– discouragement, distrust, disobedience, and procrastination.
Help me Jesus to cultivate the fruit of the Spirt-love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control.