Read Matthew Chapter 12:22-29
Wait! Who’s Really In Control Here? The Devil Or The Spirit Of The Living God?
A demon possessed man was brought to Jesus who was blind and couldn’t speak. Jesus healed the man so that he spoke and could see.
The multitude responded with amazement and began to wonder if Jesus was the Son of David, the Messiah?
The Pharisees responded to the multitude saying, “Jesus cast out the demon only by the ruler of the demons, Beelzebul.”
Well what’s the truth? Was the Messiah in their midst? Or was a demon fighting against a demon?
Jesus responded to the Pharisees saying, in essence, your comment doesn’t make sense! Why would the head demon cast out a demon? He’s only fighting against himself in doing so. He only weakens the power of his kingdom.
Jesus rebukes the Pharisees and states that his authority is from God himself, that the kingdom of God is in their presence.
Vs 27: Jesus shows that their Authority is not from God because when their sons try to cast out demons they fail. But Jesus is able to cast out demons because of the spirit of the Living God. You can actually see the proof that the kingdom of God / the Spirit of God is in their midst:
1. The devil is bound so that his power is no longer evident.
2. You see fruit! In this case, the fruit is the demon is cast out so that the man can hear and see.
CHALLENGE: Who reigns in your heart and in your everyday life? Are you yielding to the Spirit of the Living God or to your flesh, the devil?
What sin do you struggle with? Do you find yourself going back to it over and over and over and over again? Has this sin really been crucified with Christ so that it no longer has victory over your heart, soul, and body?
The proof is evident by the fruit that is seen in your life! Being daily yielded to the Spirit of God means victory. It means repentance from the sin. But if we keep entertaining the sin, we are bound by it and we give the devil victory.
God, help us to walk in Victory with you. Help us yield to your spirit and not our flesh.
