It goes without saying that demonic spirits are no match for the Holy Spirit of God. But that being said, demons are indeed very powerful and able to control and enslave individuals whom they possess. In our study today we will see both Jesus’ clear power and authority over demons and the demon’s ability to exercise power over their human victims. But fear not. As children of God, born again and filled with God’s Holy Spirit we have the upper hand.

 
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. But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.” Others, testing Him, sought from Him a sign from heaven. 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. If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? Because you say I cast out demons by Beelzebub. And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore, they will be your judges. But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace. 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. He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters. “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.’ And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. 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.”” (Luke 11:14–26, NKJV)

Today’s text ends with a frightening example of how one can find deliverance from bondage and then return again unto even worse bondage. It all comes down to who is inhabiting your house (life). If you are filled with the Spirit of Jesus, then demonic powers cannot overpower you and place you in bondage. But if your house is vacant and there is space available, a demon can take advantage of that vacancy and move in. I believe the most important message of today’s text is to make sure Jesus is dwelling in you. Be filled with God’s Spirit and be safe from all evil spirits. 

…that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:17–21, NKJV)

Trust Christ as your Lord and Savior. Let Him rule in your heart through faith.                           Pastor Mike