Reformation or Transformation?
Introduction
There might be different types of temptations that affect you at different ages
Youth – lust and ambitions
Middle age – cynicism, compromise
Old age – indulgence, no longer fighting against sin (example of Solomon)
We have read of someone whose last state was worst than their first state
Terrible degeneration
1 Peter 2:22
People don’t stand still – we either progress or regress
This passage teaches a startling truth – morality does not help
v24-28 is a continuation of the passage last week
Casting out of a mute demon
The pharisees cast aspersions on Jesus saying the source of His power was from the devil
Jesus response was gracious
Illogical
Inconsistent
Incontravertible
v24-28 is a continuation of His reply
No parabolic language
What does it mean for a demon to leave and go through dry places, to return to his own house with seven other demons?
Acts – glimpses of what can happen to people
Example of Annias and Sapphira, Simon Magus
We need to speak about sin and about satan – in general terms
Overview:
v24-26 A vivid picture and a stark warning
v27-28 An unexpected interruption and Jesus’ deeper teaching
A vivid picture and a stark warning (v24-26)
Example of the struggle with alcohol, the sexually immoral man and the financially fraudulent man
The Lord Jesus is teaching that morality does not help
The man sweeps his house, puts it in order – outwardly looks good
Unless he is transformed by God, things will go from bad to worse
Example of the Apostle Paul
Quote: “morality is more dangerous than immorality”
Explanation
Inoculated against the gospel
Jesus was speaking to the propagandists
The had committed blasphemy against the Holy Spirit
cf v39-40, v46
v53 – their response was to “assail Him vehemently”
Yet these were the moralists of the day
Christianity is not about ‘morals’ but the gospel message
Explanation of the gospel message
It is not about reformation (improving yourself through religion or morality) but transformation
Old wineskins won’t do – they must be changed on the inside
The demon has gone
They need to go somewhere
The man has an emptiness, a void
Unless the man comes to know Christ, the demon will return
Example of King Saul
Reading 2 Peter 2:20-22
A stark warning
Application:
Is there anyone playing with sin?
Are you compromising?
God sees your heart
Morality will not help – you need Jesus Christ
An unexpected interruption and Jesus’ deeper teaching (v27-28)
A woman interrupts Jesus – v27b
It seems a of word of thanks and praise
A Jewish compliment
Jesus does not rebuff her but uses the opportunity to give a deeper teaching
“Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it” (v28)
Reading Luke 6:46-49
Those with a firm foundation will stand in the storms of life
Doesn’t the moralist try to do this?
‘Hear the word of God’
Hear what God says – you are a sinner
Hear the invitation of Christ – I am the bread of life
Luke 7:50 – the woman obeyed the word by coming to Christ
The blessed and truly happy are those whose sins have been forgiven
If He has started a work in you, He will complete it; even if you are
Blessed are the poor in Spirit
Blessed are the meek
Blessed are the pure in heart
Application:
Which is more important to you – reformation or transformation?
Come to Christ