When God works, Satan opposes
Introduction
When God is at work, so is satan
There will always be opposition following conversion
The church might go through a challenge
There is a battle in the heavens (satan opposing God), which we cannot see
We can see the world’s doubt and scorn
For example – that Christian’s are not real, been duped, become religious or even gullible
For example – most people think Christianity is irrelevant, the cause of many problems, that the Bible is unbelievable
Here the Lord Jesus has performed a wonderful miracle
Casting out a demon of muteness
There are different types of demons described in the Bible
Imagine if you woke up and suddenly could not speak
Jesus casts out the demon causing muteness
Immeadiately evil words are being spoken about Jesus
A lie – Christ’s marvellous work is attributed to Satan
Satan is involved in undoing all that is good and calling it evil
Others tested Jesus and wanted to see a sign (having just seen a miracle)
Satan is seeking to oppose Christ, but He counteracts all that satan says
The Response of Jesus Christ
He does not let the situation go unchallenged
Jesus exposes conversation and thoughts He has not physically heard
He knows people’s hearts
He knows when His ministry and the Church is attacked
He is able to protect His people
Jesus shows the folly of the slanderous attack against Him
v17-18 – How can satan cast out demons – it is a fallacious argument
We must ask for the wisdom of God
To show falsehoods for what they are
Division brings ruin
v19 – Others were casting out demons (including disciples and the pharisees)
Jesus asks what power they used
v20 – It is by God’s power
Jesus was made manifest
20th Century – we accept evil but not the personification of evil (i.e. the devil)
The devil is not the caricatured figure with horns and a pitchfork
The bible teaches he is a fallen angel
The bible teaches the devil blinds the eyes of those who do not believe
Done in the power of the Holy Spirit – Acts 10:38
Application
What is the connection between the previous passage on prayer and this passage?
The Holy Spirit
v13 – ask for the Holy Spirit
Jesus did all in the power of the Holy Spirit – examples
Jesus heals a man in the power of the Holy Spirit
He encourages His disciples that they need to be filled with the Holy Spirit – so that they (and we) can do all the things that God calls us to do
That Jesus has all power
v9
He can save from the worst cases
This should encourage us to pray
We need to pray for God to be at work in our community to save people
When God works, we must expect opposition, which may be due to the devil
The devil is a strong man – but Christ is stronger
Some demons can only come out with prayer and fasting
The devil is an accuser of the brethren
To cast aspersions on Christians
Example of Paul and Elijah
Example of Jesus
1 Cor 4:3 – God is our judge
Personal example
We stand in the grace of Christ
We must have a good conscience before God and men
We must be careful not to have a judgment spirit
If we are not with Jesus, we are against Him
We cannot be neutral, we cannot sit on the fence
We must side with Jesus
Quote from JC Ryle
Closing Remarks
Be for Jesus