(Matthew 12:43-45)
43 “Now when the unclean spirit comes out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and does not find it. 44 Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came’; and when it comes, it finds it unoccupied, swept, and put in order. 45 Then it goes and brings along with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they come in and live there; and the last condition of that person becomes worse than the first. That is the way it will also be with this evil generation.”
TODAY'S TAKEAWAY
In a big general sense, even as Christians, when we allow a bit of evil into our lives, it will beget more evil. When we think it is okay to let one little sin slide in, we will find ourselves sliding down a slippery slope, sinning more and more. Although, we should know that it is not a sin to be faced with temptations, since Jesus faced every form of temptation and yet did not sin. But if and when we become obsessed with whatever it is that we are being tempted in, that is the same as coveting, which is a sin, and it is most beneficial to confess this to the Lord, because He is able to deliver us from that.
It is also important to know that as believers, because we have God's indwelling Holy Spirit, we cannot ever become demon possessed, but we can very definitely become oppressed! As we let sin into our homes and lives, this is like an invitation. Demons will also attack those who are steadfast, and people or organizations who have a strong impact, influence and outreach. If and when we find that we are experiencing this darkness (which comes to deceive, distort, divide and destroy), ask God to deliver us from evil! After all, He is omnipotent and more powerful than all powers put together!
In the biggest sense, regarding these verses, when we repent and ask God into our lives, He gives us His indwelling Holy Spirit who seals us, and remains with us for eternity, to protect us, guide us, empower us, as well as convict us when we stray. And let us not deceive ourselves. We will stray. But God already knows this, and that is why He also offers us His grace, and is so very patient with us. But also know that our heavenly Father, who loves and cares for us, will discipline us. While we can never lose our salvation, when we stray, He will allow consequences into our lives.
When we quench His Holy Spirit within us, we will feel alone and abandoned. Of course, as His children, the Lord will never leave us, but He will allow us to feel a lonely, hopeless, helpless despair, because without His help, we are helpless. If He just continued allowing us to feel His joy, hope and peace, and all other blessings, we would most likely continue on in the sinful lifestyle that we have fallen into.
Since He is a loving God who desires to have a close relationship with us, He wants us to continue looking into His word and going to church and Bible studies so that He can talk to us. He wants us to continue praying to Him for everything so that we have a constant dialogue with Him. And He wants us to continue trusting in and relying on Him for His guidance, help and strength, so that we can experience and enjoy His friendship and great blessings.
No comments:
Post a Comment