Minding Our Minds

Here is something I haven’t grown up talking a lot about, demons. While I grew up  in the church, I struggle to remember thinking too much about them. If anything, the classic cartoon image comes to mind with the devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other.

I’m starting to think we haven’t given the power of the devil enough concern. Granted, you don’t want to give him too much either.

Jesus was definitely aware of the spiritual world. Here is one exchange where He casts out a demon.

22 They brought to Jesus a demon-possessed man who was blind and unable to speak. Jesus healed him so that he could both speak and see. 23 All the crowds were amazed and said, “This man couldn’t be the Son of David, could he?”

24 When the Pharisees heard, they said, “This man throws out demons only by the authority of Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.” (Matthew 12, CEB)

Jesus casts out a demon!  

The people didn’t argue the demon existed. They didn’t even argue Jesus performed a miracle. Rather, they argue His authority must come from the devil himself.

To that, Jesus calls them out for jumping to a rather outlandish conclusion saying,

25 Because Jesus knew what they were thinking, he replied, “Every kingdom involved in civil war becomes a wasteland. Every city or house torn apart by divisions will collapse. 26 If Satan throws out Satan, he is at war with himself. How then can his kingdom endure? (Matthew 12, CEB)

Jesus continues to tell them His authority comes from God, and His ability here demonstrates God’s authority over all.

A parable follows soon after this exchange.

43 “When an unclean spirit leaves a person, it wanders through dry places looking for a place to rest. But it doesn’t find any. 44 Then it says, ‘I’ll go back to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the place vacant, cleaned up, and decorated. 45 Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself. They go in and make their home there. That person is worse off at the end than at the beginning. This is the way it will be also for this evil generation.” (Matthew 12, CEB)

Should we take a minute to acknowledge the obvious, but not often spoken, demons are real. The devil is actively seeking to pull you away from God, and God’s truth.

The Spirit clearly says that in latter times some people will turn away from the faith. They will pay attention to spirits that deceive and to the teaching of demons. (1 Timothy 4:1, CEB)

Jesus says the unclean spirit leaves, and when it comes back it finds an empty space. The space doesn’t stay empty for long, as even more demons come along.

Now, this is not me trying to scare you, wanting you to consider every evil thought or doubt is the work of the devil.

What I hope you are reminded of today is, the devil is at work! Evil exists, but our God is stronger!  

What we place in our minds matters, it’s part of the spiritual war we are in. Paul says,

So, brothers and sisters, because of God’s mercies, I encourage you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God. This is your appropriate priestly service. 2 Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can figure out what God’s will is—what is good and pleasing and mature. (Romans 12, CEB)

Fill your minds with God’s truths!

Blessings,

Pastor Matt