Dealing With Demonic Resistance

[0:00] Thank you for tuning into this message preached at Karis Church. The word of God is to be lived. May you receive direction from this message that will be a lamp to your feet.

[0:12] Acts chapter 16 from verse 16. It says, And this she said for many days.

[0:49] But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out that very hour.

[1:02] But when her master saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities.

[1:12] And they brought them to the magistrate and said, These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city. And they teach customs, which is not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.

[1:28] Then the multitude rose up together against them. And the magistrate tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. And when they had laid their stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely.

[1:46] Having received such a charge, he put them in the inner prison and fastened their feet and their stalks. Amen. Father, thank you for your word.

[1:57] Thank you, the Lord, you speak to us. I present myself as an available vessel, Lord. Speak through me. You know your people. You know where they are. You know what you want to tell them today.

[2:09] I pray the Lord, may they hear your voice. May your voice tender in this room. And not just in this room, tender in our hearts, Lord. We will never remain the same because it is your word that has been preached.

[2:21] We give you all the praise and glory in Jesus' name. Amen. We found God. Amen. So, by God's grace, we are gently proceeding in the book of Acts.

[2:34] And now in Acts chapter 16. Last week, God's event took us through Acts chapter 16 from the beginning onto a lady called Lydia.

[2:48] And we had the message and their call, let the Lydia's arise. I hope you got a chance to listen to the message again. But if you didn't, I would encourage you.

[2:59] It was a blessing. There's so many pockets in the message, even though we landed and ended on Lydia. And as God's event was preaching at the end, he said that he's introduced this young lady's testimony.

[3:11] And we pick it from there today. So, really, the emphasis for today is going to be from 16 to 18. I know that you are very excited about Paul and Silas being in prison. And you can't wait to get to that point.

[3:24] It's a very famous part of scripture. The verse 25. They sang and they prayed and they sang. And then, yes, there was power.

[3:35] There was release of dunamis. We love it. I'm sure you'll hear it next week. But we thank God. Today, it's interesting. When you look at this chapter, it's a chapter of salvation for three different people.

[3:49] Siladia's testimony. She was a rich woman. And today's reading talks about a rich young guy who came to Jesus. And it looked like it was difficult for rich people to actually enter the kingdom of God.

[4:02] Actually, that's what the scripture said. But we are moving further down and we are seeing that a rich woman has been saved. That is why the Lord said that for men is impossible. For God, all things are possible.

[4:13] So, yes, it can be difficult for the rich to receive the word. But again, we saw that young man. He said, I've done everything. I've done everything for my youth. And then the Lord showed him where he fell short.

[4:25] His money was rather his God. But then in Acts chapter 16, we meet a lovely lady who is wealthy. However, she was actually looking for God, seeking God.

[4:37] And God met him. And then we also see at the end of Acts chapter 16, as we proceed in further weeks, we will see the story of the jailer who was also saved.

[4:49] And so Acts chapter 16, when I was going through the chapter, I realized that the main theme was salvation. How God saves different kinds of people. And today we are going with just two verses to look at how God saved a slave girl possessed with demons.

[5:05] That was her description. She wasn't named like Lydia. I don't know whether because you know man, I'm not sure. But this one is a slave girl. She is a slave girl and further description, which is even worse than being a slave.

[5:16] She's not just a slave in human terms, but also a slave spiritually because she was possessed with demons. But the key thing, don't forget, is God's salvation plan for all.

[5:28] But as we read Acts chapter 16 from these two verses, we're looking at the third demonic encounter in the preaching of the gospel. And so the first one is in Samaria.

[5:42] We heard that Simon the Sostrea gave his life to Christ supposedly, but also wanted to buy the Holy Spirit, previously known as a sorcerer. And then that was the gospel had gone into Samaria.

[5:55] First time it was leaving the territory of Jerusalem and Judah and stepping out into Samaria. We saw a demonic resistance to the gospel.

[6:07] And then recent times we saw in Acts chapter 13 by Jesus, when the gospel was entering the Gentile world, we saw that in Cyprus, again, there was a demonic resistance.

[6:20] And this time, last week, God's heaven was telling us that the gospel had now entered Europe, a new territory. And now we're seeing demonic reactions to it.

[6:31] That tells us something, that when you are stepping into a new phase, just expect that the devil won't be happy about it. And as a Christian, brace yourself. Have this knowledge in mind.

[6:42] Have this understanding in mind. And conduct yourself a certain way. Sometimes you're believing God for something, but that insight of possibility of demonic resistance, you don't have it.

[6:54] And so it seems that it's impossible for you to make that progress. It's demonic resistance. You have to fight. You have to know what to do with it. And by God's words, today we will learn how to deal with it. It's a very simple thing. Only two verses, it was done.

[7:06] They had to move on to other things. Very simple. But many Christians lose sight of that. That as you are progressing, there will be resistance. The Lord told his people that I've given you the land.

[7:18] Now, contend for it. The land is yours. But I said, contend for it. Because the people don't want to give up easily. And so for those of us who expect that because you have received a word of prophecy, you are not supposed to wage a good warfare with it.

[7:33] It will surprise you. You will be saying, ah, but where is it? Where is it? It says, wage a good warfare when you receive a prophecy. Because the enemy does not want that prophecy to come to pass.

[7:45] And so knowing this, this is their second missionary journey. So they finished their first one. The second missionary journey they've just set out. Paul has just set out with this time, not Barnabas, but with Silas and Timothy.

[7:57] And so this is the second time they are going out. I'm sure they've learned a few lessons as to how to do missions. And so this time, they went to the place of prayer. They were praying with the women. And the scripture says that now it happened when we went to prayer.

[8:10] Meaning they continued going to the place of prayer. Because now they have understood how missions work. You got to pray. You can't take new territories without prayer. When we go out for evangelism.

[8:23] We go for missions. The first thing, before you even start talking to people, we do prayer walks consistently on the streets. Back and forth. Because we know that in scripture, when you know that when a space is left, the enemy has a tendency of going to occupy those places.

[8:40] So even when the scripture tells us, when a person was possessed and the demon was dislocated, he went around looking for arid places to be. And when he found out there was no place, he said, oh, you will go back.

[8:52] And now this time, I want to go back strengthened, fortified. So go seven stronger ones. I wonder what the stronger ones was. They've been cast out somewhere and they hadn't found a place. So he said, come and let me show you.

[9:03] There's an empty space somewhere. Let's go and take over. So normally, the enemy has a tendency of occupying places. When the Christian steps there, the Christian must dislodge the enemy. Your presence must mean that you have to deal with some things.

[9:16] It's important. So that business that you are fighting for, there are some things you have to dislodge. You are believing God for marriage. There are some things you have to dislodge. There's believing God for some things for your family, for your children.

[9:28] There are some things you have to dislodge. Whatever you've been fighting for, you will receive your testimony in the name of Jesus. Jesus gives us the example in Matthew chapter 4 verse 4 that after his baptism and he was going in to start his ministry, it was essential for him to, the scripture says, and the spirit drove him into the wilderness.

[9:49] And there he fasted and he prayed. And so for him to start his ministry, he knew that he had to go into a season of fasting. Luke chapter 5 verse 15 and 16, it said, By then news spread abroad with Jesus all over and the great cows came to hear him and they received their healing from their sicknesses.

[10:08] Yet he frequently withdrew into the wilderness to pray. He understood the role of prayer in ministry. In Matthew chapter 12 verse 28 to 29, it said, You cannot take over the house of a strong man until you have dislodged the strong man.

[10:26] Then you can take his possession. It's like sometimes, you know, because we are in the West and we all look so cleaned up and so polished, we lose sight of these things. But it's right in scripture. The scripture teaches us these secrets.

[10:38] These are secrets that if you don't know, you struggle and battle unnecessarily for long. But it's right written in scripture. Until you have this understanding and apply them, the enemy can come into your life and cause havoc.

[10:53] Cause havoc. Some things are not normal. Some things you know as a Christian that you should not suffer this. Why is it persistent? You have to rise up in prayer and deal with it. Some of us, you have to contend for that marriage.

[11:05] It's not just an amen to a declaration. It is a good thing. But with that declaration, go to warfare with it. You have desired for a business for a long time. And you have tried to be here and there.

[11:16] You go to every network event regarding that business. But you haven't made much progress. It is time for you to go into prayer warfare and deal with it. Make some declarations. Dislodge some things.

[11:28] And believe God that this time, there is a way forward for you. The enemy is not in his interest for you to do well. He is an enemy. He is an adversary. He is an opponent.

[11:38] He is on the other side. He is not on our side. He doesn't want you to be glorious so that you can bring glory to God. He doesn't want people to see your testimony and therefore see that this God that you have been serving has surely come true for you.

[11:52] Your testimony is not a good advertisement for the enemy. So he must fight against it. He must. It is his job to fight against your testimony. You haven't realized that as you sit there nicely, you haven't caused anybody any problem.

[12:04] You have an enemy who is seriously fighting against you. Unfortunately, you say, what have I done? I haven't done anything. I'm a nice person. I don't offend people. Why should this happen to me?

[12:15] Oh, the enemy is not waiting for you to offend anybody. It's his job to fight against you. It's his job to prevent your testimony so that glory won't come to God.

[12:27] Others won't come to say that this God you've been serving, take me to your God. It's his job. And so as nice as we look, excellence, everything pretty, don't forget the enemy is nasty.

[12:38] He's nasty. He fights nasty. He will use every means, every means to stop you. So be aware that your enemy doesn't play with you. Funny enough, they are on their way to prayer and they are having this encounter.

[12:53] The devil has a tendency of striking when we want to pray, isn't it? Yeah, yeah. So they are on their way to prayer. Yeah, they've been praying for a while. And the scripture says that for many days, she followed them with this distraction or whatever it was.

[13:08] As they are going to pray, the enemy, that is when he's following you. He's following you on your phone. Into your prayer, close it. Sometimes it's even your spouse.

[13:20] It could be your children. It's the time you want to pray. That's when that baby will cry. Cry, cry, cry, cry. You hold the baby, everyone will stop. They will come at me, please. Can you not see I'm praying?

[13:32] Your phone will go. There are things, distractions. Sometimes you yourself, you say you are pressing on your TV to go to YouTube to go to Dapiki. Yes.

[13:44] And then you store another video. And you start watching it. And then when you flipped on. Now you haven't even arrived at Dapiki just to go and start your prayer. It's true.

[13:54] The devil is using all kinds of things in our day and age. And it looks like there's so much available for him to use to distract us when it comes to our time of prayer. And it seems to be working.

[14:06] Because he knows that prayer is limitless. There's no limit to the power of prayer. There's no jurisdiction to the influence of prayer. We can be here and praying for people in another country and it will work.

[14:18] And so the enemy knows the power that lies in prayer. If he can stop you from praying, he can stop a lot of good things from happening. The prayer of the righteous man is effective.

[14:29] It is powerful. It makes tremendous difference. And so if the believer does not pray, a lot of bad things will happen. The believer must pray.

[14:41] Must make time and fight against the distractions that the enemy brings in our lives. We can effect a lot of change. Many years ago, God made a statement. A little prayer can prevent a big problem.

[14:54] And we have seen it again and again. People give their testimonies. I just feel like praying. And it's sometimes not even a very long prayer. But it was a genuine prayer. It was not necessarily in the length.

[15:04] But a genuine prayer. And God answered. God used that prayer to make a difference. To save a soul. To deliver somebody. And so the Christians must pray.

[15:15] If for nothing you have an adversary. You must pray. But there's even more that we have to pray. You know prayer brings you in sync with God. Prayer has a way where it just sorts you out. It just aligns you.

[15:26] That sense of agitation, anxiety, confusion, all those things. If you just stay a little longer in prayer. Uncertainty. You may not have received. Behold. This is the word of the Lord to you.

[15:38] But you just go. Leave your prayer closet with confidence. That it is well. You can actually activate your faith. Because you took time to spend time with God. You may not hear an audible voice.

[15:50] But it makes a huge difference for the believer. It sorts you out. Prayer has a way of sorting you out. And if it's a genuine prayer that your heart was connected to. Oh.

[16:01] It makes all the difference. If you can set your day and your time. Each Christian. It is your personal responsibility. To make priority for God. There's a place corporate prayer has in our lives.

[16:13] It can never replace private prayer. It cannot. A lot of us depend mainly on corporate prayer. Which is not a bad thing. But I bet you. You will do exploits with God. I really want to encourage you.

[16:25] Because if we're a revival seeking church. There's no way we can see revival outside of prayer. It's not possible. So the revival will just be a word we use. As you know.

[16:36] Whether a comma. An exclamation. A question. Whatever. It will just be a word we use. But to see it. There hasn't been any group of people. Who have seen revival outside of prayer. And so when we say that.

[16:49] We are seeking revival. It's really a call to prayer. A call to seek God. For God to pour over us. And for what he has said. He'll pour over. And so it's not possible.

[17:01] The scripture says that we shouldn't be ignorant. Of the devices. Of the enemy. So he has many devices. Just let me remind you. He has lived longer than you. Longer than your mom. Longer than your grandma.

[17:12] And that's where he collects his strategies. He's tried it from Eve. He's been working. To harness his strategy. To hone in his strategy. So really by now.

[17:24] After how many thousands of years. His strategies are very effective. It works. You know. So that thing of. You know. That thing. Let me just show you. You know that thing of. When you lie in bed.

[17:34] When you press your snooze. And you think you can trick. I don't know who you are going to trick. Whether it's God or the devil. I don't know. Rather it's you yourself. You are tricking. Because. You know that by the time you turn around.

[17:46] 10 minutes have gone already. Then you say. Oh. Eh. Then 150 minutes has gone. There is no way. You can trick the enemy. He's the master. Trick.

[17:57] He's master of the game. So rather. Just obey God. And stop using trickery. That I'll turn 15 minutes. I'll turn this. You can't win. If it's a game of trickery. You can't beat the enemy.

[18:08] If it's a game of obedience. Oh. You have an upper hand. So just obey. He will use anything. And anyone. Anyone who is available. You don't know.

[18:18] Your dog has become the next available. Vessel for the enemy. You don't know. You just don't know. I don't want to say your spouse. Because all of us. Our spouses are holy.

[18:29] So the enemy can't use our spouses. They are also busy looking for God. Our children are also well sanctified. So the enemy is not using our children. So I don't know.

[18:40] Maybe he's using only the TAU. But he can use anything and anyone. To distract you. And in this case. It was. The slave girl.

[18:51] The enemy was going to use. To distract. The apostles. Who were on a serious mission. On a serious mission. To a new territory. So the Bible says that.

[19:01] A certain slave girl. Possessed with a spirit of divination. Met us. So this girl. Is a slave. She's owned.

[19:13] And she has a certain spirit. That she's operating with. Is a spirit of divination. Leviticus chapter 19 verse 31. Said give no regard to mediums. And familiar spirits. Do not seek after them.

[19:25] To be defiled by them. I am the Lord. Your God. Isaiah chapter 8 verse 19. Said when men tell you. To consult mediums and spirits. Who whisper and matter.

[19:37] Shouldn't people consult their God instead? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? Meaning if they were powerful enough. Why did they die? We know of a story in the witch of Endor.

[19:48] When Saul. Was now. God had left him. And Samuel has also passed. Into eternity. In 1 Samuel chapter 28. Verse 79.

[20:00] Saul. Told his men. That I'm looking for a medium. Even at that time. He had. Asked for all mediums to be killed. He wanted to consult a medium. To know what to do. It's a very common thing.

[20:12] A very common thing. So this is the spirit. I was working in this lady. Is a spirit. Of divination. A spirit of foretelling. And our common word. That we'll use today. Is the spirit of prophecy.

[20:24] Yeah. That's the spirit. That is at work. But it's not the Holy Spirit. It's evil prophecy. Prophecy. From the enemy. But they are in.

[20:35] This region of Philippi. And Philippi. It is known. They had the worship of Apollos. Which is a Greek. Mythology. God. Son of Zeus. Who slew a python.

[20:46] In the Philippi area. And Apollo. Is known. As a god of. Music. Healing. Light. Youthfulness. And prophecy. So you can see that.

[20:57] This is the territorial spirit. Of where the place. They are in Philippi. And that's the exact spirit. That's possessing. The girl. And the mouthpiece. Of the worship of Apollo. Is called the Oracle of Delphi.

[21:08] And the Oracle of Delphi. Will always have a priestess. A female. Who sits there. Selected by. The community. And her job. Was for people to come. To consult her.

[21:19] And she will foretell their future. And give direction. And yes. In some. In other. Language. Akwanchere. Yes. Divine dilation.

[21:30] Is what. Yes. So this is a spirit. That was possessing this girl. And. It's. It's a thing. That has been normalized. In our day. In different ways.

[21:42] It's been normalized. People have Ouija boards. Harry Potter. So you have your children. Who have a wand. Just. You know. They can foretell.

[21:53] Recently. Something popped up. On my YouTube. And it said that. I can draw your future husband. I'm not sure if you've seen. You've seen it. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. It popped up. I said.

[22:03] This is a very enticing. This is so tempting. They are hitting. At a place. Where. The curiosity. Of people like. Really. Can you draw. Because.

[22:13] People just. Would want to know. Who is this man. That I've been waiting for. For so long. You know. It's no woman. Because. They're not ready to. Place the. The offer.

[22:27] It said. I was surprised. Some of you. Without fail. You read your horoscope. It's a spirit of divination. That is at work. TV shows. All over the world.

[22:37] Palm reading. You went to the fair. You said. Oh. I can read your palm. So that I can tell. Your future. Some of you. Are so much into your stars. And. I am this. I am that.

[22:48] I am that. And you believe. What they say about you. Me. And you pride. You say. I'm a Leo. I am a Gemini. I am a this. I said. You couldn't find. Your identity in scripture. It is these things.

[22:59] That is giving you. Your identity. Wow. You better pray. That one day. You don't read. A negative report. For them. It is even. All the way. To your favorite.

[23:10] Chinese restaurant. What do I mean? That fortune cookie. When you open it. And you read it. It's like. Joke like joke. Spirit of divination. Is working. Yeah.

[23:23] Because it's trying. To Leo. You. To have. A different. Future. From what God is saying. Or what God has planned. For you. But more so. For you to depend.

[23:33] And rely. On that. Rather than to depend. And rely on God. So it's a very deceptive spirit. This spirit. Is even. Possibly deceiving. Some Christians. Because. We all can't wait.

[23:44] To be told. What our future is about. Yeah. Prophecy is a gift. Of the Holy Spirit. But you know. The enemy has a tendency. Of creating counterfeit. He's the master of that.

[23:55] When he went to Eve. He didn't bring up. Anything strange. The same. Something. So similar. And that's where the deception is. So similar. So close. Did God really say.

[24:07] But. Even if you. You weren't there. So I don't know why he said. Just say. Let me just check with my husband. You know. Those of us who are not. Hmm. Submissive. Like. Everything. You are the one in charge.

[24:19] Every door. You are the one who answers. You've forgotten that. The Bible says. Wives. Submit. Hmm. It is well. May God help us. This verse is still our work.

[24:30] In certain parts of the world. What. It's. It's been shrouded. By church. Language. And people. Troop. To go and seek.

[24:42] What to become of them. But the scripture says. You should walk by faith. And not by sight. The Christian should not be. Going around. Left. Right. And center. You have the scriptures. You have the Holy Spirit in you.

[24:54] But it's been shrouded. But I think that it's because. We have itchy ears. Itching ears. We want it. It's almost like. We have made. Pastors and leaders.

[25:04] And whatever. To become. You must cough something up. In order for it to be powerful. You have to. You know. You have to show that. The Holy Ghost is working for you. By declaring.

[25:14] You know. Making direct. You know. Prophecies. To individuals. And they will nod their head. Yes. Yes. Yes. They gave her. Oh wow. You've read. My grandmother was this man. Did you not know?

[25:25] Yeah. All kinds of things going on. But if you look at it. How life transforming is that? You still have to go to scripture. You still have to obey.

[25:36] You still have to have faith. You still have to take steps. You still have to serve God. You still have to do. What may be your advantage is. You know something. But most of us. We don't even do much. With the something we know. Our desire is consistently.

[25:48] To hear. Hear. Hear. Hear. Hear. Hear. And it hasn't really. The places where they hear a lot. They are the poorest. They are the low in society. In human. Whatever.

[25:59] Hierarchy. I mean. All these words of things. It hasn't brought that significant change. I said. Wow. May God help us. The scripture says. My beloved. Test.

[26:11] Every spirit. To see whether it's from God. For many prophets. Have gone out into the world. First John chapter four. Verse one. Our desire to see the future.

[26:21] God tells us of our future. He's already told us. He saved you. He's justified you. He will sanctify you. And he's coming back for you.

[26:32] He's given you that already. He's given you specific things. If you need to pray. Ask. We shall be given. Seek you will find. Knock the door will be opened. He's given us things that we can use for life.

[26:44] It's okay. There's a lot. In scripture. That's enough to live life triumphantly victoriously as a Christian. Even if you don't receive one word of direct prophecy to you.

[26:55] You can still live a victorious Christian life. And have all that God has for you. But really. They just shall live by faith. You should walk by faith.

[27:06] And not by sight. This girl had two people. Two different forces controlling her. She's a slave girl. She had her masters. Whose main thing was to profit. It's still a multi-million billion dollar industry.

[27:21] Different forms. Yeah. Some places you have to pay to consult. Outside the church. There are different places that people consult mediums. It's still going on. People consult mediums.

[27:31] They pay to go and seek direction. It depends. I think the main thing is what it looks like. The environment. Some places it looks dirty. Some places it looks very polished and clean.

[27:42] It could be like a formal office with a tie and everything. Well put together. But the main thing is still the spirit of divination at work. And these. The masters have been using this girl to make money.

[27:53] To make profits. The love for money. Is the root of all evil. They loved money. And not the girl. I can imagine the state of this girl. Being a slave girl and being possessed.

[28:04] You know. When you see people are possessed. Usually there's something funny about them. When you meet the man of the gatherings. It tells you. What demonic possession looks like.

[28:15] We read not too long ago. After the mount of transfiguration. In Matthew chapter 17. It said the boy will throw himself into fire. That's demonic possession. So you can imagine the state of this girl.

[28:26] But his master's main thing is to get profits of her. Make money of her. It's a very sad state. That's why God's saving power. Was such a beautiful thing. Such a beautiful thing.

[28:36] Yes. Yes. There was a saving grace for a very clean put together woman. Who's been seeking the Lord. Is a God seeker in Lydia. But also this girl whose life is upside down.

[28:47] A complete mess. God has grace for her too. God has grace for her too. She followed them continually. The Bible says that. And this she did for many days.

[29:00] It's interesting. That even though she had a negative message. She was intentional. She was consistent. And the scripture says she cried out. We have the gospel.

[29:11] We don't cry out. We have the true message. We should cry out. We should shout. We should be consistent. We should do it over and over and over again. This slave girl knew what to do with what she had.

[29:26] Consistently followed them. Continually followed them. And she was intentional about what she was doing. She knew exactly what she was doing. Because the Bible says that. She cried out saying.

[29:38] These men are the servants of the most high God. Who proclaim to us the way of salvation. And this she did many days. You think oh but what's wrong. Anyway we'll see that soon. But the scripture says that.

[29:49] This statement greatly anoint Paul. He anointed him. You could see the spirit of discernment at work here. Because for the average person. What's wrong with what she's saying. Well some version says airway.

[30:01] But most versions say the way. And so if we're going for most versions. It says the way. So if she's saying the way. Then it's the truth. Jesus said I am the way. The truth.

[30:11] And the life. The Christians were called the people of the way. So she's not telling this time a lie. But typical of the enemy. Will soon break down. Why Paul was greatly anoint.

[30:24] But he. From the spirit of discernment. The Holy Spirit that is in Paul. Could tell that no. This thing has to be dealt with. John chapter 16 verse 13 said.

[30:35] However when he. The spirit of truth has come. He will guide you into all truth. For he will not speak of his own authority. But whatever he hears he will speak. And he will tell you things to come. And so because Paul had the Holy Spirit.

[30:47] The Holy Spirit was able to guide him. Into the truth that. This is not the voice of God. This is not the voice of God. God. Prayer. And the word. Has a way of sharpening. Our sensitivity.

[30:58] And receptivity. To the Holy Spirit. That is what will help you. In your discernment. So Paul was vexed. Was annoyed. Was irritated. Did not like it. Why? Because you think that.

[31:09] Of course the statement. Has truth in it. Because the source of it was not God. The source of it. Was demonic. Because the Bible clearly says. The girl was possessed. Demon possessed.

[31:20] And so she. Even though she was speaking. What was truth. To the ears of man. The source of it. The Bible says. That the words I speak to you. They are spirit. And they are life. So out of where the words are coming from.

[31:33] Matters. That's why the people you speak to regularly. Matters. Today. If you go on. Social media. There's so many people speaking. So many people speaking.

[31:44] But the Christian must be guarded. Who is pouring into you regularly. I'm sure there's a Christian. In every space of industry. Life. Wherever. There are Christian speaking. Some are quite good.

[31:56] Try and find them. Because if you listen to somebody. Sometimes we have people we listen to. Every day. Every day. Then I will try to check out. This individual. What they are made of. They may be talking about property.

[32:08] I would like to check out. Check them out. They'll be talking about finances. They know their stuff. But check them out. Because you may be listening regularly to a witch. With good financial information.

[32:19] Yeah. You may be. And you know when somebody. Sometimes. Even. For those whose parents have passed. You still know their voice. Because you've heard it over.

[32:31] And over. And over again. So if you have people you listen to. Over and over and over again. They have an impact on you. Their voice is imprinted in you. Check it out.

[32:42] Check it out. Don't just be just there like that as a Christian. You have to have insight and knowledge. And apply it in a certain way. So Paul was annoying. Because the source was demonic.

[32:54] It wasn't of God. Paul also. Because the scripture said. She followed them. Paul was rejecting association with this demonic girl. Paul was not interested in her recommendation. Or her publicity.

[33:06] Because she's following them. And saying some good things about them. For us in this day and age. They say all news is news. All likes are likes. But Paul said.

[33:17] No. I don't want your publicity. I don't want publicity from the enemy. I don't want recommendation from the enemy. I don't want commendation from the enemy. I don't want any association. With the enemy.

[33:27] Don't come and pretend that we are together. We are not. Draw the line. There are some associations. You should not be identified with. You cannot be identified with your Christian. Said. Oh yeah. This is my main body body.

[33:39] When it comes to this. Paul said. I don't want it. I don't want this association. Though she's saying something that seemingly looks good. She was also a distraction. You're on their way to prayer.

[33:50] And trying to steal a bit of a spotlight. Because these guys have landed. They've met Lydia. They may be having influence. They may be preaching here and there. And she's coming to identify with them. She's a distraction.

[34:01] And the Bible doesn't record miracles there. But it was a common thing. They came with the preaching of the gospel. If they were doing any great things. Then she's also trying to come alongside. To be part of what is happening.

[34:14] I also believe that she was trying to use that. To authenticate her own ministry. What she was doing. So she was foretelling. Me. I've seen you. Because that's what she was doing in the town anyway. People came to her. To come and consult.

[34:26] So she said. I know these people. Even though they are doing back in fourth year. I know them. This is what they are here for. It was a way to authenticate us. Yes. I'm still the one in charge. When it comes to foretelling.

[34:37] When it comes to prophecy. I'm the one in charge here. This is my territory. And I know them. So you know. Generally you think what was wrong. But you can see there was a lot wrong. And if people believed.

[34:48] That she's able to spot them. Identify them. And authenticate her own ministry. Then that means that. Paul and Silas. And the team. They really didn't have anything new. They didn't have anything new to offer.

[35:00] Whatever they are telling you. Me. I'm superior. I know what they are doing. And also. Indirectly challenging God's authority. That's why Paul had to respond like that.

[35:11] Know your place. You devil. So the first weapon. We've just seen here. In just these two. I'm 16 and 17. We've seen the weapon the enemy is using here. Coming against prayer.

[35:23] The first weapon is to come against prayer. Number two. Number two. The enemy is using. Implanting. What looks like. Similar to. Using biblical terminology.

[35:34] Like the most high. Same. The same thing the man of the gatherings did. When he saw Jesus. The man possessed by a legion. He said. Son of the most high God.

[35:44] God. And so they use biblical terminology. To sing. That they are also of God. Is a weapon the enemy uses. The weapon of interrupting our prayer. The weapon of using.

[35:55] Sound like. They are of God. But they are not. Also the weapon of. Sewing. So whatever Paul and. The team were there to do. The parable of. The sewing turds.

[36:06] Among weeds. So she is putting her bit into it. And so. It can be so similar. That it is difficult. To be able to uproot the tears. And separate the tears from the weeds.

[36:18] So in that parable. When they came to the master. And said that. Did we not sew weeds? Why are there tears? Should we go and uproot the tears? He said. No. You can't do it. Because it will affect the wheat as well.

[36:29] And so it has to be stopped. You can't sew them together. Should allow them to sew. Because it is very difficult. For them. The hearers. To be able to rightly divide. Who is of God. And who is not. It would have affected.

[36:40] The work. They were doing. And what she was doing. It was a weapon. That the enemy was going to do. Again. As I spoke earlier on. That. To bring something so similar. To what God is saying.

[36:52] And. But that would end up deceiving people. Like the example we see in Genesis chapter 3. For. Eve. And so this is why. In spite of what. She was saying.

[37:03] And what it sounds like. The truth. It was a weapon. The enemy was using. To. Distract. And. Interfer. In the mission. That they were undertaking. In Philippi.

[37:14] So Paul. Be greatly annoyed. Turned. And said. To the spirits. Not to the girl. Paul. Turned. To the spirits. So you are imagining. Did the spirits come out.

[37:25] And stand on the side. And look strange. Saying. Oh. It was inside the girl. There are human beings. Who have evil spirits in them. Demons in them. They look nice. When you go on the streets. They all look nice.

[37:35] Hair is done. They bought their wig. From the same place you bought it. They are wearing it. They are wearing their dress. You also wear. You bought from the same shop. But they are full of demons. Full of demons.

[37:46] Some work with you. At your workplace. There are people there. Who are full of demons. In scripture. If it was a young woman. It would have said a young woman. And at that time. Young woman.

[37:56] 13. 14. Young lady. A damsel. It is a girl. So she is young. But possessed by demons.

[38:07] Yeah. Demons. They have a tendency of speaking. They like talking. They also preach. Doctrines of demons. They don't keep quiet.

[38:18] They have the tendency of speaking. When they saw Jesus. They shouted. Have you come to destroy us? They spoke. Quickly. They were quick to speak. They spoke out. So they are in your ears.

[38:31] Because they like speaking. That's the thing that they like doing. But we see Jesus' example. In. I think it's just two days ago. The woman of Canaan. Brought.

[38:42] Her daughter. In some versions. It says the Syrophoenician woman. Brought her daughter to Jesus. Because. She said her daughter is possessed. By. Demons.

[38:53] And. The scripture says. And she was healed. What a beautiful thing. She was healed. She was healed. Jesus. Just declared. All woman. Great is your faith.

[39:04] In that moment. The girl was healed. I gave an example of. The man who brought. His son. For the disciples. To heal Jesus. To heal him. At that time.

[39:15] Jesus and the three. Were up on the mount. Of transfiguration. And the scripture says. They couldn't. Cast out. The demon. And again. Jesus referred to their faith. It's interesting.

[39:26] In dealing with devils. Your faith matters. Your faith matters. So that's why. If you are busy. Going for consultation. And all these things. And. It's weakening your faith.

[39:37] Because you are so reliant. On what they are going to tell you. Rather than building your faith in God. It's weakening you. In a greater measure. Than you think. In the day of adversity. There will be no faith. To deal with evil spirits.

[39:47] And so the Bible says. That. I command you. Paul. He turned to the spirit. I command you. In the name of Jesus Christ. To come out of her. Very short phrase.

[40:00] No gyrating. No shaking. Not much. External display. Of. What seems like. This is what power looks like. Not much of it. It's just a simple phrase.

[40:11] But the power was in it. There was power in it. Why? Because it was in the name of Jesus. That's the. Master key. That is the key. Matthew chapter 28.

[40:23] Verse 18. Jesus said. All authority. In heaven and on earth. Has been given to me. That is why the name is effective. That is why the name is effective. Philippians chapter 2.

[40:34] I think it would be good if. Read it. Philippians chapter 2. Verse 6 to 11. The Bible says that. From verse 5. Let this mind be in you. Which was also in Christ Jesus.

[40:45] Who being in the form of God. Did not consider its robbery. To be equal with God. But made himself of no reputation. Taking the form of a born servant. And coming into the likeness of men.

[40:56] And being found in appearance as a man. He humbled himself. And became obedient to the point of death. Even the death on the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted him.

[41:08] And given him a name. Which is above every name. That at the name of Jesus. Every knee shall bow. Of those in heaven. And of those on earth. And of those under the earth.

[41:19] And that every tongue shall confess. To Jesus Christ as Lord. To the glory of the Father. Hallelujah. Isn't it not interesting that. After Paul had finished his work in Philippi. And moved on.

[41:29] He's now writing to the church in Philippi. And he's referring them. To the same incident. That in the name of Jesus. This thing was dealt with. Don't forget. Don't forget.

[41:40] How the name of Jesus. Can be used. And how powerful he is. The same church in Philippi. The Bible says in 1 John chapter 4 verse 4. Is that greater is he that is in us.

[41:51] Than he that is in the world. You have the Holy Spirit. We have power and victory. In the name of Jesus. You've just seen this. He's given a name that is executed above.

[42:02] Highly exalted. And his name is above every name. Yes this one is a spirit of divination. But the name of Jesus is above that name. It could be called Apollo.

[42:13] The name of Jesus is above it. Whatever the name is. The name of Jesus is above it. If you can only in faith. Declare the name of Jesus over it.

[42:24] You will have the victory. In Matthew chapter 10 verse 8. It says Jesus commissioned his disciples. To heal the sick. Raise the dead. And cleanse them from leprosy. And drive out demons. Because he said freely you have received.

[42:35] Freely give. This one you don't have to do anything. In his name. Just drive demons out. Just tell them. Leave. Leave. Leave. They did it in his name. He sends the 70 out.

[42:46] In Luke chapter 10 verse 1. It says they came back reporting. Saying that demons were subject to us. In your name. In your name. Said demons were subject to us. In your name.

[42:57] Paul commanded the spirit to leave. In the name of Jesus. But this is the little lesson we can learn. In Acts chapter 19. Where seven sons of Sceva. Also went to.

[43:09] Try and cast out. But they didn't know. They had not read from the scriptures. How it is done. They didn't know how it should be done. So they said. That in the name of the Jesus.

[43:20] That Paul preaches. So they don't know this Jesus. But they still want to use their name. It backfired big time. It is up to every Christian. To build your relationship. Yes we.

[43:31] You know we give testimony. We say that. The God of Acharis. Oh thank God. It's fantastic. But is he your God? Is he your God? Can your children also say.

[43:42] The God of my mother. The God of my father. Because they've seen you serve God. And they see God. The hand of God in your life. God. There will be. You can't always say. The God of David. The God of.

[43:53] But he's God indeed. He's your God too. He's supposed to be your God too. Find him out. Build a relationship. Strengthen. Your.

[44:04] Resolve in him. He's your God too. As human beings. We don't have much power to do much. But we all. We have such tremendous power. In the name of Jesus.

[44:15] The scripture says. We wrestle not against flesh and blood. Meaning we do wrestle. But against all kinds of things. Principalities. Against powers. Against wickedness. In heavenly places.

[44:27] Wickedness. Wickedness. They are. Personalities called wickedness. They are the. Definition of wickedness. Meaning there's no. Oiter of good in them.

[44:38] They are called wickedness. Can you imagine. Somebody said. My name is wickedness. But. In the name of Jesus. You have power over.

[44:50] All of them. The believer has power over. Every personality. Every power. Every one of them. The believer has power over them.

[45:00] In the name of Jesus. In the name of Jesus. We have seen that some people have made the habit of. Anytime they're going to pray. They declare in the name of Jesus three times. Before they start the prayer. It is a formula.

[45:12] You can use it. Just in case. Let the name go ahead. You let. Just let the name. Go ahead. Because I might forget. And say. I demon.

[45:23] I cast you out. And say. And you forget. In the name. So three times. Some people. Even if they want it to be powerful. They do it seven times. In the name of Jesus. In the name. They declare it.

[45:34] Again and again. Before they issue the instruction. The enemy must bow. The instruction. The declaration was issued. In the name of Jesus.

[45:45] It has to punctuate all your prayer. So we should pray in his name. If you ask anything in my name. He will do it. We have it available.

[45:56] He has taught us in scripture. This is how it works. Use it. Use it. The believer has power. You don't have to live like somebody who has no power. You are so powerless.

[46:07] You are so dependent. Everything. You call your K group leader. It's okay. That's where they are. It's the fulfillment of our ministry. We don't mind. When you call us.

[46:17] Oh pastor. I want you to stand with me. Oh it's a beautiful thing. At least we feel that God is using us. It is working too much. Because even the K group leader. Even the pastor.

[46:28] Even the bishop. Still has to use the name of Jesus. Or there is no power. Available. For change. All of us. We have one key. The name of Jesus.

[46:39] You have it. Open the door with it. That's all we use. There's nothing else we can use. You can't say in my name. Who are you? There is no. There is no genuine man of God.

[46:52] Pastor leader. Spiritual leader. Who say in his name. I mean. You know. God always says this thing. After I pray. I can't follow you to make the miracle. Even if it's a miracle that I can do.

[47:03] I can't follow you to your house. And go and run ahead of you. And go and bring change. You can't. So you pray. And you leave it to God. That's the best any powerful person can do. You pray and leave it to God. And he's told us that.

[47:15] If you pray in his name. If I was you. You'll be just be declaring in his name. Everything. In the name of Jesus. My food is blessed. In the name of Jesus.

[47:25] I will have a good rest. In the name of Jesus. I have favor. In the name of Jesus. It is well with me. It's in the name of Jesus. My body is well. In the name of Jesus. My children are blessed.

[47:36] In the name of Jesus. I have victory. In the name of Jesus. All is well with me. In the name of Jesus. That situation is turning around for my good. In the name of Jesus. The name of Jesus has power.

[47:47] He has been given a name that is above every name. That at the mention of the name of Jesus. Every name in heaven on earth. And under the heavens. Shall bow. The name of Jesus. The name of Jesus.

[47:59] It has power to effect change. It has power to cause that transformation you're looking for. The name of Jesus. The name of Jesus. Back in the name of Jesus.

[48:09] It's his very life. It's his very blood. It's his very sacrifice. It's his eternal throne. It's all back in the name of Jesus. It's the name. The name. It's effective.

[48:22] It works. It's powerful. Every knee will bow. Now. Every knee bows. And every tongue will confess. This slave girl was just about to confess her freedom.

[48:36] Her freedom from demonic oppression. I'm not sure what the masters were going to do to her. But oh she's free indeed now. He who the son sets free. Is free indeed.

[48:47] Even if the masters will not set her free. She is truly free indeed. She is freer than the person sitting in the palace who doesn't have Jesus. She was going to enjoy true freedom.

[48:57] Live her life. Enjoying. The freedom. That the Lord. Has secured for her. The weakest child of God. If we should use the name of Jesus.

[49:10] Is more powerful. And can overcome. Every devil. Every demon. Every principality. Every power. So the scripture says.

[49:21] That this young lady. Paul declared. In the name of Jesus. To the spirits. Come out of her. And the Bible says that. And he came out.

[49:32] That very hour. Meaning that very moment. In that same time. As soon as. The demon. Had the name of Jesus.

[49:44] This is the. I mean this is the pervading demon. In that territory. This is the demon in charge. And out of that simple phrase. This girl is set free. It didn't matter what the oracle of Apollo said.

[49:57] It didn't matter what. Whether Apollo slew. A python or what. It didn't matter how long. Apollo had been. The evil spirit of Apollo. The demon of Apollo had been reigning.

[50:08] In that area. The name of Jesus. The name of Jesus. Was enough. To. Overthrow. The reign of Apollo. In this. Girl's life.

[50:19] The name of Jesus has power to do the same. Anybody you meet. If we can only have faith. In his name. And what his name can do. If once we issue it.

[50:30] Oh. We have the victory. In the mighty name of Jesus. Let's not forget. The main theme. Of this.

[50:42] Message. And the story. Salvation. God's saving power. For a rich woman. Who is a God fearer. And God's saving power.

[50:53] Over this young girl. Who had no concept of God. Had no concept of God. Is not a God fearer. She had nothing to offer God.

[51:04] She didn't have a house to give. She didn't have any hospitality to offer. She had nothing to offer God. But God still said. I place value on your life.

[51:15] And then if I find a fit. In my eternal agenda. To deliver you to. What is Jesus going. Where. What. Probably she won't be able. To do much. In the story of the bad man.

[51:26] Of the gathering. After he was delivered. He said. Jesus I want to follow you. Jesus said. You don't need to follow me. I didn't deliver you for that. Go and be with your people. And tell your story to them.

[51:38] Tell your story. Tell what God has done for you. Go tell your story. And live your life. Live your life. But tell your story. I don't know what this young lady. Was going to offer. Paul and Silas.

[51:51] Probably not much. But oh. God had mercy. On her poor states. And said. I will save that one too. God saves all kinds of people.

[52:04] All kinds of people. We are all sitting here. Coming from different walks of life. And God has brought us together. But it's on God's heart. To save the next person. Who enters this place.

[52:15] Or the next person. He causes you to encounter. They may not look like us. They may not be as cleaned up like us. They may not be as put together. But you just never know.

[52:27] God's heart concerning that person. God looks on the heart. God is not a man to look only on the outward. God's heart. And so I want to really encourage us.

[52:38] That as we go about life. They were just going to pray. They were encountering this girl. But they didn't know. That God. Had a salvation plan. For her too. They had seen a man.

[52:51] Calling them. To come to Macedonia. They first encountered a rich woman. And now they are encountering a slave girl. Where is the man? We will see him later. By God's grace next week.

[53:03] Hallelujah. Amen. We found God. Thank you for listening to this message.

[53:17] Why not visit your local Karis Church. Or follow us on all relevant social media platforms. Including Instagram and LinkedIn. You can also hear more messages. On all relevant streaming platforms.

[53:28] And the Karis Church app. Don't forget to like and share the message. Be blessed.