WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.020 In Matthew 12 and verse 22 to 37. 00:00:06.580 --> 00:00:11.439 And I want to speak to you this morning on the subject that ministers and preachers don't like to speak on. 00:00:11.500 --> 00:00:13.400 ! I want to speak to you on the subject of war. 00:00:15.500 --> 00:00:19.519 I'm not the wars that we remember as lots of anniversaries out there at the moment with wars. 00:00:21.519 --> 00:00:28.080 But this war has outlived every other conflict through history. 00:00:28.079 --> 00:00:32.059 Every other conflict compared to this war has been short-lived. 00:00:32.780 --> 00:00:34.699 It has been small-scale. 00:00:36.060 --> 00:00:43.820 But this warfare to which Jesus makes reference to in a kind of more expanded way here in Matthew 12 than in any other parts of the Gospel. 00:00:44.239 --> 00:00:46.320 This war has been going on since the beginning of time. 00:00:47.640 --> 00:00:48.899 And there's been no peace. 00:00:50.039 --> 00:00:55.299 And it's intensified undoubtedly at the coming of the Lord Jesus into the world. 00:00:55.299 --> 00:00:58.179 And in the course of his ministry. 00:00:59.000 --> 00:01:00.559 One day it will end. 00:01:01.179 --> 00:01:04.979 It will end at Jesus' return in glory. 00:01:06.000 --> 00:01:07.859 And the consummation of God's purposes. 00:01:08.859 --> 00:01:11.400 But this war covers the whole earth. 00:01:12.199 --> 00:01:17.340 There is no corner of the world where this war is not being fought. 00:01:17.340 --> 00:01:23.340 And there is not one of us this morning who is not involved in this war. 00:01:24.600 --> 00:01:27.260 Because Jesus said, did you see it in verse 30? 00:01:28.939 --> 00:01:29.939 Did you notice that? 00:01:31.540 --> 00:01:35.879 That whoever is not with me is against me. 00:01:35.879 --> 00:01:42.839 And he who does not gather with me scatters. 00:01:44.459 --> 00:01:47.019 That we are engaged this morning in this conflict. 00:01:47.199 --> 00:01:48.799 There is absolutely no doubt. 00:01:49.759 --> 00:01:52.579 And the only question for you this morning and for me is which side are you on? 00:01:53.699 --> 00:02:00.640 And that question is settled, Jesus tells us, by our commitment to him. 00:02:00.640 --> 00:02:05.379 He who is not with me is against me. 00:02:06.319 --> 00:02:11.340 And at the centre of this war that I'm describing is the church of Jesus Christ. 00:02:12.580 --> 00:02:16.379 A little bit later on in Matthew's Gospel in chapter 16, we'll get there in a few months. 00:02:17.060 --> 00:02:24.699 At Caesarea Philippi we'll read of Jesus setting out really what in many ways is the agenda for the rest of his ministry. 00:02:25.979 --> 00:02:28.120 And what is Jesus' agenda this morning? 00:02:28.120 --> 00:02:34.819 He is saying, I will build my church and the gates of hell, the forces of hell will not prevail against it. 00:02:36.719 --> 00:02:42.640 Now you notice how Jesus is describing to the disciples what he is going to do in the world. 00:02:44.219 --> 00:02:49.840 And beneath all the things that we read in the Gospels about Jesus, this is the underlying reality. 00:02:50.879 --> 00:02:54.000 That Jesus first is going to build a church. 00:02:54.280 --> 00:02:56.120 That is his fundamental business. 00:02:56.120 --> 00:03:00.780 That is his number one priority for which Jesus came. 00:03:01.259 --> 00:03:02.580 He came to redeem. 00:03:03.379 --> 00:03:07.180 He came to call to himself, to gather to himself a people. 00:03:07.539 --> 00:03:10.840 So he says, priority number one, I will build my church. 00:03:10.840 --> 00:03:19.879 But secondly, he tells us, doesn't he, in that little statement, that the forces of hell are going to be combined to resist the building of this church. 00:03:20.300 --> 00:03:21.219 Of his church. 00:03:22.340 --> 00:03:26.640 The gates of hell is a description of the forces of evil and the powers of evil. 00:03:27.379 --> 00:03:33.340 And the third thing tells us that resist as they may, they will not prevail. 00:03:33.340 --> 00:03:37.759 That resistance by the powers of evil will not be successful. 00:03:38.000 --> 00:03:48.039 On this occasion in Matthew 12 and verse 22, Jesus' discussion of this whole area of the ultimate war that is taking place in the world. 00:03:48.340 --> 00:03:52.620 That puts all other wars, no matter how horrific, into the shade. 00:03:52.620 --> 00:03:59.039 And the occasion which he discusses this is a contrariety with the Pharisees. 00:04:00.000 --> 00:04:10.560 You'll remember from the reading that there is a demon-possessed man, who is 22, who is both blind and mute, and was brought to him and he healed him. 00:04:10.560 --> 00:04:15.439 So that the man, without ever having seen a speech therapist, spoke. 00:04:16.399 --> 00:04:18.920 And without having been to an optometrist, saw. 00:04:20.259 --> 00:04:22.319 So wonderfully understated. 00:04:24.100 --> 00:04:28.540 And Jesus deals with that man and his demon possession. 00:04:29.019 --> 00:04:34.019 And as he does so, there are two opposing views of how he does it. 00:04:35.840 --> 00:04:39.040 Two opposing views of how he casts out the demon. 00:04:39.040 --> 00:04:46.819 And how he brings the man who could not speak to speak, and the man who could not see to see. 00:04:47.819 --> 00:04:51.620 Verse 23, the first response is, and the people hazard a guess, is this the son of David? 00:04:53.280 --> 00:04:55.379 That is, is he the one we've been waiting for? 00:04:56.280 --> 00:05:01.580 Is he the one who was promised in the Old Testament, and the whole of the Old Testament has been building up to? 00:05:02.140 --> 00:05:03.700 Is he the king? 00:05:04.000 --> 00:05:05.420 King David's greatest son. 00:05:05.720 --> 00:05:08.040 Is he the one descended from the royal line of David? 00:05:08.040 --> 00:05:08.319 He is. 00:05:09.280 --> 00:05:14.340 You'll remember that when Jesus makes his triumphant journey on that donkey into Jerusalem, what do they say? 00:05:15.379 --> 00:05:17.319 They call upon his name, don't they? 00:05:17.540 --> 00:05:20.100 And they say, Hosanna to the son of David. 00:05:21.379 --> 00:05:24.240 That is, that they recognise at that point they're coming to the Messiah. 00:05:25.360 --> 00:05:27.620 And here the people are asking, could it be? 00:05:28.800 --> 00:05:29.560 Can this be? 00:05:29.560 --> 00:05:29.620 Can this be? 00:05:29.620 --> 00:05:33.800 Is this finally the one who we've been waiting for? 00:05:35.079 --> 00:05:42.800 Because when the Messiah came, the whole world of the demonic would bow at his word. 00:05:42.800 --> 00:05:46.400 And they would be dealt with. 00:05:47.000 --> 00:05:49.100 The demons would be dealt with by his authority. 00:05:50.500 --> 00:05:54.900 And so in verse 23, the people, all the people were amazed. 00:05:55.139 --> 00:05:57.860 And say, can this be the son of David? 00:05:57.860 --> 00:06:01.660 But in verse 24, there's a very different reaction. 00:06:03.400 --> 00:06:09.139 The Pharisees dismiss what Jesus has done as the work of the prince of demons. 00:06:10.900 --> 00:06:11.379 Beelzebul. 00:06:12.460 --> 00:06:14.460 It's probably a word for Satan himself. 00:06:15.460 --> 00:06:20.199 But when the Pharisees heard about what he'd done to the demon-possessed blind-moot man, 00:06:20.199 --> 00:06:24.639 they said he's only done it by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons. 00:06:25.120 --> 00:06:27.800 The word literally means, I'm kind of lord of the flies. 00:06:29.479 --> 00:06:35.420 It's only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow draws out, drives out demons. 00:06:37.779 --> 00:06:40.620 Now this passage that was read, I'm sure as you can hear it being read, 00:06:40.740 --> 00:06:42.099 raises all sorts of questions. 00:06:42.219 --> 00:06:44.879 And it's very easy to miss, I think, the central thrust. 00:06:46.099 --> 00:06:48.000 And more important than demon-possession, 00:06:48.000 --> 00:06:52.120 and more important, even than I think, 00:06:52.180 --> 00:06:53.740 the sin against the Holy Spirit, 00:06:54.480 --> 00:06:57.300 against the Holy Spirit, which we read of in verses 31 to 32, 00:06:57.439 --> 00:07:00.000 is this central theme of conflict. 00:07:01.139 --> 00:07:03.600 The conflict between Christ and Satan. 00:07:05.240 --> 00:07:07.480 And I want us to try and grasp four things this morning. 00:07:08.279 --> 00:07:11.220 Four things that seem to be dominant in our Lord's teaching. 00:07:11.220 --> 00:07:12.980 There's more here than I can deal with. 00:07:13.779 --> 00:07:16.639 But four things about this particular fundamental war. 00:07:16.639 --> 00:07:21.039 The first is, the competence in it. 00:07:21.759 --> 00:07:22.860 Who are the competence in it? 00:07:22.879 --> 00:07:24.439 That's a possible way of saying, who's fighting it? 00:07:25.060 --> 00:07:25.819 Who's fighting it? 00:07:26.800 --> 00:07:28.379 Who are the competence in this war? 00:07:28.599 --> 00:07:32.039 Jesus speaks, as he, of two kingdoms sat against each other. 00:07:33.159 --> 00:07:34.620 And at the end of verse 26, 00:07:35.620 --> 00:07:37.399 when he asks the Pharisees, 00:07:38.079 --> 00:07:39.039 he says, 00:07:39.860 --> 00:07:41.620 if Satan casts out Satan, 00:07:41.939 --> 00:07:43.459 he is divided against himself, 00:07:43.459 --> 00:07:46.199 how then will his, Satan's kingdom, stand? 00:07:47.719 --> 00:07:48.919 So the first competence 00:07:48.919 --> 00:07:51.039 is the kingdom of Satan. 00:07:52.159 --> 00:07:53.560 The other is in verse 28. 00:07:56.659 --> 00:07:58.599 But if it is by the Spirit of God 00:07:58.599 --> 00:08:00.339 that I cast out demons, Jesus says, 00:08:00.560 --> 00:08:02.719 then the kingdom of God has come 00:08:02.719 --> 00:08:04.799 upon you, or among you. 00:08:04.800 --> 00:08:08.139 So you have two spheres of power 00:08:08.139 --> 00:08:09.540 and rule. 00:08:10.420 --> 00:08:12.220 You have the sphere in which Satan 00:08:12.220 --> 00:08:14.180 is recognized as Lord 00:08:14.180 --> 00:08:15.480 by his minions. 00:08:16.939 --> 00:08:18.480 And then you have the sphere 00:08:18.480 --> 00:08:19.939 of the rule of God. 00:08:21.259 --> 00:08:22.939 And they are irreconcilably 00:08:22.939 --> 00:08:23.800 against each other. 00:08:24.759 --> 00:08:25.800 Set against each other. 00:08:26.180 --> 00:08:27.240 And these two spheres, 00:08:27.360 --> 00:08:27.900 these two kingdoms, 00:08:28.040 --> 00:08:29.280 are headed by two princes. 00:08:29.660 --> 00:08:31.300 The devil, well, verse 24, 00:08:31.639 --> 00:08:33.680 he is the prince of demons. 00:08:33.679 --> 00:08:36.399 He uses that language. 00:08:37.819 --> 00:08:39.599 And Jesus is, by contrast, 00:08:39.899 --> 00:08:41.699 he is the prince and saviour 00:08:41.699 --> 00:08:43.479 whom God has highly exalted 00:08:43.479 --> 00:08:44.359 according to Acts 5. 00:08:45.839 --> 00:08:47.120 And so you have this conflict 00:08:47.120 --> 00:08:50.059 between Christ and Satan. 00:08:50.539 --> 00:08:52.719 And that is the underlying theme 00:08:52.719 --> 00:08:53.759 of the whole of the Gospels. 00:08:55.039 --> 00:08:56.120 And it's a vital thing 00:08:56.120 --> 00:08:57.419 for you and I to cross. 00:08:58.799 --> 00:08:59.979 What is happening 00:08:59.979 --> 00:09:01.439 from the very beginning? 00:09:01.440 --> 00:09:03.820 What is happening 00:09:03.820 --> 00:09:05.220 at the start of Jesus' life? 00:09:06.380 --> 00:09:07.400 The book of Revelation 00:09:07.400 --> 00:09:08.360 tells us, for example, 00:09:08.620 --> 00:09:09.660 that when Herod went 00:09:09.660 --> 00:09:11.520 to slaughter the innocents 00:09:11.520 --> 00:09:13.400 at the beginning of Jesus' life, 00:09:13.460 --> 00:09:13.840 do you remember? 00:09:14.000 --> 00:09:15.180 Kill all those baby boys 00:09:15.180 --> 00:09:16.000 in Bethlehem. 00:09:17.880 --> 00:09:18.860 But what was happening there? 00:09:18.920 --> 00:09:20.040 That is an attempt 00:09:20.040 --> 00:09:21.380 to destroy the one 00:09:21.380 --> 00:09:22.000 who is coming. 00:09:23.420 --> 00:09:24.420 That is an attempt 00:09:24.420 --> 00:09:25.920 to destroy 00:09:25.920 --> 00:09:28.900 the kingdom of God's kingdom. 00:09:28.899 --> 00:09:30.919 Why did Jesus come? 00:09:32.179 --> 00:09:32.759 Why are we told 00:09:32.759 --> 00:09:33.659 Jesus came? 00:09:33.840 --> 00:09:35.159 Jesus came to destroy 00:09:35.159 --> 00:09:36.419 the works of Satan. 00:09:37.939 --> 00:09:38.819 And that is how 00:09:38.819 --> 00:09:39.439 the New Testament 00:09:39.439 --> 00:09:40.699 describes what Jesus 00:09:40.699 --> 00:09:41.439 has come to do. 00:09:42.419 --> 00:09:43.340 The Son of God 00:09:43.340 --> 00:09:44.659 appeared to destroy 00:09:44.659 --> 00:09:45.699 the works of the devil. 00:09:46.059 --> 00:09:46.919 And from the beginning, 00:09:47.139 --> 00:09:47.980 right from the beginning, 00:09:48.059 --> 00:09:48.879 there's this conflict. 00:09:50.639 --> 00:09:51.399 So then you come 00:09:51.399 --> 00:09:51.819 to the beginning 00:09:51.819 --> 00:09:52.860 of Jesus' public ministry 00:09:52.860 --> 00:09:53.919 where he's baptised. 00:09:54.860 --> 00:09:56.039 And he's driven out 00:09:56.039 --> 00:09:56.699 by the Holy Spirit 00:09:56.699 --> 00:09:57.439 into the wilderness. 00:09:57.440 --> 00:09:59.500 And there he summons 00:09:59.500 --> 00:10:00.640 the Prince of Darkness 00:10:00.640 --> 00:10:01.540 onto the battlefield 00:10:01.540 --> 00:10:03.240 in the wilderness. 00:10:03.660 --> 00:10:04.580 And he canvies him 00:10:04.580 --> 00:10:05.400 and he beats him. 00:10:06.400 --> 00:10:07.380 He experiences 00:10:07.380 --> 00:10:08.420 the onslaught 00:10:08.420 --> 00:10:09.140 of the devil. 00:10:10.480 --> 00:10:12.060 And that is a thread 00:10:12.060 --> 00:10:13.140 which goes right 00:10:13.140 --> 00:10:14.300 through Jesus' ministry. 00:10:15.400 --> 00:10:17.160 That at every crucial point, 00:10:17.320 --> 00:10:18.380 what is our Lord doing? 00:10:18.500 --> 00:10:19.480 He is engaging 00:10:19.480 --> 00:10:20.900 in this ultimate conflict, 00:10:21.100 --> 00:10:21.960 this ultimate war. 00:10:23.060 --> 00:10:24.580 Between the whole world 00:10:24.580 --> 00:10:25.660 of evil 00:10:25.660 --> 00:10:27.500 and the kingdom of God. 00:10:30.040 --> 00:10:30.660 That's why you find, 00:10:30.740 --> 00:10:31.000 for example, 00:10:31.080 --> 00:10:32.340 in that 16th chapter 00:10:32.340 --> 00:10:33.280 when Jesus says, 00:10:33.639 --> 00:10:34.660 I will build my church 00:10:34.660 --> 00:10:35.480 and the gates of hell 00:10:35.480 --> 00:10:36.800 will not prevail against it. 00:10:37.020 --> 00:10:38.040 Almost immediately, 00:10:38.280 --> 00:10:39.000 Simon says, 00:10:39.080 --> 00:10:39.440 doesn't he, 00:10:39.740 --> 00:10:40.440 Jesus, 00:10:40.720 --> 00:10:41.400 the way that you're going 00:10:41.400 --> 00:10:42.280 to build this kingdom 00:10:42.280 --> 00:10:44.780 by dying the death 00:10:44.780 --> 00:10:45.780 of a sin bearer 00:10:45.780 --> 00:10:46.340 on the cross, 00:10:46.639 --> 00:10:48.040 that is not an idea, 00:10:48.160 --> 00:10:48.360 Jesus, 00:10:48.460 --> 00:10:49.259 you want to entertain. 00:10:50.040 --> 00:10:51.720 And Jesus immediately says, 00:10:51.800 --> 00:10:52.100 do you remember 00:10:52.100 --> 00:10:52.580 what he says? 00:10:52.580 --> 00:10:53.540 Get behind me, 00:10:54.139 --> 00:10:54.420 Satan. 00:10:56.980 --> 00:10:58.259 Because Jesus recognizes 00:10:58.259 --> 00:10:59.480 that the real issue 00:10:59.480 --> 00:11:01.460 in the whole of his ministry, 00:11:02.879 --> 00:11:03.560 and not only so, 00:11:03.620 --> 00:11:04.800 it goes into the book of Acts, 00:11:04.860 --> 00:11:05.259 doesn't it? 00:11:06.080 --> 00:11:07.900 But the real warfare 00:11:07.900 --> 00:11:09.940 that the church of Jesus Christ 00:11:09.940 --> 00:11:11.500 is involved with 00:11:11.500 --> 00:11:14.259 is that against Satan. 00:11:16.320 --> 00:11:17.620 So think about chapter 5, 00:11:17.820 --> 00:11:18.500 you're about Ammonia, 00:11:18.600 --> 00:11:19.100 and Sapphira, 00:11:19.280 --> 00:11:20.600 and they imperil the church, 00:11:20.680 --> 00:11:20.900 don't they? 00:11:20.940 --> 00:11:21.759 The church is at risk. 00:11:22.920 --> 00:11:23.980 The church of Jesus Christ 00:11:23.980 --> 00:11:25.440 is at risk of being eroded 00:11:25.440 --> 00:11:26.259 with deceit, 00:11:26.639 --> 00:11:27.200 and lies, 00:11:27.320 --> 00:11:28.060 and hypocrisy, 00:11:28.379 --> 00:11:29.820 and the apostles say to them, 00:11:29.860 --> 00:11:30.720 do you remember what they say? 00:11:31.020 --> 00:11:31.440 They say, 00:11:31.500 --> 00:11:33.300 why has Satan 00:11:33.300 --> 00:11:34.920 filled your hearts 00:11:34.920 --> 00:11:35.900 to lies with the Holy Spirit? 00:11:37.900 --> 00:11:38.960 And all the way through, 00:11:39.100 --> 00:11:39.820 through you discover 00:11:39.820 --> 00:11:40.800 that is exactly what is happening. 00:11:42.300 --> 00:11:43.020 The competitors 00:11:43.020 --> 00:11:44.440 are the kingdom of Satan 00:11:44.440 --> 00:11:45.360 and the kingdom of God. 00:11:46.240 --> 00:11:47.160 And they are headed up 00:11:47.160 --> 00:11:47.840 by two princes, 00:11:48.480 --> 00:11:49.700 the prince and saviour, 00:11:49.780 --> 00:11:51.160 who is our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:11:51.159 --> 00:11:53.360 and the prince of darkness. 00:11:55.219 --> 00:11:56.199 And as the shadow 00:11:56.199 --> 00:11:57.600 of the cross 00:11:57.600 --> 00:11:59.699 comes 00:11:59.699 --> 00:12:01.980 into sharper focus, 00:12:02.079 --> 00:12:02.339 again, 00:12:02.439 --> 00:12:02.839 do you remember, 00:12:02.959 --> 00:12:04.179 Jesus speaks of it 00:12:04.179 --> 00:12:04.939 to his disciples, 00:12:05.439 --> 00:12:05.980 and he says, 00:12:06.100 --> 00:12:07.659 the prince of this world 00:12:07.659 --> 00:12:08.740 comes 00:12:08.740 --> 00:12:10.419 and has nothing in me. 00:12:13.519 --> 00:12:14.139 Now the sign 00:12:14.139 --> 00:12:14.879 that the kingdom of God 00:12:14.879 --> 00:12:15.399 has come 00:12:15.399 --> 00:12:16.639 upon them 00:12:16.639 --> 00:12:17.279 is that Jesus 00:12:17.279 --> 00:12:17.919 is defeating 00:12:17.919 --> 00:12:18.519 the minions 00:12:18.519 --> 00:12:19.340 and the messengers 00:12:19.340 --> 00:12:19.860 of Satan. 00:12:21.399 --> 00:12:21.980 It is, 00:12:22.240 --> 00:12:23.840 if I drive out demons 00:12:23.840 --> 00:12:25.480 by the spirit of God, 00:12:25.559 --> 00:12:26.279 verse 28, 00:12:27.539 --> 00:12:29.019 it is by the spirit of God 00:12:29.019 --> 00:12:30.120 that I cast out demons, 00:12:30.460 --> 00:12:31.279 then the kingdom of God 00:12:31.279 --> 00:12:32.080 has come upon you. 00:12:32.639 --> 00:12:33.360 And so there's not only 00:12:33.360 --> 00:12:33.799 two kingdoms, 00:12:34.019 --> 00:12:34.939 and not only two princes, 00:12:35.399 --> 00:12:36.679 we are every one of us 00:12:36.679 --> 00:12:37.699 caught up in this world. 00:12:37.700 --> 00:12:41.160 Not one of us. 00:12:43.220 --> 00:12:44.220 And I want to press this 00:12:44.220 --> 00:12:44.900 home to you this morning, 00:12:45.000 --> 00:12:45.580 not one of us 00:12:45.580 --> 00:12:46.700 is excluded from it. 00:12:49.920 --> 00:12:50.600 You might not want 00:12:50.600 --> 00:12:51.280 to accept that. 00:12:52.780 --> 00:12:53.640 It is, 00:12:53.800 --> 00:12:54.440 I think, 00:12:54.560 --> 00:12:55.640 completely absent 00:12:55.640 --> 00:12:56.520 in pretty much 00:12:56.520 --> 00:12:58.160 nearly every evangelistic book 00:12:58.160 --> 00:12:58.980 that is published 00:12:58.980 --> 00:12:59.500 at the moment. 00:13:00.700 --> 00:13:01.840 But we are either 00:13:01.840 --> 00:13:02.680 in one army 00:13:02.680 --> 00:13:03.100 or the other. 00:13:03.100 --> 00:13:06.420 There is a total 00:13:06.420 --> 00:13:07.180 mobilisation 00:13:07.180 --> 00:13:08.100 of the world. 00:13:09.940 --> 00:13:10.779 And we are either 00:13:10.779 --> 00:13:11.740 in Christ's army 00:13:11.740 --> 00:13:12.519 or we are in 00:13:12.519 --> 00:13:13.519 Satan's army. 00:13:15.300 --> 00:13:16.200 Because Jesus says, 00:13:16.279 --> 00:13:17.220 he who is not with me 00:13:17.220 --> 00:13:18.019 is against me. 00:13:18.100 --> 00:13:19.300 There is no middle ground, 00:13:19.420 --> 00:13:20.080 there is no sitting 00:13:20.080 --> 00:13:20.639 on the fence. 00:13:22.139 --> 00:13:22.899 And we are all 00:13:22.899 --> 00:13:23.680 of us caught up in it. 00:13:25.940 --> 00:13:26.460 Not only, 00:13:26.759 --> 00:13:27.580 the second question 00:13:27.580 --> 00:13:27.860 that arises, 00:13:28.040 --> 00:13:28.600 not only are we, 00:13:28.779 --> 00:13:29.540 not only are we 00:13:29.540 --> 00:13:30.340 who are the competence, 00:13:30.480 --> 00:13:30.860 but secondly, 00:13:31.180 --> 00:13:31.940 what is the sphere 00:13:31.940 --> 00:13:32.540 of this war? 00:13:32.539 --> 00:13:33.399 Where is this war? 00:13:35.480 --> 00:13:36.599 What is the sphere 00:13:36.599 --> 00:13:37.419 of this war? 00:13:39.519 --> 00:13:39.779 Well, 00:13:39.799 --> 00:13:40.699 in a more general sense, 00:13:40.819 --> 00:13:41.539 it is wherever 00:13:41.539 --> 00:13:42.779 the church of Jesus Christ 00:13:42.779 --> 00:13:43.639 is being called out 00:13:43.639 --> 00:13:44.839 and being built up. 00:13:46.480 --> 00:13:47.559 From verse 22, 00:13:47.719 --> 00:13:48.539 you have the power 00:13:48.539 --> 00:13:49.139 of Christ, 00:13:49.279 --> 00:13:51.019 the power of Christ 00:13:51.019 --> 00:13:52.399 invading the kingdom 00:13:52.399 --> 00:13:52.899 of Satan. 00:13:53.299 --> 00:13:54.819 And he calls this man 00:13:54.819 --> 00:13:55.639 out of the kingdom 00:13:55.639 --> 00:13:56.079 of Satan 00:13:56.079 --> 00:13:56.659 into the kingdom 00:13:56.659 --> 00:13:57.179 of Christ. 00:13:57.559 --> 00:13:58.299 Because Jesus 00:13:58.299 --> 00:13:59.779 is here 00:13:59.779 --> 00:14:00.899 engaging in his 00:14:00.899 --> 00:14:01.659 great work 00:14:01.659 --> 00:14:02.379 of creating 00:14:02.379 --> 00:14:03.259 a new people 00:14:03.259 --> 00:14:03.840 of God. 00:14:04.840 --> 00:14:06.139 And the Pharisees 00:14:06.139 --> 00:14:07.179 at that point, 00:14:07.320 --> 00:14:07.919 when they see 00:14:07.919 --> 00:14:08.740 what Jesus has done, 00:14:08.799 --> 00:14:09.539 they cry out, 00:14:10.000 --> 00:14:10.659 this is the work 00:14:10.659 --> 00:14:11.100 of Satan. 00:14:12.960 --> 00:14:14.379 You could not get, 00:14:14.460 --> 00:14:14.779 could you, 00:14:14.899 --> 00:14:16.159 more naked 00:14:16.159 --> 00:14:16.820 opposition 00:14:16.820 --> 00:14:18.179 than that. 00:14:20.320 --> 00:14:20.840 And note, 00:14:21.100 --> 00:14:22.159 it is at this point, 00:14:22.259 --> 00:14:23.220 it is in the world 00:14:23.220 --> 00:14:24.679 of established religion. 00:14:24.679 --> 00:14:27.099 it is in the world 00:14:27.099 --> 00:14:28.659 of churchy-anity. 00:14:30.879 --> 00:14:31.839 You ask any 00:14:31.839 --> 00:14:32.399 contemporary 00:14:32.399 --> 00:14:32.979 with Jesus 00:14:32.979 --> 00:14:33.639 in the street, 00:14:33.759 --> 00:14:34.439 where would you find 00:14:34.439 --> 00:14:35.299 the world of religion? 00:14:35.659 --> 00:14:36.199 And they would have 00:14:36.199 --> 00:14:36.719 pointed you 00:14:36.719 --> 00:14:37.759 to the Pharisees. 00:14:38.939 --> 00:14:39.379 And they would have 00:14:39.379 --> 00:14:39.479 said, 00:14:39.559 --> 00:14:40.139 they represent 00:14:40.139 --> 00:14:40.959 the world of religion. 00:14:42.059 --> 00:14:42.599 But yet, 00:14:42.679 --> 00:14:43.299 you could not have 00:14:43.299 --> 00:14:44.099 found more naked 00:14:44.099 --> 00:14:44.599 opposition 00:14:44.599 --> 00:14:45.959 and more hostility. 00:14:48.439 --> 00:14:49.039 And so let me just 00:14:49.039 --> 00:14:49.839 say this in passing, 00:14:49.840 --> 00:14:51.259 that the Pharisees 00:14:51.259 --> 00:14:52.040 attributing 00:14:52.040 --> 00:14:53.759 to Satan 00:14:53.759 --> 00:14:56.100 the work of Jesus, 00:14:56.700 --> 00:14:57.960 that is the essence 00:14:57.960 --> 00:14:58.920 of blasphemy 00:14:58.920 --> 00:14:59.920 against the Holy Spirit. 00:15:00.100 --> 00:15:00.800 It's specific. 00:15:02.860 --> 00:15:03.680 It is looking 00:15:03.680 --> 00:15:04.540 at the work 00:15:04.540 --> 00:15:05.820 of the Lord Jesus Christ 00:15:05.820 --> 00:15:07.040 and what he has done 00:15:07.040 --> 00:15:08.220 and what he is doing 00:15:08.220 --> 00:15:08.700 and saying, 00:15:08.820 --> 00:15:09.600 that is the devil. 00:15:11.240 --> 00:15:11.960 And that's the essence 00:15:11.960 --> 00:15:12.360 of it. 00:15:13.379 --> 00:15:14.060 I might say a word 00:15:14.060 --> 00:15:14.580 on that later. 00:15:15.820 --> 00:15:16.740 That is the essence 00:15:16.740 --> 00:15:17.420 of what we're talking 00:15:17.420 --> 00:15:18.019 about when we say 00:15:18.019 --> 00:15:18.560 blasphemy 00:15:18.560 --> 00:15:19.560 against the Holy Spirit. 00:15:19.559 --> 00:15:20.439 Let me apply this. 00:15:22.019 --> 00:15:22.839 Where are we likely 00:15:22.839 --> 00:15:23.779 to find this opposition 00:15:23.779 --> 00:15:24.299 today? 00:15:26.219 --> 00:15:27.679 Where are we likely 00:15:27.679 --> 00:15:28.939 to find ourselves 00:15:28.939 --> 00:15:30.299 engaged in this 00:15:30.299 --> 00:15:31.219 kind of warfare? 00:15:33.359 --> 00:15:33.759 Well, 00:15:34.019 --> 00:15:35.319 wherever we are involved 00:15:35.319 --> 00:15:36.199 in seeing the church 00:15:36.199 --> 00:15:37.239 of Jesus Christ built, 00:15:37.339 --> 00:15:38.399 and I hope you realise 00:15:38.399 --> 00:15:39.159 I don't mean a building, 00:15:39.479 --> 00:15:39.819 literally, 00:15:41.199 --> 00:15:42.039 but seeing the body 00:15:42.039 --> 00:15:42.819 of Christ built, 00:15:43.719 --> 00:15:44.799 that will certainly 00:15:44.799 --> 00:15:45.739 attract opposition. 00:15:47.319 --> 00:15:47.879 That's why, 00:15:47.959 --> 00:15:48.119 isn't it, 00:15:48.119 --> 00:15:48.639 when Jesus, 00:15:48.779 --> 00:15:49.099 as it were, 00:15:49.100 --> 00:15:49.840 took the field 00:15:49.840 --> 00:15:50.899 in his public ministry, 00:15:50.980 --> 00:15:52.040 when he was born 00:15:52.040 --> 00:15:53.180 and entered it 00:15:53.180 --> 00:15:54.019 upon his ministry, 00:15:55.279 --> 00:15:56.519 there is this huge 00:15:56.519 --> 00:15:57.220 increase 00:15:57.220 --> 00:15:58.080 in the activity 00:15:58.080 --> 00:15:58.720 of the demonic. 00:16:00.700 --> 00:16:01.600 It was because 00:16:01.600 --> 00:16:02.139 Jesus 00:16:02.139 --> 00:16:03.620 was standing there 00:16:03.620 --> 00:16:04.240 as the one 00:16:04.240 --> 00:16:04.680 who has come 00:16:04.680 --> 00:16:05.300 to destroy 00:16:05.300 --> 00:16:05.840 the works 00:16:05.840 --> 00:16:06.340 of the devil, 00:16:06.659 --> 00:16:07.279 that he drew 00:16:07.279 --> 00:16:07.960 out the demonic. 00:16:10.180 --> 00:16:10.700 And that is why 00:16:10.700 --> 00:16:11.379 there is more 00:16:11.379 --> 00:16:12.700 demonic activity 00:16:12.700 --> 00:16:13.980 there at that point 00:16:13.980 --> 00:16:14.379 in scripture 00:16:14.379 --> 00:16:15.500 than at any other time. 00:16:15.500 --> 00:16:18.059 let me try 00:16:18.059 --> 00:16:18.759 and press in more. 00:16:18.940 --> 00:16:19.860 When you're engaged 00:16:19.860 --> 00:16:20.500 in building 00:16:20.500 --> 00:16:21.240 the church 00:16:21.240 --> 00:16:22.480 of Jesus Christ, 00:16:22.899 --> 00:16:23.240 wherever, 00:16:24.279 --> 00:16:24.980 however, 00:16:26.000 --> 00:16:26.519 whenever, 00:16:26.740 --> 00:16:27.980 in whatever capacity, 00:16:28.659 --> 00:16:29.519 you will find 00:16:29.519 --> 00:16:30.100 that people 00:16:30.100 --> 00:16:31.379 will be hindered 00:16:31.379 --> 00:16:32.480 in coming to 00:16:32.480 --> 00:16:33.519 repentance and faith. 00:16:35.120 --> 00:16:36.100 You will find 00:16:36.100 --> 00:16:36.480 that people 00:16:36.480 --> 00:16:37.320 will be hindered 00:16:37.320 --> 00:16:38.759 in spiritual growth. 00:16:38.759 --> 00:16:40.659 and they will be 00:16:40.659 --> 00:16:41.080 hindered 00:16:41.080 --> 00:16:42.319 in Christian service. 00:16:44.740 --> 00:16:45.159 Do you remember 00:16:45.159 --> 00:16:45.740 the Apostle Paul 00:16:45.740 --> 00:16:46.100 he writes, 00:16:46.220 --> 00:16:47.019 I had intended 00:16:47.019 --> 00:16:47.899 to come to you 00:16:47.899 --> 00:16:48.899 so often, 00:16:49.200 --> 00:16:50.659 but Satan 00:16:50.659 --> 00:16:51.600 hindered me, 00:16:51.840 --> 00:16:52.179 he said. 00:16:53.759 --> 00:16:54.500 You will find 00:16:54.500 --> 00:16:54.819 that people 00:16:54.819 --> 00:16:55.220 will become 00:16:55.220 --> 00:16:56.019 confused 00:16:56.019 --> 00:16:57.000 about the truth 00:16:57.000 --> 00:16:58.460 and will have 00:16:58.460 --> 00:16:59.059 so many 00:16:59.059 --> 00:16:59.759 into their minds 00:16:59.759 --> 00:17:00.759 doubts about it. 00:17:02.100 --> 00:17:02.720 And it's happened 00:17:02.720 --> 00:17:03.179 from the very 00:17:03.179 --> 00:17:03.899 beginning of time. 00:17:05.559 --> 00:17:06.200 You will find 00:17:06.200 --> 00:17:06.740 that people 00:17:06.740 --> 00:17:08.220 become alienated 00:17:08.220 --> 00:17:08.819 from each other 00:17:08.819 --> 00:17:09.779 and the conflict 00:17:09.779 --> 00:17:11.460 becomes very personal. 00:17:13.460 --> 00:17:14.220 I often see 00:17:14.220 --> 00:17:15.380 in church life 00:17:15.380 --> 00:17:16.680 a petty 00:17:16.680 --> 00:17:17.799 and stupid 00:17:17.799 --> 00:17:18.400 conflict 00:17:18.400 --> 00:17:19.059 between people. 00:17:21.200 --> 00:17:21.779 I can tell you 00:17:21.779 --> 00:17:22.740 numerous examples, 00:17:22.839 --> 00:17:23.400 I can think of a church 00:17:23.400 --> 00:17:24.000 I know well, 00:17:24.319 --> 00:17:24.819 and the church 00:17:24.819 --> 00:17:26.240 suffered great hindrance 00:17:26.240 --> 00:17:27.600 and loads of problems 00:17:27.600 --> 00:17:29.660 because two leaders 00:17:29.660 --> 00:17:30.200 in the church 00:17:30.200 --> 00:17:30.720 fell out. 00:17:32.259 --> 00:17:33.100 One of them 00:17:33.100 --> 00:17:34.039 had discovered 00:17:34.039 --> 00:17:35.059 the other one 00:17:35.059 --> 00:17:36.279 taking his place 00:17:36.279 --> 00:17:37.279 in a particular activity 00:17:37.279 --> 00:17:38.779 and he resented 00:17:38.779 --> 00:17:39.339 it deeply. 00:17:40.700 --> 00:17:41.839 It turned into 00:17:41.839 --> 00:17:43.319 turf war, 00:17:44.460 --> 00:17:45.180 a power struggle, 00:17:46.379 --> 00:17:46.819 resentment. 00:17:48.579 --> 00:17:49.279 They avoided 00:17:49.279 --> 00:17:49.819 each other, 00:17:49.940 --> 00:17:50.899 they spoke politely 00:17:50.899 --> 00:17:51.819 or coughing tea, 00:17:52.819 --> 00:17:53.399 but they spoke 00:17:53.399 --> 00:17:53.980 more often 00:17:53.980 --> 00:17:54.920 against one another 00:17:54.920 --> 00:17:55.660 behind each other's 00:17:55.660 --> 00:17:55.960 back. 00:17:57.039 --> 00:17:57.839 They went into 00:17:57.839 --> 00:17:58.220 a huff 00:17:58.220 --> 00:17:58.799 with each other, 00:17:58.899 --> 00:18:00.019 there was a cold 00:18:00.019 --> 00:18:00.740 war, 00:18:00.879 --> 00:18:01.299 there was no 00:18:01.299 --> 00:18:02.220 harsh words, 00:18:02.639 --> 00:18:03.839 no public blow up, 00:18:03.839 --> 00:18:06.839 just avoidance. 00:18:10.019 --> 00:18:10.339 I know it's 00:18:10.339 --> 00:18:10.619 possible, 00:18:10.740 --> 00:18:10.919 I think, 00:18:11.000 --> 00:18:11.619 to go to those 00:18:11.619 --> 00:18:12.359 men and say to 00:18:12.359 --> 00:18:12.500 them, 00:18:12.619 --> 00:18:13.439 will you please, 00:18:13.639 --> 00:18:14.039 please, 00:18:14.220 --> 00:18:15.459 please grow up 00:18:15.459 --> 00:18:17.279 and will you 00:18:17.279 --> 00:18:17.959 stop being so 00:18:17.959 --> 00:18:18.279 stupid? 00:18:20.539 --> 00:18:21.259 But actually 00:18:21.259 --> 00:18:21.779 there was something 00:18:21.779 --> 00:18:22.480 very sinister 00:18:22.480 --> 00:18:23.099 behind it 00:18:23.099 --> 00:18:25.539 because what 00:18:25.539 --> 00:18:25.919 happened is 00:18:25.919 --> 00:18:26.399 it put people 00:18:26.399 --> 00:18:27.059 off the church 00:18:27.059 --> 00:18:29.439 and it put 00:18:29.439 --> 00:18:29.980 people off the 00:18:29.980 --> 00:18:30.319 gospel 00:18:30.319 --> 00:18:32.599 and it 00:18:32.599 --> 00:18:33.000 puts people 00:18:33.000 --> 00:18:33.279 off the 00:18:33.279 --> 00:18:33.700 Lord Jesus. 00:18:36.019 --> 00:18:36.720 And that's 00:18:36.720 --> 00:18:37.279 why when you 00:18:37.279 --> 00:18:37.839 have little 00:18:37.839 --> 00:18:38.939 silly falling 00:18:38.939 --> 00:18:39.879 out in church 00:18:39.879 --> 00:18:40.379 life, 00:18:41.039 --> 00:18:41.419 when you have 00:18:41.419 --> 00:18:41.859 that sort of 00:18:41.859 --> 00:18:42.339 thing going 00:18:42.339 --> 00:18:42.899 on in church 00:18:42.899 --> 00:18:43.500 you must realise 00:18:43.500 --> 00:18:44.119 it's not just 00:18:44.119 --> 00:18:44.439 a human 00:18:44.439 --> 00:18:44.939 phenomenon. 00:18:47.399 --> 00:18:48.019 Because Paul 00:18:48.019 --> 00:18:48.639 says we wage 00:18:48.639 --> 00:18:49.279 war not against 00:18:49.279 --> 00:18:50.000 flesh and blood 00:18:50.000 --> 00:18:50.439 but against 00:18:50.439 --> 00:18:51.079 principalities 00:18:51.079 --> 00:18:51.679 and powers. 00:18:54.220 --> 00:18:54.859 And that is 00:18:54.859 --> 00:18:55.240 the kind of 00:18:55.240 --> 00:18:56.019 realistic place 00:18:56.019 --> 00:18:56.599 where the war 00:18:56.599 --> 00:18:57.259 is waged. 00:18:57.659 --> 00:18:58.139 And no wonder 00:18:58.139 --> 00:18:58.779 Jesus says 00:18:58.779 --> 00:18:59.359 he put things 00:18:59.359 --> 00:18:59.859 right with your 00:18:59.859 --> 00:19:00.279 brother and 00:19:00.279 --> 00:19:00.639 sister, 00:19:01.099 --> 00:19:01.460 get things 00:19:01.460 --> 00:19:01.960 right and 00:19:01.960 --> 00:19:02.339 then come 00:19:02.339 --> 00:19:02.579 and make 00:19:02.579 --> 00:19:02.960 your offering. 00:19:06.579 --> 00:19:07.039 You see the 00:19:07.039 --> 00:19:08.000 nasty campaign 00:19:08.000 --> 00:19:08.440 that's going 00:19:08.440 --> 00:19:08.799 on in 00:19:08.799 --> 00:19:09.200 Laudet, 00:19:09.399 --> 00:19:09.680 the church 00:19:09.680 --> 00:19:09.899 where I 00:19:09.899 --> 00:19:10.440 preached last 00:19:10.440 --> 00:19:10.720 week, 00:19:11.619 --> 00:19:12.240 against them 00:19:12.240 --> 00:19:12.599 being able 00:19:12.599 --> 00:19:12.980 to buy 00:19:12.980 --> 00:19:13.599 this land 00:19:13.599 --> 00:19:15.599 that has 00:19:15.599 --> 00:19:16.460 all the 00:19:16.460 --> 00:19:17.379 sophistication 00:19:17.379 --> 00:19:18.859 of a 00:19:18.859 --> 00:19:19.119 kind of 00:19:19.119 --> 00:19:19.519 modern 00:19:19.519 --> 00:19:19.980 secular 00:19:19.980 --> 00:19:20.599 world. 00:19:22.259 --> 00:19:22.899 It's not 00:19:22.899 --> 00:19:23.399 very hard 00:19:23.399 --> 00:19:23.700 is it when 00:19:23.700 --> 00:19:23.920 you come 00:19:23.920 --> 00:19:24.359 to a passage 00:19:24.359 --> 00:19:24.940 like this 00:19:24.940 --> 00:19:25.379 to see 00:19:25.379 --> 00:19:26.480 behind that 00:19:26.480 --> 00:19:27.720 is a 00:19:27.720 --> 00:19:28.059 personal 00:19:28.059 --> 00:19:28.440 enemy. 00:19:28.440 --> 00:19:30.799 But just 00:19:30.799 --> 00:19:31.360 notice a 00:19:31.360 --> 00:19:32.200 more specific 00:19:32.200 --> 00:19:33.039 help that 00:19:33.039 --> 00:19:33.660 Jesus deals 00:19:33.660 --> 00:19:33.980 with. 00:19:34.539 --> 00:19:34.799 It's worth 00:19:34.799 --> 00:19:35.180 studying on 00:19:35.180 --> 00:19:35.420 its own 00:19:35.420 --> 00:19:35.720 from verses 00:19:35.720 --> 00:19:36.259 25 to 00:19:36.259 --> 00:19:36.720 28. 00:19:37.840 --> 00:19:38.320 That Jesus 00:19:38.320 --> 00:19:38.799 is saying, 00:19:38.940 --> 00:19:39.240 and I think 00:19:39.240 --> 00:19:39.720 this is so 00:19:39.720 --> 00:19:40.080 helpful, 00:19:41.019 --> 00:19:41.400 that it's 00:19:41.400 --> 00:19:41.880 often a 00:19:41.880 --> 00:19:42.299 battle for 00:19:42.299 --> 00:19:42.820 the mind. 00:19:44.180 --> 00:19:44.600 So verse 00:19:44.600 --> 00:19:45.039 25, 00:19:45.039 --> 00:19:45.420 Jesus 00:19:45.420 --> 00:19:45.859 known 00:19:45.859 --> 00:19:46.159 their 00:19:46.159 --> 00:19:46.740 thoughts. 00:19:47.879 --> 00:19:48.299 He said 00:19:48.299 --> 00:19:48.460 to them, 00:19:48.519 --> 00:19:49.039 every kingdom 00:19:49.039 --> 00:19:49.759 divided against 00:19:49.759 --> 00:19:50.240 itself is 00:19:50.240 --> 00:19:50.720 laid waste, 00:19:50.839 --> 00:19:51.119 and no 00:19:51.119 --> 00:19:52.200 city or 00:19:52.200 --> 00:19:52.899 house divided 00:19:52.899 --> 00:19:54.240 itself will 00:19:54.240 --> 00:19:54.680 stand. 00:19:56.180 --> 00:19:56.420 And if 00:19:56.420 --> 00:19:56.980 Satan casts 00:19:56.980 --> 00:19:57.379 out Satan, 00:19:57.460 --> 00:19:57.700 he is 00:19:57.700 --> 00:19:58.339 divided against 00:19:58.339 --> 00:19:58.639 himself. 00:19:58.819 --> 00:19:59.399 How then 00:19:59.399 --> 00:19:59.859 will his 00:19:59.859 --> 00:20:00.240 kingdom 00:20:00.240 --> 00:20:00.980 stand? 00:20:02.339 --> 00:20:02.559 And if 00:20:02.559 --> 00:20:02.960 I cast 00:20:02.960 --> 00:20:03.379 out demons 00:20:03.379 --> 00:20:04.099 by Beelzebub, 00:20:04.359 --> 00:20:05.159 by whom 00:20:05.159 --> 00:20:05.639 do your 00:20:05.639 --> 00:20:06.339 sons cast 00:20:06.339 --> 00:20:06.680 them out? 00:20:09.079 --> 00:20:09.659 They were 00:20:09.659 --> 00:20:09.879 saying, 00:20:09.940 --> 00:20:10.200 weren't they, 00:20:10.319 --> 00:20:10.619 they were 00:20:10.619 --> 00:20:10.839 saying, 00:20:10.960 --> 00:20:11.220 you are 00:20:11.220 --> 00:20:11.859 casting out 00:20:11.859 --> 00:20:12.579 demons by 00:20:12.579 --> 00:20:12.899 the power 00:20:12.899 --> 00:20:13.579 of Beelzebub. 00:20:13.579 --> 00:20:15.399 the prince 00:20:15.399 --> 00:20:15.939 of demons. 00:20:18.299 --> 00:20:19.259 So it 00:20:19.259 --> 00:20:19.919 was the 00:20:19.919 --> 00:20:20.439 devil 00:20:20.439 --> 00:20:21.679 casting out 00:20:21.679 --> 00:20:22.559 the devil. 00:20:24.279 --> 00:20:24.799 Jesus 00:20:24.799 --> 00:20:24.980 says, 00:20:25.039 --> 00:20:25.419 this is 00:20:25.419 --> 00:20:25.740 utterly 00:20:25.740 --> 00:20:26.220 irrational. 00:20:27.819 --> 00:20:28.279 It's like 00:20:28.279 --> 00:20:28.980 having a 00:20:28.980 --> 00:20:29.559 rowing team 00:20:29.559 --> 00:20:29.980 with eight 00:20:29.980 --> 00:20:30.399 rowers, 00:20:30.799 --> 00:20:31.279 and four 00:20:31.279 --> 00:20:32.259 are in the 00:20:32.259 --> 00:20:33.399 boat, 00:20:33.500 --> 00:20:33.879 four are 00:20:33.879 --> 00:20:34.359 rowing one 00:20:34.359 --> 00:20:34.639 way, 00:20:34.819 --> 00:20:35.399 and the 00:20:35.399 --> 00:20:35.699 other four 00:20:35.699 --> 00:20:35.980 are rowing 00:20:35.980 --> 00:20:36.199 the other 00:20:36.199 --> 00:20:36.319 way. 00:20:36.379 --> 00:20:36.720 What happens? 00:20:36.839 --> 00:20:37.419 It's just 00:20:37.419 --> 00:20:38.079 nonsensical, 00:20:38.159 --> 00:20:38.460 isn't it? 00:20:39.879 --> 00:20:40.679 And so it 00:20:40.679 --> 00:20:41.099 is with the 00:20:41.099 --> 00:20:41.379 devil, 00:20:42.119 --> 00:20:43.000 casting out 00:20:43.000 --> 00:20:43.519 the devil. 00:20:44.439 --> 00:20:44.839 Jesus 00:20:44.839 --> 00:20:45.859 points out 00:20:45.859 --> 00:20:46.179 that it 00:20:46.179 --> 00:20:46.899 is utterly 00:20:46.899 --> 00:20:48.000 irrational. 00:20:50.139 --> 00:20:50.619 You see, 00:20:50.720 --> 00:20:50.919 the 00:20:50.919 --> 00:20:52.339 unreasonableness 00:20:52.339 --> 00:20:53.759 of the 00:20:53.759 --> 00:20:54.379 whole realm 00:20:54.379 --> 00:20:55.139 of Satan's 00:20:55.139 --> 00:20:55.639 thinking. 00:20:57.539 --> 00:20:57.859 It's so 00:20:57.859 --> 00:20:58.439 often striking 00:20:58.439 --> 00:20:58.799 isn't it? 00:20:58.879 --> 00:20:59.299 How can 00:20:59.299 --> 00:20:59.639 the kingdom 00:20:59.639 --> 00:21:00.139 divide it 00:21:00.139 --> 00:21:00.799 against itself 00:21:00.799 --> 00:21:01.220 sound? 00:21:02.740 --> 00:21:03.379 If Satan 00:21:03.379 --> 00:21:04.859 is casting 00:21:04.859 --> 00:21:05.439 out Satan, 00:21:05.559 --> 00:21:05.720 then the 00:21:05.720 --> 00:21:06.119 whole kingdom 00:21:06.119 --> 00:21:06.419 is going 00:21:06.419 --> 00:21:06.919 to collapse, 00:21:07.039 --> 00:21:07.399 which is 00:21:07.399 --> 00:21:08.359 manifestly 00:21:08.359 --> 00:21:09.159 not done. 00:21:10.559 --> 00:21:11.259 He's pointing 00:21:11.259 --> 00:21:11.679 out to them, 00:21:11.740 --> 00:21:11.919 isn't he, 00:21:11.920 --> 00:21:12.539 the utter 00:21:12.539 --> 00:21:13.740 irrationality 00:21:13.740 --> 00:21:15.800 of so much 00:21:15.800 --> 00:21:16.120 of what the 00:21:16.120 --> 00:21:16.700 devil does 00:21:16.700 --> 00:21:16.960 in our 00:21:16.960 --> 00:21:17.480 mind. 00:21:19.340 --> 00:21:19.900 And we 00:21:19.900 --> 00:21:20.180 need to be 00:21:20.180 --> 00:21:20.400 aware, 00:21:20.460 --> 00:21:20.779 don't we? 00:21:22.400 --> 00:21:23.120 We need to 00:21:23.120 --> 00:21:23.480 be aware 00:21:23.480 --> 00:21:24.000 when something 00:21:24.000 --> 00:21:24.519 is so 00:21:24.519 --> 00:21:25.380 ridiculously 00:21:25.380 --> 00:21:26.120 irrational, 00:21:27.240 --> 00:21:28.320 like the 00:21:28.320 --> 00:21:28.680 transgender 00:21:28.680 --> 00:21:29.300 movement, 00:21:30.580 --> 00:21:31.060 like so 00:21:31.060 --> 00:21:31.600 much of 00:21:31.600 --> 00:21:31.900 what we 00:21:31.900 --> 00:21:32.279 hear from 00:21:32.279 --> 00:21:32.380 the 00:21:32.380 --> 00:21:32.920 K-lobby, 00:21:34.259 --> 00:21:35.300 we need 00:21:35.300 --> 00:21:35.880 to recognise 00:21:35.880 --> 00:21:36.680 that behind 00:21:36.680 --> 00:21:37.220 that. 00:21:38.480 --> 00:21:38.900 It's not 00:21:38.900 --> 00:21:39.259 flesh and 00:21:39.259 --> 00:21:39.500 blood. 00:21:41.360 --> 00:21:42.060 We must 00:21:42.060 --> 00:21:42.500 be careful 00:21:42.500 --> 00:21:43.019 of the 00:21:43.019 --> 00:21:43.519 sinister, 00:21:43.799 --> 00:21:44.420 irrational 00:21:44.420 --> 00:21:45.620 way the 00:21:45.620 --> 00:21:46.259 devil begins 00:21:46.259 --> 00:21:47.060 to invade 00:21:47.060 --> 00:21:47.860 our minds 00:21:47.860 --> 00:21:48.440 and oppress 00:21:48.440 --> 00:21:48.820 us. 00:21:49.560 --> 00:21:49.799 Here's the 00:21:49.799 --> 00:21:50.100 third thing, 00:21:50.160 --> 00:21:50.700 competence in 00:21:50.700 --> 00:21:51.019 the warfare, 00:21:51.380 --> 00:21:51.960 the sphere of 00:21:51.960 --> 00:21:52.279 which it's 00:21:52.279 --> 00:21:52.820 fought out, 00:21:53.259 --> 00:21:53.840 and thirdly, 00:21:53.880 --> 00:21:54.340 the strategy 00:21:54.340 --> 00:21:54.880 of Christ 00:21:54.880 --> 00:21:55.259 in this 00:21:55.259 --> 00:21:55.560 war. 00:21:55.840 --> 00:21:56.060 It's 00:21:56.060 --> 00:21:56.560 compared in 00:21:56.560 --> 00:21:57.200 verse 29, 00:21:57.360 --> 00:21:58.220 to entering 00:21:58.220 --> 00:21:58.700 the house 00:21:58.700 --> 00:21:59.160 of a strong 00:21:59.160 --> 00:21:59.400 man. 00:21:59.460 --> 00:21:59.799 It's a great 00:21:59.799 --> 00:22:00.279 illustration. 00:22:01.920 --> 00:22:02.279 You've a 00:22:02.279 --> 00:22:03.039 strong man, 00:22:03.259 --> 00:22:03.720 and then an 00:22:03.720 --> 00:22:04.360 even stronger 00:22:04.360 --> 00:22:04.759 man who 00:22:04.759 --> 00:22:05.200 comes and 00:22:05.200 --> 00:22:05.759 ties him 00:22:05.759 --> 00:22:06.660 up before 00:22:06.660 --> 00:22:07.180 carrying off 00:22:07.180 --> 00:22:07.420 all his 00:22:07.420 --> 00:22:07.859 possessions. 00:22:09.420 --> 00:22:09.920 But when 00:22:09.920 --> 00:22:10.640 somebody comes 00:22:10.640 --> 00:22:10.980 into a 00:22:10.980 --> 00:22:11.759 strong man's 00:22:11.759 --> 00:22:12.140 house, 00:22:12.579 --> 00:22:12.960 who has 00:22:12.960 --> 00:22:13.460 lots of 00:22:13.460 --> 00:22:13.980 gold, 00:22:15.420 --> 00:22:16.079 and lots 00:22:16.079 --> 00:22:16.960 of possessions, 00:22:17.579 --> 00:22:18.039 well, the 00:22:18.039 --> 00:22:18.640 person breaking 00:22:18.640 --> 00:22:19.240 in needs to 00:22:19.240 --> 00:22:19.819 be stronger. 00:22:23.039 --> 00:22:23.619 Not to 00:22:23.619 --> 00:22:24.099 deal first 00:22:24.099 --> 00:22:24.339 with the 00:22:24.339 --> 00:22:24.700 possessions, 00:22:24.879 --> 00:22:25.079 but to 00:22:25.079 --> 00:22:25.279 deal with 00:22:25.279 --> 00:22:25.619 the strong 00:22:25.619 --> 00:22:26.140 man himself. 00:22:27.599 --> 00:22:28.400 And Jesus 00:22:28.400 --> 00:22:29.099 is clearly 00:22:29.099 --> 00:22:30.000 describing himself 00:22:30.000 --> 00:22:30.519 as he is 00:22:30.519 --> 00:22:30.779 saying, 00:22:30.879 --> 00:22:31.319 I'm stronger 00:22:31.319 --> 00:22:31.640 than the 00:22:31.640 --> 00:22:32.099 strong man. 00:22:34.059 --> 00:22:34.559 I'm the 00:22:34.559 --> 00:22:34.799 one who 00:22:34.799 --> 00:22:35.180 comes in 00:22:35.180 --> 00:22:35.420 and I 00:22:35.420 --> 00:22:36.019 bind the 00:22:36.019 --> 00:22:36.400 strong man 00:22:36.400 --> 00:22:36.940 by spoilers 00:22:36.940 --> 00:22:37.420 goods. 00:22:39.039 --> 00:22:39.240 And that 00:22:39.240 --> 00:22:39.900 of course 00:22:39.900 --> 00:22:40.500 is in 00:22:40.500 --> 00:22:41.080 so many 00:22:41.080 --> 00:22:41.779 ways the 00:22:41.779 --> 00:22:42.240 way that 00:22:42.240 --> 00:22:43.740 Christ deals 00:22:43.740 --> 00:22:44.019 with the 00:22:44.019 --> 00:22:44.380 kingdom of 00:22:44.380 --> 00:22:44.600 evil. 00:22:46.480 --> 00:22:47.060 When he's 00:22:47.060 --> 00:22:47.360 in the 00:22:47.360 --> 00:22:47.680 world, 00:22:47.779 --> 00:22:48.039 what is 00:22:48.039 --> 00:22:48.400 he doing? 00:22:49.700 --> 00:22:50.320 He's not 00:22:50.320 --> 00:22:51.279 tinkering with 00:22:51.279 --> 00:22:51.860 the odd 00:22:51.860 --> 00:22:52.640 demon here 00:22:52.640 --> 00:22:53.320 or there. 00:22:54.259 --> 00:22:54.519 We've 00:22:54.519 --> 00:22:54.779 missed the 00:22:54.779 --> 00:22:54.940 point, 00:22:54.980 --> 00:22:55.300 and that's 00:22:55.300 --> 00:22:55.640 our whole 00:22:55.640 --> 00:22:56.140 focus. 00:22:56.700 --> 00:22:57.140 No, he 00:22:57.140 --> 00:22:57.660 goes to 00:22:57.660 --> 00:22:57.779 the 00:22:57.779 --> 00:22:58.320 headquarters 00:22:58.320 --> 00:22:59.080 of evil, 00:22:59.400 --> 00:22:59.660 to the 00:22:59.660 --> 00:23:00.140 strong man 00:23:00.140 --> 00:23:00.620 himself, 00:23:01.100 --> 00:23:01.440 and what 00:23:01.440 --> 00:23:01.820 is Jesus 00:23:01.820 --> 00:23:02.240 doing on 00:23:02.240 --> 00:23:02.640 the cross? 00:23:02.720 --> 00:23:02.980 He is 00:23:02.980 --> 00:23:03.580 disarming 00:23:03.580 --> 00:23:04.000 Satan. 00:23:04.000 --> 00:23:05.700 He's 00:23:05.700 --> 00:23:06.160 defeating 00:23:06.160 --> 00:23:06.579 him by 00:23:06.579 --> 00:23:07.039 his death 00:23:07.039 --> 00:23:07.599 on Calvary. 00:23:07.880 --> 00:23:08.220 So listen 00:23:08.220 --> 00:23:08.460 to how 00:23:08.460 --> 00:23:08.980 Paul puts 00:23:08.980 --> 00:23:09.240 it in 00:23:09.240 --> 00:23:09.640 Colossians 00:23:09.640 --> 00:23:10.380 2.15. 00:23:10.720 --> 00:23:11.059 He has 00:23:11.059 --> 00:23:11.859 disarmed the 00:23:11.859 --> 00:23:12.539 powers and 00:23:12.539 --> 00:23:13.079 authorities, 00:23:13.720 --> 00:23:13.960 and he's 00:23:13.960 --> 00:23:14.319 made a 00:23:14.319 --> 00:23:15.400 public spectacle 00:23:15.400 --> 00:23:15.720 on them, 00:23:15.839 --> 00:23:16.740 triumphing over 00:23:16.740 --> 00:23:17.299 them by the 00:23:17.299 --> 00:23:17.640 cross. 00:23:19.279 --> 00:23:19.559 Jesus' 00:23:19.779 --> 00:23:20.799 strategy is 00:23:20.799 --> 00:23:21.319 to deal 00:23:21.319 --> 00:23:21.599 with the 00:23:21.599 --> 00:23:21.980 prince of 00:23:21.980 --> 00:23:22.299 darkness 00:23:22.299 --> 00:23:22.859 himself. 00:23:23.619 --> 00:23:23.900 And what 00:23:23.900 --> 00:23:24.240 has happened 00:23:24.240 --> 00:23:24.579 by the 00:23:24.579 --> 00:23:25.140 cross and 00:23:25.140 --> 00:23:25.579 resurrection 00:23:25.579 --> 00:23:25.940 of our 00:23:25.940 --> 00:23:26.339 Lord Jesus 00:23:26.339 --> 00:23:26.759 Christ? 00:23:26.880 --> 00:23:27.200 Well, it's 00:23:27.200 --> 00:23:27.660 this, it's 00:23:27.660 --> 00:23:28.079 that Satan 00:23:28.079 --> 00:23:28.420 has been 00:23:28.420 --> 00:23:28.779 defeated. 00:23:31.099 --> 00:23:31.619 He's not 00:23:31.619 --> 00:23:31.920 yet been 00:23:31.920 --> 00:23:32.319 destroyed. 00:23:32.319 --> 00:23:34.619 That will 00:23:34.619 --> 00:23:35.079 happen, won't 00:23:35.079 --> 00:23:35.359 it, when 00:23:35.359 --> 00:23:36.339 Revelation 20 00:23:36.339 --> 00:23:37.000 is fulfilled, 00:23:38.899 --> 00:23:39.359 and Satan 00:23:39.359 --> 00:23:39.839 will not only 00:23:39.839 --> 00:23:40.480 be defeated, 00:23:40.700 --> 00:23:41.240 but destroyed 00:23:41.240 --> 00:23:41.879 and cast out 00:23:41.879 --> 00:23:42.259 forever. 00:23:43.500 --> 00:23:44.279 But Satan 00:23:44.279 --> 00:23:44.859 is defeated 00:23:44.859 --> 00:23:45.859 now, and 00:23:45.859 --> 00:23:46.200 we need to 00:23:46.200 --> 00:23:46.899 recognize that. 00:23:48.799 --> 00:23:49.240 There are 00:23:49.240 --> 00:23:49.619 these two 00:23:49.619 --> 00:23:50.599 great errors 00:23:50.599 --> 00:23:51.379 that churches 00:23:51.379 --> 00:23:51.980 make in this 00:23:51.980 --> 00:23:52.259 connection. 00:23:52.399 --> 00:23:52.799 One is the 00:23:52.799 --> 00:23:53.200 error of 00:23:53.200 --> 00:23:54.179 ignoring Satan 00:23:54.179 --> 00:23:55.599 and laughing 00:23:55.599 --> 00:23:56.039 at him. 00:23:56.099 --> 00:23:56.740 You think of 00:23:56.740 --> 00:23:57.359 this kind of 00:23:57.359 --> 00:23:58.139 horn-headed, 00:23:58.359 --> 00:23:59.059 fork-carrying, 00:23:59.200 --> 00:23:59.919 spiky-tailed 00:23:59.919 --> 00:24:00.939 monster that 00:24:00.940 --> 00:24:01.740 really is a 00:24:01.740 --> 00:24:02.140 laughable 00:24:02.140 --> 00:24:02.880 figment of 00:24:02.880 --> 00:24:03.420 imagination, 00:24:03.580 --> 00:24:03.960 a cartoon 00:24:03.960 --> 00:24:04.500 character. 00:24:05.259 --> 00:24:05.580 Will God 00:24:05.580 --> 00:24:05.940 help you 00:24:05.940 --> 00:24:06.140 if you 00:24:06.140 --> 00:24:06.460 think it's 00:24:06.460 --> 00:24:06.660 that? 00:24:09.340 --> 00:24:09.900 But the 00:24:09.900 --> 00:24:10.539 other extreme 00:24:10.539 --> 00:24:11.320 is that there 00:24:11.320 --> 00:24:11.740 are people, 00:24:11.799 --> 00:24:11.980 aren't there, 00:24:12.000 --> 00:24:12.380 they become 00:24:12.380 --> 00:24:13.220 more Satan 00:24:13.220 --> 00:24:14.240 conscious than 00:24:14.240 --> 00:24:15.259 God conscious. 00:24:17.480 --> 00:24:17.980 And the 00:24:17.980 --> 00:24:18.640 whole balance 00:24:18.640 --> 00:24:18.960 and the 00:24:18.960 --> 00:24:19.539 emphasis in the 00:24:19.539 --> 00:24:20.019 New Testament 00:24:20.019 --> 00:24:21.039 is that in 00:24:21.039 --> 00:24:21.620 Jesus Christ 00:24:21.620 --> 00:24:21.980 there is 00:24:21.980 --> 00:24:22.600 victory not 00:24:22.600 --> 00:24:23.180 only over 00:24:23.180 --> 00:24:23.799 Satan, 00:24:25.039 --> 00:24:25.559 but over 00:24:25.559 --> 00:24:26.160 Satan and 00:24:26.160 --> 00:24:26.680 all his 00:24:26.680 --> 00:24:26.980 kingdom. 00:24:26.980 --> 00:24:30.539 There's a 00:24:30.539 --> 00:24:30.759 beautiful 00:24:30.759 --> 00:24:31.660 illustration of 00:24:31.660 --> 00:24:32.440 this in the 00:24:32.440 --> 00:24:32.839 Old Testament 00:24:32.839 --> 00:24:33.420 tucked away. 00:24:34.279 --> 00:24:34.759 Let's think of 00:24:34.759 --> 00:24:35.640 that lovely 00:24:35.640 --> 00:24:36.480 little story of 00:24:36.480 --> 00:24:37.400 Elisha's servant 00:24:37.400 --> 00:24:38.720 at Dothan. 00:24:39.779 --> 00:24:40.640 And Elisha's 00:24:40.640 --> 00:24:41.400 servant comes to 00:24:41.400 --> 00:24:42.299 his master and 00:24:42.299 --> 00:24:43.079 he sees, 00:24:43.200 --> 00:24:43.920 outside their 00:24:43.920 --> 00:24:44.920 little bungalow, 00:24:45.240 --> 00:24:46.700 he sees the 00:24:46.700 --> 00:24:47.400 host of the 00:24:47.400 --> 00:24:48.140 Midianite army 00:24:48.140 --> 00:24:49.980 surrounding the 00:24:49.980 --> 00:24:50.279 whole of the 00:24:50.279 --> 00:24:50.519 mountain. 00:24:51.839 --> 00:24:52.579 He sees the 00:24:52.579 --> 00:24:53.779 enemy, he sees 00:24:53.779 --> 00:24:54.660 the horses and 00:24:54.660 --> 00:24:55.319 the chariots, 00:24:55.319 --> 00:24:56.419 and Elisha 00:24:56.419 --> 00:24:57.339 says to him, 00:24:57.599 --> 00:24:58.139 he says, 00:24:58.259 --> 00:24:59.720 more are they 00:24:59.720 --> 00:25:00.819 that are for 00:25:00.819 --> 00:25:02.559 us than be 00:25:02.559 --> 00:25:02.960 for them. 00:25:04.700 --> 00:25:05.359 Elisha's servant 00:25:05.359 --> 00:25:06.179 goes back out 00:25:06.179 --> 00:25:06.619 and he looks 00:25:06.619 --> 00:25:07.039 back at the 00:25:07.039 --> 00:25:07.639 mountainside and 00:25:07.639 --> 00:25:08.639 it's filled with 00:25:08.639 --> 00:25:09.759 the horses and 00:25:09.759 --> 00:25:10.639 the chariots of 00:25:10.639 --> 00:25:11.980 the enemy and 00:25:11.980 --> 00:25:12.799 he runs back to 00:25:12.799 --> 00:25:14.359 Elisha and he 00:25:14.359 --> 00:25:14.899 says to Elisha, 00:25:14.980 --> 00:25:15.939 will you not 00:25:15.939 --> 00:25:17.000 look at reality, 00:25:17.200 --> 00:25:17.399 man? 00:25:19.039 --> 00:25:19.919 And Elisha 00:25:19.919 --> 00:25:20.639 prays to see, 00:25:20.700 --> 00:25:21.159 he prays, 00:25:21.240 --> 00:25:21.379 Lord, 00:25:21.480 --> 00:25:22.000 open the 00:25:22.000 --> 00:25:22.519 mountain's 00:25:22.519 --> 00:25:22.779 eyes. 00:25:22.779 --> 00:25:25.099 And then 00:25:25.099 --> 00:25:25.519 the young man 00:25:25.519 --> 00:25:25.940 goes back 00:25:25.940 --> 00:25:26.660 outside and 00:25:26.660 --> 00:25:27.279 he opens his 00:25:27.279 --> 00:25:27.980 eyes and 00:25:27.980 --> 00:25:28.720 when he opens 00:25:28.720 --> 00:25:29.720 his eyes, 00:25:29.819 --> 00:25:30.259 well, God 00:25:30.259 --> 00:25:30.759 opens his 00:25:30.759 --> 00:25:31.119 eyes, 00:25:32.220 --> 00:25:32.920 he sees that 00:25:32.920 --> 00:25:33.259 the mountain 00:25:33.259 --> 00:25:33.859 is full of 00:25:33.859 --> 00:25:34.279 the horses 00:25:34.279 --> 00:25:34.779 and the 00:25:34.779 --> 00:25:35.259 chariots of 00:25:35.259 --> 00:25:35.599 the Lord. 00:25:37.000 --> 00:25:37.420 And there 00:25:37.420 --> 00:25:37.799 are more 00:25:37.799 --> 00:25:38.299 of the horses 00:25:38.299 --> 00:25:38.779 and the 00:25:38.779 --> 00:25:39.559 chariots and 00:25:39.559 --> 00:25:39.980 the angels 00:25:39.980 --> 00:25:40.599 of the Lord, 00:25:41.099 --> 00:25:41.899 more of 00:25:41.899 --> 00:25:42.440 they that 00:25:42.440 --> 00:25:43.660 be for us 00:25:43.660 --> 00:25:45.059 than they 00:25:45.059 --> 00:25:45.460 that be for 00:25:45.460 --> 00:25:45.680 them. 00:25:46.839 --> 00:25:47.420 God's victory 00:25:47.420 --> 00:25:48.039 was glorious 00:25:48.039 --> 00:25:48.480 that day. 00:25:50.519 --> 00:25:50.819 The apostle 00:25:50.819 --> 00:25:51.460 John says, 00:25:51.460 --> 00:25:52.120 greater is 00:25:52.120 --> 00:25:53.380 he that 00:25:53.380 --> 00:25:53.740 is in 00:25:53.740 --> 00:25:54.279 you 00:25:54.279 --> 00:25:56.340 than he 00:25:56.340 --> 00:25:56.620 was in 00:25:56.620 --> 00:25:56.720 the 00:25:56.720 --> 00:25:57.019 world. 00:26:00.319 --> 00:26:00.759 Now 00:26:00.759 --> 00:26:01.220 that's the 00:26:01.220 --> 00:26:01.759 strategy of 00:26:01.759 --> 00:26:02.140 Jesus. 00:26:03.819 --> 00:26:04.100 Therefore, 00:26:04.200 --> 00:26:04.579 he's dealt 00:26:04.579 --> 00:26:04.960 with our 00:26:04.960 --> 00:26:05.340 foe, 00:26:05.420 --> 00:26:05.660 with our 00:26:05.660 --> 00:26:05.920 enemy, 00:26:06.039 --> 00:26:06.259 and so 00:26:06.259 --> 00:26:06.539 Martin 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:06.799 Luther 00:26:06.799 --> 00:26:07.180 says, 00:26:07.519 --> 00:26:07.980 a word 00:26:07.980 --> 00:26:08.200 shall 00:26:08.200 --> 00:26:08.519 quickly 00:26:08.519 --> 00:26:08.980 slay 00:26:08.980 --> 00:26:09.240 him. 00:26:11.400 --> 00:26:11.819 Last 00:26:11.819 --> 00:26:11.960 thing, 00:26:12.039 --> 00:26:12.500 what's the 00:26:12.500 --> 00:26:13.039 final outcome 00:26:13.039 --> 00:26:13.380 of this 00:26:13.380 --> 00:26:13.640 war? 00:26:14.980 --> 00:26:15.519 What's the 00:26:15.519 --> 00:26:16.100 final outcome 00:26:16.100 --> 00:26:16.420 of this 00:26:16.420 --> 00:26:16.759 war? 00:26:17.740 --> 00:26:18.019 Well, 00:26:18.039 --> 00:26:18.480 the indication 00:26:18.480 --> 00:26:18.880 is given 00:26:18.880 --> 00:26:19.220 in this 00:26:19.220 --> 00:26:19.700 illustration 00:26:19.700 --> 00:26:20.259 is given 00:26:20.259 --> 00:26:20.579 in verse 00:26:20.579 --> 00:26:21.079 22. 00:26:21.460 --> 00:26:22.620 The casting 00:26:22.620 --> 00:26:22.940 out of 00:26:22.940 --> 00:26:23.180 every 00:26:23.180 --> 00:26:23.500 demon. 00:26:25.100 --> 00:26:25.660 The final 00:26:25.660 --> 00:26:26.140 outcome is 00:26:26.140 --> 00:26:26.519 simply 00:26:26.519 --> 00:26:27.360 foreshadowed 00:26:27.360 --> 00:26:27.740 again and 00:26:27.740 --> 00:26:28.120 again through 00:26:28.120 --> 00:26:28.559 the gospel. 00:26:30.160 --> 00:26:30.480 That it 00:26:30.480 --> 00:26:30.920 will be at 00:26:30.920 --> 00:26:31.279 the coming 00:26:31.279 --> 00:26:31.680 of our 00:26:31.680 --> 00:26:32.200 saviour 00:26:32.200 --> 00:26:32.779 when Satan 00:26:32.779 --> 00:26:33.100 will not 00:26:33.100 --> 00:26:33.400 only be 00:26:33.400 --> 00:26:33.740 defeated, 00:26:33.880 --> 00:26:34.539 but destroyed. 00:26:37.420 --> 00:26:37.620 And so 00:26:37.620 --> 00:26:37.960 the last 00:26:37.960 --> 00:26:38.420 issue is, 00:26:38.480 --> 00:26:38.860 I think for 00:26:38.860 --> 00:26:39.160 you and I 00:26:39.160 --> 00:26:39.519 this morning, 00:26:39.680 --> 00:26:40.220 is we've 00:26:40.220 --> 00:26:40.440 got to 00:26:40.440 --> 00:26:40.700 decide 00:26:40.700 --> 00:26:41.420 whose 00:26:41.420 --> 00:26:41.680 side 00:26:41.680 --> 00:26:41.860 you're 00:26:41.860 --> 00:26:42.079 on. 00:26:44.660 --> 00:26:45.059 Because 00:26:45.059 --> 00:26:45.380 whether you 00:26:45.380 --> 00:26:45.840 like it 00:26:45.840 --> 00:26:46.319 or not, 00:26:46.380 --> 00:26:46.700 we're all 00:26:46.700 --> 00:26:47.440 engaged in 00:26:47.440 --> 00:26:48.480 the fight 00:26:48.480 --> 00:26:48.980 this morning. 00:26:48.980 --> 00:26:51.120 how do 00:26:51.120 --> 00:26:51.440 I know 00:26:51.440 --> 00:26:52.519 we're on 00:26:52.519 --> 00:26:52.779 the right 00:26:52.779 --> 00:26:52.980 side? 00:26:53.079 --> 00:26:53.160 Well, 00:26:53.160 --> 00:26:53.319 Jesus 00:26:53.319 --> 00:26:53.680 gives you 00:26:53.680 --> 00:26:53.900 three 00:26:53.900 --> 00:26:54.400 indications. 00:26:54.640 --> 00:26:55.200 Verse 30, 00:26:56.960 --> 00:26:57.480 the first 00:26:57.480 --> 00:26:58.059 is by the 00:26:58.059 --> 00:26:58.579 commitment we 00:26:58.579 --> 00:26:58.880 show. 00:27:01.400 --> 00:27:02.059 The second 00:27:02.059 --> 00:27:02.420 side, 00:27:02.680 --> 00:27:03.460 the sign 00:27:03.460 --> 00:27:03.660 we're on 00:27:03.660 --> 00:27:03.900 the right 00:27:03.900 --> 00:27:04.279 side is in 00:27:04.279 --> 00:27:04.880 verse 33, 00:27:05.019 --> 00:27:05.220 it's the 00:27:05.220 --> 00:27:05.720 fruit that we 00:27:05.720 --> 00:27:06.039 bear. 00:27:07.920 --> 00:27:08.259 And the 00:27:08.259 --> 00:27:08.680 third is in 00:27:08.680 --> 00:27:09.360 verse 34, 00:27:09.480 --> 00:27:09.940 following the 00:27:09.940 --> 00:27:10.360 words that we 00:27:10.360 --> 00:27:10.559 speak. 00:27:10.620 --> 00:27:11.180 Let's take 00:27:11.180 --> 00:27:11.440 them in 00:27:11.440 --> 00:27:11.940 reverse order. 00:27:12.299 --> 00:27:12.640 You will 00:27:12.640 --> 00:27:12.960 know them 00:27:12.960 --> 00:27:13.220 by the 00:27:13.220 --> 00:27:13.620 words they 00:27:13.620 --> 00:27:13.900 speak. 00:27:13.980 --> 00:27:14.559 Verse 34, 00:27:14.559 --> 00:27:16.119 you brood 00:27:16.119 --> 00:27:16.559 of vipers, 00:27:16.639 --> 00:27:16.940 you bunch 00:27:16.940 --> 00:27:17.419 of snakes, 00:27:18.039 --> 00:27:18.579 how can you 00:27:18.579 --> 00:27:19.059 speak good 00:27:19.059 --> 00:27:19.399 when you're 00:27:19.399 --> 00:27:19.659 evil, 00:27:19.779 --> 00:27:20.259 for out of 00:27:20.259 --> 00:27:20.940 the abundance 00:27:20.940 --> 00:27:21.259 of the 00:27:21.259 --> 00:27:21.799 hearts the 00:27:21.799 --> 00:27:22.799 mouth speaks. 00:27:24.399 --> 00:27:24.799 He goes 00:27:24.799 --> 00:27:25.200 on to speak 00:27:25.200 --> 00:27:25.419 about the 00:27:25.419 --> 00:27:25.779 significance 00:27:25.779 --> 00:27:26.039 of the 00:27:26.039 --> 00:27:26.279 tongue, 00:27:26.559 --> 00:27:26.859 and the 00:27:26.859 --> 00:27:27.200 words we 00:27:27.200 --> 00:27:27.460 speak, 00:27:27.519 --> 00:27:27.679 and the 00:27:27.679 --> 00:27:27.980 things we 00:27:27.980 --> 00:27:28.139 say. 00:27:28.220 --> 00:27:28.419 Why? 00:27:29.039 --> 00:27:29.259 Well, 00:27:29.299 --> 00:27:30.099 because the 00:27:30.099 --> 00:27:30.460 words we 00:27:30.460 --> 00:27:30.859 say are 00:27:30.859 --> 00:27:31.339 an index 00:27:31.339 --> 00:27:31.679 of our 00:27:31.679 --> 00:27:32.000 heart. 00:27:34.119 --> 00:27:34.379 And so 00:27:34.379 --> 00:27:34.859 remember that 00:27:34.859 --> 00:27:35.259 every time 00:27:35.259 --> 00:27:35.759 this week, 00:27:36.299 --> 00:27:36.639 when you're 00:27:36.639 --> 00:27:37.240 tempted to 00:27:37.240 --> 00:27:37.519 let a 00:27:37.519 --> 00:27:37.940 careless, 00:27:38.220 --> 00:27:38.779 Christless, 00:27:38.940 --> 00:27:39.339 godless 00:27:39.339 --> 00:27:39.940 word out of 00:27:39.940 --> 00:27:40.319 your lips. 00:27:42.099 --> 00:27:42.659 That by 00:27:42.659 --> 00:27:43.940 your words 00:27:43.940 --> 00:27:44.420 will you 00:27:44.420 --> 00:27:44.620 be 00:27:44.620 --> 00:27:45.039 acquitted, 00:27:46.400 --> 00:27:46.799 and by 00:27:46.799 --> 00:27:47.440 your words 00:27:47.440 --> 00:27:47.680 will you 00:27:47.680 --> 00:27:47.840 be 00:27:47.840 --> 00:27:48.259 condemned. 00:27:50.160 --> 00:27:50.559 Secondly, 00:27:50.660 --> 00:27:50.840 it's a 00:27:50.840 --> 00:27:51.120 fruit we 00:27:51.120 --> 00:27:51.320 bear, 00:27:51.380 --> 00:27:52.200 verse 33, 00:27:53.220 --> 00:27:53.580 I either 00:27:53.580 --> 00:27:53.940 make the 00:27:53.940 --> 00:27:54.420 tree good 00:27:54.420 --> 00:27:54.740 and its 00:27:54.740 --> 00:27:55.299 fruit bad, 00:27:55.360 --> 00:27:55.580 or make 00:27:55.580 --> 00:27:55.840 the tree 00:27:55.840 --> 00:27:56.400 bad and 00:27:56.400 --> 00:27:56.799 its fruit 00:27:56.799 --> 00:27:57.180 bad, 00:27:57.420 --> 00:27:57.779 for the 00:27:57.779 --> 00:27:58.160 tree is 00:27:58.160 --> 00:27:58.539 known by 00:27:58.539 --> 00:27:58.980 its fruit. 00:28:00.120 --> 00:28:00.600 How do 00:28:00.600 --> 00:28:00.779 you know 00:28:00.779 --> 00:28:01.299 inside your 00:28:01.299 --> 00:28:01.539 arm? 00:28:02.900 --> 00:28:03.380 By the 00:28:03.380 --> 00:28:03.779 words you 00:28:03.779 --> 00:28:04.160 speak, 00:28:05.080 --> 00:28:05.740 by the 00:28:05.740 --> 00:28:06.059 fruit you 00:28:06.059 --> 00:28:06.559 bear in 00:28:06.559 --> 00:28:07.019 your life, 00:28:08.180 --> 00:28:08.600 in terms 00:28:08.600 --> 00:28:09.140 of character. 00:28:11.200 --> 00:28:11.759 And here's 00:28:11.759 --> 00:28:12.160 the last 00:28:12.160 --> 00:28:12.360 thing, 00:28:12.480 --> 00:28:12.759 which in a 00:28:12.759 --> 00:28:13.100 sense is 00:28:13.100 --> 00:28:13.460 the first, 00:28:13.460 --> 00:28:14.200 it is by 00:28:14.200 --> 00:28:14.340 your 00:28:14.340 --> 00:28:14.600 commitment 00:28:14.600 --> 00:28:15.019 we 00:28:15.019 --> 00:28:15.180 shall. 00:28:15.259 --> 00:28:15.400 Look at 00:28:15.400 --> 00:28:15.960 verse 30. 00:28:19.019 --> 00:28:19.720 Whoever is 00:28:19.720 --> 00:28:20.340 not with 00:28:20.340 --> 00:28:20.779 me is 00:28:20.779 --> 00:28:21.380 against me, 00:28:21.480 --> 00:28:21.840 and whoever 00:28:21.840 --> 00:28:22.319 does not 00:28:22.319 --> 00:28:22.799 gather with 00:28:22.799 --> 00:28:23.000 me, 00:28:23.059 --> 00:28:23.440 statters. 00:28:25.660 --> 00:28:25.980 And the 00:28:25.980 --> 00:28:26.480 evidence of 00:28:26.480 --> 00:28:26.779 being on 00:28:26.779 --> 00:28:27.299 the Lord's 00:28:27.299 --> 00:28:27.700 side, 00:28:28.240 --> 00:28:29.600 and the 00:28:29.600 --> 00:28:30.100 evidence of 00:28:30.100 --> 00:28:30.519 being on 00:28:30.519 --> 00:28:30.819 the Lord's 00:28:30.819 --> 00:28:31.059 side is 00:28:31.059 --> 00:28:31.319 that we're 00:28:31.319 --> 00:28:31.700 with him. 00:28:34.600 --> 00:28:34.880 And so 00:28:34.880 --> 00:28:35.140 can I 00:28:35.140 --> 00:28:36.180 ask you to 00:28:36.180 --> 00:28:36.799 imagine this 00:28:36.799 --> 00:28:37.200 morning that 00:28:37.200 --> 00:28:37.480 the Lord 00:28:37.480 --> 00:28:38.180 Jesus Christ 00:28:38.180 --> 00:28:39.500 is walking 00:28:39.500 --> 00:28:39.960 around this 00:28:39.960 --> 00:28:40.220 room, 00:28:40.220 --> 00:28:42.519 and he 00:28:42.519 --> 00:28:43.039 goes round 00:28:43.039 --> 00:28:43.839 chair by 00:28:43.839 --> 00:28:44.420 chair, 00:28:45.039 --> 00:28:46.660 through the 00:28:46.660 --> 00:28:46.980 whole of 00:28:46.980 --> 00:28:47.440 the gathering 00:28:47.440 --> 00:28:47.759 and he 00:28:47.759 --> 00:28:49.240 says these 00:28:49.240 --> 00:28:49.860 five words, 00:28:49.920 --> 00:28:50.400 he says, 00:28:50.600 --> 00:28:51.240 with me 00:28:51.240 --> 00:28:53.160 or against 00:28:53.160 --> 00:28:53.519 me. 00:28:55.180 --> 00:28:56.039 He stops 00:28:56.039 --> 00:28:56.420 in every 00:28:56.420 --> 00:28:56.759 chair, 00:28:56.880 --> 00:28:57.519 with me 00:28:57.519 --> 00:28:59.440 or against 00:28:59.440 --> 00:28:59.839 me. 00:28:59.839 --> 00:29:02.519 because that 00:29:02.519 --> 00:29:02.899 is the 00:29:02.899 --> 00:29:03.119 issue, 00:29:03.240 --> 00:29:03.439 nothing 00:29:03.439 --> 00:29:04.259 matters more 00:29:04.259 --> 00:29:05.899 than the 00:29:05.899 --> 00:29:06.439 level of 00:29:06.439 --> 00:29:06.659 our 00:29:06.659 --> 00:29:07.000 commitment 00:29:07.000 --> 00:29:07.759 to Jesus 00:29:07.759 --> 00:29:08.159 Christ. 00:29:09.679 --> 00:29:10.199 Nothing. 00:29:11.740 --> 00:29:12.259 And how 00:29:12.259 --> 00:29:12.759 the war 00:29:12.759 --> 00:29:13.879 goes here 00:29:13.879 --> 00:29:14.559 in this 00:29:14.559 --> 00:29:14.859 place, 00:29:14.939 --> 00:29:15.379 which will 00:29:15.379 --> 00:29:15.779 largely 00:29:15.779 --> 00:29:16.619 depend upon 00:29:16.619 --> 00:29:16.899 that. 00:29:19.919 --> 00:29:20.279 And may 00:29:20.279 --> 00:29:20.720 God help 00:29:20.720 --> 00:29:21.379 us that we 00:29:21.379 --> 00:29:22.119 would have 00:29:22.119 --> 00:29:23.699 such clarity 00:29:23.699 --> 00:29:24.199 in our 00:29:24.199 --> 00:29:24.799 lives, 00:29:25.639 --> 00:29:27.099 that nobody 00:29:27.099 --> 00:29:27.679 could possibly 00:29:27.679 --> 00:29:28.240 mistake which 00:29:28.240 --> 00:29:28.619 side we're 00:29:28.619 --> 00:29:28.819 on. 00:29:29.839 --> 00:29:32.240 Let's 00:29:32.240 --> 00:29:32.439 pray.