Battled Scarred,but a Winner! Text: Luke 11:14-22
14And he was casting out a devil and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. 15But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils. 16And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven.17But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. 18If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. 19And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore shall they be your judges. 20But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. 21When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: 22But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his amour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
Jesus knows who His Father is; He is sure of Himself! He has no reservations, or thoughts of losing. When Christ overcame death after the cross, He said, “I declare every follower of Mine a winner and full of victory!” Although God’s word has called every believer into battle, this battle is ultimately won by steadfast Christians! Though some battles we suffer, feel weak, experience pain, and even want to give up, but at the end Christ and His followers are victories!
Here Christ is dealing with a person who has a Spirit of infirmity! Notice in vs. 14 that this man was mute or dumb, but when Jesus cast out the devil this man spoke!
Vs.14 And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, Why? Because Jesus has total authority and power over the devil!
God’s word say’s, some wondered, other’s said, “He did this miracle through Beelzebub” and other’s tempted Him saying, “Show us another sign!”
Vs.17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.
Divided in speech, in faith, in love, or in attitude- it won’t work!
Look at vs. 20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.
Notice that Christ cast out the devil with His finger! Look at Isaiah 53:1 Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
Salvation comes through God’s arm, but the devil is cast out with God’s finger!
John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Christ say’s, “I have overcome the world.” The word ‘overcome’ comes from a Greek word ‘Nikao’ meaning, a combative form of victory! This word ‘Nikao’ is found many times in the book of Revelation! (So you could say, if you are with Christ you are destined to win!)
I John 2:14 I have written to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one. ( You are combative to win!)
Psalm 34: 6-7This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles.7 The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.
21When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: 22But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his amour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
Vs.21-22 is saying, the strong one armed - The devil, strong in himself, and armed with the pride, and security of him in whom he dwells. The devil eventually takes the armor of the person who trust him, and steals this person’s possessions! The devil steals from the very person who follows him!
Psalm 27:12-13Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, And such as breathe out violence.13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.
Those who follow Christ until the end: Blessed, favored, loved, gifted, fruitful and peace now and through out eternity just to name a few! (Altar call)
