By the Finger of God – Sermon, October 14, 2012

Luke 11:14-28 (ESV)

Now he was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marveled.  [15] But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,”  [16] while others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven.  [17] But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls.  [18] And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul.  [19] And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges.  [20] But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.  [21] When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe;  [22] but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil.  [23] Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

    [24] “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’  [25] And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order.  [26] Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of that person is worse than the first.”

    [27] As he said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!”  [28] But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”