STORYTELLER & PARABLES – A culturally relevant story “cast alongside” a truth in order to illustrate that truth

WHY PARABLES – Spiritual truths requiring spiritual discernment by the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 2:12-14)

DISARMING A STRONG MAN

“Now he was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marveled. But some of them said,”He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,” while others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them,”Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say thatI cast out demons by Beelzebul. And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” Luke 11:14-23 (ESV)

LUKE 11:14-16 “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.

• Jesus rules over all & everyone is subjectto Him! – Philippians 2:9-11

Demon __________________ VS Demon __________________

• KNOW demon possession is still real today & throughout the entire world.
• KNOW demon possession happens by a person engaging in spiritual activities void of the Spirit of God
  • Praying/talking/engaging with Satan/demons/false gods, occult worship practices, Ouija boards, fortune telling, necromancy, mediums, palm readings, Tarot cards, psychic, drug use, horoscopes, worshipping idols, witchcraft, magic, Wicca, astrology, Séances, sorcery, spells, etc. – 1 Timothy 4:1
• KNOW playing in the _____________ is spiritual quicksand – easy to get in, hard to get out – most don’t escape!

“No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?” 1 Corinthians 10:20-22 (ESV)

• KNOW you can only belong to (owned & occupied by) _____________- you either belong to God or Satan
  • If you are “empty” of God’s Spirit you are vulnerable – Luke 11:24-26
• KNOW demon oppression is where the demonic speak their native language to you -_____________– John 8:44
  • deception, discouragement, confusion, doubt, disbelief, condemnation, hatred, distrust, separation, rebellion
• This is why the _____________ of God is so important!!! – Ephesians 6:10-18

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• Many marveled, but some ______________________ – where Jesus is working there will be opposition

“If you please God, it does not matter whom you displease. And if you displease Him, it does not matter whom you please.” ― Steven J. Lawson ____________________________________________________

Those resisting Jesus did not want Him to ___________ their lives – kept holding out for even more proof

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Luke 11:21-22 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.

• Satan’s goods – “You once were ____________, but now you are ____________” – 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
• Strong & Stronger – “Greater is He who is in you…” – 1 John 4:4
• Jesus takes away Satan’s “defenses” in which he trusted – won to the winning team

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“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord ‘s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:1-3 (ESV)

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Luke 11:23 “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”

• The Creator of the universe invites you to be on mission with Him – search & rescue!

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KNOW IT:

• You have an enemy and unfortunately he’s really good at what he does – John 8:44, John 10:10, & 1 Peter 5:8
• The difference from demon possession & demon oppression

FEEL IT:

• Be honest with yourself about our own brokenness (fight pride!) – Matthew 5:3
• Have compassions for those stuck, trapped, hurting, confused, & deceived – not self-righteousness!

DO IT:

• Get God-help – Isaiah 61:1-3
• Invite others to the Good Shepherd – John 10:1-18
• Help other believers continue on the journey – let God use your journey to help others (aka discipleship)

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