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Seven "Christian" demons or "holy" devils.
"When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first" (Luke 11:24-26).
Through faith in the Word of God and in the shed blood of Calvary a man (re)turns to the Lord Jesus with all his heart, and by the Word of God, in the power of the Holy Spirit, the demon dwelling in him, which he had mostly obeyed, is cast out. Alleluia! So this man's inner being was completely cleansed in the blood of Jesus, and, in due time it was garnished with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This man became a Christian.
But this exorcised demon of worldly lust, of worldly desires (1 John 2:16), that used to dwell in him, returns because it longs to live in its former "house" again. But this person, in whom this demon used to dwell, now has been cleansed spiritually; he now is a Christian obedient to the Word, and even baptized with God's Spirit! And, one would expect that such a worldly spirit like this demon, which is very rebellious and hostile towards God, would find no more entry into the life of this Christian. But, if it would succeed, it could defile this life again with its presence, so that the Spirit of God would eventually have to leave this person. But then this demon would have to act very, very cunningly! For this person does not want to behave in an unchristian way. And, because this demon knows it, it will tolerate that Christian behavior. But, it goes away to get seven other demons to help it to stalk and repossess the "house" (namely the heart) it used to live in. These seven other demons are more cunning that the first one. The first one is very rebellious towards God, but the others act in a sneakier way. All seven of them wear a white, "Christian" robe. And this robe gives them a "Christian" look, whereby they are accepted easier by Christians. In this way the old demon returns to this Christian, hidden amongst these seven "Christian" demons.
Unfortunately (too) many Christians think that, after the (inward) renewal by the Word and the Holy Ghost, nothing can happen to them anymore. God Himself delivered them from the "old man" after all, they think. Let us study more closely the work of these seven "Christian" demons, one by one. God's Word revealed them in Luke 12.
The first demon: the "Eye of men".
The first demon is called "Eye of men", and it is all too eager to point out fellow brothers and sisters, neighbors, or people we work with at the office or at the factory, and it whispers in our ear:
"Now that you have repented you must behave like a Christian, for it is written that as a Christian you must labor worthy of that repentance. So, especially see to it, that the people you see daily, do not see you play around. Wrong words and/or deeds, you tend to do in weakness. Therefore cover these carefully, and show yourself as a tough follower of Christ. If you are alone or in strange surroundings or abroad, where no knows you, then it does not matter."
Brother and sister, do you hear these whisperings in your ear too? Then rebuke this demon "Eye of men". Bind it in the Name of Jesus, and cast it out in that same Name, in outer darkness where it belongs! Have nothing to do with "Eye of men". You only have to heed the (all seeing) eye of God! You have not repented unto people, but unto God. It is not your attitude towards people which is decisive, but it is your attitude towards God. We should please our Lord Jesus Christ in everything.
This demon distracts us from our wonderful Savior, and draws our attention to the people. If we let ourselves be deceived by it, then our Christian life will be a game of hide-and-seek between you and your acquaintances, between you and your brothers and sisters. Therefore God's Spirit will have to leave you, because you cannot hear His divine voice, which wants you to focus your whole being on your Redeemer and Savior, anymore. And this Christian demon of hypocrisy will take possession of your heart and will dwell in it in the place of the Holy Spirit. This "Christian" demon in us will see to it that we wear a "Christian" mask when we are near acquaintances, but especially in the presence of the leader, and in the (congregational) meetings. You will behave just like the Pharisees and the lawyers. And because you have become so keen on what people think of you, it goes without saying that you will seek the honor, and thus the appreciation, of people, for in their eyes you want to be a good, blessed Christian. And this praise of people will see to it, that deep in our heart, the old pride we have come to detest so when we repented, will rear its head again. It was because of pride in the Pharisees that they took the prominent seats in the synagogue and loved the greetings in the markets.
Again, brother and sister, do not let yourselves be deceived by "Eye of men", for one day, on the day of judgment, every person will know what you thought in the depths of your own heart; or what you spoke, even if it was in your inner room.
Luke 12 verse 1-3: "In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, in-somuch that they trod one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven (symbol of sin that spreads) of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops."
Let us see to it that we be delivered from "Eye of men", before we are called to justice; otherwise it shall be our accuser before God and let Him know that you have always obeyed and served it!
The second demon: "Fear of men".
Luke 12 verse 4-7: "And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings (coins of little value), and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows."
The second demon is called "Fear of men". It will see to it that you will see your unconverted neighbors as giants, having a finger in many pies; whom you are to fear. This same demon influenced ten of the twelve spies of Israel (see Numbers 13). It also is all too eager to incite our tongue, that unruly evil, to gossip and other evil (see James 3:1-18). Let us see what all it whispers in our ear:
"Be very careful to whom you proclaim the gospel; for you know that God's Word speaks of "casting pearls before swine", and that these swine can turn around and tear you to pieces... Such people do not understand you anyway, and you will become an object of mockery and scorn, and surely you don't want that; what a disgrace that would be! Be very careful that you do not talk too much to people about the gospel; they might call you a fanatic (namely a religious fanatic), or even religiously deranged! Imagine them telling your boss. You most certainly would come into his bad books! No, always be sober about witnessing for Jesus. The Holy Spirit will send people to you, who (like) to listen to you, and ask you to tell them more about the gospel. I think it would be better to be quiet about it yourself. For this way you will always be accepted by people. Why should you make more enemies than is necessary? The Lord chose you to hear, and accept, the gospel... and you are saved thereby. That is wonderful! Certainly the Lord will also draw others He has chosen thereto. After all He said: "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit will it happen!" So leave it to His Spirit, do not do it yourself... Rather testify, if that is what you want, in the church, among your brothers and sisters; they at least will understand..."
This way "Fear of men" will draw away your attention from (the ALmighty) Jesus; and will show you the power and might of the worldly people; and also their unrepentant attitude. But, my brother and sister, do remember this well: our testimony of Jesus should not in any way be dependent on that. We are to completely focus on the Holy Ghost! We must labor according to His will, and testify in His strength. He (i.e. the Holy Spirit) will then glorify the Lord Jesus through us. He will not bring people to us, but will lead us to people and places where we must speak in the Name of Jesus, and testify of Him. Even if this person is our boss at work or at the factory; even if they are highly placed people. We must not (and may not) be ashamed of the gospel! Shame for Jesus and His gospel message is the deceitful poison "Fear of men" pours into our hearts. For we (must) know that the Holy Spirit, in all circumstances and with all people, will give us wisdom and thus the right words in our mouth; but for this our attitude must be like that of every Christian, namely that we are saved to save others. We must learn to understand the gentle prodding of the Spirit at this point, and learn to develop the gifts of ministry given to us. So He will lead us on our way (of life) in the first place to always be a witness of Jesus through our conduct, but also, at His command and with His guidance, testify of Him.
Finally, the demon "Fear of men" can put so much fear to testify in our heart that we, because of this fear, not only will be quiet about our faith, but that we even will deny our Savior, when the people ask us about our religious denomination!
The second demon is called "Fear of men". It will see to it that you will see your unconverted neighbors as giants, having a finger in many pies; whom you are to fear. This same demon influenced ten of the twelve spies of Israel (see Numbers 13). It also is all too eager to incite our tongue, that unruly evil, to gossip and other evil (see James 3:1-18). Let us see what all it whispers in our ear:
"Be very careful to whom you proclaim the gospel; for you know that God's Word speaks of "casting pearls before swine", and that these swine can turn around and tear you to pieces... Such people do not understand you anyway, and you will become an object of mockery and scorn, and surely you don't want that; what a disgrace that would be! Be very careful that you do not talk too much to people about the gospel; they might call you a fanatic (namely a religious fanatic), or even religiously deranged! Imagine them telling your boss. You most certainly would come into his bad books! No, always be sober about witnessing for Jesus. The Holy Spirit will send people to you, who (like) to listen to you, and ask you to tell them more about the gospel. I think it would be better to be quiet about it yourself. For this way you will always be accepted by people. Why should you make more enemies than is necessary? The Lord chose you to hear, and accept, the gospel... and you are saved thereby. That is wonderful! Certainly the Lord will also draw others He has chosen thereto. After all He said: "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit will it happen!" So leave it to His Spirit, do not do it yourself... Rather testify, if that is what you want, in the church, among your brothers and sisters; they at least will understand..."
This way "Fear of men" will draw away your attention from (the ALmighty) Jesus; and will show you the power and might of the worldly people; and also their unrepentant attitude. But, my brother and sister, do remember this well: our testimony of Jesus should not in any way be dependent on that. We are to completely focus on the Holy Ghost! We must labor according to His will, and testify in His strength. He (i.e. the Holy Spirit) will then glorify the Lord Jesus through us. He will not bring people to us, but will lead us to people and places where we must speak in the Name of Jesus, and testify of Him. Even if this person is our boss at work or at the factory; even if they are highly placed people. We must not (and may not) be ashamed of the gospel! Shame for Jesus and His gospel message is the deceitful poison "Fear of men" pours into our hearts. For we (must) know that the Holy Spirit, in all circumstances and with all people, will give us wisdom and thus the right words in our mouth; but for this our attitude must be like that of every Christian, namely that we are saved to save others. We must learn to understand the gentle prodding of the Spirit at this point, and learn to develop the gifts of ministry given to us. So He will lead us on our way (of life) in the first place to always be a witness of Jesus through our conduct, but also, at His command and with His guidance, testify of Him.
Finally, the demon "Fear of men" can put so much fear to testify in our heart that we, because of this fear, not only will be quiet about our faith, but that we even will deny our Savior, when the people ask us about our religious denomination!
Luke 12 verse 8-9: "Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God."
Let us therefore never again look to people, but only focus on the Lord Jesus. We should not (want to) be men pleasers... but God pleasers! Let us plead with Him prayerfully to fill us so with His Holy Spirit, that God's Word be in us like a fire that will blaze up in us into an unstoppable flame of love unto salvation and healing of souls. And, if we are thus on fire for Him, He will make us irresistible witnesses by the great compassion for souls He has poured out into our hearts. All power and love to witness, all gifts of ministry come from the Lord Jesus Christ. It is because of that that He told His disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they would have received the power to witness from above; and this power and gifts (of ministry) we will only receive when we are truly filled with His Holy Spirit.
When we have received the baptism with the Spirit – and this is only really so when the biblical seal of new tongues proves it – then let us not leave it there, but ask God's Holy Spirit for more anointing and power to testify of Jesus, that we, without resisting Him, can be send out into His field of labor on account of the loving urge of the indwelling Holy Spirit. And this, purely and solely for the salvation of lost souls and for the edification – namely increase, in numbers, but especially in spiritual depth – of the Body of Christ.
Not only will "Fear of men" keep us from speaking, so that we hardly or not dare to testify of Him to this humanity which is becoming increasingly more sinful; but it may get to the point that we deny our beloved Savior, when socially higher placed persons inquire after our denomination; most certainly if this may cost us our job (or worse). We also may be so filled with intense fear by it towards people (who think differently), that we finally may join the mockers of the gospel. At first we will join in the laughter, but in the long run we will mock as well... It is something the Lord will never forgive, because this is an unforgivable sin: namely the sin against the Holy Spirit! In the light of the grace of Jesus one will then have trespassed in the Holy of holies...
Let us therefore never again look to people, but only focus on the Lord Jesus. We should not (want to) be men pleasers... but God pleasers! Let us plead with Him prayerfully to fill us so with His Holy Spirit, that God's Word be in us like a fire that will blaze up in us into an unstoppable flame of love unto salvation and healing of souls. And, if we are thus on fire for Him, He will make us irresistible witnesses by the great compassion for souls He has poured out into our hearts. All power and love to witness, all gifts of ministry come from the Lord Jesus Christ. It is because of that that He told His disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they would have received the power to witness from above; and this power and gifts (of ministry) we will only receive when we are truly filled with His Holy Spirit.
When we have received the baptism with the Spirit – and this is only really so when the biblical seal of new tongues proves it – then let us not leave it there, but ask God's Holy Spirit for more anointing and power to testify of Jesus, that we, without resisting Him, can be send out into His field of labor on account of the loving urge of the indwelling Holy Spirit. And this, purely and solely for the salvation of lost souls and for the edification – namely increase, in numbers, but especially in spiritual depth – of the Body of Christ.
Not only will "Fear of men" keep us from speaking, so that we hardly or not dare to testify of Him to this humanity which is becoming increasingly more sinful; but it may get to the point that we deny our beloved Savior, when socially higher placed persons inquire after our denomination; most certainly if this may cost us our job (or worse). We also may be so filled with intense fear by it towards people (who think differently), that we finally may join the mockers of the gospel. At first we will join in the laughter, but in the long run we will mock as well... It is something the Lord will never forgive, because this is an unforgivable sin: namely the sin against the Holy Spirit! In the light of the grace of Jesus one will then have trespassed in the Holy of holies...
Luke 12 verse 10: "And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven."
A permanent hardening will take place in such a heart, and there will not be the slightest form of remorse, and in his heart no desire will arise for a restored relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
"Fear of men" will be especially active in times of persecution. Before these difficult times will begin, let us already have learned to walk in His fullness and according to His wonderful Word and infallible guidance, expecting everything from Him. So that, when, and in whichever way, earthly or spiritual foes make our life miserable for us, He will deliver us out of these troubles.
Luke 12 verse 11-12: "And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say."
CLICK HERE if you want to read this study (Chapter 12) – that is to long for the Blog.
By E. van den Worm
A permanent hardening will take place in such a heart, and there will not be the slightest form of remorse, and in his heart no desire will arise for a restored relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
"Fear of men" will be especially active in times of persecution. Before these difficult times will begin, let us already have learned to walk in His fullness and according to His wonderful Word and infallible guidance, expecting everything from Him. So that, when, and in whichever way, earthly or spiritual foes make our life miserable for us, He will deliver us out of these troubles.
Luke 12 verse 11-12: "And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say."
CLICK HERE if you want to read this study (Chapter 12) – that is to long for the Blog.
By E. van den Worm
