Divided Kingdom

Divided Kingdom

By Apostle Felix

25  Now, Jesus supernaturally perceived their thoughts and motives, so he confronted them by telling them this parable: “Any kingdom that fights against itself will end up in ruins. And any family or community splintered by strife will fall apart. 

Matthew 12: 25

Jesus was accused of casting out demons by Beelzebub, the prince of demons. The accusation was based on the trending practice of exorcism of the time. It was a common practice done by some individuals. The community was aware that the exorcists were using Beelzebub to practice exorcism. However, people patronized such places of exorcism because they had no other option. So, when Jesus started His ministry of teaching and preaching, the demons were exposed and were cast out for real. The Pharisees and other religious groups were infuriated with Jesus’ popularity because it infringed on theirs. In order to discredit His ministry, the Pharisees supposed Jesus was also using Beelzebub to cast out devils. And this can be a reminder to believers that not every demon manifestation is as the result of the power of God. Exorcists interact with demons, and appease them so that the victim can experience momentary relieve. This is the reason why demons manifest through the same individuals every Sunday. On the contrary, demon casting is by the finger of God. There is no interaction with demons involved but expelling them. In exorcism, it is necessary to know their names, where they came from and what their purpose is in the person. An exorcist interviews a demon spirit because he needs information on how he can appease the spirit. It is not so with demon casting. We do not need information about a demon from the demon itself. No, whether you know the name or not, cast that spirit out by the word.

One may argue, but Jesus asked the name of the demon that was in a man in a cemetery.

29  The demons screamed at Jesus, shouting, “Son of God, what do you want with us? Leave us alone! Have you come to torment us before the appointed time?” 

Matthew 8: 20-29

We have to understand some legalities that were at play. Jesus was born for the purpose of delivering man from the yoke of satan. Satan had legal rights to possess men before Jesus died and rose from the dead. They knew that their time had not yet come. However, they did not know when will that time come. The time was when she Jesus went to the cross, buried and rose from the dead.

1Jn 3:8  He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
1 John 3: 8

Jesus cast out demons by the power of God. He just commanded them to go and they did. And the people that had demons cast out of them experienced freedom and many were healed from various ailments. It was not a momentary relieve that Jesus administered to the people.

The point is, the devil cannot cast out another devil. His kingdom is not divided. The devil may appear confused and disorderly but he is not. He is well organized in his deceptive ventures. If he was disorganized and confused, his deceptive ways would have be easier to identify. It takes the Holy Spirit to discern the devils activities. This is reason why many innocent people and pastors have fallen for his deception. The Pharisees could not distinguish between the works of God and the works of the devil. They just threw everything in one basket. Conversely, today one may fail to distinguish the works of the devils from the works of God. Hence, just assume every demonstration is of God and throw everything in one basket. The devil is crafty and has been in this business of deceiving people since the fall of man. He understands his trade very well.

28  But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
29  Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. 

Matthew 12: 28, 29

How can one enter into a strong man’s house and spoil his goods? The answer to this question may give us more light on how the Spirit of God operates. Jesus was anointed of the Spirit of God and went about doing good.

38  How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. 

Acts 10: 38

The Spirit of God upon Jesus worked within the perimeters of the Word of God. Jesus never did anything that He did not hear from the FATHER. This is very paramount to understand when it comes to casting out devils. It is the manifestation of the kingdom of God that dispels the kingdom of satan. The kingdom of God is the word of God. Jesus said, repent (change of thinking) because the kingdom of God is here, Mark 1: 15. He was calling the people to adopt the thoughts of God, which is the word in order to manifest the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God, therefore, is made visible by the proclamation of the word of God. As Jesus preached and taught, the power was present to heal.

17  One day many Jewish religious leaders, known as Pharisees along with many religious scholars came from every village of Galilee, throughout Judea, and even from Jerusalem to hear Jesus teach. And the power of the Lord God surged through him to instantly heal.
Luke 5: 17

The power to heal was present because of the word. Was Jesus teaching about healing? No, he was teaching about the kingdom of God. It is not a teaching on demons that will make the demons to flee. It is the teaching on Christ that will make the devils to flee.