Dear Christian friends:

In our text Jesus explains about the devil's kingdom. Many think it is old fashioned to preach about the devil's kingdom. Since the Exorcist book and movie have appeared more people seem to believe that there is a devil and evil spirits. Jesus says some very important things about the devil and his kingdom. People who do not want to hear about the devil are ignorantly and blindly under his rule.

Satan's kingdom is of this world. It began when good angels fell from God. Jesus says, "strong man with weapons." (Matthew 11:21) Martin Luther: "On earth is not his equal." In our text, verse 14: Evil spirit had power to make this man mute. In 1 John 5:19, "We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one." See what evil he has caused in our world today!

All people belong to it by nature. Ephesians 2:1-3, "As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath." Actually all of us were like them, and lived according to our natural desires, and did whatever suited the wishes of our own bodies and minds. The devil's kingdom is very large.

God sent His Son, Jesus, to save(free) men from Satan's kingdom. (verse 14) Millions have become free and are members of God's Kingdom. Praise God: "For this purpose the Son of God was born, the He could destroy the devils works." (1 John 3:8)

Many think they belong to God's Kingdom, but they are still members of Satan's kingdom. All those who stubbornly refuse to believe in Jesus, although they know that Jesus' Word is true. Jews in our text, verse 15. They thought they were God's children. They were hypocrites, verses 24-26. All those who sit on the fence. Sign seekers. They ask questions like: Where is hell? Who was Cain's wife? Do angels have wings? Jesus allows no fence sitters, verse 23, "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

Although Satan's kingdom is large and powerful, we can be saved from it. Three things are necessary: Confess that you have been under Satan's power. This is hard to do because of our pride and blindness. Also, we love sin and don't want to give it up.

We must learn not to fear and tremble when Satan accuses us. Jesus has freed us from our sins. He paid for them on the cross. Now God will not accept anyone's charges against us, not even the devil's. Paul: "Who shall bring anything anything against God's chosen people? No one! (Romans 8:33) Because God Himself forgives us. His own Son has died for us. Here in verse 14 just before He goes to the cross for us Jesus shows His power over Satan. (Explain meaning of "finger of God", verse 20)

We must believe in Jesus. "He that believes and is baptized shall be saved." (Mark 16:16) We must not plead our own good works. The devil knows all our thoughts and deeds. Perhaps we can deceive people and hide our bad thoughts and secret sins from them, but the devil knows and God knows. Also our own conscience blames us. So, give up trust in your self. Trust only in Jesus.

TLH 376, Rock of Ages, Cleft For Me

3. Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless, look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly,--
Wash me, Savior, or I die!

4. While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyelids close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment-throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee!

Then we shall be fully free when we die or after we arrive in heaven.

Amen.