Kingdom Principle: What has the power to transform you? Do religious works done in the power of the flesh? Or does the Spirit of God given to us on the basis of Christ’s work? The answer is an important one. Jesus goes to battle with the Pharisees to answer this very question.
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Pharisees ______________________ Jesus’ Authority
Luke 11:15 (ESV) 15 But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,”
Matthew 12:22–24 (ESV) — 22 Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him, and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw. 23 And all the people were amazed, and said, “Can this be the Son of David?” 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.”
This miracle was a direct fulfillment of a prophecy from Isaiah.
Isaiah 35:5–6 (ESV) — 5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; 6 then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert;
The origin of the title Beelzebul goes back to a description of the old Canaanite god, Baal. The name in its original form may derive from expressions that mean “Exalted One” (Fitzmyer 1985: 920). The English form of the name comes from Latin and may refer to Baal-Zebub, the Philistine god of Ekron (2 Kings 1:2–3, 6, 16), a derisive term that meant “Lord of the flies.”
The loosing of the tongue here is intended to show that Jesus has the authority to transform the inner man so that we delight in and praise almighty God.
Psalm 110:3 (ESV) — 3 Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power, in holy garments; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth will be yours.
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Jesus _________________________ the Pharisees Audacious Claim
Luke 11:24–26 (ESV) — 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.”
This response in verses 24-26 is directed right at the Pharisees and is intended to show that they are wholly corrupt.
Matthew 12:45 (ESV) — 45 Then it goes and brings with it 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. So also will it be with this evil generation.”
The chief tenet of man-made religion is do and you will become. The chief tenet of true Christianity is you have become, therefore do.
What is the spiritual authority in your life? Do you look toward religious works to transform you? Or do you look toward the transforming Spirit of God?
Colossians 2:20–23 (ESV) — 20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.
Jesus transforms the man so that he can see and speak. The Pharisees expected that their many works would cause them to see, but what we see, is that the Pharisees could not see at all.
Questions to Consider
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What are some questions you can ask to know if you are trusting in works rather than in Christ for your spiritual transformation?
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What are some things you are tempted to see as a mean by which God will bless you?
