WHO IS FOR ME, WHO IS AGAINST ME?

Chapter 36

WHO IS FOR ME, WHO IS AGAINST ME?

Luke 11:14-28

Have you ever had someone who you thought was a friend turn against you? It is a painful experience. It usually takes after the fact before we analyze all the signs that led up to it. Sometime we are just too gullible, too nice, we think more highly of others than we ought. We don't want to be judgmental so we ignore our concerns. God has given us discernment, it is not thinking negative towards someone, it is just the ability to know the thoughts and intents of another. We can judge in this manner, so we can know what we should say and how we should act around different individuals. This is not pronouncing judgement on someone, but having understanding, so we can pray effectively and walk alongside someone in the rightful manner.

Jesus had many followers but as we see here in Luke 11:14-28, not all of them were for Him. Some people stick around leaders because of jealousy with the hope to take their place, looking for any opportunity to discredit them. We must be cautious who follows us, because if not exposed they can destroy God's work. Those who do such are usually not even fully aware, they are hurting individuals who need healing and deliverance. We are not to oppose them physically as merely flesh and blood but spiritually with God's authority putting the true source Satan in his place.

We need to recognize as Jesus did those whom follow us who tear what we do down, who try to put their own demands on us. For if their words spread things will divide, civil war will follow, and all will fall apart. People are prone to listen to negativity, for Satan has ruled the airwaves with such device which spreads fear, bringing chaos and disorder. (This is how the civil war where hundreds of thousands of people were slaughtered in Rwanda in 1994 started.) 

Jesus spoke to Peter "get behind me Satan", we can not be afraid to offend, we must be alert, ready to put the enemy in his place when necessary.

It would make no sense to allow a thief in one's house and not confront them, just hoping that they won't steal anything, for a thief is a thief. We must not allow Satan to dwell amongst us because of fear, we are the stronger one, and have the power and authority to put him in his place. As it says in verse 23 "anyone who isn't with me opposes me, and anyone who isn't working with me is actually working against me." 

This does not mean we are to go around and ex-communicate everyone who seems to be negatively influencing the church, it means that we need to bring deliverance to anyone who is being influenced by Satan. We then must now diligently replace what once was filled with evil spirits with the Holy Spirit. Or as it says in verse 24-26 the evil spirit will return with seven other spirits and things will be even far worse. So we don't want to run people out when we confront them for that will just breed even greater demonic oppression, rather we want to run them to God and develop a closer relationship where accountability can transpire.

As it says in verse 28 "but even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice," if we can put this to practice we will be united rather than divided and the power of God will be able to manifest and drive the enemy not just out of our churches but out of our communities and transform the world.