Luke 11:14-20 And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. (15) But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils. (16) And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven. (17) But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. (18) If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. (19) And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. (20) But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.
Jesus received many undeserved criticisms during his ministry. The Jews that were in positions of power during his day were threatened by his charisma and ability to draw huge crowds. For this reason, they saw him as a threat to their influence over the people. They were so threatened, that by the end of his ministry, there were constantly Pharisees, or representatives of them, following Jesus for the sole purpose of attempting to catch him in a position wherewith they could put him to death. The accusation that they bring in our passage today is probably the most ridiculous.
It is ridiculous because it is so far removed from basic common sense. In verse 14 we are told that Jesus is casting out a demon from a man in which that devil had rendered its victim dumb or unable to speak. So Jesus, through his miraculous POWER of God, removed the demon which allowed the man to speak again.
While most of the crowd marveled at the miracle, others CHOSE not to be impressed. Instead, looking for any desperate measure to accuse Jesus, that small group of detractors in the crowd accused him of drawing his power from Satan instead of God.
In response, Jesus makes a statement that has been quoted and paraphrased thousands of times, even by our president Abraham Lincoln. He said that a house that is divided against itself cannot stand. In other words, Satan would not have an agent that brought damage to his own cause. So, if Satan was not the source, God had to be. And in verse 20 Jesus confirmed it in no uncertain terms. That demon was cast out by the finger of God. All of the miracles performed by Jesus were done by the hand and power of God.
But Jesus’ statement brings up another question. If the principle that “A house divided against itself falls” works for Satan...is it equally true as it pertains to God’s side as well? Certainly! Truth is truth. So what is it about “christianity” that causes so much confusion, disorder and disunity? The fact that there are thousands of varieties or variations of the one true church. Many people have given up on “organized religion” because “How can they know which one is the right church”. So if all of the varieties in religion are causing division and causing many to be mislead...Who is the source of those varieties or divisions? It cannot be God! A house divided cannot stand! Therefore, by the reason of deduction, division of the Lord’s church is not of God! But we do not have to rely solely upon logic. The Bible states the same thing.
Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Romans 16:17-18 ¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. (18) For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
Galatians 1:6-9 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: (7) Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. (8) But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (9) As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.(22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
1 Corinthians 1:10 ¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
It is not popular. It is not convenient. It is certainly not what the world wants to hear. However, the fact is, there is but one narrow way to get to God (Matt 7:13-14). It is not through our own wishes, preferences or desires. It is only through submitting our will to God’s! While the world sees the choices in religious options as “freedom”, the Bible sees it as division. And according to Jesus, that can only mean that it is a work of Satan.
Search your Bible diligently to verify that church that you have chosen was established by Jesus and not Satan.
Reflecting His SON,
Dennis Hogan
Minister, North Hardin Church of Christ
North Hardin Church of Christ
1804 Sam Stewart Dr.
Radcliff, KY 40160
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