Understanding the Spiritual Realm and Our Response

Summary

### Summary

Good morning, Redemption Church. Today, we delved into Matthew chapter 12, a passage that has sparked much debate over the years. Jesus performs a miracle by healing a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute, which leads us to explore the reality of the spiritual realm. Many of us may identify as atheists, agnostics, or naturalists, believing only in what we can perceive with our senses. However, the Bible challenges this view by asserting the existence of a spiritual reality that influences our physical world.

I shared a personal story from a trip to Israel to illustrate how our actions and moral compass are influenced by something beyond the natural world. This sense of morality and justice is not found in animals but is a unique human trait, suggesting a supernatural origin. The spiritual realm can affect our physical lives, as seen in the demon-oppressed man whose afflictions were both spiritual and physical.

We discussed how sin operates through rationalization, normalization, and eventually celebration. Sin starts subtly, often rationalized as harmless, then becomes normalized and even celebrated in society. This gradual slope, as C.S. Lewis describes, is the safest road to hell. The movie "Nefarious" was mentioned to highlight how evil can become so pervasive that we fail to recognize it.

The solution to this pervasive evil is Jesus. He has the power to heal and transform us, freeing us from any form of demonic oppression or sin. True Christianity, when it follows Jesus, brings about justice, mercy, love, and compassion in the world. However, this often leads to two responses: amazement and acceptance or skepticism and rejection, as seen in the reactions of the people and the Pharisees in the passage.

Jesus emphasizes the importance of unity within the church, warning against division and infighting. A story about an ex-Satanist who sowed discord in churches illustrates how division weakens the church's mission. Unity is essential for pushing back the darkness and effectively ministering to those in need.

Finally, we explored the concept of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that while all sins can be forgiven, a hardened heart that rejects the Holy Spirit's conviction cannot. If you feel convicted today, it means you haven't committed this unforgivable sin. Jesus stands at the door, knocking, and it's crucial to respond to His call before it's too late.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Reality of the Spiritual Realm: The Bible asserts the existence of a spiritual realm that influences our physical world. This realm includes God, angels, demons, and Satan. Recognizing this reality helps us understand the deeper implications of our actions and the moral compass that guides us. [01:11]

2. The Gradual Slope of Sin: Sin often begins with rationalization, moves to normalization, and eventually becomes celebrated. This gradual process can lead us down a path of destruction without us even realizing it. Recognizing this pattern helps us stay vigilant against the subtle encroachments of sin in our lives. [04:53]

3. Jesus as the Solution: Jesus has the power to heal and transform us, freeing us from any form of demonic oppression or sin. True Christianity, when it follows Jesus, brings about justice, mercy, love, and compassion in the world. This transformative power is available to all who turn to Him. [08:28]

4. The Importance of Unity in the Church: Division and infighting weaken the church's mission. Unity around essential beliefs is crucial for effectively ministering to those in need and pushing back the darkness. We must focus on what unites us rather than what divides us. [15:41]

5. Responding to the Holy Spirit: Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is the only unforgivable sin because it involves a hardened heart that rejects the Spirit's conviction. If you feel convicted today, it means you haven't committed this sin. Jesus stands at the door, knocking, and it's crucial to respond to His call before it's too late. [27:30]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[01:11] - The Reality of the Spiritual Realm
[02:24] - Personal Story from Israel
[03:32] - The Unique Human Moral Compass
[04:53] - The Gradual Slope of Sin
[06:03] - Rationalization to Celebration
[07:19] - Movie "Nefarious" and Pervasive Evil
[08:28] - Jesus as the Solution
[09:43] - True Christianity Brings Blessing
[11:02] - Responses to Jesus' Miracles
[12:14] - Good Deeds and Skepticism
[13:29] - Historical Impact of Christianity
[14:37] - Jesus' Response to Pharisees
[15:41] - Importance of Unity in the Church
[16:50] - Story of Ex-Satanist and Church Division
[19:00] - Unity and Essential Beliefs
[20:13] - Jesus as the Strong Man
[21:21] - The Empty House Parable
[22:36] - Love or Hate Jesus
[23:50] - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit
[25:09] - Personal Story of Speeding Ticket
[27:30] - Responding to the Holy Spirit
[28:37] - Jesus Knocking at the Door
[29:51] - Prayer and Response

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 12:22-32 (ESV)
> "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. And all the people were amazed, and said, 'Can this be the Son of David?' But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, 'It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.' Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, 'Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or how can someone enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.'"

### Observation Questions
1. What miracle did Jesus perform in Matthew 12:22, and what was the immediate reaction of the people? ([01:11])
2. How did the Pharisees explain Jesus' ability to cast out demons, and what was Jesus' response to their accusation? ([11:02])
3. According to the sermon, what are the three stages of how sin operates in our lives? ([06:03])
4. What does Jesus say about a kingdom or house divided against itself? ([14:37])

### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the Pharisees attributed Jesus' miracles to Beelzebul instead of acknowledging His divine power? ([11:02])
2. How does the concept of a "gradual slope" of sin, as described in the sermon, help us understand the nature of sin and its impact on our lives? ([04:53])
3. What does Jesus mean when He says, "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters"? How does this statement challenge our neutrality? ([22:36])
4. How does the story of the ex-Satanist illustrate the importance of unity within the church? ([16:50])

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be rationalizing sin? How can you become more vigilant against the subtle encroachments of sin? ([06:03])
2. How can you actively seek unity within your church community, especially when faced with disagreements or conflicts? ([15:41])
3. Have you ever experienced a moment where you felt convicted by the Holy Spirit? How did you respond, and what steps can you take to ensure you don't ignore such convictions in the future? ([27:30])
4. In what ways can you demonstrate the transformative power of Jesus in your daily life, bringing about justice, mercy, love, and compassion? ([08:28])
5. Think about a time when you witnessed or experienced division within a church. What lessons did you learn, and how can you apply those lessons to promote unity in your current church community? ([16:50])
6. How can you ensure that your actions and moral compass are influenced by the spiritual realm and not just by societal norms or personal desires? ([03:32])
7. What practical steps can you take this week to respond to Jesus' call and avoid the danger of a hardened heart? ([27:30])

Devotional

### Day 1: The Reality of the Spiritual Realm
The Bible asserts the existence of a spiritual realm that influences our physical world. This realm includes God, angels, demons, and Satan. Recognizing this reality helps us understand the deeper implications of our actions and the moral compass that guides us. The story of Jesus healing a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute in Matthew 12 illustrates this point vividly. Many people today may identify as atheists, agnostics, or naturalists, believing only in what they can perceive with their senses. However, the Bible challenges this view by asserting the existence of a spiritual reality that influences our physical world.

This spiritual realm is not just a distant concept but has real implications for our daily lives. Our actions, thoughts, and moral decisions are influenced by this unseen world. The sense of morality and justice that humans possess, which is not found in animals, suggests a supernatural origin. Understanding this helps us to see the world through a different lens, recognizing that there is more to life than what meets the eye. [01:11]

Ephesians 6:12 (ESV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

Reflection: How does recognizing the existence of a spiritual realm change the way you view your daily actions and decisions? Can you identify an area in your life where you need to be more aware of spiritual influences?

### Day 2: The Gradual Slope of Sin
Sin often begins with rationalization, moves to normalization, and eventually becomes celebrated. This gradual process can lead us down a path of destruction without us even realizing it. Recognizing this pattern helps us stay vigilant against the subtle encroachments of sin in our lives. Sin operates through rationalization, normalization, and eventually celebration. It starts subtly, often rationalized as harmless, then becomes normalized and even celebrated in society. This gradual slope, as C.S. Lewis describes, is the safest road to hell.

The movie "Nefarious" was mentioned to highlight how evil can become so pervasive that we fail to recognize it. This is a powerful reminder that we must be vigilant and aware of the gradual encroachments of sin in our lives. By recognizing this pattern, we can take steps to guard our hearts and minds against the subtle influences of sin. [04:53]

James 1:14-15 (ESV): "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death."

Reflection: Can you identify a sin in your life that started as a small rationalization but has now become normalized? What steps can you take today to address this and seek God's help in overcoming it?

### Day 3: Jesus as the Solution
Jesus has the power to heal and transform us, freeing us from any form of demonic oppression or sin. True Christianity, when it follows Jesus, brings about justice, mercy, love, and compassion in the world. This transformative power is available to all who turn to Him. The story of Jesus healing the demon-oppressed man in Matthew 12 is a powerful reminder of His ability to bring healing and transformation.

True Christianity, when it follows Jesus, brings about justice, mercy, love, and compassion in the world. This transformative power is available to all who turn to Him. Jesus stands ready to heal and transform us, freeing us from any form of demonic oppression or sin. [08:28]

Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need Jesus' healing and transformative power? How can you invite Him into those areas today?

### Day 4: The Importance of Unity in the Church
Division and infighting weaken the church's mission. Unity around essential beliefs is crucial for effectively ministering to those in need and pushing back the darkness. We must focus on what unites us rather than what divides us. Jesus emphasizes the importance of unity within the church, warning against division and infighting. A story about an ex-Satanist who sowed discord in churches illustrates how division weakens the church's mission.

Unity is essential for pushing back the darkness and effectively ministering to those in need. By focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us, we can strengthen our mission and impact in the world. [15:41]

1 Corinthians 1:10 (ESV): "I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment."

Reflection: Are there any divisions or conflicts within your church community that you can help to resolve? How can you contribute to fostering unity and focusing on what unites you with others?

### Day 5: Responding to the Holy Spirit
Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is the only unforgivable sin because it involves a hardened heart that rejects the Spirit's conviction. If you feel convicted today, it means you haven't committed this sin. Jesus stands at the door, knocking, and it's crucial to respond to His call before it's too late. The concept of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit emphasizes the importance of responding to the Spirit's conviction.

While all sins can be forgiven, a hardened heart that rejects the Holy Spirit's conviction cannot. If you feel convicted today, it means you haven't committed this unforgivable sin. Jesus stands at the door, knocking, and it's crucial to respond to His call before it's too late. [27:30]

Hebrews 3:15 (ESV): "As it is said, 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.'"

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you feel the Holy Spirit's conviction? How can you respond to His call today and avoid hardening your heart?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "The truth is, some of us, some of you in here today may consider yourselves atheist, agnostic, maybe naturalist. You believe in the idea that there's basically this life and there's nothing more. There's just the things that we can see, taste, touch, feel, things like that. There's the matter and there's really nothing else. And the Bible has challenged us in that. The Bible infers or assumes that there's such a thing as demons and Satan and angels and God. And so the first thing that we have to understand, the first reality that we need to understand is that there's such a thing as that there is a spiritual realm. There is a spiritual reality that is happening all around us." [01:11]( | | )

2. "The only real explanation that makes sense is that because that was put inside of you by someone or something that supersedes the natural, by something that is supernatural. You and I have a sense of morality and justice about us, no matter how skewed it may be in the moment, that says, this is what I need to be. This is how I need to act. This is what I need to say. Animals don't do that. Animal instincts don't do that, right? They just, you know, they live, they eat, they try not to die. The zebra's not going, why is this lion chewing on my leg, right? They're not asking, where do I go when I die? Is there a heaven? How do I get saved? Animals don't do that." [03:32]( | | )

3. "The solution very simply is Jesus. Jesus is the solution to whatever sin or evil or addiction that we're involved in. Whether it's something as explicit as alcohol or drugs or pornography or something as, you know, kind of internal as vanity, materialism, greed, whatever gods or idols that we're struggling with, that we're being influenced by, that we're being possessed by or oppressed by those things that hold you back. We read in the story that Jesus, the person comes to Jesus and Jesus heals him. Jesus is the one with the power. Jesus is the one that can change you. Jesus is the one that can transform you, that can, sanctify you." [08:28]( | | )

4. "True Christianity that follows Jesus is about justice and mercy and love and compassion. Our yes is yes. Our no is no. And the fact is, is that when that happens, there's a response to that. There's a response to that. We read in verse 23 and all the people were amazed and said, can this be the son of David? When Jesus comes in and affects your life, you're amazed by it, right? You're like, man, I want to follow him. Can he be the Messiah? He freed me from this. I want him. I want him to turn my life over to him. And that's what we want to see. That's why we do this." [09:43]( | | )

5. "The truth of the matter is sometimes you do a good thing and good things don't always happen. Sometimes you do, you do something good. And the problem is, is that when you do that good thing, people will kind of judge you for it. They want to turn on you. They want to destroy you. They become confrontational with you. And that's the reality of life. This guy, does it create more faith in the Pharisees or less faith in the Pharisees? Less, right?" [12:14]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "Sin begins with rationalization. When you're a kid, you're told, don't do this because this will happen to you. And we grow up and we learn that, oh, if I lie, my nose isn't going to grow like Pinocchio. We realize, oh, like I sin and it's going to affect me immediately. No, it doesn't necessarily do that. Sin doesn't always operate that way. And so we go, oh, okay, well, I'm not actually hurting anybody, right? It's only me. Nobody else is being affected. What they do in their bedroom, it doesn't affect me. So don't worry about that. It's rationalization. And sin will move from rationalization to normalization. You'll say, well, everybody's doing it. So let's create a safe space for people to sin." [06:03]( | | )

2. "The fact is, is that sometimes we're, we are caught in these things and we don't know what's going on. And we don't even recognize it. We don't even know that we're doing the kinds of evil things, the kinds of things that allow the demonic to influence us. We're opening ourselves up to these kinds of things to where evil has started to affect us to the point that we don't even recognize when we're oppressed. We don't even see the possession happening within us. And so what's the answer to that? What's the solution to that? Well, the solution very simply is Jesus." [07:19]( | | )

3. "Jesus is the one who like he goes to rescue his kids. You know, he's like, I have a particular set of skills. And he goes in and he breaks face and he rescues. So Jesus goes in, he binds up the strong man and he says, go, be free. Get out of here. I bound up Satan in sin, in the cross and in the resurrection. Be free, run, get out of here. This is not safe for you. Leave. And the problem is, is we have to accept that the freedom that we have comes not because of anything that we did. We didn't win the fight. We lost pretty much immediately, right? We were immediately caught up in sin and oppression. And Jesus is like, no, you, you have to recognize that it's my doing on the cross that freed you." [20:13]( | | )

4. "The question is, is that it's not about sinning every once in a while. It's not a sin issue. It's a salvation issue because when you sin against the Holy spirit, the Holy spirit is the one who even helps you understand that you're a sinner. The Holy spirit is the one who convicts you of your sin. The Holy spirit is the one who creates the salvation within you, who converts you, who redeems you, who sanctifies you. That's the point of this. And so if you're in here today and you're like, maybe I have committed blasphemy against the Holy spirit. If you're feeling that today, let me tell you something. You haven't, if you're feeling anxious or convicted about this, the good news is that it means that you haven't, because if you had, you wouldn't even know it." [27:30]( | | )

5. "So Jesus says, be unified, right? He says, be unified. Verse 26, he's starting to appeal to logic here. He says, if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? He's talking to the Pharisees, right? He says, therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. How can you enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods unless he first binds the strong man, then indeed he may plunder his house." [19:00]( | | )

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Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?