Startling Change

Acts of the Lord 19:16-18

And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

Notice several things here. It may not be especially obvious at first. But these events stand out against the stark backdrop of human history. See, the devil may serve God with all his hatred and all his conniving. However, his followers, especially those demonically possessed, like him even less. Galatians Letter 3:10-20 describes it as a curse-like state not too far removed from those works of the law. So then it should be of no shock at all when the man and the evil spirit behind him act together as one. See, the devil and his followers hate the things of God as much as they do those of the light, if not more. How could they not when the entirety of the redemption story is about God beating their ass. I sure do not want to be accused of being graphic but the situation calls for it. Yet it should be seen that the evil spirit and the man acted as one. So complete was the possession as such things often are that what should have been a decent human being was no more. Now the spirit has taken to beating up all who call on his name. So much so that these wannabe exorcists fled naked and bleeding. See how the evil spirit always leaves a man without dignity, covering, or control. I can hear some of you now talking about how mean and hateful people are to you. No my friend. They were mean and hateful to our Lord first. For have we not gone through nothing that he does not understand. You were talking about the Lord of creation here. Of course he should know being beaten and battered so then strung up on Calvarys tree and left for all the world to see. So it may help you to know that evil never takes hold of a man without leaving him empty and barren, in worse state than at first. It should also be seen that the visiting spirit came in without a name. How many of you know the spirits of anger, jealousy, bitterness, hatred, drugs, alcohol, violence, and revenge that are no less brutal than their name suggests.

For this cause the law could only affect the outside or the actions. It did little to change whatever lay bubbling beneath the surface. The attitudes, intents, and thoughts of the heart originated while under the curse. Maybe some of you were saying that is all kind of severe. See, you can talk about heart transplants and knowing Jesus all you please. But when it comes right on down to it a clean heart is exactly what is needed. Maybe some of you heard of a certain book I often read. In it you find the story of a crime scene cleaner struggling to build her family a home. Yet the trauma of the ages is holding her back. Is that not just what God came to do though. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. See, the curse is conditionally dependent on the keeping of the law. If you offend even at one point, you were guilty of all. Now, the law must be fulfilled in all for even does not God use such standards in measuring a man. He is not some big bad cop up there in the sky waiting to catch you for the slightest infraction. Therein is the truth held no simpler than this: the just shall live by faith. Say it with me now. The just are those God has made righteous with his precious blood. Notice how the text does not say the just die or suffer all the way to glory. No, it says they live by what - faith. Maybe some of you have noticed all the talk about faith today. It is only good if you know God. For indeed it is impossible to please him without it.

And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.

16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.

And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.

18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.

Acts of the Lord 19:19-21

19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

21 After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

Galatians Letter 3:21-29

Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.

22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.