Luke 11:21-23
The Gospel of Luke • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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-Please turn in your Bibles to Luke 11...
…if you’d like to follow along.
We’re going to be picking up...
…where we left off last week...
…in Verse 21...
And we’re going to work our way down to Verse 23...
And then we’re going to jump over to Matthew 12...
…and look at verses 31-32.
(So, please find those as well, and mark your place)
-And, while you’re doing all of that...
...let me forewarn you...
…that there’s nothing...
Simple
Easy
…about any of these verses.
They have the tendency to make us question...
Some of our cardinal eschatological assumptions
The sufficiency of our own commitment to Christ
The security of our own souls
And I don’t think that’s overstating it.
These are serious verses.
And they do warrant serious consideration.
And (by the grace of God)...
…we'll try to give them that, this morning.
-But we’re going to need His help to do that, amen?
We’re going to need to be touched...
...”By the finger of God.”
We’re going to need the help and power...
...of the Spirit of God, amen?
-Well, that being acknowledged...
…let’s read our text...
…and go to Him in prayer.
Luke 11:21–23 (ESV)
21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe;
22 but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil.
23 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
And then, in...
Matthew 12:31–32 (ESV)
31 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.
32 And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.
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Pray
-If you’re still in Matthew...
…please turn back to Luke 11.
And remember as you’re turning...
…that Verse 21 is continuing the event...
…that we began looking at last week.
So, let’s take a moment...
…to remind ourselves of what we saw then.
-It began up in Verse 14...
…with Jesus casting a demon out of a man...
…that had rendered the man...
Mute
(Potentially Even) Blind.
-And, if you’ll remember...
…Luke had recorded 3 responses to that miracle.
And it appears that it was to...
…the second of those responses...
…that Jesus had primarily responded.
This was it:
Luke 11:15 (ESV)
15 But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,”
(“some” = Scribes and Pharisees)
Implying that, Jesus . . .
Had been granted his authority from Satan...
Rather than from God the Father.
Had gotten his power from Satan...
Rather than from God the Holy Spirit
-And in Verses 17-19...
…Jesus used logic to show them...
…how irrational and absurd...
…that their ideas were.
He said, essentially (as we saw in Mark’s gospel):
Mark 3:23 (ESV)
23 . . . “How can Satan cast out Satan?
It doesn’t even make any sense.
It’s incoherent, irrational babble.
-Jesus also made this point to them in Verse 19:
Luke 11:19 (ESV)
19 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? . . . .
-What’s good for the goose...
-Is good for the gander, right?
And remember, he said:
Luke 11:19 (ESV)
19 ...Therefore they will be your judges.
i.e., “by this illogical inconsistency...
…you’ve just condemned yourselves.”
-Then, after having torn apart their belief system...
…and showing it for the folly that it was...
…He began to tell them...
...the reality of the situation before them:
Luke 11:20 (ESV)
20 But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
Taken you by surprise!
-And, as far as I can tell...
…what Jesus is doing in the next two verses, is...
continuing...
elaborating upon...
…this initial explanation.
So, that means then, that...
...the underlying theme going into Verse 21, is...
The Kingdom of God
The Authority of His Christ.
Look at it with me...
…and remember the context as we do:
Luke 11:21 (ESV)
21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe;
(Remember the context:)
(How Jesus is dispelling demons...
…the way that He is?)
So again, like he did in Verse 17...
…Jesus uses an analogy...
…to illustrate his point.
Think about the picture that he’s painting:
A Strong Man
(Powerful, Mighty, Capable)
Fully Armed
(i.e,. from head to toe — like a Roman soldier)
Guarding his own palace
(the seat of his power and authority)
Keeping his “goods” safe!
(Using that armor and strength and vigilance...
…to keep what belongs to him...
…firmly under his control)
Think about that scenario.
Is anyone likely to make off with his property?
Are his goods pretty safe?
-Now, let’s interpret these symbols:
Who is represented by the strong man?
Satan
Beelzebul
The “Prince” of the demons.
What is represented by the “goods” . . .
...that are being guarded by the Dark Prince?
People
Image bearers of God...
…who are enslaved to him in various ways.
William MacDonald Explains:
Up until now, Satan was a strong man, fully armed, who held undisputed sway over his court.
Those who were possessed by demons were kept in his grip, and there was no one to challenge him.
His goods were in peace, that is, no one had the power to dispute his sway. — William MacDonald
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That is to say, up until...
The Incarnation:
God became a man, and...
Entered into the realm of men
That Incarnate God (Jesus of Nazareth—the Son of Man)...
Was anointed by the Holy Spirit...
And began His Messianic Conquest!
When that happened...
…everything began to change!
And Jesus’ exorcism of demons...
…was proof that...
That change had already begun
Its finality was inevitable.
-Jesus continues the analogy in Verse 22.
Luke 11:22 (ESV)
22 but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil.
Do you see the imagery?
The well-fortified palace of the first strong man...
…is being attacked by a man...
…who is much stronger.
This attacker, has...
Better weaponry
Better Armour
A Better Battle plan
A Superior Army
Most importantly, He Himself...
Has much more Authority
Has much more Power
-Who does this stronger man represent?
King Jesus!
The Son of Man
The Messianic King
The Bible Exposition Commentary says this:
Jesus pictured Satan as a strong man in armor, guarding his palace and his goods.
But Jesus invaded Satan’s territory, destroyed his armor and weapons, and claimed his spoils! (see John 12:31–33; Col. 2:15; 1 John 3:8)
I want to look at some of these...
…and throw in a couple more also.
Then we’ll finish the commentary
John 12:31–33 (ESV)
31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.
32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
33 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.
Colossians 2:13–15 (ESV)
15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.
1 John 3:8 (ESV)
8 ...The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.
And if you consider the parallel accounts of Matthew and Mark...
Revelation 20 seems to imply the same thing:
Mark 3:27 (ESV)
27 But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house.
Revelation 20:1–3 (ESV)
1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain.
2 And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years,
3 and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer...
Be “good Bereans”
I think:
The Stronger Man...
Has already done that...
And continues to plunder his possessions...
As the gospel continues to fill the earth!
Back to our commentary (if you can remember it)
...Jesus invaded Satan’s territory, destroyed his armor and weapons, and claimed his spoils! (see John 12:31–33; Col. 2:15; 1 John 3:8)
Our Lord has “led captivity captive” (Eph. 4:8) and set the prisoners free (Luke 4:18).
Luke 4:17–19 (ESV)
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Luke 4:21 (ESV)
21 And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
Also, Paul described Jesus’ victory like this:
Ephesians 4:8 (ESV)
8 . . . “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.”
The Commentary concludes:
Though he is permitted limited authority, Satan is a defeated enemy. — BEC
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And, I say “Amen… Hallelujah!”
I was in the strong man’s palace 20 years ago...
…and “The Stronger Man” overpowered him...
…and took me away to His camp!
And I’ve served in HIS army ever since...
And one day (by his grace)...
...He’s going to give me an honorable discharge...
…and let me retire in his palace… forever!
Amen?
-Look at Verse 23.
That seems to be the imagery Jesus uses...
…in making application of these truths.
It’s very absolute.
He makes it clear, that...
…there are only...
Two Rulers
Two Kingdoms
Two Armies
And no one is left with the Switzerland option.
King Jesus doesn’t allow for Neutrality!
He says:
Luke 11:23 (ESV)
23 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
Do you see what I mean?
He’s very emphatic, isn’t He?
(And remember who He’s talking to)
(They assumed they would be in God’s Kingdom)
But what's the criteria for that in Verse 23?
It isn’t...
Bloodline
Paternal Lineage
Physical Circumcision
But...
How one responds to Jesus Christ!
And the text is clear:
If you’re not on his side...
You ARE on the side of his enemies
There is no middle ground.
The King doesn’t allow for that.
-Also, notice the fate promised...
...to those who end up on the other side:
Luke 11:23 (ESV)
23 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
Do you see the ultimatum?
Join with King Jesus...
Or be scattered with the enemy forces.
Its’ absolute — and it’s certain.
-Now, with that backdrop in mind...
…let’s flip over to Matthew 12.
Notice that Verse 30 said the same thing...
…that we just read.
So, on the heels of that...
…Jesus says:
Matthew 12:31–32 (ESV)
31 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.
32 And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.
-Why did I bring this up...
…with so little time to spare?
For a Couple Reasons:
It’s a text that we all have/do — wonder/worry about deeply
It helps us to better understand...
…the absolute nature of Verse 23.
-So, what does it mean?
Mark’s account is helpful in ascertaining that:
Mark 3:29–30 (ESV)
29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”—
30 for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”
So… this sin is somehow connected to...
…this false attribution of the Power of the Spirit...
…to the work of Devils.
-For the sake of time...
…I’m going to have to resort to commentaries.
But, frankly, they can explain it...
…much better than I could...
…by putting it in my own words.
-There are two angles this (I believe).
And while they are distinct in application...
…they are essentially the same.
The first is often overlooked.
Peter Bolt says...
This needs to be understood within the narrative of Matthew 12.
We have already seen that ‘the Spirit’ is poured out upon the Servant (v 18), to equip him for his ministry. We know that Jesus was identified as the Servant from his baptism (3:17).
This means that the blasphemy against the Spirit is a failure to recognise that Jesus was the Servant, equipped by God, operating within Israel in the nation’s last days before the end. — Peter G. Bolt
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This has big connections to...
...the imperative Jesus gave back in Verse 23
The Messiah (Anointed One — Man of the Spirit) had come.
The Kingdom had arrived.
And the Spirit of God had been...
…testifying to Him...
…ever since the day of His anointing.
And, at best, His own people...
…had been non-committal!
At worst, they had outright...
Spurned and Slandered the Spirit’s work through Him
Rejected Him as their King.
There is no path to forgiveness in that.
That road only brings eternal damnation.
-Now, the second angle…
Is essentially the same...
But, is applied more generically.
This is from Daniel Doriani:
The distinction between blasphemy against Jesus (forgivable) and blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (unforgivable) rests upon the work of the Holy Spirit.
He convicts of sin and testifies that Jesus is Son of God and Savior.
Jesus says someone can reject Jesus, and God will forgive if he repents and believes...
Sins of ignorance, however severe, are pardonable. Remember, Paul blasphemed and persecuted the church, but God had mercy on him because he sinned in ignorance (1 Tim. 1:12–17).
Likewise, many Jews who participated in the crucifixion did not understand what they were doing, and eventually repented (Luke 23:34; Acts 2; cf. Acts 7:60).
Blasphemy against the Spirit is the sober, clear-minded, deliberate rejection of Jesus—as a very agent of evil—despite full knowledge of his work and in the face of the Spirit’s full testimony to him. — Doriani
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You see, there’s something...
deliberate
wilful
…about this sin.
It’s more than mere words which are spoken.
It’s the disposition of heart...
…out of which those blasphemous words flow.
-Stephen described that disposition of heart...
…with piercing clarity, in...
Acts 7:51 (ESV)
51 “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit....
And I think those daunting passages in Hebrews 6 & 10...
…help us to understand this sin even more:
Hebrews 6:4–6 (ESV)
4 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit,
5 and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come,
6 and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.
Hebrews 10:26–29 (ESV)
26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,
27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.
28 Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses.
29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?
That’s not a sin of ignorance...
That’s a sin of informed intentionality!
And, that is deadly serious.
-But...
…let me not leave you in despair.
Jesus said this:
John 6:37 (ESV)
37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.
Doriani, again, says this:
(I’ll give him the final word)
The concept of the unpardonable sin is fearful, yet it contains a seed of hope.
It teaches us that every other sin, however terrible, can be forgiven.
...anyone who is worried about this sin is far short of it. Indeed, concern about the unpardonable sin may be a token of the Spirit’s working in the heart. Those who are guilty of the sin are so settled in their rejection of the faith that this verse will not alarm them.
Whoever we are, whatever we have done, we can still find mercy, if we repent and believe, based on the evidence for Christ. — Daniel M. Doriani
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Amen?
Let’s ask for help to do that.
Pray