Who's Living in This House

Opening Statement

Squatters and Empty Houses

Imagine a neighborhood where an abandoned house stands empty. At first, it might go unnoticed, but soon enough, squatters discover it. According to a study conducted by the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty, there are approximately 3.5 million homeless individuals in the United States, many of whom seek shelter in vacant properties. Once these squatters find an empty house, they often invite more people to join them. Research shows that abandoned homes can attract up to 20 additional squatters, turning a single unoccupied property into a hotbed of illegal activity and further neglect.

A squatter is a person who unlawfully occupies an uninhabited building or unused land.

Squatters become comfortable in these spaces because they are unmonitored and neglected. The lack of security and oversight creates an environment where they can settle in without fear of immediate eviction. Over time, the presence of squatters can lead to significant property damage, increased crime rates, and a decline in neighborhood safety and property values. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, neighborhoods with high vacancy rates experience a 30% increase in crime compared to areas with low vacancy rates.

Abandoned homes, especially when they have been cleaned up since the last time they were inhabited, become even more inviting. A report from the Urban Institute highlights that squatters often target homes that appear well-maintained but are still vacant, as these provide a more comfortable and secure environment. Cleaned and unoccupied properties can attract as many as 30 additional squatters, further exacerbating the problem.

This scenario of squatters and empty houses draws a striking parallel to the parable of the unclean spirit in Matthew 12:43-45.

Just as an empty house can attract unwanted occupants, an unoccupied heart can become a target for spiritual invaders.

It underscores the importance of removing negative influences from our lives and filling that void with positive, godly influences to prevent a relapse into old patterns.

Sermon Text: Matthew 12:43-45

Matthew 12:43–45 (KJV 1900)

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

Sermon Topic: Who's Living In This House?

Background of Jesus' Warfare and Rebuke

Throughout His ministry, Jesus faced constant opposition and spiritual warfare from various sources, including religious leaders, demonic forces, and even His own disciples' misunderstandings.

Prior to issuing the rebuke found in Matthew 12:43-45, Jesus had been performing miracles, casting out demons, and teaching about the Kingdom of God.

His actions and teachings often provoked the Pharisees and scribes, who accused Him of working by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons (Matthew 12:24).

In response to their accusations, Jesus explained the nature of His authority over evil spirits and the importance of aligning oneself with God.

He emphasized the dangers of spiritual emptiness, using the analogy of an unclean spirit returning to an empty house.

This rebuke warned the people about the necessity of true repentance and the indwelling presence of God's spirit to prevent a relapse into spiritual bondage.

Point 1: Unclean Spirit – The Parasitic Influence

What is a spirit? In this context, a spirit is a non-physical entity capable of influencing thoughts, emotions, and actions. It's not a ghost or specter as often portrayed in media, but a subtle force with the potential for both good and evil.

Clean vs. Unclean Spirits (God's Perspective):

Clean Spirit: This is a spirit aligned with God's nature, characterized by:

Excellence

Kindness

Love

Truth

Generosity

Unclean Spirit: A spirit opposed to God, marked by:

Lying

Deception

Hate

Selfishness

Greed

Unclean Spirits as Parasites: The Greek term "pneuma akatharton" (unclean spirit) depicts a spiritual entity that defiles and corrupts.

It's not the dramatic Hollywood version but a subtle influence that often manifests in our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

Like a parasite, it seeks to control and manipulate its host.

Parasites are organisms that live on or inside another organism (the host) and benefit at the host's expense.

They often weaken their host by drawing nutrients and energy, sometimes even altering the host's behavior to their advantage.

Similarly, unclean spirits or negative influences can latch onto a person's thoughts, attitudes, and actions, subtly steering them away from godliness and towards sin.

The Greek word "pneuma" translates to "spirit," but it also carries the connotation of "wind" or "breath."

This term is intrinsically linked to the concept of giving life and uttering words.

In biblical contexts, "pneuma" often signifies the breath of God, His spoken word, and the life-giving force behind it.

Words as Vehicles for Spirits

An unclean spirit can enter through communication by influencing the words we hear, speak, and internalize. This can happen in the following ways:

Hearing Lies and Deceptions: When we listen to lies, gossip, and slander, we open the door for unclean spirits to influence our thoughts and emotions.

Speaking Negatively: Our own words can also invite unclean spirits. When we speak negatively, curse, or use our words to harm others, we align ourselves with unclean influences.

Internalizing Harmful Messages: Repeated exposure to negative or harmful messages can embed them into our psyche, allowing unclean spirits to take root and grow.

Biblical Examples

The Serpent and Eve (Genesis 3:1-5): The serpent, representing Satan, used words to deceive Eve.

He planted doubt and disobedience in her heart by questioning God's command and twisting the truth.

This demonstrates how unclean spirits can use communication to lead us astray.

Peter's Denial (Luke 22:54-62): Peter's denial of Jesus was influenced by fear and the words of those around him.

The unclean spirit of fear and denial entered through the accusations and questions posed to him, leading him to deny his association with Jesus three times.

Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11): Ananias and Sapphira conspired to lie about the proceeds from the sale of their property.

The unclean spirit of deceit entered through their communication with each other and their decision to lie to the Holy Spirit, resulting in their untimely deaths.

These spiritual parasites feed on our weaknesses, insecurities, and unresolved issues, gradually taking more control over our lives.

They can distort our perceptions, make us believe lies about ourselves and others, and lead us to make choices that are harmful to our spiritual well-being.

Just as a physical parasite can cause illness and debilitation, these spiritual parasites can lead to emotional, mental, and spiritual decay.

Invades: It seeks to enter and control its host.

Feeds: It draws on weaknesses, insecurities, and unresolved issues.

Manipulates: It distorts perceptions and leads to harmful choices.

Damages: It causes emotional, mental, and spiritual decay.

How Unclean Spirits Gain Entry: Ephesians 2:2 reveals, "You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived...following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in those who are disobedient."

The devil finds an open door to establish a stronghold when sin reigns.

"Gone Out" – Forced or Voluntary Exit? In most cases, unclean spirits are not easily dislodged.

They often require spiritual intervention, such as prayer, deliverance ministry, and a commitment to living a life aligned with God's Word.

"He Walketh Through Dry Places" – Satan's Relentless Search: like a diligent spy, Satan seeks new territory to conquer.

"Dry places" symbolize spiritual emptiness and openness to sin, creating the perfect environment for the devil to thrive. Think of it like a plant needing water to grow. The devil needs negativity and spiritual barrenness to survive.

Imagine he tries to settle in someone who refuses to lie or spread rumors. In this healthy and positive environment, he can't find what he needs to live. Just as a plant can't survive without water, the devil can't thrive in a heart filled with truth and goodness.

Satan is looking for a place to live

1 Peter 5:8 (NASB95)

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Satan is like a squatter looking for a place that he can reside illegally

The Bible records in

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (NASB95)

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?

For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.

Punchline 2: An Empty House Is Not Necessarily a Clean House

Expound (Exegesis):

Matthew 12:44 (KJV 1900)

Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.

Expound (Eisegesis and with real-life Examples):

The house represents the heart, a dwelling place for either good or evil. When we clean our house, we often focus on the visible surfaces, making it look presentable.

And so what happens my brothers and sisters is Satan comes back to the house because he couldn’t find anyone who could do him like the old man who

So what happens if he gets back to the house the Bible says that he finds the house empty swept and garnished

I know I know we like singing the song there is a vacancy here anymore

Satan hears us singing that song

Satan heard us singing that he doesn’t live here anymore

And so he comes back to the house, trying to find out who’s living in this house

He walks around the house. He begins to look around and says, yeah it’s not nice in here. It’s mighty clean in here, but there’s a problem.

The problem is, I don’t see any pictures of the new guy

I don’t see any pictures of any

I cannot recognize that there’s been a tangible change

When I walked up because the grass was cut

And that was a new coat of paint

That there would be a change on the inside

But he noticed that once he started to go into the closet all of the sins you said you were delivered from

That nasty attitude that you said you werent going to have anymore

That lying, dirty, slander tongue

Aint nobody living this house

I'm going to move back in and as a matter of when I come back in?

I’m not coming by myself.

The devil is simply excused from service but not replaced by the Holy Spirit.

Another way to say it (summarize it all up):

Initial deliverance from sin is not enough; genuine transformation requires filling the void with the presence of God.

Outward appearances of change can be deceptive, masking a heart that remains empty and vulnerable to the return of evil.

True repentance requires transformation

Punchline 3: Sin Enlarges, Don't Tolerate – Transform!

Expound (Exegesis): In Matthew 12:45, Jesus warns of an evil spirit leaving a person only to return with seven others, making the state worse than before.

This illustrates a critical truth about sin: if left unchecked, it doesn't merely maintain its size, but grows and invites more darkness.

The solution isn't to tolerate or coexist with sin, but to undergo radical transformation.

Expound (Eisegesis and Real-Life Examples): A small compromise in integrity can snowball into a pattern of dishonesty.

A single unkind word can escalate into a relationship marked by bitterness.

A seemingly harmless addiction can consume every aspect of a person's life.

We see this principle in stories of financial ruin, broken families, and shattered dreams.

However, Jesus provides the ultimate model for transformation. His life was a perfect demonstration of obedience, compassion, and selflessness. When we focus on Him, we gain the power to break free from sin's grip.

Another Way to Say It (Summarize): Don't let sin fester and grow. Embrace the transformative power of Christ. Look to His example and follow in His footsteps.

By walking as He walked, we find freedom from sin's destructive cycle.

Punchline 2: WWJD? (What Would Jesus Do?) – Live It Out!

Was Christ in the synagogue on the Sabbath? Then you go to church on Sundays.

Did Christ pray daily? Then you pray daily.

Did Christ fast regularly? Then you fast regularly.

Did Christ forgive those who wronged Him? Then you forgive those who wrong you.

Did Christ love His enemies? Then you love your enemies.

Did Christ serve others? Then you serve others.

Imitating Christ isn't about legalism, but about aligning our lives with the source of all goodness and power.

It's about allowing His transforming love to change us from the inside out.