"Power Over Disease and Demons" (Matthew 8:14-17)

All authority is given to Christ and in His hands we can’t be touched.

Disease

Physical and Spiritual (v.14)

We have a strong focus on the physical ailments we face

W.H.O. says at least 33% of world population has a physical illness of some sort

Easy to ask for prayers when it comes to our physical condition; Not so easy when it comes to our spiritual condition

We have a weak focus of the spiritual ailments we face

Bible says there’s not a person alive today who isn’t struggling with spiritual illness/ Spiritual leprosy.

We hide our spiritual diseases in the dark and hardly every confront them.

Like Adam we hide and when confronted we blame someone or something else, we even blame God.

The “rug of the heart” covers much in vain. Proverbs 28:13 “He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper,...”

We search for answers in disproven theories such as star alignment, tarot cards, false religion and worldly pleasures

Anything but the truth, which will set you free; who is Christ the Son, who makes you free indeed. (John 8:32, Matthew 16:16, John 14:6, John 8:36)

We do not ask others for prayers to help us with our addictions, our anger or or envy because shame silences us.

All the while we suffer inwardly and before God alone, while convincing others we are perfectly well.

Because spiritual disease is not as easily seen by the world.

Though we who see by the power of God the Holy Spirit see plainly the effects sin has on the world and everyone in it.

Can Heal All (v.16)

There is not a disease, whether physical or spiritual that Christ cannot cure.

As long as He reigns hopelessness cannot.

He always provides a way out and hope is His provision to conquer despair.

He can reverse death and even turn the hateful heart of any “Saul” into the faithful servant’s heart of Paul.

Nebuchadnezzar was humbled and turned to God.

Great physician, Jehovah Rapha, The God who heals. (Exodus 15:26)

Jesus is the same God of the Exodus (Jude 5 “Now I want to remind you, though you know all things, that Jesus, having once saved a people out of the land of Egypt, subsequently destroyed those who did not believe.”)

With a Touch (v.15)

Once the Christ, the Son of God, His anointed has touched you, you will never be the same again.

When God touched the mouth of Isaiah with the burning coals he was healed of his iniquities.

When the sick woman reached out and touched the fringe of the Lord’s garment she was healed of her disease.

The power rests in His touch alone. Faith in any other is futile and unfruitful.

Demons (v.16)

Are Very Real

There is a reason God inspired this type of language.

The Apostles were not ignorant.

Still very active to this day only more sophisticated.

Work in more discreet ways.

Still have the power to influence others

No Power Over Him or His

There is no possibility for demons to posses those who have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

To think that God would allow such a one to house themselves with Himself is ridiculous.

Big fear among Christians that to participate in certain things they believe to be demonic welcomes demons in openly and fully.

Halloween and the curses of witches and sorceresses.

For those of a weaker faith must stay away from such things. (Romans 14)

They only have power over those who have surrendered themselves to them.

Those who live in the way of their prince, the enemy of God, the one called Satan, the deceiver.

The enemy and his demons have no authority over those who belong to God.

John 10:29–30 ““My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. “I and the Father are one.””

With a Word

The demons are subject to His word just as their master is.

Jesus being tempted in the wilderness

It is the word of God that has them held at bay this very moment until the time His Word allows them to move unhindered among the earth.

His word will keep the demons chained and powerless around you

Their first line of offense to any believer is to convince us to neglect the word of God/ “Put down your sword”

Paul was being very serious when he wrote about the spiritual warfare we find ourselves in (2 Corinthians 10 & Ephesians 6)

It is the word of His power that defeats the schemes of the devil and His word is a weapon for all who rightly wield it.

Devotion

Their Devotion (v.14-15)

Peter did not put family over Christ.

Had a wife and still left to follow Jesus. A wife who was left with a sick mother to take care of.

He left his profession, his family and his friends. Everything to follow to the Christ.

Luke 9:61–62 “Another also said, “I will follow You, Lord, but first permit me to say farewell to those at home.” But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Peter’s mother-in-law immediately began serving the Lord after receiving her healing.

She did not go and do all that she felt like she had been missing out on.

She did not continue to lay around in bed nor did she get up to serve herself but immediately got up and began serving the Lord.

How many have prayed and promised God much and have received yet still deny Him themselves in service.

Christ’s Devotion (v.17)

He lifts the burdens and helps carry the weight of those who follow Him.

Heals our suffering and gives us the strength we need.

It was said of Him long ago the burden that He would carry for His people. (Isaiah 53:4)

He is devoted to those who would trust in Him for their salvation; for their healing; for their sanctuary.

His devotion knows no bounds and carried Him to the cross, not away from it.

Our Devotion

When we assess ourselves, at what extent do we find our devotion to Christ?

Is it limited by our convenience and our comfort?

Does it extend only to the borders of our own self gain and self exaltation?

Are we willing to give up everything for Him who gave up everything that we may receive everything?

Would we surrender our lives to His glory like the example left for us by the Apostles?

809If there were a stake and burning sticks, I might flinch from the fire. But so mighty is divine love that it would doubtless drive me to the flames sooner than let me leave Jesus.—10.136

Charles Spurgeon