Matthew 12:43-45 ESV When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, “I will return to my house from which I came.” And when it comes, it finds the house empty and swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven others spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So, also will it be with this evil generation.
Some Christians have an unhealthy fascination with demons. This is especially true among the Charismatics/Pentecostals of which I am one of. The Bible says demons are real but gives us relatively little information about them. The same is true for angels. The reason is that God wants our focus to be on Him. Not on His other created beings.
However, the Bible does give us some information about both angels and demons so that we can be aware they exist and know what they do so that we may recognize their activity. This passage is a brief teaching by Jesus on how demons operate. I believe His purpose was to prepare us so we won’t be caught unaware when they try to reclaim a host.
Scriptures indicate that some demons want a physical host and being without a host is uncomfortable for them (Mark 5:7-12, Acts 8:7). If they are forced to leave that host they may try to return and even bring more demons with them. While this sounds frightening, there is a simple solution. Don’t leave an empty house for them to come back to.
Jesus says if the demon comes back to an empty house that has been cleaned, it is able to move back in and invite friends. We should never leave our spirit empty but invite the Holy Spirit to move in. Once we are indwelled with the Holy Spirit, no demon can ever reside in us.
That does not mean a demon cannot attack us. They can and do attack when God allows it, but they can never inhabit us. Christians never need to fear demons but we do need to be ready for spiritual battle from time to time.
Jesus finished by saying that a generation can be affected just like a person. A generation that had revival but later turns away from God can become more evil than they were at first. In the 70’s and 80’s there was a revival, at least among Charismatic and Evangelical circles. Since the 90’s, American society has fallen away from God at an unprecedented rate. Could this be the explanation?
Oh Lord, You are the King of kings and Lord of lords. You are sovereign over all, both seen and unseen. The devil and his demons are already defeated. Grant us the courage and faith to fight when needed and to keep our hearts and minds focused on You!