TOPIC: BREAKING EVIL PATTERNS
MEMORIZE:
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.” 2 Timothy 3:14 (KJV)
READ: LUKE 11:21-26
21 When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:
22 But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
23 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.
24 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.
25 And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.
26 Then goeth he, and taketh to him 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.
MESSAGE:
Whenever demons get involved in people's lives, they usually set up evil patterns in their lives that become difficult to break. Such patterns will become so strong that such people will feel helpless, even when they can see themselves heading towards destruction.
When you speak to people who are addicted to pornography or engage in a bad habit like smoking, you will often learn that the pattern started when things in their lives were beginning to look promising. The devil set up those evil patterns in the lives of his victims to ensure that they do not experience the things that God has in store for them. However, once the patterns are broken, they become free from his stronghold.
To break these evil patterns, it is important to ask the Holy Spirit for help. Today's Bible reading tells us that only a stronger man can take things that are in the possession of a strong man. When a demon tries to introduce an evil pattern into the life of a believer, the Holy Spirit helps him or her to prevent it. Many people make the mistake of relying on their strength to fight off the devil; however, that does not work. Instead, they should engage in a spiritual exercise that will cause them to be filled with the Holy Ghost. They can start worshipping God or praying in tongues. As they do this, they will weaken the devil's influence in their lives. They must, however, be willing to continue in this practice indefinitely. As they continue to do this, they will discover after a while that they have become so strong in the Holy Spirit, and the yoke has been broken over them. Isaiah 10:27 says that the yoke will be broken by reason of the anointing.
Jesus said in today's Bible reading that when a demon is cast out of a person, it will return to check the state of its former accommodation. If it finds the place clean and empty, it will repossess the person and invite seven worse demons than itself to also come in. This means that if an evil pattern has been broken over the life of a believer, he or she must continually grow in God's grace. Such a fellow must pray, fast, study the Scriptures, and fellowship with other believers consistently. The deeper such a fellow goes in Christ, the more assured he or she will be of a permanent victory over all forms of evil patterns.
KEY POINT:
Fellowshipping with God is the key to breaking all evil patterns that might exist in your life.
BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR HAGGAI 1 - 2
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
HYMNAL 27 - WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS
1. What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear;
what a privilege to carry
Ev'rything to God in prayer.
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry Ev'rything to God in prayer.
2. Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged,
Take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a Friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our ev'ry weakness,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
3. Are we weak and heavy laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Saviour, still our refuge,
Take it to the Lord in prayer. Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer
In His arms He'll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
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