"17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."
Introduction: A child born into a family is accompanied by rights as a child. A person with social status will be accompanied by rights according to the position. Certainly, rights are given to those who have become God´s children through faith in Jesus. If we understand, believe, seek, and exercise our rights, its fruit will accompany us.
1. They will drive out demons. 1) Filthy spirits. 2) Evil spirits. 3) Lying spirits. 4) Spirits of sickness and disease (Ac 10:38). 5) Disease of the mind 6) Anxiety, fear, anger, hatred, oppression, etc. - If we resist, they will be cast out (Jas 4:7; 1Pe 5:8-9).
2. They will speak in new tongues. 1) The Holy Spirit gives us new tongues-fullness, gifts (Ac 2:4; Ro 8:26).
3. They will pick up snakes with their hands. 1) Paul was bitten by a snake (Ac 28:5-6). 2) A snake-the father of lies - Eden (Ge 3:4-5). - Wisdom that discerns truth from lies. Since Jesus is the truth, we can pick up the spirit of lies through the teachings of Jesus (Jn 14:6).
4. They will not be hurt. 1) A Christian housemaid and her son who drank lye and recovered (Lk 10:19). 2) In human relationships, we are exposed to the poison of words. Even though we hear words that cause anger and despair, we will not be hurt if we resist them in the name of Jesus (Rev 12:11).
5. They will heal disease. 1) I am the LORD, who heals you (Ex 15:26). 2) Jesus who heals-through His ministry and redemption (Mt 4:23-24; 1Pe 2:24). 3) Command of healing-to the apostles and disciples (Mt 10:1, 7-8; Jas 5:15-16).
Conclusion: Once we know our position and the rights given to believers, we can exercise the right to boldly preach the Gospel and gain victory in our life of faith. |