Luke - Following Jesus

Luke 22:49 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?

They were told earlier to bring two swords when they went forth to minister. Now, they ask; shall we use the sword to smite your enemies?

Luke 22:50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

Peter, impulsive as usual swings the sword and only severs the right ear of the high priests servant. His ear was in the hearing and service of the wicked high priest.

Luke 22:51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

Jesus said, allow them to seize me. He then touched the ear and healed him. Healing could be the wound was no longer bleeding. It does not say the ear was placed back on him. Sometimes we receive scars in life for a reminder. The scars that were to come upon Jesus were a reminder to us. Perhaps the servant was healed, but still had no ear. This could be a reminder to him to hear Jesus, the healer. For if our hearing brings offenses, it were better to cut off the ear; as in the thoughts in Matthew 5.

Mat 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

Luke 22:52 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?
Luke 22:53 When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

This was the time that God the Father had appointed for Jesus to go to the cross. The power of satan was allowed at this time. Earlier Jesus spoke of power to Pilate:

John 19:10 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?
John 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

Luke 22:54 Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.

Peter who wielded the sword in his defense, follows afar off. Was his feelings hurt? Was he ashamed or angry? What of his promise to not deny the Lord?

John 18:15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.

John accompanied Jesus into the High Priests house. He was a witness to what occurred. Are we witnesses following close to Jesus? Or do we follow from afar? Peter would be tempted.

Seventh Commandment - Adultery

 Exo 20:14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Adultery - conjugal infidelity. An adulterer was a man who had illicit intercourse with a married or a betrothed woman, and such a woman was an adulteress. Intercourse between a married man and an unmarried woman was fornication. Adultery was regarded as a great social wrong, as well as a great sin. (Eastons Bible Distionary)

What did the law say about adultery?

The law of sin and death

Lev 20:10 And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.
Lev 20:11 And the man that lieth with his father's wife hath uncovered his father's nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
Lev 20:12 And if a man lie with his daughter in law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have wrought confusion; their blood shall be upon them.
Lev 20:13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

Soul destruction

Prov 6:32 But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
Prov 6:33 A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.
Prov 6:34 For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
Prov 6:35 He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.

What about the kings of Israel? Solomon had many wives and concubines and so did David. I suppose this was common among the world's kings, but these were to obey God. David had a weakness in the lust of the flesh. This brought him to sin against Bathsheba.

David's Sin with Bathsheba

2 Sam 11:1 And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.

It was supposed to be David going to battle,with his men, instead he tarried, he had time on his hands to be tempted.

2 Sam 11:2 And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.

James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

2 Sam 11:3 And David sent and inquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?
2 Sam 11:4 And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house.

James 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

2 Sam 11:5 And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child.

The child later died.

2 Sam 11:6 And David sent to Joab, saying, Send me Uriah the Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to David.

Cover up

David wanted to cover up his sin. He sent for Bathshebas husband to come and be with her, so that the child would seem to be Uriahs child, but Uriah would not come to his wife. He was a loyal soldier and his heart was with the fellow soldiers who were fighting the enemy. Ironically, this was supposed to have been David's duty, to be with his troops. Uriah was more noble than David. Finally to cover up his sin, David sent Uriah to the battle front where his fellow soldiers were told to withdraw from him, and He was killed. He was an honorable soldier. I think of our troops who fight for us and the people they serve withdraw from them, this is a difficult thing for them. But, they serve honorably; it is not their shame.

When we sin we try to cover it up, if not in God's Spirit. God sees the sin. He sent Nathan the prophet to speak his message to David.

God uncovers David's Sin

2 Sam 11:27 And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD.
2 Sam 12:1 And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.
2 Sam 12:2 The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds:
2 Sam 12:3 But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter.
2 Sam 12:4 And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him.
2 Sam 12:5 And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die:
2 Sam 12:6 And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.
2 Sam 12:7 And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;
2 Sam 12:8 And I gave thee thy master's house, and thy master's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things.
2 Sam 12:9 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.
2 Sam 12:10 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.
2 Sam 12:11 Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.
2 Sam 12:12 For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.
2 Sam 12:13 And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.
2 Sam 12:14 Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.
2 Sam 12:15 And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it was very sick.
2 Sam 12:16 David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.
2 Sam 12:17 And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them.
2 Sam 12:18 And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead?
2 Sam 12:19 But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead.
2 Sam 12:20 Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat.
2 Sam 12:21 Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread.
2 Sam 12:22 And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?
2 Sam 12:23 But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.

David would have more children but because of his adultery, David had no moral authority over his kids.

God always seeks to reconcile, we repent and he forgives. David wrote this Psalm after God revealed his sin

Psa 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Psa 51:11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
Psa 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Psa 51:13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
Psa 51:14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
Psa 51:15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall show forth thy praise.
Psa 51:16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
Psa 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Psa 51:18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
Psa 51:19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

Cheating

In our country adultery is called cheating. Same sex fornication is being legislated as law, with the Christian Biblical view spoken as a hate crime. Ministers are being put into prisons in other countries for preaching all of the Bible.

Woe

Isa 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Isa 5:21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
Isa 5:22 Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:
Isa 5:23 Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!
Isa 5:24 Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
Isa 5:25 Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.

These laws same strict, but what did Jesus say?

Mat 5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
Mat 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Mat 5:31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
Mat 5:32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

Jesus and the woman caught in adultery

John 8:3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
John 8:4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
John 8:5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

The law is to point out sins.

John 8:6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
John 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
John 8:8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
John 8:9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Only Jesus was without sin and he showed grace, seeking to reconcile the woman.

John 8:10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
John 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Jesus gave her mercy and told her to repent.

Love in Christ, is the fulfillment of the law

Rom 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
Rom 13:9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Rom 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

Adultery is at the top of the list of the sins of the flesh.

Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,...

Spiritual Adultery

Jer 3:8 And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.
Jer 3:9 And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom, that she defiled the land, and committed adultery with stones and with stocks.
Jer 3:10 And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah hath not turned unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly, saith the LORD.
Jer 3:11 And the LORD said unto me, The backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah.
Jer 3:12 Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the LORD, and I will not keep anger for ever.
Jer 3:13 Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.
Jer 3:14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:
Jer 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Adultery in your past?

Acknowledge your iniquity and repent. Jesus will give you grace but there will be scars on your soul. He has scars caused by our sins, enter into his forgiveness and love. Forgive the offender, forgive yourself and be forgiven. The entire Bible is about restoration. God takes no pleasure in sin unto death. He sent his only begotten son to bring you his grace and forgiveness. Forgiveness comes from God through Jesus, we are required to forgive one another. If the adulterer repents, there is forgiveness through the work of Jesus.

Luke - Judas Kiss

Luke 22:47 And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.

Mat 26:48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
Mat 26:49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.

Luke 22:48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

It was a customary greeting to kiss a friend upon meeting him.

2 Cor 13:12 Greet one another with an holy kiss.

In no way was this a holy kiss, it was the kiss of a betrayer. Jesus is holy, but Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. A pretend friend and a pretend kiss.

Prov 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Remember the woman of the street who anointed Jesus' feet in the Pharisee's house?

Luke 7:45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.

People of God, beware of deceitful kisses. Do not give your heart to a non believing person. He or she may seduce you with sweet words and kisses, but their heart may be full of their own lust. They are only looking for their own pleasure or gain at your expense. Beware of the Judas Kiss, the betrayer, seeming to be your friend, but serving satan through their lust.

Luke - Thy will be done

Luke 22:41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
Luke 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

The time for suffering and the cross was very near. Jesus asked that it be removed, but not his will, but God's will be done. It is good to pray from the heart, but as Jesus we pray in his will for us. If we pray in his promises we know his will. If in doubt, we ask for his perfect will to be done.

1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

Jesus knew his purpose and he spoke it often to his disciples.

Mat 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
Mat 26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
Mat 26:27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
Mat 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

The suffering and death on the cross and rising on the third day, was the plan and purpose of the Father for his son, still he needed his Father's grace. We also need grace to accomplish God's purpose for us.

Luke 22:43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

The devil perhaps was tempting him, telling him lies. We as humans know how this is. In the flesh we sometimes doubt and the things that we see and feel overwhelm us, we are not perfect. The Lord Jesus Christ had no sin, he had faith. His faith was without measure.

Grace came: an angel was sent to strengthen him. How so? With a message from the Father, angels are messengers. Strength comes from God's word. It is the power to overcome the flesh and the devil. A comforting presence of a spiritual being, to show that he would soon be returning to the Spiritual place of his Father. He came from heaven and would return again, perhaps the angel was affirming this to him?

Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Heb 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Heb 12:4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

Luke 22:44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Knowing the intense pain that was coming, made him suffer in the flesh for concern of what was coming. It is a natural thing to dread something that is coming. I believe the spirit was preparing him ahead of time. It is good to be strengthened in the spirit for what is coming from the devil. The Spirit warns us of impending conflicts, if we listen. Jesus was listening in prayer and he was not to be surprised, he would go ahead with this most difficult completion of his ministry.

We must go ahead in our service and purpose, even if it means death, for Jesus is our example. The word of God and His Spirit will overcome this life.

Luke 22:45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
Luke 22:46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

Sleeping for sorrow? They were told to pray, but did not. To disobey the Lord, brings sorrow, we grieve the Holy Spirit. Why were they not praying for strength? Jesus prayed alone and would face the cross alone. He speaks again to his disciples, to learn to pray, to prevent temptation and to be prepared for satan's trials. The time had run out, satan approached them.

Luke - Pray

Pray

Luke 22:39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.

Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives a favorite place of prayer. He takes his disciples with him. It is his time of agony as a human, facing the terrible mocking and beatings and the extreme pain and shame of the cross. Would his companions comfort him in this time of need? What did Jesus ask them to do?

Luke 22:40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

He told them to pray for themselves, not for him. Pray that you enter not into temptation. It was the time of great Spiritual warfare. They needed to pray so that they would not sin and fail their Lord. God would not tempt them, it would be their own vanity, thinking on who would be greatest in the kingdom. They were blind to the great Spiritual battle that was about to happen. Satan would try to destroy their witness. To sin would be to bring dishonor to their Lord.

James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
James 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

They were thinking of self glory, not praying for Jesus, and satan put them to sleep. Have you every been in church, thinking on your own things during the service? Soon you become sleepy, satan has taken advantage of the wrong focus. We need to be awake and ready always.

Luke - Two Swords

Luke 22:35 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

Mat 10:7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mat 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
Mat 10:9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
Mat 10:10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
Mat 10:11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.
Mat 10:12 And when ye come into an house, salute it.
Mat 10:13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
Mat 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

Luke 22:36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
Luke 22:37 For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.

Jesus would be treated as a transgressor of the law and because he was not received, they would not be received, So they were to take what was needed with them.

Luke 22:38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.

Two swords; these were symbolic for God's word and God's Spirit. This would be enough to do the work as a servant of the Lord.

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Rev 1:16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
Rev 1:17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
Rev 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

The spoken word of God is the sharp two-edged sword. Two sharp edges that are the wisdom and power of God for us to use.

Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

The word of God and the prayers in the Spirit for the will of God. These are our two swords, our Spiritual weapons to overcome opposition and to fulfill God's perfect will.

More response about Casting out Demons

sickness and disease? 

Why blame a demon? These are part of life. Eating better and excercising more will help. Genetics has a role in this too. God healing is not removing a demon, it is his grace and mercy.  

>not all believers have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit  

They are not his if no Holy Spirit, and I am not insisting on tongues.  

Rom 8:9  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

  > they will cast out demons  

 Demons are in the way of salvation, they oppose God. Still the person can be reached by the word. I have cast out demons over the Internet of one seeking God, there was someone with her helping me. She was thrown to the ground, the possessed girl through up and left the house. Several days later she returned and we led her to the Lord. She now is active in a church and has a home for others coming out of bondage,  

You work in the body of Christ casting out demons?

Not all are really saved, though they are with us.  

Mark 1:23  And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,
Mark 1:24  Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.
Mark 1:25  And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.
Mark 1:26  And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.
Mark 1:27  And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
 

This may be your ministry, cleansing the church of demons. Not all within the church are truly born of God. One recent survey said that only 9% in church believe as the Bible teaches.  

Beware of demon removal where the are not willing to put Jesus and His Spirit in the vacancy.  

 Mat 12:43  When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
Mat 12:44  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.
Mat 12:45  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.
 

This casting out of demons must be in the process of the soul seeking Jesus.