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THE RELAPSED D Æ MONIAC
THOUGH the general scope of the parables is, for the most part, plain and obvious, it is often difficult to see the precise meaning of some circumstances contained in them. This is the case with the parable before us; the minuter incidents of which may possibly be considered as ornamental; but I think rather that they are essential parts of the parable itself [Note: Our Lord had cast out a devil; and this was by the Pharisees imputed to a confederacy with Beelzebub. After shewing the absurdity of such a notion, he contrasted their state with that of the Ninevites and the Queen of Sheba; and compared them to a relapsed d æ moniac, who would be in a worse state than if Satan had never gone out of him at all. Now what is here spoken respecting the unclean spirit, we must interpret of Satan, ejected from the Jews, and going in dry, that is, unfrequented places, or places not watered by the Gospel, to find rest among the Gentiles; and, upon being pursued thither by the preaching of the Apostles, returning to take more full possession of the Jews than ever; since, however reformed some of them might be, they were, as a nation, perfectly prepared, through their inveterate lusts and prejudices, to receive him.]. Its import, on the whole, suggests the following observations:
I. Persons, once delivered from Satan, are again open to his assaults—
Satan certainly has power over the hearts of men—
[There is much ascribed to his agency in the holy Scriptures. He blinds the eyes of all unbelievers [Note: 2Co_4:4.] — — — and rules in all their hearts [Note: Eph_2:2.] — — — Though he has not the same power over men’s bodies as he once had, he evidently possesses their souls, and drives them to perdition [Note: Mar_9:22. with Joh_8:44.]—]
But he often loses, his dominion through the preaching of the Gospel—
[Paul was commissioned to turn men from the power of Satan unto God [Note: Act_26:18.]: and the weapon whereby he rescued them from his dominion was the Gospel [Note: 2Co_10:4.]. The same divine energy also attends it, when used by us [Note: 2Ti_2:25-26.] — — — Though conversions are more rare than in the Apostles’ days, they are not less real.]
Yet they who have been delivered from him, are still open to his assaults—
[How often did he repeat his attacks on Peter [Note: Mat_16:23. Luk_22:31.]! With what envious malice did he buffet Paul [Note: 2Co_12:7.]! How did he renew his attempts even on Christ himself [Note: Compare Luk_4:13. Joh_14:30. Luk_22:53.]! Thus he still watches for his opportunity to destroy us [Note: 1Pe_5:8.] — — — Nor shall we be wholly out of his reach, till we are finally discharged from our warfare [Note: Eph_6:11-12.].]
We had need therefore to watch against this subtle enemy; for,
II. If we be a second time subjected to Satan’s dominion, our last state will be worse than the first—
It is certain that Satan can never finally prevail against the elect—
[This is evidently implied in the character which is given of them [Note: 1Jn_2:13-14; 1Jn_5:18.]. The promises of God also ensure to them the victory over him [Note: Rom_16:20]. Hence they are authorized to defy all the powers of darkness [Note: Rom_8:38-39.].]
They, into whom he may return, are described in the text—
[The true children of God desire to be ever “filled with the Spirit;” nor will they suffer the things that please Satan to abide quietly in their hearts; but self-deceivers are satisfied, like Herod, with a partial change [Note: Mar_6:20.], and continue with their old affections and lusts unmortified [Note: Psa_78:36-37.]. Judas, Ananias, Demas, no doubt retained their love of this world. Hence Satan found their hearts “swept” indeed, and “emptied” of gross sin, but still furnished for his reception [Note: Many there are who embrace the Gospel, and experience its power so far as to turn them from open gross sin; but they afterwards imbibe false doctrines, or engage in matters of doubtful disputation; and thus change their outward lusts for others that are still more malignant, such as superstition, pride, bigotry, intolerance. Their service is different; but their Master is the same; and their dispositions invite the return of Satan as strongly as the most inveterate lusts could do.] — — — Wherever this is the case, he will surely, however expelled for a season, return ere long with increased power.]
On his return to them their state will be worse than ever—
[The Holy Spirit will be grieved, provoked, quenched [Note: Eph_4:30. Isa_63:10. 1Th_5:19.]; and when once men are “beguiled from the simplicity that is in Christ,” their minds will be more closed against the truth than ever. Their consciences will be silenced, and made callous [Note: 1Ti_4:2.];. Their evil habits also will return, and gain an irresistible dominion; and the deliverance, which they have neglected to improve, will fearfully aggravate their final condemnation [Note: 2Pe_2:20-21.].]
Inquire—
1. Whether ye have ever yet been delivered from Satan—
[Perhaps many doubt whether they have ever been possessed by Satan; but this alone is sufficient to prove, that they are yet under his dominion. That usurper reigns in all till he is vanquished and expelled by Jesus Christ; and it is only in answer to fervent prayer, that the adorable Saviour puts forth his power to drive him out. Examine then whether ye have ever thus resisted Satan, and obtained deliverance from him through the power and grace of Christ.]
2. Be daily maintaining a strict watch against him—
[If he has been cast out of us, he is seeking an opportunity to return; nor can he be kept away, but by constant prayer and watchfulness. Let us then guard every avenue of our hearts. Let us implore the aid of our divine inhabitant. The exertion of our own powers in dependence on the intercession and grace of Christ, will ensure us a successful issue of the conflict [Note: Jam_4:7. with Luk_22:31-32.].]