Matthew 12:43-45. When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44 Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. 45 Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.
In today’s Word, Jesus warns against idolatry: “The final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.”
He is speaking about those who call themselves believers but do not possess true life. They are no different from those of other religions. They do not believe in the living God. They are merely religious—and religion itself becomes idolatry.
Many claim to believe in God, but in reality, they believe in something else. They have been deceived by religion. This is one of Satan’s most subtle strategies: a religious lifestyle becomes a powerful, unseen idol that gives people a false sense of conviction.
Jesus said, “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it.” The life of religious people is like this: dry and restless. No matter how long they have been involved in church, they have never truly tasted the grace and peace and power of God.
They have never experienced the Word of God as living and active—bringing life, power, and renewal to their souls. To them, Scripture remains distant and powerless. As a result, their so-called Christian life becomes increasingly burdensome and difficult. Faith feels like a duty rather than a joy. Their hearts grow weary, and their suffering continues without relief.
Likewise, idolaters are deceived, robbed, and oppressed. They have been taught that they must empty themselves, clean up their lives, and put everything in order. This is the realm of religion they strive to enter. Their efforts may seem sincere, admirable, and even holy, but in the end, all their labors are offered to the devil, leading to unexpected consequences.
Jesus warned, “Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there.” A more powerful evil spirit seizes those trapped in religion and makes its home within them!
Religious leaders, sorcerers, and false prophets perform miracles and signs by the power of evil spirits, but their end is destruction. Worse still, their descendants inherit generational curses.
The spirit they serve is a thief who comes only to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Because Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), they are completely overtaken by evil without even realizing it.
Thus, all religious efforts become a heavy burden imposed by Satan. There is no true rest in religion. Everything in religion is heavy, demanding, and wearisome. This is why Jesus came as the True Prophet—to give us rest from religion. He said,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30)
To free us from the law of sin and death, Jesus, our True Priest, shed His own blood to secure eternal redemption. Because of what He accomplished on the cross, we no longer need religion. And as our True King, He rose from the dead, crushing the head of the one who gave us religion in the first place.
Through Christ, you have been set free from the power of religion. Do not remain trapped in a religious lifestyle. Let your religious nature be transformed into the nature of the gospel of grace.
Experience true rest, peace, and joy in Christ alone. By the power of the gospel, rescue those who are struggling under the weight of idolatry and religion.
Prayer. Father, I thank You for giving me the gospel, not a religion to follow. Transform my religious nature into a gospel nature. Help me enjoy the freedom You have given me in all circumstances. In Jesus’ name, Amen.