Matthew 12:43-45

⁴³ “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. ⁴⁴ Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. ⁴⁵ Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.”

Introduction

• Many people try to clean up their lives—stop bad habits, change behavior, and appear “better.”
• But Jesus warns that spiritual emptiness, even after reform, can lead to worse destruction.
• The heart was made to be filled—and if not filled with God’s Spirit, it will be filled with something else.

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I. The Departure of the Unclean Spirit (v. 43)

“When an unclean spirit goes out of a man…”

• The man represents someone who has experienced some kind of deliverance or moral reform.
• The spirit leaves—perhaps because of conviction, repentance, or outward change.
• The evil spirit wanders through “dry places,” restless, seeking a new home.
• Evil cannot rest apart from destruction—it longs to dwell within hearts unguarded by God.

Lesson: Deliverance without devotion is incomplete. Freedom must be followed by filling of the Word of God.

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II. The Empty, Swept, and Ordered Life (v. 44)

“He finds it empty, swept, and put in order.”

• The man’s life is now clean, tidy, and disciplined—but empty.
• Outwardly, everything looks right, but inwardly there is no presence of God.
• Many live moral lives without spiritual power—religion without relationship, form without fire.

Illustration:

A house can be beautifully decorated, but if left vacant, it becomes vulnerable to squatters or decay.

So is a heart without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Lesson: A clean life is not enough; it must be filled with Christ.

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III. The Return and Ruin (v. 45)

“He goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself…”

• The unclean spirit returns with greater force—now the man’s state is worse than before. Seven here is declared as the worst possible outcome — total domination by evil.
• Evil intensifies when a person rejects true transformation after experiencing truth.
• Jesus warns, “So shall it be with this wicked generation”—speaking to those who saw His works yet refused to believe.

Lesson: Rejection of Christ after exposure to truth brings deeper bondage.

Hebrews 6:4–6 – Those who taste the heavenly gift and fall away face greater peril.

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IV. The Remedy: A Heart Filled with Christ

• The only protection against returning evil is by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 5:18 – “Be filled with the Spirit.”

Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.”

• We must not only empty sin but also invite the Savior.
• Jesus doesn’t just clean us—He claims us.

Lesson: The Christian life is not about emptiness from evil but fullness in Christ.

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Application

1. Don’t just seek deliverance—seek discipleship.
2. Don’t just be reformed—be reborn or born-again.
3. Don’t just avoid sin—abide in Christ.

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Conclusion

• A heart that is swept and empty is in danger; a heart that is filled with Lord Jesus Christ is safe.
• The question is not “Is your life clean?” but “Who lives in your heart?”
• Let Christ fill every room of your soul today.

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Closing Prayer

“Lord Jesus, we confess that sometimes we try to fix ourselves without truly surrendering to You. Fill our hearts with Your Holy Spirit. Let no empty space remain where evil can return. Make us temples of Your presence and vessels of Your power. In Your holy name we pray, Amen.

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!