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The Power of Hell
This discussion began with the publishing of the sermon:
KEEPING THE POWERS OF HELL AWAY

Comments by Stephen Kaufman - 9 Feb 2003

The reading in church this morning included Mark 1:34:

"And he healed many who were sick with various disease, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him."

To my reading and understanding, Jesus did not permit the demons to speak because he knew that they knew his weaknesses. He did not want to be tempted by the demons, and the human side of Jesus could succumb to temptation, particularly after the exhausting work of exorcism.

We are told that he prayed "lead us not into temptation" because he understood that all people, including himself, are susceptible. And, it was only after 40 days of fasting and prayer in the desert that he felt ready to resist the three great temptations.

As I see it, the Holy Spirit helps us keep our mind's eye focused on God, but does not immunize us from demonic temptation. That we are all tempted, and often find ourselves weak in the fact of temptation, is a common bond between those who abstain from animal flesh and those who do not.

Steve

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