THE LAST STATE IS WORSE

                                                       Matthew 12:43-45 (713)

   Introduction

        A.  The key to this parable is found in v45:

        B.  Jesus used a man with an unclean spirit to represent the Jews.

        C.  Many of the Jews listened to John the Baptist, but their reformation was insincere.

              Vv43,45; Matthew 3:7-10 (704)

        D.  They also listened to Jesus and became worse to the point of having Him crucified.

        E.  There is an interesting principle from this parable that applies to us today.  It does

              no good for a person to cleanse himself/herself of evil things without putting good

              things in their place.  Vv43-45.  Let’s look at three examples.

   I.  Our thoughts

        A.  Sometimes we have sinful thoughts.  Examples:

              1.  It isn’t effective for us to say to ourselves, “I won’t think about it anymore.”

                   Illustration:

        B.  The way to escape is to think about other things.

              1.  Make request of God.  Philippians 4:6-7 (869)  Illustration:

              2.  Meditate on good things.  Philippians 4:8

                   (Virtue means moral excellence..  Meditate means to compute over and over.)

              3.  Read God’s word.

  II.  Our habits

        A.  Sometimes we develop bad habits.  Examples:

        B.  If we want to get rid of a habit, we must develop a good habit to replace the bad habit.

              Illustration:

        C.  What to do to change a bad habit.

              1.  Make request of God.  Philippians 4:6-7

              2.  Read God’s word.

              3.  Practice a good habit to replace the bad habit.  Ephesians 4:22-32 (865)

III.  Our service to God

       A.   If we don’t put positive service to God in the place of vain service, the vain service will

              become worse and worse.  Matthew 12:32-45.  Illustration:

             1.  We must add to-“I don’t do this or that” to “I do.”  Matthew 7:21-27 (708)

             2.  Request _____.  Meditate________.  Give positive service to God.