Righteous Division | Arik Hayes | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Righteous Division

2819 Church • Apr 5, 2026 • 59 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this message from Matthew 12:22-32, Elder Arik Hayes examines Jesus' miraculous healing of a blind and mute demon-possessed man and the hostile reaction of the Pharisees. Jesus confronts their absurd claim that He casts out demons by Beelzebul, demonstrating that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand and declaring that there is no neutral position in spiritual warfare. Believers are encouraged to walk in the authority of the Holy Spirit, resist sin with self-control, and align themselves fully with Christ.

Themes

Spiritual Warfare and DeliveranceAuthority of Jesus ChristKingdom Unity vs. DivisionNo Neutrality in FaithTruth vs. Religious HypocrisyBlasphemy of the Holy Spirit

Key Points

1.
Jesus possesses complete power and authority over evil spirits, sickness, and physical oppression.
2.
Believers have access to the same indwelling Holy Spirit that empowers them to walk in freedom and pray with authority.
3.
A kingdom, city, or household divided against itself will fall, making internal envy and division destructive forces in God's church.
4.
There is no neutral ground in the spiritual realm; you are either standing with Jesus and gathering, or opposing Him and scattering.
5.
Jesus voluntarily left the perfection of heaven to endure decades of earthly mess and sacrifice so that humanity could be set free.
6.
Self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, proving that experiencing a sinful desire or feeling does not obligate you to act on it.
7.
When facing temptation or failure, believers must run directly to God's presence rather than hiding in shame or believing enemy lies.
8.
The specific blasphemy against the Holy Spirit in Matthew 12 referred to eyewitness religious leaders attributing clear Holy Spirit miracles to Satan.

Sermon Moments

“Imagine being God and being there when they blew breath into clay and made clay a living soul, and then watched from heaven for 42 generations and then came and embodied a body just like them.”

“When you are dealing with something in your body and your mind as a believer, you need to know that you can reach back and say in the power of Jesus.”

“He's giving you the power of the Holy Spirit that lives on the inside of you... You just don't have confidence in it yet.”

“No one who cares about the kingdom of God should keep jealousy and envy and rebellion in their heart.”

“Just because you feel it don't mean you got to do it.”

“Imagine downgrading from heaven to earth... Having to deal with mess like this.”

“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. There ain't no fence, beloved.”

“Jesus came to plunder hell and set the captives free. That includes me and you.”

This Week

Pray directly for your own home and family using the authority of the Holy Spirit given to every believer.

Examine your heart for hidden envy, jealousy, or gossip that promotes division within your community and confess it immediately.

Practice self-control when temptation strikes by reminding yourself that feeling an urge does not require acting on it.

Stop trying to hold a neutral position in your daily life, and make a bold commitment to align with Jesus in your words and actions.

Stand up for clear biblical truth and reject false doctrines even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular.

When you fall into sin, do not isolate yourself in shame; run immediately back to God's presence and grace.

Spend time meditating on Christ's immense sacrifice in leaving heaven to give you power to live a holy life this week.

Remember This

There is no neutral fence in the spiritual realm; believers must stand fully with Jesus Christ and operate in the power of the Holy Spirit.

A Challenge for You

God, I ask that you would take this word and continue to plant it in the heart of the believer so that ultimately you would get glory as we worship the Son.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.