Matthew 12:30-32  In response to the Pharisees' foolish accusation that Jesus was casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul... Jesus gives 3 specific responses. The first is the logical argument in verses 25-29.  Only One more powerful than the demons could possibly cast them out.  Satan cannot and would not cast himself out..  In these next verses Jesus argues, "He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters.." 

In Mark 9:40 and Luke 9:50 Jesus makes this statement, "For he who is not against us is for us." and

 ",.. for he who is not against you is for you." Both of these accounts are in response to the disciples telling Jesus about someone casting out demons in Jesus' name.. someone other than the twelve.  Jesus is telling them.. look at the fruit!

The emphasis here is on being "for" or "against" the Lord.  Jesus goes on to say that "blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven." and "whoever shall speak against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age, or in the age to come." 

There is a decision that must be made... will be "for" or "against" Jesus?  Will we abide with Him or oppose Him?  Jesus was warning the Pharisees of the dangerous path they were walking.. to blaspheme the Holy Spirit of God has eternal consequences.  Giving Satan credit for the work of the Holy Spirit brings condemnation... Words matter!  Something we all need to be more aware of.. Help us Lord!

Which is the next point that Jesus makes.. "Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit."  The man who was healed "spoke and saw". The result of the miracle is good.. therefore it came from a  Good source.. God!  It is impossible for good to result from an evil source. We must look at the fruit!

The words of the Pharisees were evil.. because their hearts were filled with evil. "And I say to you, that every careless word that men shall speak, they shall render account for it in the day of judgement. For by your words you shall be justified and by your words you shall be condemned."  

Do our words show that we are "for" or  "against" Jesus?  Are we abiding in Him or in opposition to Him?  Are we walking in the Spirit's power.. or in the power of satan.. self.. flesh.. worldly power?  Are we filling our hearts with the good treasure of God's Word.. His love.. His Presence?  Or are we choosing to fill our hearts with the things of the world that have no eternal value? What kind of words are coming out of our mouths? What kind of fruit are we producing?

Father in heaven, search our hearts and uncover any opposition, rebellion, or evil in them.  Cleanse us with the blood of Jesus, which alone can make us white as snow.  We want to walk in faith and in holiness.. filled with Your Spirit.. honoring Your Name in all we say and in all we do.  Help us to abide in Jesus.. to be FOR Him always,  we pray. In Jesus' name. Amen.