1. The Replacement Principle
Matthew 12:43-45

2. Ever Wonder… Why some never become Christians?
Why some Christians repeat the same sins over and over again?
Why some Christians never progress and grow to spiritual maturity?
Answer: a void or vacuum needs filling

3. Examples of A Void or Vacuum
An incandescent light bulb
Vacuum packaging
Engine vacuum and vacuum brakes
Space travel

4. The Replacement Principle
Matthew 12:43-45; Luke 11:24-26
1. The unclean spirit leaves the man
2. The unclean returns to a clean house
3. The unclean spirit returns & brings with him seven other spirits more evil
4. The last state is worse than the first

5. The Replacement Principle
Principle 1: it is good that evil leaves
Principle 2: the clean “house” (man) should be filled with good
Principle 3: if no good fills the void or vacuum, evil returns and in greater force

6. The Replacement Principle
We should replace being servants of sin with being servants of God (Rom. 6:1-23)
We should replace the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:16-26)

7. The Replacement Principle
We should replace the old man with the new man (Eph. 4:17 – 5:14; Col. 3:5-17)
We should replace a selfish mind with a selfless mind (Phil. 2:1-5)

8. The Replacement Principle
We should replace laziness with work (2 Thess. 3:6-15)
We should replace following the devil with drawing near to God (Jas. 3:13 – 4:10)

9. Some Practical Suggestions
Replacing bad words
Replacing improper use of time
Replacing murmuring/complaining
Replacing “free” time or “me” time
Replacing immodest clothing