What does Luke 11:25 mean?

This parable (Luke 11:24) explains the foolishness of trying to be neutral in the spiritual battle raging around us. There are two sides: Satan and Jesus. We can choose Christ or choose Satan, but a vote for neither is ultimately a vote for Satan.

Someone may have been freed from the most horrific evil, but that doesn't mean he will stay safe. A man may be rescued from a demon and think he can live an ordered, peaceful life. But humans, by default, are under Satan's authority; we are Satan's "spoil" (Luke 11:22). Failing to choose means choosing Satan. Rescue from danger doesn't guarantee continued safety.

The "house" is the man who once was host for a demon. That he is "swept and put in order" means that the demonic influence is gone from his life. His life is as calm and peaceful as any human can experience. He may even do good for his community, love his family, and show generous responsibility in all things.

But human standards won't keep him safe. Spiritually, he is empty and vulnerable. If he does not ask the Holy Spirit to indwell him, his old demons will return. In this new respectable human state, the damage will be even greater than before. The downfall of an honorable man is more dramatic than the continued slide of a man who always looked lost.