Dealing with the Demonic III (Luke 4,31-37; 8, 26-39) February 25, 2007

The Gospel of Luke: Dealing with the Demonic III

Hillcrest Church, February 25, 2007

Text

" ³¹ Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath began to teach the people. ³² They were amazed at his teaching, because his message had authority. ³³ In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an evil spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, ³⁴ “Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” ³⁵ “Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him. ³⁶ All the people were amazed and said to each other, “What is this teaching? With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!” ³⁷ And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area." (Luke 4:31-37, NIV)

" ²⁶ They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. ²⁷ When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. ²⁸ When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” ²⁹ For Jesus had commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places. ³⁰ Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. ³¹ And they begged him repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss. ³² A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into them, and he gave them permission. ³³ When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. ³⁴ When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, ³⁵ and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. ³⁶ Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. ³⁷ Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left. ³⁸ The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, ³⁹ “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him." (Luke 8:26-39, NIV)

Introduction

Two weeks ago, we began our discussion of the last half of Luke chapter four by sharing a simple, yet powerful principle for dealing with the prevailing demonic influences in a the region where we live.

· The way I overcome any dominant spirit is by voluntarily walking in the opposite spirit.

o The way I overcome a spirit of pride and arrogance is by walking in a spirit of humility.

- When I walk in a spirit of humility, I experience an outpouring of God’s grace!

o The way I overcome a spirit of mammon (money) and materialism is by walking in a spirit of generosity and simplicity.

- When I walk in a spirit of generosity, I tap into heaven’s infinite resources; When I walk in a spirit of simplicity, I experience God’s peace.

o The way I overcome a religious and controlling spirit is by walking in the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

- As I walk in the Holy Spirit, I become a better person (fruit) and I can truly help others (gifts).

Last week, we continued this discussion by sharing several things that we need to know and that we need to do when confronted with the demonic:

· Here’s what you need to Know:

o Demons are given to iniquity.

o Demons are limited in their ability.

o Demons hijack human personality.

o Demons often disguise their activity.

o Demons are not afraid of religiosity.

o Demons already know Jesus’ identity and recognize His authority.

· Here’s what you need to do:

o Remember Jesus’ unconditional victory.

o Exercise Jesus’ absolute authority.

o Walk in an attitude of genuine humility.

Today, I want to treat this subject for a third, and probably final time during this particular series of messages, zeroing in on one particular aspect of demonic activity in our lives, their assault on our homes and families.

As I do, I want to tell you again that there is no need to be afraid of this subject, neither is there any need to be fascinated or obsessed with this subject.

Through the absolute, unconditional, and total victory of Jesus during His earthly ministry, His death on the cross, and His resurrection, every believer is able to overcome every demonic power they confront and be victorious, as they walk with God, seek His will, and rely on His power!

Lessons from the Gerasenes

This episode is different from the others recorded by Luke in some interesting ways:

· It takes place in a predominantly Gentile region.

· It involves a very severe degree of demonic activity (“Legion” – many – perhaps 6,000)

This episode teaches us some important things about demonic activity:

· Demons can influence things other than human personalities (pigs and perhaps wind on lake previously)

· Demons sometimes speak the truth, but they are never to be trusted to tell all the truth!

· Demonic activity influences the human will, but cannot completely destroy it. (Man came to meet Jesus.)

· Demonic activity always results in some form of destruction and devastation:

o Shame (“no clothes”)

o Separation and alienation (“lived in the tombs,” “driven by the demons into solitary places”)

This particular episode graphically illustrates the ultimate outcome of demonic activity in our lives if deliverance and victory do not occur.

The good news is that Jesus is always victor…!

The most interesting fact of all is the specific command of Jesus given to this individual after he was set free.

"³⁸ The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, ³⁹ “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him." (Luke 8:38-39, NIV)

"¹⁹ Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”" (Mark 5:19, NIV)

Demonic influence on families is very real, but it can be broken in Jesus’ name…!

How to Overcome Demonic Influence in our Families and in our Homes:

1. Recognize historical patterns of demonic influence.

2. Repent of any personal involvement in these things.

3. Renounce any attachment to family patterns of sinful behavior.

4. Remove any objects connected with such sinful behaviors.

5. Remain diligent in our study of God’s word and pursuit of God’s presence through prayer and worship.

6. Rejoice in the precious promises of God to redeem our families!