Demons and Spiritual Warfare

Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. When Jesus had stepped out on land, there met him a man from the city who had demons. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he had not lived in a house but among the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me.”

For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him. He was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert.) Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” for many demons had entered him. And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss.

Now a large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them permission. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned.

Luke 8: 26-33 (ESV)

Demons and Spiritual Warfare

Demons and Spiritual WarfareModern Society is governed by

Philosophical Naturalism.


Philosophical Naturalism.Even for some who admit that God exists,God is viewed as distant and uninvolved:

Deism.



Deism.Thus everything would have a

naturalistic explanation.



Deism.Thus everything would have a

naturalistic explanation.Thus, the idea that there are demons whomight be influencing people and events

seems absurd.

Demons and Spiritual WarfareThis is particularly the case when it comes

toissues of health.


toissues of health.

We are told that the only way to heal is to look

for a naturalistic explanation for the ill-health.


toissues of health.

We are told that the only way to heal is to look

for a naturalistic explanation for the ill-health.

Otherwise, to admit that demons are present

would cause us to treat the person poorly.

Demons and Spiritual WarfareThe Biblical culture, most cultures

throughout history, and even most modern cultures, assume

the reality of spiritual forces.



the reality of spiritual forces.The Bible records at least five separate

instancesof Jesus delivering people from demons.

(Matthew 9:32-33, 17:14-21, Mark 1:23-26,Luke 8:27-39, 11:14)



the reality of spiritual forces.The Bible records at least five separate

instancesof Jesus delivering people from demons.

(Matthew 9:32-33, 17:14-21, Mark 1:23-26,Luke 8:27-39, 11:14)

Probably the most dramatic instance is the one before us today.

Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. When Jesus had stepped out on land, there met him a man from the city who had demons. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he had not lived in a house but among the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me.”

For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him. He was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert.) Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” for many demons had entered him. And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss.

Now a large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them permission. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned.

Luke 8: 26-33 (ESV)

Jesus vs. Legion

Jesus vs. LegionLegion acknowledges the power and

authorityof Jesus.


authorityof Jesus.

They seem to have a parasitic existence.


authorityof Jesus.

They seem to have a parasitic existence.A. They need to find a host.

The Christian and Spiritual Warfare

The Christian and Spiritual WarfareA Christian can find him/herself attacked.

The Christian and Spiritual WarfareA Christian can find him/herself attacked.This attack may or may not have anything

to do with a sin that you committed.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

I Peter 5:8-9 (ESV)


authorityof Jesus.

They seem to have a parasitic existence.A. They need to find a host.

B. They do not like to give up a host.

“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.” Matthew 12:43-45 (ESV)

The Christian and Spiritual WarfareA Christian can find him/herself attacked.This attack may or may not have anything

to do with a sin that you committed.A Christian may find him/herself attacked

again over an issue which they thought they had

put behind them.

The Reality of Spiritual Warfare

The Reality of Spiritual WarfareTo assume that natural forces arebehind all ill-health is unbiblical.

The Christian must acknowledge and beprepared to deal with Satan and his

minions.



minions.We are all the potential targets of an

attack.We should not be surprised by it.





Resisting the devil certainly involves prayer. It can also involve going and seeking help.





Resisting the devil certainly involves prayer. It can also involve going and seeking help.

Satan does not give up easily.

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Demons and Spiritual Warfare