SET FREE? ME? MARK 1:21-27

Mark 1: They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, 24 “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!”

Mark 1: “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. 27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him.”

Screwtape Letters – CS Lewis “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight.”

1. Demons are PRESENT

Mark 1:27 27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him.”

Who are the Demons?  Do the work of Satan  Satan himself was cast out of heaven (Luke 10:18) because he wanted to be like God and steal God’s glory  Fallen Angels (Rev 12:4)  A third of them were swept out of heaven with Satan  They’re therefore created beings, like angels  False Deities (1 Cor 10:20)  “Sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons…”  Unclean Spirits (Matt 10:1; Acts 5:16)

Their Schemes Gen 3:1-5 (Eve) & Matt 4:1-11 (Jesus) 1.they deny and challenge the truth of the Word of God 2.they deny the reality of death (without salvation) 3.they appeal to the pride by telling men and women that they can become like God

1. Demons are PRESENT 2. Demons can POSSESS

Mark 1: Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, 24 “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!”

Demons are Roaming Spirits Matt 12:43 43 “When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Job 1:7 7 The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it.”

Demons can Possess… Animals – The man who has many demons who called themselves, Legion were cast into pigs (Mark 5:13) Idols – Paul explained that food offered to idols are offered for demons (1 Cor 10:19-21) Humans – 7 demons came out of Mary Magdalene (Luke 8:2)

Demons can… Inflict Sicknesses – woman crippled by a spirit for 18 years (Luke 13:11). ~~~ Not all sicknesses are from demons. Matthew 10:8 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

Can a Christian be Possessed? Daimonizomai (δαιμονίζομαι) “influence” or “affected by” Found 13 times in the 4 gospels as “demon possessed” ~~~~~~ Peripoiēsis (περιποίησις) “ownership” 1 Peter 2:9 “ But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

So can a Christian be possessed or owned by demons? No! Ephesians 1:13 & 14 13b Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. Can a Christian be affected or influenced by a demon? Yes!

Examples of Opened Windows  Anger  Unforgiveness  Persistent Sin  Artifacts /Talismans “Any deity other than the one true God is a spirit opposed to him; therefore such a spirit is an evil spirit or demon.” Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible

1. Demons are PRESENT 2. Demons can POSSESS 3. We have a PERSONAL SAVIOUR

Mark 1:24b-26 24b “…I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” 25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

We have the Authority John 14:12,13 12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. Mark 16:17 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;