Demons and Spiritual Warfare

1. 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.”

2. 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.

3. 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)

4. Demons and Spiritual Warfare

5. Demons and Spiritual Warfare Modern Society is governed by Philosophical Naturalism.

6. Demons and Spiritual Warfare Modern Society is governed by Philosophical Naturalism. Even for some who admit that God exists, God is viewed as distant and uninvolved: Deism.

7. Demons and Spiritual Warfare Modern Society is governed by Philosophical Naturalism. Even for some who admit that God exists, God is viewed as distant and uninvolved: Deism. Thus everything would have a naturalistic explanation.

8. Demons and Spiritual Warfare Modern Society is governed by Philosophical Naturalism. Even for some who admit that God exists, God is viewed as distant and uninvolved: Deism. Thus everything would have a naturalistic explanation. Thus, the idea that there are demons who might be influencing people and events seems absurd.

9. Demons and Spiritual Warfare This is particularly the case when it comes to issues of health.

10. Demons and Spiritual Warfare This is particularly the case when it comes to issues of health. We are told that the only way to heal is to look for a naturalistic explanation for the ill-health.

11. Demons and Spiritual Warfare This is particularly the case when it comes to issues 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.

12. Demons and Spiritual Warfare The Biblical culture, most cultures throughout history, and even most modern cultures, assume the reality of spiritual forces.

13. Demons and Spiritual Warfare The Biblical culture, most cultures throughout history, and even most modern cultures, assume the reality of spiritual forces. The Bible records at least five separate instances of Jesus delivering people from demons. (Matthew 9:32-33, 17:14-21, Mark 1:23-26, Luke 8:27-39, 11:14)

14. Demons and Spiritual Warfare The Biblical culture, most cultures throughout history, and even most modern cultures, assume the reality of spiritual forces. The Bible records at least five separate instances of 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.

15. 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.”

16. 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.

17. 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)

18. Jesus vs. Legion

19. Jesus vs. Legion Legion acknowledges the power and authority of Jesus.

20. Jesus vs. Legion Legion acknowledges the power and authority of Jesus. They seem to have a parasitic existence.

21. Jesus vs. Legion Legion acknowledges the power and authority of Jesus. They seem to have a parasitic existence. A. They need to find a host.

22. The Christian and Spiritual Warfare

23. The Christian and Spiritual Warfare A Christian can find him/herself attacked.

24. The Christian and Spiritual Warfare A Christian can find him/herself attacked. This attack may or may not have anything to do with a sin that you committed.

25. 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)

26. Jesus vs. Legion Legion acknowledges the power and authority of Jesus. They seem to have a parasitic existence. They need to find a host. They do not like to give up a host.

27. “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)

28. The Christian and Spiritual Warfare A 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.

29. The Reality of Spiritual Warfare

30. The Reality of Spiritual Warfare To assume that natural forces are behind all ill-health is unbiblical. The Christian must acknowledge and be prepared to deal with Satan and his minions.

31. The Reality of Spiritual Warfare To assume that natural forces are behind all ill-health is unbiblical. The Christian must acknowledge and be prepared to deal with Satan and his minions. We are all the potential targets of an attack. We should not be surprised by it.

32. The Reality of Spiritual Warfare To assume that natural forces are behind all ill-health is unbiblical. The Christian must acknowledge and be prepared to deal with Satan and his 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.

33. The Reality of Spiritual Warfare To assume that natural forces are behind all ill-health is unbiblical. The Christian must acknowledge and be prepared to deal with Satan and his 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. Satan does not give up easily.