Demons Will Have To Flee

Pastor C. H. Jr.

Sermon • Submitted 8 months ago • Presented 8 months ago

Demoniacs in the Gadarenes

A Demoniac

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Introduction- Oppression Of Demons (Hostile Spirits) Is Real

On July 1, 2016, Richard Gallagher, a board-certified psychiatrist and a professor of clinical psychiatry at New York Medical College

Published an article for the Washington Post titled:

As a psychiatrist, I diagnose mental illness and sometimes I help spot demonic possession

For the past two-and-a-half decades and over several hundred consultations, I’ve helped clergy from multiple denominations and faiths to filter episodes of mental illness — which represent the overwhelming majority of cases — from, literally, the devil’s work.

Dr. Gallagher, believes he has seen the real thing. Assaults upon individuals are classified either as “demonic possessions” or as the slightly more common but less intense attacks usually called “oppressions.” A possessed individual may suddenly, in a type of trance, voice statements of astonishing venom and contempt for religion, while understanding and speaking various foreign languages previously unknown to them. The subject might also exhibit enormous strength or even the extraordinarily rare phenomenon of levitation. (I have not witnessed a levitation myself, but half a dozen people I work with vow that they’ve seen it in the course of their exorcisms.) He or she might demonstrate “hidden knowledge” of all sorts of things — like how a stranger’s loved ones died, what secret sins she has committed, even where people are at a given moment. These are skills that cannot be explained except by special psychic or preternatural ability.

I have personally encountered these rationally inexplicable features, along with other paranormal phenomena. My vantage is unusual: As a consulting doctor, I think I have seen more cases of possession than any other physician in the world.

As a man of reason, I’ve had to rationalize the seemingly irrational.

In his article for Psychology Today on December 5, 2023, titled-

A Differential Diagnosis of Demonic Possession:

Dr. Joe Pierre writes

The idea that humans can be “possessed” by the devil, demons, or spirits has been an enduring cultural idea for thousands of years, if not since the dawn of civilization. Although demonic possession beliefs have been in relative decline over the past century, coincident with a decline in religious belief, polls from the past decade tell us that about 40-50 percent of the population still believes in demonic possession. And there is some evidence that cases of purported possession have been on the rise in recent years.

Dr. Pierre recently worked with two patients who developed delusions of demonic possession in the context of such experiences. Neither had a history of psychosis, were particularly religious, or had previously given much thought to the phenomenon of possession. One came to be convinced that she was possessed during a manic episode when she heard the devil speaking to her and had the urge to strike out at someone or utter racial epithets despite not wanting to do so. The other developed a profound and unpleasant loss of agency following a bout of encephalitis, or brain inflammation, due to COVID that he believed had to be caused by demonic possession. "There must be some way to get 'it' out," he pleaded.

Dr. Pierre concludes his article by writing: Identifying the most likely cause of possession experiences is the key to getting the right help.

Transition To Body- Those Who Follow Jesus Will Face Hostile Forces

Today in our text, the cause of the possession has been identified- it is indeed demonic and the people who are possessed would not be considered religious people.

Which means it comes from Satan, the Devil

1 Peter 5:8–10 ESV

8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

And the right help is Jesus the Christ- the Great Physician

Mark 2:17 ESV

17 And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Jesus Can Handle Demonic Oppression

We have already seen Jesus work in…

Matthew 8:16 ESV

16 That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick.

In the Bible, demonic possession or oppression by demons means to

A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed. δαιμονίζομαι

be possessed by a hostile spirit

Do you know what a hostile spirit is?

Jesus’ Disciples/Followers Encounter Hostile Spirits To the Mission

Matthew 8:23–27 ESV

23 And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25 And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” 26 And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”

Rebuke- Express Disapproval or Warn

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 33.331 ἐπιτιμάω

to command, with the implication of a threat—‘to command.’

A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed. ἐπιτιμάω

to express strong disapproval of someone, rebuke, reprove, censure also speak seriously, warn in order to prevent an action or bring one to an end.

Body- Jesus’ Power Over Demonic Forces

We must understand or experience the

Terror By Victims Of Demonic Possession (Matt. 8:28)

Matthew 8:28 ESV

28 And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way.

Matthew 8:28 MSG

28 They landed in the country of the Gadarenes and were met by two madmen, victims of demons, coming out of the cemetery. The men had terrorized the region for so long that no one considered it safe to walk down that stretch of road anymore.

According to the Message Bible Translation, they were met by two madman

Who had been relegated, restricted, or even possibly resigned to residing and roaming in and out of the cemetery

These men had terrorized the community for so long that no one considered it safe to walk down that section of the road anymore when they were there

fierce- pertaining to one who is inclined to violent and dangerous activity—‘dangerous, fierce.’

terror- violence or the threat of violence used as a weapon of intimidation or coercion

a very frightening or terrifying aspect

someone or something that inspires fear

{

Terror By Victims Of Demonic Possession (Matt. 8:28)

}

Satan’s Strongholds Are Powerless Before Jesus (Matt. 8:29-32)

Matthew 8:29–32 ESV

29 And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” 30 Now a herd of many pigs was feeding at some distance from them. 31 And the demons begged him, saying, “If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs.” 32 And he said to them, “Go.” So they came out and went into the pigs, and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the waters.

These demons they:

Identify Who Jesus Is?

Proclaim What Jesus Can Do?

Beg Jesus to send them into unclean animals

And when I say strongholds I mean:

Strongholds

a fortified place

a place of security or survival

a place dominated by a particular group or marked by a particular characteristic

Max Lucado describes strongholds this way: Does one prevailing problem stalk your life? Where does Satan have a hook in you?

Some are prone to cheat. Others quick to doubt. Maybe you worry. Yes, everyone worries some – but you own the national distributorship of anxiety. Perhaps you are judgmental. Sure, everybody can be critical, but you pass more judgments than the Supreme Court.

What is that one weakness, bad habit, rotten attitude? Where does the devil have a stronghold on you? Ahh, there is the word that fits–stronghold–fortress, citadel, thick walls, tall gates. It’s as if the devil has fenced in one negative attribute, one bad habit, one weakness and constructed a rampart around it. “You ain’t touching this flaw,” he defies to heaven and he places himself squarely between God’s help and your:

–explosive temper

–fragile self-image

–voracious appetite

–distrust for authority

The Apostle Paul uses the term to describe a mindset or attitude.

Divinely Empowered Stronghold Destroyers

2 Corinthians 10:3–6 ESV

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.

And here comes the two demon possessed men approaching Jesus, and Jesus ain’t scared one bit

Demon’s Believe & Shudder

James 2:18–20 ESV

18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?

{

Terror By Victims Of Demonic Possession (Matt. 8:28)

Satan’s Strongholds Are Powerless Before Jesus (Matt. 8:29-32)

}

People’s Response To Jesus’ Gracious Deliverance (Matt. 8:33-34)

Matthew 8:33–34 ESV

33 The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, especially what had happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their region.

Matthew 8:33–34 MSG

33 Scared to death, the swineherds bolted. They told everyone back in town what had happened to the madmen and the pigs. 34 Those who heard about it were angry about the drowned pigs. A mob formed and demanded that Jesus get out and not come back.

Jesus is in the Country of the Gadarenes

Because they are herding pigs, they are Gentiles, because no God fearing Jew in the time of our text would make their wages doing such a thing

Gentiles who were considered unclean people

Jesus is reaching and healing, delivering people who were considered unclean.

These two men’s deliverance from demonic oppression comes at the cost of someone else’s source of wages or income…

The people in the city are angry and won’t celebrate these men’s deliverance because it cost them something.

Psalm 24:1 ESV

1 The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,

Psalm 50:10–11 ESV

10 For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. 11 I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.

The Christian’s View vs. The World’s View Of Jesus…

Matthew 8:33–34 (IVPBBC NT): 8:33–34. The Old Testament narratives of Elijah and Elisha allowed Jewish people to place some miracle workers in the category of “prophet,” but Greeks usually categorized miracle workers as magicians or sorcerers. Because magicians and sorcerers were usually malevolent and Jesus’ coming had already cost these Gentiles from the Decapolis economically (he sank a lot of pork), they were naturally terrified of him.

Malevolent-

having, showing, or arising from intense often vicious ill will, spite, or hatred

: productive of harm or evil

Do you view God, Jesus Christ, as malevolent when He intrudes on your space?

Some people become so fixated on the consequences of Jesus’ assault on the powers of this world that they are threatened by the consequences in their own lives if they allow him to take up residence in their personal, everyday world

Wilkins, Michael J.. The NIV Application Commentary: Matthew (p. 358). Zondervan Academic. Kindle Edition.

The LORD’s Good Plans & Good Gifts!

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Matthew 7:11 ESV

11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

Philippians Chapter 4 says

Philippians 4:8 ESV

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:19 ESV

19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

At the beginning of Chapter 9, we find The Crowds Were Afraid & Glorified God

We will talk about this more on this upcoming Wednesday

Matthew 9:1–8 ESV

1 And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. 2 And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” 3 And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” 7 And he rose and went home. 8 When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

{

Terror By Victims Of Demonic Possession (Matt. 8:28)

Satan’s Strongholds Are Powerless Before Jesus (Matt. 8:29-32)

People’s Response To Jesus’ Gracious Deliverance (Matt. 8:33-34)

}

Our Response Ought To Be

Psalm 34:1–10 ESV

1 I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! 4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. 6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. 8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! 9 Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! 10 The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

Transition To Close- When I Think About Jesus!

When I think of the goodness of Jesus, and what he has done for me, my soul cries out, "Hallelujah!" Praise God for saving me.

Like Kirk Franklin said:

[Intro: Kirk Franklin] Some of you are waiting for a special little place to shout You tryna wait for a little cute moment to shout Honey, you could shout right now [Chorus: Choir, Kirk Franklin] When I think about Jesus What He's done for me When I think about Jesus How He set me free I could dance, dance, dance, dance Dance, dance, dance all night (Say)

When I think about Jesus What He's done for me When I think about Jesus How He set me free I could dance, dance, dance, dance Dance, dance, dance all night

In the name of Jesus,

we have the victory.

In the name of Jesus,

Satan, you have to flee.

Oh, what can ever stand before us

when we call on that great name?

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus,

we have the victory.

Many Are The Afflictions

Psalm 34:19 ESV

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

No Other Name Under Heaven by Which We Must Be Saved!

Acts 4:12 ESV

12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Close- Faith To Deal With Unclean Spirits

That’s Why When God was Doing Extraordinary Miracles by the hands of Paul

And the Itinerant Jewish Exorcists Undertook to invoke the name of the LORD Jesus

Acts 19:11–16 ESV

11 And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them. 13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” 14 Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. 15 But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” 16 And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

Resist The Devil…

1 Peter 5:8–10 ESV

God Gives More Grace!

Resist the Devil & he will flee from you

James 4:6–7 ESV

6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

We Wrestle Not Against Flesh & Blood

Ephesians 6:10–20 ESV

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Jesus has power and authority to rebuke demons!

Mark 1:23–28 ESV

23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.

He Was Wounded…

Isaiah 53:4–6 ESV

4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

The Disciples Worshiped Jesus!

Jesus is With Us!

Matthew 28:16–20 ESV

16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

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