KING | Part 28 | Chain Breaker

Big Idea:

Scriptures:

Matthew 8:28–34 NKJV

When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed men, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way. And suddenly they cried out, saying, “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?” Now a good way off from them there was a herd of many swine feeding. So the demons begged Him, saying, “If You cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine.” And He said to them, “Go.” So when they had come out, they went into the herd of swine. And suddenly the whole herd of swine ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and perished in the water. Then those who kept them fled; and they went away into the city and told everything, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their region.

I. The Tombs and Graveyards We live In

Matthew 8:28 NKJV

When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed men, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way.

The young men were in bondage. They were living among the DEAD THINGS. They were isolated and stuck in a location that was:

Designed for death

Inhabited by grief and depression

A home to the dark places (The Secret Bondages in our life)

Alcholism/Substance Abuse 35%

Gambling Abuse 61% of Adults 27% of Christians

Workaholism / Perfectionism (People can’t feel worth of value unless they are constantly moving

Food Addiction

Bitterness

The need to comment on everything and live trapped in the virtual world of social media.

Power principle: It is a concerning thing that in some sects of the body we of Christ, we no longer preach repentance and deliverance. We teach Management. Because some have lost faith in the ability of God to do miracles we operate in statements of doubt and unbelief. They learn to TOLERATE and CAPITULATE demonic activity in their lives.

They no longer preach HEALING they preach SICKNESS Management!

II. There are Spiritual Roots to many things we face

This opens up a deep reality of Spiritual Warfare.

Ephesians 6:12 NKJV

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

III. Refusing to combat the demonic will eventually leave people isolated so that the only option people have is to avoid them.

The young men were so toxic and dangerous that they cause people to adjust their routes for safety.

Some people have become some Toxic that avoidance is the only strategy some feel they have left. No one comes to help. They are left alone until their metaphorical grave becomes their geographical reality.

IV. Convenient Bondage

Power Point: Some would rather see men in bondage and suffer the inconvenience of broken men than have their commerce disrupted.

Matthew 8:33–34 NKJV

Then those who kept them fled; and they went away into the city and told everything, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their region.

Pornography:

From Barna.com

Pornography is now more readily available and consumed by a larger audience than ever before. Here are some of the latest trends from Barna’s newest study of pornography use, Beyond the Porn Phenomenon, produced in partnership with Pure Desire Ministries.

Porn use remains a growing problem. Since Barna’s 2015 study The Porn Phenomenon, the number of U.S. adults consuming pornography has continued to rise, with a 6-percentage point increase (from 55% in 2015 to 61% presently). There is also a notable uptick in the number of women accessing pornographic content (39% then vs. 44% now).

Porn use is often a silent habit done in isolation. Despite its widespread nature, the vast majority of porn users (84%) say no one is helping them avoid pornography, and half say no one knows about their habit.

Christians are not immune to the pervasive influence of pornography. Just over half of practicing Christians report consuming porn with some level of frequency, including 22 percent who view it weekly (15%) or daily (7%). Though numbers climb among nonpracticing Christians and non-Christians, the reality is that a slight majority of all Christians has some sort of history of engaging with pornographic material.

The effects of pornography are far-reaching. Barna data reveals that porn users often experience lower mental health and overall well-being, along with feelings of guilt, shame and isolation. Porn use also significantly impacts relationships and trust, even within marriages.

Many congregants want their church to address pornography. Just 10 percent of U.S. Christians and churched adults say their church offers programming to help those struggling with pornography. Meanwhile, over half (58%) say it’s important to them that their church is addressing topics like pornography.

The porn Industry brings in from 15-17 billion annually

75% men 40 % Women

68% of pastors have struggled or currently struggle

2024 report 62% of Christian believe that regular consumption does not hinder intimacy. (While ignoring the spiritual implications)

Solution

Hebrews 12:1 NKJV

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Hebrews 12:1 NIV

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,

V. Deliverance will Cost

Matthew 8:32 NKJV

And He said to them, “Go.” So when they had come out, they went into the herd of swine. And suddenly the whole herd of swine ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and perished in the water.

Jesus has authority over all spiritual darkness

Most people Value material prosperity above spiritual transformation.

They prefer profit over the presence and Comfort over Christ

Question:

Will you invite Jesus to stay?

If it’s uncomfortable, will you ask him to leave?