Walking with Jesus: How do you see it?

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How Do You See It?

A shoe manufacturer who decided to open the Congo market sent two salesmen to the undeveloped territory.

1. Salesman said, “The potential Market here is terrible!…No one wears shoes!”

2. Salesman reported enthusiastically, "The potential market here is terrific!... Everyone is barefooted."

Walking with Jesus may require a shift in your perspective.

Luke 8:26–39 NIV

26 They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. 27 When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” 29 For Jesus had commanded the impure spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places. 30 Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. 31 And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss. 32 A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission. 33 When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. 34 When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, 35 and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 36 Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. 37 Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left. 38 The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

Perspectives

Demons - True Authority

James 2:19 NIV

19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

Luke 10:18–20 NIV

18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Ephesians 1:20–23 NIV

20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

When we simply rely on believing that God is real…we fall very short of the power that we could have because we are the body of Christ and the powers of darkness are under the Feet of Jesus…who is the head of the church.

The perspective of authority is good, but it needs to only be a part of our perspective of who God is and what He is doing.

Man with Demons - Anger and loneliness

the people had written him off. He was left to his own and wanted it that way.

There are many people who find themselves in situations or because of their past have a loneliness perspective on life. Jesus is calling you out of that solitude.

Jesus crossed the sea for that one man. It doesn’t matter how far you may feel from Him don’t allow the anger and loneliness blur your view of what God wants to do and is doing in your life.

John 14:18 (NIV)

18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

Farmers - Fear

Misunderstanding

A desire for comfort and norm

Wishing to go back to the old way.

Jesus - Freedom and Hope

In every area of life Jesus offers Freedom and Hope.

Galatians 5:1 NIV

1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

2 Corinthians 3:16–18 NIV

16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Man without Demons - Hope and Joy

He found freedom and longed to go with Jesus, but had hope and joy to fulfil Jesus’ command to go and tell others.

How do we change how we see it? From No one wants shoes here to Everyone Needs Shoes!

1. Ask Him to change your heart in Prayer

Psalm 51:10–12 NIV

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Forgive you past

Forgive yourself

Refocus away from the pigs to Jesus

2. Spend time in the Word to transform you

2 Timothy 3:16–17 NIV

16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Psalm 119:11 NIV

11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Joshua 1:7–9 NIV

7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

3. Follow Jesus’ Words

James 1:22 NIV

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Then you will be transformed like the demon possessed man into a person who views the world with Hope, joy in Freedom of Jesus Christ

Romans 12:1–2 NIV

1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.