The Defeat of Deceit
Introduction
This demon-possessed Gadarean man is not what you would call a hot prospect for the church. Throughout the gospels, the very people that society has given up on are the people to whom Jesus goes.
Thesis: Satan’s ploys are no match for the Savior’s power.
“Legion” of Demons
A. Categories of Demons, see Galatians 5:19-21
- Demons of Sexual Immorality
- Demons of False Worship
- Demons of Broken Relationships
- hatred = predetermined mental attitude/ prejudice
- jealousy = resentment and bitterness
- self-centered anger
- Demons of Intemperance
B. The Fear of Demons–the Abyss, v. 31
What Satan Does for You, v. 29
A. Satan seizes you
B. Satan chains you
C. Satan drives you “into solitary places”
What Jesus Can Do for You, Luke 4:18-19
A. Jesus frees you
B. Jesus restores you
- a right mind
- a right relationship with God
C. Jesus provides purpose for you, v. 39
The Lord Adds and Multiplies; the Devil Subtracts and Divides
A. Haven’t you been used and abused by Satan long enough?
B. Jesus can save and heal you.
C. Christian, have you been used by Satan by harboring:
- hatred and prejudice? Repent!
- resentment and bitterness? Repent!
- self-centered anger, ready to explode at any time, or exploding all the time? Repent!
D. Satan’s ploys are no match for the Savior’s power.