In our time those who produce movies have made “the dark world,” or “evil spirits,” something of the imagination. They have played it up as a show and entertainment. I’m sure Satan laughs at mankind for taking him so lightly. Many do not believe demons can enter a person, but the scriptures teach otherwise. Not only can he, but he does.
Before we enter our text for the day, let me assure you that if you are a genuine Christian, Satan cannot have power to control you. In Colossians 1:13, the Bible teaches us that God delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, Jesus. When we are saved, Jesus protects us and leads us. Romans 8:37 says we are conquerors through Christ. In I Corinthians 15:57, God gives the victory, and I John 2:13 John says we have overcome the evil one. If you believe these biblical truths, you cannot believe that a demon can possess you. You have no need to worry that one will overtake you.
In John MacArthur’s devotion on “Can Christians Be Demon-Possessed?” he states, “In Colossians 1:13, Paul says God “delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.” Salvation brings true deliverance and protection from Satan. In Romans 8:37, Paul says we overwhelmingly conquer through Christ. In I Corinthians 15:57, he says God gives us the victory. In II Corinthians 2:14, he says God always leads us in triumph. In I John 2:13, John says we have overcome the evil one. And, in I John 4:4, he says the indwelling Holy Spirit is greater than Satan. How could anyone affirm those glorious truths, yet believe demons can indwell genuine believers?” How do people believe something other than what the Bible says? They allow their experiences to dictate their belief. If scripture says it, we need to believe it. Not understanding, does not change God’s word. II Corinthians 6:15-16 makes it clear that Jesus and Belial, (Satan), cannot cohabitate.
II Corinthians 6:15-16 “And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
Our text today deals with Jesus freeing a Jewish man from the powers of Satan, recognizing and releasing these demons from having any power over this man. According to Acts 13:15, in the synagogue the presiding elder, after reading the scriptures, would invite others to address the congregation. On this day Jesus spoke. The Jews were astonished not only at what he taught, but that he taught with authority.
Mark 1:21-22 “And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.”
As he teaches, a man with a demon cries out. The demon recognizes that Jesus is the one speaking and understands that Jesus is God. Take note! Demons are fallen angels that chose to follow Satan. Lucifer, better known as Satan, is a fallen angel and he took one-third of the angels from heaven with him. They are well aware that Jesus is God in the flesh. James 2:19 “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”
Mark 1:23-25 “And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.”
Jesus shows his authority when He told the demon to come out. Then he told him something that caught my attention. He said, “hold thy peace.” After the study of this word in the original language, it means to muzzle, like the muzzling of an ox. Recall the words from the demon, “thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.” The demon proclaimed to those in the synagogue that Jesus was God. It was not yet time for this to be revealed, and the demon had no authority to proclaim it, so Jesus commanded him to hold his peace! We find that Jesus had the authority to silence; to demand the demon to come out; and to cause the demon to leave.
Mark 1:26 “And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.”
As we read verses 27 and 28, we see that the people were amazed by the power he had over the demon. They noticed that he cast out the demon simply by a word. Jesus did it in his own name, and by his own power which proved he was superior to all unclean spirits. Because of this miracle, Jesus’ name was spread throughout all the country. I believe it must have become evident to many that this was the Messiah they had heard about and was waiting for.
Mark 1:27-28 “And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.”
Do you stand in awe at the God of the universe? Are you amazed and humbled that the creator of the world would love you enough to pay the debt for your sins, by suffering and dying for you? He and he alone has all authority! Authority over demons, life, death, nature and eternity. If you have never surrendered to him, please take time to examine the evidence of who Jesus is, your life depends on it.
