Jesus Restores Ruined Lives (Luke 8:26-39)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
29 August 2021
In Luke 8:26-39 we read of a man who was possessed by demons, the servants of the devil. Can people be demon-possessed today?
Sceptics deny the existence of the devil but the Scriptures teach he exists and is active.
The devil who is Satan, ruined the lives of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. Their offspring are in a state of spiritual ruin.
Observe first the demoniac’s state of ruin.
He was possessed by demons for a long time. Satan, if he had his way, would keep people in bondage all their lives. But Jesus has come to break the devil’s control and to liberate people. The devil has power but it is not omnipotent. It is broken by the Saviour’s greater power.
The man went around naked. The devil is opposed to the work of God. In the garden of Eden God clothed Adam and Eve to cover their shame. The devil seeks to unclothe people whereas God seeks to clothe people with the garments of righteousness. If the devil had his way everyone would walk around naked and without shame. Jesus clothes his people with the pure garments of righteousness. Their shame is covered.
The demoniac did not live in a house. He had no family; no friends. His condition was not the condition God meant for people at creation for people are meant to have family and community.
The demoniac dwelt among the tombs in a cemetery. Death is associated with the devil and he drives this miserable man to dwell among the dead. Satan would have people live in hell. Jesus would have them live in heaven. Satan would have people live among the dead. Jesus would have them live with the living.
The demoniac was often seized upon by unholy demons. Jesus seizes people with the Holy Spirit and makes them live holy lives.
The demoniac was kept under guard, bound with chains. He is enslaved. Jesus sets captives free.
The man was able to break the chains. The devil is able to fill people with extraordinary strength. Jesus is able to give believers extraordinary grace to cope with all situations.
The devil drove this man into the wilderness who then had nothing to say to the world. Jesus sends his people into the world with everything to say----the gospel of salvation.
Observe secondly the presence of Jesus.
The demoniac is helpless and hopeless—until Jesus Christ was present. In the providence of God Jesus came and met with this ruined demoniac. Divine providence brings Jesus to people today. He is with us in all our trials and will deliver us.
Jesus showed mercy to this man. Jesus is full of mercy as seen by the way he treated people. He healed the sick. He provided for the needy. He forgave sinners. He gave hope of life everlasting to dying people. O, how we should give thanks for the mercies of the Lord.
Jesus engaged with this man and the demons who possessed him. No one would or could engage with this miserable man but Jesus did. Jesus came and sat with sinners. He engaged with his disciples in the hour of their failings. He does not isolate himself from our human plight.
Thirdly, note the authority of Jesus.
Jesus had authority over the demons. They, the demons, controlled this man for a long time but at the presence of Jesus this control is shattered. Jesus cast out the demons with complete authority.
Jesus had authority over the swine. He owns all things and has authority to deal with everything according to his will. In this instance it was his will that the demons enter the swine and be drowned.
Finally, note the exaltation of Jesus.
Jesus is exalted by those who attended the pigs. They were amazed at what they saw and ran off and told everyone.
Jesus is exalted by the multitude who came to investigate. They were seized with great fear. The authority of Jesus struck them with a great awe.
Jesus is exalted by the man’s testimony. He went and proclaimed the great things Jesus had done for him.
The lesson we learn is that Jesus restores ruined people. We have all been ruined by what happened in the garden of Eden. But praise the Lord for his mercies. He sent Jesus into this world to deliver us from the dominion of darkness.
Does demon possession occur today? There is nothing in the Bible to say it doesn’t but where the gospel is preached the activity of the devil is checked. Demons must flee when Jesus is present. Demons are silenced by the sound of the gospel. The demoniac sits at the feet of Jesus, calm as a little child.
There is a desperate need today for people to be aware of their ruined state. A conviction of sin is prerequisite to a cleansing from sin. The Holy Spirit does this work of conviction through the proclamation of gospel.
Christians, let's preach the gospel and see Jesus restoring ruined lives.