Nothing to Fear

Ephesians 6:12, For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

1st Peter 5:8, Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

James 4:7, Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

2nd Corinthians 4:4, In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

BIG IDEA: Those who love the Lord have nothing to fear from demonic powers. 

1.  The destructive power of demons.

(Journal) Mark 5:1-7

Matthew 25:41, Then He will say to those on His left, “Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”

1st Timothy 4:1-2, Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,

James 3:13-16, Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

• Scripture speaks of the power of demons to demonstrate the infinitely greater power of God.

Ephesians 1:21, …far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

1st Corinthians 6:19-20,  Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

1st John 4:4, Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

2.  The delivering power of deity.

(Journal) Mark 5:8-16

Luke 22:31, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.

2nd Corinthians 12:7-9, So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”

• Jesus granted their request, not out of compassion or compromise, but out of divine purpose.

Isaiah 46:9-10, …remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose,’

3.  The damning power of depravity.

(Journal) Mark 5:17-20

• The people preferred the company of dangerous demons to the company of the divine Deliverer.

NEXT STEP:

• Avoid all appearances of evil.

1st Thessalonians 5:22, Abstain from every form of evil.

• Keep your way pure.

Psalm 119:9, How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your Word.

• Store up God’s Word in your heart.

Psalm 119:10-11, With my whole heart I seek You; let me not wander from Your commandments! I have stored up Your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.