Jesus: Our Deliverer and Source of Freedom
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to all our locations, including Napa East Bay, Roseville, Calgary, and the Prison Church Network. Today, we continue our series on the Gospel of Mark, focusing on chapter five, which takes us to the east side of the Sea of Galilee. Here, we encounter a dramatic scene involving demons and pigs. This chapter is a head-spinner, but it is historical and true, and we will unpack it together.
Jesus, our deliverer, is the central theme today. Rewinding to the beginning of His ministry, Jesus read from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue, proclaiming His mission to bring good news to the poor, freedom for the captives, recovery of sight for the blind, and to set the oppressed free. This prophecy was fulfilled in their sight, and it encapsulates Jesus' vision statement: to seek and save the lost.
As we delve into the story of the demonized man from the Gerasene region, we see a worst-case scenario of demonic possession. This man lived among the tombs, unable to be restrained even by chains. Yet, when Jesus delivered him, he was found sitting at Jesus' feet, clothed and in his right mind. This transformation is a powerful testimony of God's delivering power. No matter the level of bondage or darkness, Jesus can set anyone free.
We live in a spiritual world, and whether we acknowledge it or not, we are affected by the spiritual realm. Jesus' ministry involved casting out demons and healing the sick, and He has delegated this authority to His church. We are called to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, displacing darkness wherever we go. This is not about being demon hunters but about being filled with the Holy Spirit and allowing His light to repel darkness.
The story of the demonized man also teaches us the importance of telling our story of freedom. Revelation tells us that we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. Sharing our story establishes a spiritual reality that no bondage or oppression can remain in the ground Jesus has given us. The man from the tombs went on a ten-city campaign, proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him, and everyone was amazed.
As we conclude, we enter a time of prayer, inviting those who need to come home to Jesus to lift their hands and make a decision to follow Him. Jesus' motivation is compassion, and He is willing to go through any storm to reach even one person in need. We pray for complete freedom in Jesus' name, breaking off chains and generational curses. We encourage everyone to position their lives for freedom, get in proximity to the presence of God, and seek prayer from others.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus' Mission and Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus began His ministry by reading from the scroll of Isaiah, proclaiming His mission to bring good news to the poor, freedom for the captives, recovery of sight for the blind, and to set the oppressed free. This prophecy was fulfilled in their sight, encapsulating Jesus' vision statement: to seek and save the lost. This mission continues today through His church. [02:31]
2. The Power of Deliverance: The story of the demonized man in the Gerasene region demonstrates the power of Jesus' deliverance. No matter the level of bondage or darkness, Jesus can set anyone free. This man's transformation from being tormented to sitting at Jesus' feet, clothed and in his right mind, is a powerful testimony of God's delivering power. [12:02]
3. Living in a Spiritual World: We live in a spiritual world, and whether we acknowledge it or not, we are affected by the spiritual realm. Jesus' ministry involved casting out demons and healing the sick, and He has delegated this authority to His church. We are called to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, displacing darkness wherever we go. [13:28]
4. The Importance of Sharing Our Testimony: Sharing our story of freedom is crucial. Revelation tells us that we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. When we declare the freedom Jesus has given us, we establish a spiritual reality that no bondage or oppression can remain. Our testimony can inspire faith in others and lead them to freedom. [25:45]
5. Positioning for Freedom: To experience freedom, we must position our lives for it. This involves running toward Jesus, getting in proximity to the presence of God, and seeking prayer from others. Jesus is willing to go through any storm to reach even one person in need. We must be proactive in seeking His deliverance and maintaining our freedom. [21:44]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:36] - Introduction to Mark Chapter 5
[01:17] - Jesus, Our Deliverer
[02:31] - Jesus' Mission and Fulfillment of Prophecy
[03:13] - Complete Freedom in Jesus
[04:22] - The Demonized Man in the Gerasene Region
[09:02] - The Reaction of the Villagers
[10:07] - The Power of Free Will
[11:08] - The Transformation of the Demonized Man
[12:02] - Testimony of Deliverance
[12:57] - Living in a Spiritual World
[13:28] - Displacing Darkness
[15:32] - The Ministry of Deliverance
[16:34] - Can a Christian Have a Demon?
[18:06] - Spiritual Warfare
[19:07] - Demonic Influence on Christians
[21:44] - Positioning for Freedom
[23:14] - The Role of the Church in Deliverance
[25:45] - The Importance of Sharing Our Testimony
[27:50] - Jesus' Compassion and Motivation
[30:24] - Prayer for Freedom
[32:26] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
[32:57] - Conclusion and Call for Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Mark 5:1-20 - The story of the demon-possessed man in the Gerasene region.
2. Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah, proclaiming His mission.
3. John 8:36 - "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
### Observation Questions
1. What was the condition of the demon-possessed man in the Gerasene region before he encountered Jesus? (Mark 5:1-5)
2. How did the demons react when they saw Jesus, and what did they request from Him? (Mark 5:6-13)
3. What was the reaction of the villagers after the demon-possessed man was healed? (Mark 5:14-17) [09:02]
4. What did Jesus instruct the healed man to do after his deliverance? (Mark 5:18-20) [10:28]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to read the specific passage from Isaiah at the beginning of His ministry? (Luke 4:18-19) [02:31]
2. What does the transformation of the demon-possessed man tell us about Jesus' power and authority over evil? (Mark 5:15) [12:02]
3. How does the story of the demon-possessed man illustrate the concept of spiritual warfare and the reality of the spiritual realm? (Mark 5:1-20) [12:57]
4. Why is sharing our testimony of freedom important according to the sermon? (Revelation 12:11) [25:45]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt bound or oppressed by something in your life. How did you seek freedom, and what was the outcome? [03:13]
2. Jesus' mission includes bringing good news to the poor and setting the oppressed free. How can you actively participate in this mission in your community? [02:31]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of positioning ourselves for freedom. What practical steps can you take to get closer to Jesus and experience His deliverance? [21:44]
4. Have you ever shared your testimony of what Jesus has done in your life? If not, what holds you back, and how can you overcome it? [25:45]
5. The villagers were afraid and asked Jesus to leave after witnessing the deliverance of the demon-possessed man. Have you ever experienced fear or resistance when encountering the supernatural? How did you respond? [09:02]
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of seeking prayer from others. Is there an area in your life where you need prayer and support from your church community? [22:44]
7. Jesus showed compassion by going through a storm to reach one man in need. How can you show similar compassion to someone in your life who is struggling? [28:52]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus' Mission to Seek and Save the Lost
Jesus began His ministry by reading from the scroll of Isaiah, proclaiming His mission to bring good news to the poor, freedom for the captives, recovery of sight for the blind, and to set the oppressed free. This prophecy was fulfilled in their sight, encapsulating Jesus' vision statement: to seek and save the lost. This mission continues today through His church. Jesus' mission is not just a historical event but an ongoing reality. He continues to seek out those who are lost, oppressed, and in need of His deliverance. As followers of Christ, we are called to participate in this mission, bringing the light of the Gospel to those around us.
Jesus' mission is a call to action for every believer. It is a reminder that we are not just recipients of His grace but also carriers of His message. We are to bring good news to the poor, proclaim freedom for the captives, and help those who are spiritually blind to see. This mission is not limited to a specific time or place; it is a continuous call to live out the Gospel in our daily lives. [02:31]
Isaiah 61:1-2 (ESV): "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in Jesus' mission today? Think of one specific way you can bring good news or freedom to someone in your life.
Day 2: The Power of Jesus' Deliverance
The story of the demonized man in the Gerasene region demonstrates the power of Jesus' deliverance. No matter the level of bondage or darkness, Jesus can set anyone free. This man's transformation from being tormented to sitting at Jesus' feet, clothed and in his right mind, is a powerful testimony of God's delivering power. Jesus' deliverance is not limited by the severity of the situation. He has the authority to break every chain and set every captive free.
This story is a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of Jesus' deliverance. It shows us that Jesus is willing to go to great lengths to rescue those who are in bondage. His power is greater than any force of darkness, and His love compels Him to seek out and save the lost. As believers, we can have confidence in Jesus' ability to deliver us from any form of bondage or oppression. [12:02]
Mark 5:15 (ESV): "And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid."
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you feel bound or oppressed? How can you invite Jesus' delivering power into that area today?
Day 3: Living in a Spiritual World
We live in a spiritual world, and whether we acknowledge it or not, we are affected by the spiritual realm. Jesus' ministry involved casting out demons and healing the sick, and He has delegated this authority to His church. We are called to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, displacing darkness wherever we go. This is not about being demon hunters but about being filled with the Holy Spirit and allowing His light to repel darkness.
Understanding the spiritual reality we live in is crucial for every believer. It helps us recognize that our struggles are not merely physical or emotional but often have a spiritual component. By walking in the power of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome the forces of darkness and bring the light of Christ into every situation. This requires us to be spiritually vigilant and to rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance and strength. [13:28]
Ephesians 6:12 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: How can you be more aware of the spiritual realities around you? What steps can you take to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit today?
Day 4: The Importance of Sharing Our Testimony
Sharing our story of freedom is crucial. Revelation tells us that we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. When we declare the freedom Jesus has given us, we establish a spiritual reality that no bondage or oppression can remain. Our testimony can inspire faith in others and lead them to freedom. The man from the tombs went on a ten-city campaign, proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him, and everyone was amazed.
Our testimonies are powerful tools in the hands of God. They not only remind us of His faithfulness but also encourage others to believe in His power to deliver and save. By sharing our stories, we create an atmosphere of faith and expectation, making it easier for others to experience the same freedom we have received. It is important to be bold and unashamed in sharing what Jesus has done in our lives. [25:45]
Revelation 12:11 (ESV): "And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death."
Reflection: What is one specific testimony of Jesus' work in your life that you can share with someone today? How can your story inspire faith in others?
Day 5: Positioning for Freedom
To experience freedom, we must position our lives for it. This involves running toward Jesus, getting in proximity to the presence of God, and seeking prayer from others. Jesus is willing to go through any storm to reach even one person in need. We must be proactive in seeking His deliverance and maintaining our freedom. Positioning for freedom means making intentional choices to draw near to God and to surround ourselves with a community of faith.
It is not enough to desire freedom; we must take practical steps to pursue it. This includes spending time in prayer, reading the Word, and being part of a supportive church community. By positioning ourselves in the presence of God, we create an environment where His power can work in our lives. It is also important to seek prayer and support from others, as we are not meant to walk this journey alone. [21:44]
James 4:8 (ESV): "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to position yourself for freedom? How can you draw closer to God and seek support from your faith community?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1.
> "You've got to tell your story of freedom. See, stand fast in the freedom where Christ has set you free. And do not be entangled again by the yoke of bondage. How do I maintain the freedom that Jesus has given me? The book of Revelation tells you. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb. And by what? The word of their testimony. And they love not their lives unto the death. When I declare the freedom that Jesus has given me, I'm establishing a spiritual reality that no bondage, no oppression, no chains are no longer allowed in the ground that he's given me. So once he's given you that ground, get out there and tell your story." [25:15]
2.
> "He's come to proclaim freedom to the captives, and he's come to set the oppressed free. The message I want to declare over your life today is there is complete and total freedom in Jesus. There's a word in your Bible that we translate saved, and you pronounce it in the Greek, sozo. And it means to be completely whole, spirit, soul, and body. Some of you, you might be saved and born again, but yet there's brokenness in your soul. There's things in your emotions. And the deliverer has come to bring complete and total freedom in your life. Are you up for it today?" [03:13]
3.
> "If Jesus can deliver this man, I want you to see this visual after he gets free. He's sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed. Maybe one of the disciples had a spare robe in the boat. And he's in his right mind. I see him smiling, conjecture, but I see him laughing with the joy of the Lord. And you know, in antiquity, they didn't travel far from their home. So if he was previously married, he went back home to his wife. If he had kids, he went back home to his kids. They don't remember dad other than being bound and tortured. His brothers and sisters, his mom and dad, his cousins, his relatives, all lived in this village. And here he is completely whole, a testimony of God's faithfulness and delivering power." [11:08]
4.
> "If you're experiencing any level of bondage, any level of captivity, any level of oppression, or torment, or night terrors, or just unrealistic fears that are gripping your life, Jesus wants to set you free. And here's the application point. You've got to position your life for freedom. Position your life for freedom. As we opened up this chapter, and Jesus and his disciples are parking the boat, this demonized man, he runs up to Jesus. Now, I don't believe for a moment, but it was the demons wanting to get close to the Son of God. It was the humanity of this man. I believe there was something in a desperate heart that when Jesus hit that shore, the Holy Spirit pulled up. And he ran, he sprinted with urgency and intensity. He ran toward him. Oh, all those who come to him, he will by no means cast out. He will accept anybody who runs in his direction." [21:44]
5.
> "Now, a reoccurring theme in the life and the ministry of Jesus is this. He cast out demons. He identified spirits of infirmity and broke those off in order to heal people. He dealt with the demonic with the caveat that Jesus never went looking for demons. Lean in, because this applies to you. Jesus didn't get into a village and go, okay, where are the demons at? Let's go talk to them. Find out all their names. Have a demon, you know, cookout. You know what he did? He just showed up in the power of the Spirit. See, light repels darkness. The anointing displaces evil spirits. God has not called you to be a demon hunter. He's just called you to walk in the power of the Holy Ghost and you will displace the powers of darkness." [13:28]
### Quotes for Members
1.
> "And as we consider the demonized man from Pigville, here's what I want you to see. This is truly a worst case scenario if you consider what his life was, how brutal. We don't know how he got that way. You see, in order to be demonized at this level, there's open doors. There's abuse. There's sexual sin. There's all kinds of things that happen that open up our spirits to the demonic. And obviously, it had happened to this man. But here's what I want you to pick up. If Jesus can deliver this man, I want you to see this visual after he gets free. He's sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed. Maybe one of the disciples had a spare robe in the boat. And he's in his right mind. I see him smiling, conjecture, but I see him laughing with the joy of the Lord. And you know, in antiquity, they didn't travel far from their home. So if he was previously married, he went back home to his wife. If he had kids, he went back home to his kids. They don't remember dad other than being bound and tortured. His brothers and sisters, his mom and dad, his cousins, his relatives, all lived in this village. And here he is completely whole, a testimony of God's faithfulness and delivering power. And what does that say to you? Listen, I don't care what you've been through in your past. And God knows, some of you've been through some tough stuff. I don't care what level of bondage, darkness, if you were in the occult, if you were a Satanist, if you've been abused in some way, what they did to you or against you in light of the delivering power of Jesus. There is no case too hard. There is no chain he cannot break. There is no bondage he cannot snap off your life. Because whom the Son sets free is free entirely and completely. Come on." [11:08]
2.
> "We want to welcome Napa East Bay, Roseville, Calgary, Prison Church Network, the ladies of Napa State, Chico Prison. This place is crazy. All right. You can be seated. Slap your neighbor on the way down. No, I'm just kidding. You're ready to do that. Well, welcome back to our series, the Gospel of Mark. Thank you, band. I hope you've been enjoying this study, the ministry years of Jesus. And if you missed last week, Pastor Jude preached an amazing word about Jesus. Come on, give it up for him. Jesus in the storm. And today we find ourselves in chapter five, which takes us to the other side of the lake. All right. The east side of the Sea of Galilee. And so they made it to the other side, but there's an interesting, even bizarre scene and an event that takes place as we get to the other side of the lake. And it has to do with some demons and some pigs. Now, every week. And if you haven't read this chapter, this is a head spinner for sure, but it is historic and it's truth and it's in the word of God. So we're going to unpack it together, shall we? And so you might know this, but every week I pray with all your pastors from all locations. We get together and we pray for you. We pray for the weekend services. We pray for your finances. We pray for one another. And so I was asking for prayer. I said, guys, I'm in the front end of chapter five, and it's all about the pigs and demons, demons and pigs as just a working title. Probably won't use it. And of course, our kids pastor. I said, you should call it Satan and bacon. Once a kid's pastor, always a kid's pastor, right? But I want to talk to you today around the idea of Jesus being the deliverer. Jesus, our deliverer. All right. A little more marketable. Maybe. I don't know. Maybe it's Satan and bacon. Who knows? But if you rewind to the closer to the front end of Jesus ministry, he goes to the synagogue on the Sabbath, as was his custom. And he would read the Torah, the scriptures, the scrolls. And he would read the Torah, the scriptures, the scrolls. He would read them out loud in the synagogue. And on this particular day, at the entrance of his ministry, the attendant hands him a scroll from the prophet Isaiah. And think about this moment. Jesus opens up a prophecy, a 750-year-old prophecy about himself. And he begins to read about the coming Messiah. And here he stands. Look at this, Luke 4, 18. The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom. for the captives, recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, and that the time of the Lord's favor has come. Can I get an amen today? Then they rolled up the scroll, and he looks at the crowd, and he says, today, this prophecy has been fulfilled in your sight. And they were all stunned and amazed. So we could boil down the vision statement of Jesus' ministry to three things. He's come to seek and save the lost." [00:36]
3.
> "He healed tormented people. And then as he left this planet, he delegated this authority to his church. He said, these signs now are going to follow you. I give you all authority. And so now he does his work of healing and his work of deliverance through his body. You see, the captives cannot free themselves. The sick cannot heal themselves. The bound cannot free themselves. That's why God gives us the body of Christ so that we can pray for one another. Are you with me? Now, we could spend hours talking about the laying on of hands, a lot of verses to study in that, but let me give you one. James 5, 16 says, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. This Greek word is important here. I am I. It means this, to be healed, set free, and made whole. Here's the deal, man. I got some brokenness in my life. You know some of my story. You have some brokenness in your life. You have some areas of bondage probably as we sit here today. Although they may be slight and you love God and you're growing in your faith, there's still some chains, some shackles. And God wants you to experience complete and total healing. Salvation is an event, but wholeness is a process. He wants us to go one level of freedom to the next. And the way that happens is, as we lay hands on one another, as we pray for each other, we experience sozo, the salvation that heals our spirit, soul, and body completely. And that's God's desire for you." [23:14]
4.
> "Weird. If you want to blame what you've opened your flesh up to on demons, it's a trap. If you drink too much, it's probably not a spirit of alcoholism. You just need to knock it off and go to Celebrate Recovery. Right? If you overeat and struggle with your weight, probably not a spirit of obesity. You just need to get in shape. Ooh, feels so personal. How about this one? What if you're playing four to six hours of Fortnite a day? You definitely have a demon in Fortnite. No, I'm just kidding. That's for my grandkids. You need to find some self-control. That's what I'm saying. So, really, most of what we deal with are strongholds in our mind. They are strongholds in our spirit, but they've been opened up because we have let our unrestrained flesh create a pattern that's created lanes of bondage in our lives. But you can switch that around. Why? Because you have the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, and you can get free of all that stuff in Jesus' name. Amen? So, let me give you a couple of application points before we close. If you are experiencing any level of bondage, any level of captivity, any level of oppression, or torment, or night terrors, or just unrealistic fears that are gripping your life, Jesus wants to set you free. And here's the application point. You've got to position your life for freedom. Position your life for freedom. As we opened up this chapter, and Jesus and his disciples are parking the boat, this demonized man, he runs up to Jesus. Now, I don't believe for a moment, but it was the demons wanting to get close to the Son of God. It was the humanity of this man. I believe there was something in a desperate heart that when Jesus hit that shore, the Holy Spirit pulled up. And he ran, he sprinted with urgency and intensity. He ran toward him. Oh, all those who come to him, he will by no means cast out. He will accept anybody who runs in his direction. And if you're here today, and you're suffering from any level of what I've described today, then run toward him. Run toward him. He is in fact the deliverer. Get in proximity of the presence of God. Get where the Holy Spirit is moving. And here's the other application at this point. You've got to get somebody to pray for you. You know, Jesus, as he walked this earth, he cast out the demons. He broke off spirits of infirmity." [20:41]
5.
> "Now, there has been a question that has been a conundrum, a point of division now for, well, the four decades I've been in ministry, but hundreds of years before I showed up on the scene. And here's the question. You ready? Can a Christian have a demon? Can a Christian have a demon? And are you ready for the answer? Drum roll, please. If you really want one. Let me explain that. You can open your self up to anything you want to open your self up to. You can open up your soul. And let me share, I'm going to break down a word study in just a minute that will, this is a doctrinal portion of my message. Thirteen times in the ministry of Jesus, there's a word used that is translated in our English language, possessed, or demoniac. And so, with the help of Dr. Michael Brown, I want you to see what this word means, if you'd bring this up. We translate this, possessed. Greek scholars agree that the Greek verb, daimonizomai, should be translated to be demonized or affected by a demon, rather than to be demon-possessed. There's a broad range of demonic influence represented by this one word, from being affected or buffeted to being controlled by or overtaken. So, are we demonized? Yes. We're all affected by the demonic realm at some level. What we have to differentiate from is, who are those who are controlled by demonic force? And, but we're in this spiritual realm. And that's why, that's why we are highly encouraged and instructed to put on the armor of God, because you are in a fight. Don't forget that. Ephesians 6, 12, familiar verse to most of you. For we're not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against what? Against evil spirits. That's what we are fighting against, this spiritual, spiritual warfare is real. And this is why at the Father's house, we have a fasting army. We have a prayer army. We get together in community. We pray for each other. We declare the word of the Lord. We sing out our songs of praise. You know that even your heartfelt worship displaces the powers of darkness. The weapons of our warfare are not from around here. They're not carnal, but they're mighty through God to displace spiritual powers. So, can a Christian be demonized? Most definitely. You can be affected by the demonic, and you are at some level. But, can a true Christ follower be possessed, ruled, or overtaken by a demonic spirit? Absolutely not. Let me read this. As a Christ follower, you can be demonized, that is, affected by a demon. But, a true Christian who is carrying the indwelling Holy Spirit cannot be possessed or under the rule of demonic power. Number two, there is no biblical precedent, instruction, or example of Christians lean in. No example in the word of Christians casting demons out of Christians. There is not a ministry of deliverance mentioned in Scripture. Now, what I just said might cause some of you to be like, oh, wait a minute, you're destroying my doctrine, theology, or maybe your experience is different than what I've just stated. But, let me tell you where we land here at the Father's house. When it comes down to what the Bible teaches versus our experiences, we are always going to land on the side of the rightly divided, word of God. Amen? Because my experience is in contradiction to what I just told you. I've prayed for Christians that have had some pretty strong demonic or allegedly Christians confessing Christians. But, we're going to go with what the word of God says." [16:34]
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