We Believe... The Apostles' Creed: Week Two
Summary
In today's reflection, we delved into the profound narrative of Mark 5, where Jesus encounters a man possessed by a legion of demons. This passage challenges us to consider a less frequently discussed aspect of Jesus' character: Jesus as the "tormentor" of evil. The demons, recognizing Jesus' divine authority, begged Him not to torment them, highlighting the power and presence of Jesus that even the forces of darkness cannot withstand. This encounter underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the authority of Jesus over all spiritual realms.
The man possessed by demons saw Jesus as a tormentor because Jesus' presence exposed the darkness within him. This is a powerful reminder that the presence of Jesus in our lives can be convicting, shining a light on areas we might prefer to keep hidden. However, this conviction is not meant to condemn but to liberate us from the chains of sin and darkness. Jesus' authority is not just to expose but to free us, offering us a new life and purpose.
The story also emphasizes the transformative power of Jesus. The man, once tormented and isolated, was liberated and given a new purpose. Jesus instructed him to return home and share the great things God had done for him. This transformation from bondage to freedom, from isolation to purpose, is a testament to the life-changing power of Jesus.
As we reflect on this passage, we are invited to examine our own lives. Are there areas where we feel tormented or bound? Are there parts of our lives we have not fully surrendered to Jesus? The call is to allow Jesus to shine His light into every corner of our lives, to embrace His conviction as a path to freedom, and to step into the purpose He has for us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Jesus as the Tormentor of Evil: The demons recognized Jesus' authority and begged Him not to torment them. This highlights the power of Jesus over darkness and evil. His presence exposes the darkness within us, not to condemn, but to bring us into the light and offer freedom. [11:06]
2. Conviction vs. Condemnation: Jesus' presence can feel tormenting to those who resist His light, as it exposes sin and darkness. However, this is not condemnation but conviction, inviting us to repentance and transformation. Embracing this conviction leads to true freedom. [18:25]
3. The Authority of Jesus to Liberate: Jesus has the authority to free us from the chains of sin and darkness. The man in Mark 5 was liberated from his torment, illustrating that Jesus' power is not just to expose but to set us free and give us new life. [36:22]
4. Transformation and Purpose: Once freed, the man was given a new purpose: to share the great things God had done for him. This transformation from bondage to purpose is a powerful testament to the life-changing power of Jesus in our lives. [43:11]
5. Honesty in Jesus' Presence: The demon-possessed man was honest in Jesus' presence, acknowledging who Jesus is. This honesty is crucial for our spiritual growth, as it allows us to confront our true state and embrace the freedom Jesus offers. [26:30]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [05:26] - Introduction to Mark 5
- [11:06] - Jesus as the Tormentor of Evil
- [18:25] - Conviction vs. Condemnation
- [20:54] - The Presence of Jesus and Conviction
- [23:43] - Honesty in Jesus' Presence
- [26:30] - The Demon’s Honest Acknowledgment
- [28:58] - The Challenge of Spiritual Honesty
- [31:04] - Light vs. Darkness
- [34:01] - Jesus’ Authority to Liberate
- [36:22] - Transformation and Purpose
- [40:00] - Jesus as Liberator
- [43:11] - The Man’s New Purpose
- [45:35] - Sharing Our Testimony
- [50:00] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Mark 5:1-20
Observation Questions:
1. How did the demon-possessed man react when he saw Jesus from afar, and what does this reveal about his recognition of Jesus' authority? [11:06]
2. What was the response of the demons when they encountered Jesus, and what does this indicate about Jesus' power over evil? [18:25]
3. After being freed from the demons, what instructions did Jesus give to the man, and what was the man's response? [43:11]
Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might the presence of Jesus be perceived as tormenting by those who are resistant to His light and truth? [20:54]
2. In what ways does the story of the demon-possessed man illustrate the concept of spiritual warfare and Jesus' authority over spiritual realms? [36:22]
3. How does the transformation of the demon-possessed man reflect the life-changing power of Jesus, and what implications does this have for believers today? [43:11]
Application Questions:
1. Are there areas in your life where you feel tormented or bound? How can you invite Jesus to shine His light into those areas for healing and freedom? [47:16]
2. Reflect on a time when you felt convicted by Jesus' presence. How did you respond, and what steps can you take to embrace conviction as a path to freedom rather than condemnation? [20:54]
3. The man in Mark 5 was given a new purpose after his encounter with Jesus. What is one area of your life where you feel called to share the great things God has done for you? [43:11]
4. How can you practice honesty in Jesus' presence, acknowledging areas of struggle or sin, and seeking His help for transformation? [26:30]
5. Consider the authority of Jesus to liberate. Is there a specific chain of sin or darkness in your life that you need to surrender to His power for liberation? [36:22]
6. How can you actively participate in sharing your testimony of transformation with others, as the man in Mark 5 did? What steps can you take this week to share your story with someone who needs to hear it? [45:35]
7. Reflect on the concept of Jesus as a liberator rather than a tormentor. How does this perspective change the way you view challenges and struggles in your spiritual journey? [40:00]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus' Authority Over Darkness
The narrative of Mark 5 presents a powerful image of Jesus as the one who holds authority over all spiritual realms, including the forces of darkness. When Jesus encounters the man possessed by a legion of demons, the demons themselves recognize His divine authority and beg Him not to torment them. This encounter highlights the reality of spiritual warfare and the undeniable power of Jesus over evil. His presence exposes the darkness, not to condemn, but to bring liberation and freedom. As believers, we are reminded that Jesus' authority is not just a historical fact but a present reality that can transform our lives today. [11:06]
"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:13-14, ESV)
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you feel overwhelmed by darkness or fear? How can you invite Jesus' authority into these areas to bring light and freedom today?
Day 2: Embracing Conviction for Transformation
The presence of Jesus can feel tormenting to those who resist His light, as it exposes sin and darkness within. However, this exposure is not meant for condemnation but for conviction, inviting us to repentance and transformation. Jesus' light shines into the hidden corners of our lives, not to shame us, but to offer a path to true freedom. Embracing this conviction allows us to experience the transformative power of Jesus, leading us from bondage to liberation. This process of conviction and transformation is a journey that requires honesty and openness to the work of the Holy Spirit. [18:25]
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel convicted by Jesus' light? How can you respond to this conviction in a way that leads to transformation and freedom?
Day 3: Liberation Through Jesus' Authority
In Mark 5, the man possessed by demons experiences liberation through the authority of Jesus. This story illustrates that Jesus' power is not just to expose darkness but to set us free and give us new life. The authority of Jesus is a source of hope and liberation for all who feel bound by sin and darkness. As we reflect on this passage, we are invited to consider the areas in our lives where we need Jesus' liberating power. His authority is available to us today, offering freedom and a new beginning. [36:22]
"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." (2 Corinthians 3:17, ESV)
Reflection: Is there a specific area in your life where you feel bound or trapped? How can you invite Jesus' liberating power into this area to experience freedom and new life?
Day 4: Transformation and New Purpose
The transformation of the man in Mark 5 from bondage to freedom is a testament to the life-changing power of Jesus. Once freed, the man is given a new purpose: to share the great things God has done for him. This transformation is not just about personal liberation but also about stepping into a new purpose and calling. As believers, we are invited to reflect on the ways Jesus has transformed our lives and consider how we can share our testimony with others. This sharing of our story is a powerful way to witness to the transformative power of Jesus. [43:11]
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)
Reflection: How has Jesus transformed your life, and what new purpose has He given you? How can you share your testimony with someone who needs to hear about the transformative power of Jesus?
Day 5: Honesty in Jesus' Presence
The demon-possessed man's honest acknowledgment of Jesus' identity is a crucial aspect of his encounter with Jesus. This honesty is essential for spiritual growth, as it allows us to confront our true state and embrace the freedom Jesus offers. Being honest in Jesus' presence means acknowledging our weaknesses, sins, and areas of darkness, trusting that His light will bring healing and transformation. As we reflect on this story, we are encouraged to practice spiritual honesty, inviting Jesus to shine His light into every area of our lives. [26:30]
"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Psalm 139:23-24, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to practice greater honesty before Jesus? How can you invite Him to search your heart and lead you into greater freedom and transformation?
Quotes
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As Christians, as people of faith, this is what we believe. And so I'm using the Apostles' Creed to help us do that. Last week we focused on the first part, which is, I believe, in God the Father. This week we're focusing on Jesus. Last week we used Luke chapter 15 to help us in studying that, why we should look at God as Father. But this week as we look at Jesus, we're going to be using Mark chapter 5. [00:03:24]
Usually when we talk about Jesus, we talk about him as being Lord, talk about him as Savior. We talk about his compassion, and that's in here. We talk about him and his love. We talk about him being moved with compassion. We talk about the people that he would talk to or go up to or spend time with that other people wouldn't spend time with. And I think we see a little of that here in this passage as well. [00:06:15]
And this man and this legion addresses Jesus in this way. And I think it is a view of Jesus that we tend to shy away from but need to address. And that is this. The man in the legion, the demon-possessed man, when he talks to Jesus, he cries out to Jesus and says to Jesus, Do not torment me any longer. [00:07:19]
Looked at Jesus and saw him from the guise of his extremely dark place. He saw Jesus as a tormentor. You know, the scripture describes that he was deeply overwhelmed. By what? 2,000 of them? 2,000 of these demons? This legion that had overtaken this man's life. This man was in, I don't know if I can describe it any deeper than recognizing that this man was off his knocker. And that's Greek for out of his mind. [00:08:46]
He was very far gone. And although described just very shortly, you know, scripture, Mark, tries to allow us to see just what the community had to deal with when it came to dealing with this man. He was even at times chained. But he was even able to break those chains. He was bound up outside, out of the village, out of the town. They tried to keep him away because his behavior would have been so erratic because of what they had to deal with regarding him. [00:09:31]
He acknowledged who Jesus was, who Jesus is. The first thing out of his mouth is, what, son of the most high God? Isn't that what he calls him? Just outright, I mean, acknowledging who Jesus is is an act of worship. And that's what Mark says is that he did what Peter would one day do. Who do the people say that I am? Well, they start saying all of these other prophets and people from of old until Peter finally says, thou art the Christ, the son of the most high God. [00:11:19]
I implore you by God that you do not torment me. So he saw Jesus and knew exactly who he was. This is Jesus. This is God. This is God incarnate. This is the son of the most high God. He is here. What God has promised. Now, I'm reading into this, but the demons would have known because they were one day angels themselves. They knew that one day the earth was his. The earth was Jesus's. And here he is present. [00:12:27]
And when we have that conviction in our life, when we can be sensitive enough to the work of the Holy Spirit in our life to recognize that that is conviction, it is not condemnation, it is conviction. But you know who it is condemning to? It is condemning to the person who tells Jesus no. James 2 19 tells us you believe that there is one God, good, even the demons believe that and tremble. [00:23:11]
And Jesus exposes. Jesus exposes them for who they are. He asks them the question and they can't help but answer it. They can't help but answer I am legion. Has anybody ever asked you about your walk with Jesus? How is your walk with Jesus? Jesus going? You know, I think that might be a question that we should probably begin asking each other just a little bit more often, especially amongst those of us that are a little bit more intimate with each other. [00:24:54]
Only Jesus has the authority to free us from that. Only Jesus has the authority to liberate us from that which has entrapped us, that which has lied to us, whatever type of philosophy we have allowed to lie and to take over our minds and our sensibilities. And there's been a lot of that in our culture the last couple of years. And there is only one way to free it. And it isn't a law. It's Jesus. [00:37:08]
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