GREAT EXPECTATIONS

 Mark 1:21-28

Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. Mark 1:23-26 (NIV)

Christ has power over demons, and that power remains today, that when He commanded all those demons in their thousands came out of him with a shriek. 

Some lessons here:

(i) The Activity and Characteristics of Demons – Mark 5:2-7; 9:17-23; Luke 8:29

What do they do in peoples’ lives? In Mark 5:2-7, the demons drove this man into a place of darkness, the tomb, the place of departed souls. Also, he was separated and made incompatible with society. There are people like that, they cannot live at peace in the community of people. Also, he had an extra-human power, broke chains with which he was bound “neither could any man tame him” because another power was working in his life. He was jobless, crying and cutting himself, feeling the pain and still hurting himself. “But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not” (Mark 5:6-7). 

Have you seen people with split personalities? On one hand, they are running to Jesus to worship Him, and on the other hand, they are rejecting Jesus.  There are people who run to the Church, yet they still reject the teachings of the word of God. They have split personalities because another spirit is possessing them. 

I pray for you, whatever split personality distracting possessing you to come out now! in Jesus' Name. "Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” Mark 9:18 (NIV). 

This demon here is different from the earlier one in our passage. Demons have varied characteristics and manifestations in the lives of men. When you find people destroying, harming themselves, it is not them, but the evil spirits that are tormenting them. All things are possible to him that believes in Jesus Name. You are running when nobody is chasing you; it is an evil personality that is pursuing you, but I pray that in Jesus name you're delivered, Amen!

(ii) The Authority of Christ over Demons – Mark 5:8-15; 9:22-28. 

Mark 1:21 He has authority that remains the same today. And if you have any challenge, the Lord Jesus has authority over every challenge. "“Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek." Mark 1:25-26 (NIV)

Jesus has power and His words come with authority and power. “When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him; …” (Mark 9:25-26) Jesus can do anything and will.

(iii) Our Ability to Cast out Demons – Mark 16:17-18; Luke 10:17-20. 

The Lord has given us the authority, ability and power to cast out demons. “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover” (Mark 16:17-18). For every believing brother/sister, the ability to cast out demons will happen through you.

Conclusion

Jesus has power over demons and is willing to use you and me as we surrender our whole life unto Him.