Jesus Casts out "Legion"

 Last time -Jesus is in a boat going eastward across the sea of Galilee.
He calms the storm - showing He has Authority over nature.

Today -  Jesus cast our "Legion" - shows He has authority over evil>

Point = Jesus has ALL Authority and power over ALL things at ALL times.
Mark 5:1-20  (tombs = possible caves in limestone bluffs)   (multiple demons)  

This is not a treatise/instruction manual for dealing with demons.
BUT a Biblical study of demons must consider this text.  It is a true story - primarily to show Jesus' power over demons.

so... I)  What We Know

#1.  demons exist  (or else Jesus is a liar)

#2.  they are evil (ie:  morally unclean (evil)

#3.  They are enemies of God, therefore, if you are a Christian, enemies of YOU!!  Rev. 12:17

But, #4)  Jesus has ALL power and authority over them!!

Question:  IF He has all power and authority, why are they allowed to plague us?

On one hand, we don't know all the answers to that....(Theodicy)
However, we do know....
    (1)  He has already defeated (all) evil.  (by the Resurrection)
and (2)  He will eventually abolish (all) evil!  (Revelation)

II)  What we THINK we Know  (based on Scripture and logic)

#1.  demons are fallen angels - created (not eternal) with free will .. and poor choice!!

#2.  There are many of them.
We know Satan fell, we assume some angels fell with him  - Rev. 12:3-4

#3.  They (still) have access to the physical world.

#4.  They are still active today.

Question:  Why not more demon possession today??
theory:  Great Holy Spirit movements tend to bring greater demonic movements.

III.)  What we can't know (for sure)

#1.  Why they want to possess a body?  Wat advantage?  gain?  even in a pig!!

#2.  Why they wanted to stay in the area?

#3.  Why Jesus permitted them to enter the pigs?
Theory:  maybe visible evidence to onlookers that this was more than a mental disease, healing.  When they went to the pigs, the pigs went crazy!

IV)  What we should not assume:

That we (Christians) have power, authority over them!!

Yes, the disciples were given that authority - Matt. 10:1, but.... we are NOT those disciples!!

On one hand, many New Testament texts tell us to be on guard, resist, stand firm...
However, NO text telling us to CAST out demons
                             or how to CAST out demons
                             or IF we should CAST out demons

This doesn't mean that we CAN'T, just = No Biblical text telling us we can  (or should)!!

Question:  What to do if confronted by a demon?  

1st. - "stand firm" - 1 Pet. 5:8-9  Christ owns you!

2nd. - rely on the Lord - for protection (if needed)  for authority (if He chooses to grant it)
Jude 9

Now... recognize

#1)  You will encounter evil (if you live in this world) - (we live in a fallen world with fallen people)

#2).  That evil MAY include demons - (or people influenced by demons!!)

But ... #3)  much of the evil you encounter will be from within yourself! 
James 1:13-14   Example:  Paul in Rom. 7 
Makes to reference to Satan or demons causing his problems,  .. only to "the sin at work within me..."

SUMMARY:

(1)  Jesus is Lord (over all things at all times)

(2)  You can trust Him for deliverance (from evil)

(3)  There is no deliverance (from evil) apart from Him. - Acts 4:12

So:  accept Christ  (salvation)
       trust Christ  (on daily basis)
       stand firm (in the faith)
       press on!!