25/07/2021
*ADULT TEACHER JULY TO DECEMBER, 2021*
July 25th, 2021
*LESSON 4*
🔥 *CASTING OUT DEMONS* 🔥
*Memory Verse: 1 John 3:8*
For this purpose the Son of God was manifested,that he might destroy the works of the devil (KJV).
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*Central Truth*
1. Encounter With A Demoniac
Mark 5:1-13
A. Living Among the Tombs
B. Delivered by Jesus
2. Made Completely Free of
Demons
Mark 5:14-20
A. A Startling Transformation
B. A Willing Evangelist
3. Faith for Deliverance
Mark 9:14-29; Matthew 17:20
A. All Things Are Possible
B. Deliverance ls Complete
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*Teaching Goals*
*1. Impart and Reinforce Knowledge:* Convey to students a biblical understanding of demon possession, as well as the wider topic of spiritual
warfare.
*2. Influence Attitudes:* Challenge students to recognise and prepare for the reality of spiritual
warfare.
*3. Influence Behaviour:* Exhort students to prepare for spiritual
battle by cultivating a strong prayer life, rooted in an understanding of Scripture and
communion with God.
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*Introducing the Lesson*
Open the lesson by discussing these questions: "Do you believe in demons? What do you think goes on in the spiritual realm? Do you think the spiritual realm is as active today as it was in Bible times?"
Today's lesson explores Jesus' power over demons and the spiritual realm. As you study two biblical stories involving demon possession and deliverance, think about how the spiritual realm operates today.
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*The Holy Scriptures*
*Mark 5:*
1. And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.
2 And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
3 Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:
4 Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.
5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.
6 But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,
7 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.
8 For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.
9 And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
10 And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.
11 Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.
12 And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.
13 And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.
14 And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.
15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
16 And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and alsoconcerning the swine.
17 And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.
18 And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.
19 Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.
20 And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all mendid marvel.
*Mark 9:*
14 And when he came to hisdisciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.
15 And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.
16 And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them? note
17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;
18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not. note
19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.
20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.
21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him?And he said, Of a child.
22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
25 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.
26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.
27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.
28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?
29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
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*Commentary and Application*
*1. Encounter with A Demoniac*
*A. Living Among the Tombs*
*Mark 5:1-5*
Mark 5:1-5 is set in a Gentile area called the Decapolis, on the east side of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus and His disciples went across the lake to an area within that region, known as the Gerasenes (NlV) Gadarenes, (KJV.)
When Jesus got out of the boat, He was confronted by a man possessed by an unclean spirit. This man lived among tombs in the area (verses 2-3). In New Testament times, it was common to entomb the dead in natural caves or tombs carved out of the limestone rock. This would provide good shelter for someone who was inclined to live there.
It seems likely that the man had been driven out of regular society. Efforts had been made to control him including binding him with chains. But he broke every binding.
This man endured a horrible, existence. He lived isolated, among tombs. He roamed the countryside naked, shrieking and cutting himself (verse 5). Yet despite his awful state,
he was still a man created in the image of God. And Jesus recognised the value within him.
lt is not hard to imagine how such a man would be treated in society today. As Christians, we have benefit of praying for discernment to find if the issue is rooted in the spiritual realm. Rather than dismiss people as insane or disgusting, we know that Jesus can bring restoration and new life.
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*Questions for Application*
What can we learn about demonic activity. And the spiritual realm by observing this man?
Why might it be valuable to recognise that this man was a Gentile in a Gentile region?
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*B. Delivered by Jesus*
*Mark 5:13*
This man (moved by the demons that possessed him) recognised Jesus from afar, ran to Him, and fell to his knees. Note that the Greek word here can mean "kneel" or "fall at one's feet." It is likely that the demons caused the man to fall not out of adoration but in recognition of His authority.
Jesus, in response, commanded the evil spirit to come out of him (Mark 5:6, 8). Clearly, the demons possessing the man did not like what Jesus said, and they began to converse with Him through the man.
The demons feared Jesus (verse7). They knew that He could pronounce final judgement upon them (see Mark 1:24; also Matthew 8:29, Luke 8:31).
In response to their cries, Jesus asked them to identify themselves (Mark 5:9). "Legion" was a Roman military term. A legion would number between three and six thousand soldiers. However, in those days this word had also come to mean "too many to count." There were many demons, though they acted as a single unit, pleading with Jesus not to send them away (verse 10).
Verses 11-13 remind us that demons, like Satan himself, are bent on destruction. If they could not continue to wreak havoc on the man then they preferred the opportunity to
destroy a herd of swine. Jesus granted their request. The demons then left the man and entered a herd of two thousand swine. In response, the pigs ran into the lake and drowned.
Some have wondered why Jesus would have permitted the demons to enter the swine. Many believe that in doing so, He provided a powerful demonstration of the magnitude and seriousness of the demonic realm. Who would have believed that one man could be so horribly and thoroughly afflicted? By
sending them into the pigs, Jesus conveyed an important message: The demonic realm is real, and demons are not to be taken lightly. They can exercise great power over those without Christ.
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*Questions for Application*
What does Mark 5:13 tell us about the power of demons, as well as their intentions toward people?
Unbelievers often mock the idea of demons, and even the very existence of the spiritual realm. How should we respond to this mocking?
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*Response to the Word*
Among the graphic details found in Mark 5:1-13, we must not forget the image of a lonely, desperate man held in horrible bo***ge. Such is the nature of the demonic realm. People need deliverance.
How do you respond when you respond when you see people clearly bound by sin? Perhaps they suffer from demon possession. Or maybe they are simply tormented by the forces of evil, desperate to be free. Pray for a heart of compassion to the bound, lonely, and rejected. Then allow that compassion to help you minister in whatever way you can when such people cross your path.
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*2. Made Completely Free of Demons*
*A. A Startling Transformation* *Mark 5:14-17*
The pig herders fled in fear at the sight of their animals racing into the lake. Then they went through the countryside and to a nearby town to report of this disturbing scene (Mark 5:14).
Soon a crowd gathered, and an amazing sight greeted them: There sat the notorious, crazed, naked man who lived among the tombs. But he was no longer shrieking and causing trouble. Now he sat calmly, clothed and in his right mind (verse 15). Their response might remind us of how the
disciples reacted when Jesus stilled the storm (Mark 4:40-41). They became afraid.
Mark 5:16-17 remind us that there is power in the personal testimon. When the pig herders
described these events, the people also became fearful. But that fear didn't move them to embrace Jesus, despite the miracle that just occurred. Instead, they pleaded with Jesus to leave. Perhaps they worried about a further loss of livestock. Also,they could barely control a demoniac. What might the One who delivered him do?
How the townspeople and herdsmen responded is a great tragedy. Jesus had miraculously freed a man from the power of evil. But rather than consider how He might also help them, they only saw a potential for loss. This is not an uncommon response to Jesus today. Instead of seeing the hope of new life in Him, people fear losing what they have, and thus reject the gospel and the hope of new life.
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*Questions for Application*
Why did the crowd respond negatively to Jesus, despite what happened to the demoniac?
What are some ways Jesus has transformed your life?
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*B. A Willing Evangelist*
*Mark 5:18-20*
As Jesus prepared to leave, the man also had a pleading request, but his was opposite of that of the townspeople (Mark 5:18). He wanted to accompany them. This lonely, tortured man had never known the kind of love Jesus gave him.
But Jesus said no. He had an important mission for this man: Tell the people of this region what the Lord had done. Describe for them the mercy he had found in Jesus (verse 19). Note how this stands in contrast to Jesus' usual instruction, that those He healed should not speak of what happened. But this was a Gentile area. The population would not tend to see in Him an opportunity to topple Rome. Instead, they would see One who could bring dramatic change to the life of someone bound by evil.
The former demoniac obeyed without any record of disagreement. And so, the news of Jesus began to spread through the Decapolis. These Gentiles were amazed by what they saw and heard. Some scholars note that this miracle laid the foundation for the future work of the disciples among the Gentiles. The testimony of a lowly demoniac planted seeds of spiritual truth in those who were just beginning to learn of their need for the Messiah.
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*Questions for Application*
What are some testimonies you've seen or heard of Jesus dramatically transforming someone's life?
How would you describe for someone what Jesus has done for you?
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*Response to the Word*
Most people don't have a dramatic testimony like that of the demoniac. But we do have a story to tell, and through the power of the Spirit willing hearts may respond to our proclamation. Pray that God will provide opportunities for you, to testify of Him. Then pray to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to share as He provides opportunities.
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*3. Faith for Deliverance*
*A. All Things Are Possible -Mark 9:14-24*
Mark 9 records another occasion where Jesus delivered a demon-possessed person. This story challenges us to remember the most important role a Christian can play in
ministering to those needing deliverance: prayer offered in faith.
Jesus was coming down from the Mount of Transfiguration with Peter, James, and John when He encountered the other disciples in a difficult situation. A man with a son who had been demon-possessed since childhood had brought him to the discipies (verses 14-18). He manifested self-destructive behaviour like the demoniac in chapter 5. Note what the demon did to the boy convulsions, foaming at the mouth grinding his teeth, becoming rigid, and making him mute and deaf (Mark 9:18,20,26). The demon would throw him in fire and water in an, attempt to destroy the boy (verse 22).
The disciples had tried to cast the demon out, as this was part of their commission from the lord, but they failed (verse 18; see also Matthew 10:1). It appears that unbelieving scribes seized upon this as an opportunity to begin disputing with the disciples (Mark9:14). They may have been mocking the disciples, or even casting doubts upon Jesus himself.
Jesus then spoke privately with the father (verses 21-24). After explaining the situation, the father exclaimed: "if you can do anything...help us" (verse 22,NIV). Perharps the failure of the disciples to deliver the son had shaken the father's faith in Jesus.
Jesus turned the discussion around completely in His response: It was not a matter of whether or not Jesus was able, but whether or not the father believed (verse 23). This also offers insight into Jesus' rebuke of the disciples in verse 19. The father, like the disciples, had faith but it was mingled with unbelief. Such a mixture had hindered the healing and deliverance that the father sought.
The father then offered a humble assessment of himself. He did strugge to believe, but he sought Jesus' help in overcoming his unbelief (verse 24). Some might see contradiction in his statement in verse 24. Yet it is a common
struggle. We need His help to be and to become what He desires us to be: People of faith.
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*Questions for Application*
Why do you think. Faith is so important when we pray for miracles?
What did Jesus mean when He said all things are possible? What limitations would there be to that promise?
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*B. Deliverance ls Complete*
*Mark 9:25-29*
*Matthew 17:20*
Until this point in the story, Jesus had been speaking privately with the demoniac's father. The crowd seemed to be giving them space to talk. But now, perhaps sensing a miracle, they began to press in (Mark
9:25).
Jesus was not interested in drawing a crowd. Speaking directly to the demon, He demanded it to come out from the demoniac permanently. His command "I charge" (KJV "l command," NlV) asserted His authority over the demon. Jesus gave the disciples this
authority, as stated earlier (Matthew 10:1)
With shriek and burst of
convulsions, the demon fled the young man, leaving him in a state that caused many to believe he was dead. Then Jesus lifted him by the hand, marking the beginnjng of a
new life without demonic affliction.
Yet despite this great outcome a question remained unresolved for the disciples. Going indoors they asked why they had been unable to cast out the demon. Jesus answered succinctly: It was a matter of prayer (verse 29) and faith (Matthew 17:20) The two are tightly linked. Faith for the miraculous is the fruit of reliance on God. Relying on God is birthed in heartfelt prayer-an intense, uquenchable desire to know Him and fasting. Amid such desire for God, and trust in His name, all things are possible.
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*Question for Application*
Why is prayer so vital when we seek God for the miraculous?
Why do you think the disciples seemed to struggle with having faith?
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*Response to the Word*
Spiritual warfare is as real today as it was in New Testament times. We must be prepared for spiritual battles, keeping in mind that we cannot do so on our own strength and wisdom. Pray that God will prepare your heart and mind for the battles
you face in the future. Then devote yourself to prayer as you trust Him in faith.
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*Call to Discipleship*
Matthew 17:14-21 also records the deliverance of the demon-possessed son, and ends with the familiar promise that faith like a mustard seed will move mountains (verse 20). This speaks to quality, not quantity, as a mustard seed has a great ability to grow into a large plant. The point is that faith can grow. As we feed our faith through prayer and communion with God, we become better equipped to trust Him for all things. Examine your faith. Is it growing?
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*Ministry in Action*
Pray together for any student currently experiencing a severe spiritual battle. Commit to continuing in prayer during the days and weeks to come.
*THIS PUBLICATION IS A PRODUCT OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL DEPARTMENT, ASSEMBLIES OF GOD NIGERIA*
