Life Restored #

Mark 5:1-7, 1-20

Introduction

We have an extreme and vividly detailed account of a man living in the Gadarenes. As we see in this account, understand this man didn’t grow up in these conditions. You have to imagine he was someones baby. We have no real evidence, nothing to tell us about his past, so we are speculating.

I call this extreme, because really this is a clear picture of the extreme way sin can destroy a life completely. This man didn’t desire to end up in this situation. Most people don’t desire to be addicted to drugs, end up as alcoholics, or end up in prison. It is the extreme detrimental effects of sin. It is like a snowball that starts small, and collects as it rolls down a hill, it gets bigger, and at some point it is out of control, and there is no humanly way of stopping it!

When we look at this life, if you are saved, think this, but by the grace of God there go I.

I. Effects of Sin (Mark 5:1-5) #

A. Demon possessed man (2) #

Not all demon possessed men act like maniacal crazy men!

2Cor. 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

1. Control - Crazy or normal, unclean spirit is in control! #

2. Consequences – “the devil made me do it” you still did it, and still have to live with the consequences #

B. Dwellings (3) #

C. Desolation (4) “neither could any man tame him” #

D. Damaging himself (5) #

II. Effect of the Saviour (Mark 5:6-14) #

A. Dominion over the man (6-7) #

1. Someday all will bow to Jesus! #

Phil. 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

2. In that day… too late to have his as Lord! #

B. Dominion of demons (8-14) #

1. Legion (9) “we are many” #

C. Development of the situation #

1. If your life seems chaotic, out of control… maybe you need to come to Jesus! #

2. If you need calm from the chaos, seek Jesus. #

Matt. 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

3. Demons created chaos again… swine! (13) #

III. Effect of Salvation (Mark 5:15-20) #

A. Deportment (15) “sitting” #

1. Physical restraint #

This man couldn’t be contained prior to this! (3-4)

2. Spiritual restraint #

Spiritual restraint is greater than physical restraint
God is able to calm the troubled soul!

B. Dress was changed (15) “clothed” #

They noticed this man had clothes on!

Luke 8:27 And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.