The Bible instructs us to resist the devil, yet many people struggle with this task. Resistance marks the initial stage of our temptations, while the subsequent struggle occurs when we fail to resist initially. In today’s world, it seems that almost everyone is grappling with the devil and his schemes. Are we fully conscious of our weaknesses that allow the devil to gain entry? Furthermore, in his letter to the Ephesians, Paul admonishes us not to provide a foothold for the devil. Once again, do we understand the areas in which we are vulnerable to falling prey to the devil’s tricks? The Bible urges us to be aware of the devil’s strategies so that we may overcome them.
Sin Invites The Devil
It is a widely held belief that the devil tempts us to sin. However, the truth is that our own sinful desires attract the devil, and as a result, he finds us to be suitable vessels in which to reside. Furthermore, once he recognizes our stubborn nature, which prevents us from turning to God, he gains complete control over us, overpowering our senses and compelling us to act in accordance with his will, rather than our own desires.
But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can’t keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t do it. I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don’t result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.
Romans 7:17-20 (MSG)
The Devil Worshipped Jesus
It is the initial stage of the devil directing us not to do our will but compelling us to do his. When Jesus delivered a man from the evil spirits, He exposed the tricks of the evil one through the plight of the possessed man.
When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him.
Mark 5:6 (NIV)
The aforementioned depiction illustrates the struggles of the individual in a vivid manner. He inhabits a location of burial, displaying remarkable strength as he breaks free from chains and iron restraints on his feet. Despite inflicting harm upon his own body with stones, he astoundingly approaches and kneels before Jesus.
It is the tragic tale of a man consumed by impure spirits. These spirits crush his soul and infuse his body with immense strength. They manipulate him at will, never allowing him a moment of peace. Once possessed, he disregards the image of God in which God made him and transforms into a grotesque and heartless figure. He becomes shameless, unconcerned with his actions, and engages in deplorable behaviour without remorse. Intoxicated, he lies in a wretched state on the streets. A person possessed by lust pays no heed to his spouse and children, and may even justify infidelity as a solution to his marital issues.
Astonishingly, such individuals may fervently worship at the Church on Sundays and preach the Word of God, all the while leading a life of sin. It is crucial to recognize that it is not them, but the evil spirits within them, that engage in worship and preach the Word, distorting the Living Word for their own benefit.
It is our duty to introspect whether we are truly worshipping and sharing the power of His work with clarity and guidance from the Holy Spirit, or if our minds are clouded, allowing the evil one to influence us. When our conscience is compromised, the devil grants immense power to our bodies, rendering us uncontrollable and leading us astray. The encounter of Jesus with such an individual in the region of Gerasenes, as documented in the Gospel, serves as a poignant reminder for us to examine ourselves and be aware of the cunning tactics of the Devil.
What Do You Want With Me?
He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!”
Mark 5:7 (NIV)
It is truly remarkable to witness the profound understanding that these demons possess regarding God and His Son. Regrettably, many believers lack this understanding, instead perceiving God as a means to receive blessings or healing. To them, God is viewed as a financier or a doctor. The devil even comprehends the purpose of Jesus coming in the flesh. The only distinction lies in its belief that the time for this purpose has not yet arrived.
What does God want to do with me at this early stage? Many people believe that they are still young and can indulge in intentional sin, assuming that they can turn to God as they grow older. The elderly often think that judgment will only occur in the last days, giving them the opportunity to lead worldly lives in the meantime. However, if such thoughts arise, it’s important to acknowledge that they are prompted by the devil, leading us to remain in sin and become vessels for evil forces.
In the fast-paced and competitive world we live in, it is crucial to stay attuned to spiritual and personal development alongside professional growth. The Bible holds timeless wisdom and guidance that can be relevant to all aspects of life, including our modern pursuits. Neglecting spiritual nourishment could leave us vulnerable to negative influences. Understanding the significance of the Kingdom of God and the teachings of Jesus can bring profound insight and purpose to our lives. It’s essential to prioritize spiritual understanding amidst our busy schedules and not underestimate the impact of faith on our journey.
Why Did Jesus Ask The Name?
Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.
Mark 5:9 (NIV)
The question arises: Did Jesus ask for the name because he did not know it? The answer is to be found in the intention behind Jesus’s actions. When Jesus asked for the name, it was to impart a lesson about the nature of demons. In another instance, Jesus warned us about the consequences of leaving our hearts empty. He cautioned that if we do not fill the void left by the departure of evil, it will return with even more malevolent spirits, ultimately taking control of us. The demon, when questioned, revealed its multitude, serving as a warning from Jesus about the insidious nature of demonic influence. Gradually, they multiply within us, exerting control and ultimately using us for their purposes. This serves as a solemn reminder of the spiritual dangers we face.
Jesus cautioned us to be vigilant in safeguarding our hearts from the influence of the evil one. He assured us that God, His Son, and the Holy Spirit will enter through the front door of our hearts, signifying a deliberate and public entry. Simultaneously, Jesus elucidated how the devil gains access to a person’s heart – through secretive sins that entice the devil stealthily, not through public means.
“Let me set this before you as plainly as I can. If a person climbs over or through the fence of a sheep pen instead of going through the gate, you know he’s up to no good—a sheep rustler! The shepherd walks right up to the gate.
John 10:1-2 (MSG)
Let us examine ourselves as to what are the areas of vulnerability in our lives that make us susceptible to the attacks of evil.
The Prayer Of The Demons
And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.
Mark 5:9-13 (NIV)
A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.
It is truly remarkable to encounter the account of demons seeking permission from Jesus to enter the pigs. This echoes the story of the devil seeking permission from God to harm Job and his possessions. Some individuals, when tormented by evil spirits, mistakenly believe that the forces of evil hold more power than God, and are thereby prevailing over Him by haunting them. However, it is crucial to remember that God holds authority over everything, as He is the creator of all that is visible and invisible in the universe.
Everything was created through him; nothing – not one thing! – came into being without him.
John 1:3 (MSG)
The multitude of demonic spirits, united in prayer and in agreement about their destination, is a cause for concern. It is regrettable that there is no unity among believers, leading to conflicts in the dissemination of the Good News. Understanding this reality, it is imperative that we engage in fervent and ceaseless prayer to prevent the enemy from gaining authorization from our Heavenly Father to inflict harm upon us. The one whom we worship and who resides within us is greater than anything in the world. Therefore, there should be no hesitance in seeking God’s deliverance from these demonic forces. Instead of pursuing worldly desires that entangle us in the schemes of the enemy, we must envision that God can indeed deliver us if we earnestly seek His intervention.
The pigs refused to accommodate the evil spirits, sensing a strange presence. Instead of yielding to this force, they chose to drown themselves, denying the spirits a vessel. Unsettlingly, as humans, we often allow these demonic forces to take up residence within us, rationalising our subjugation to them. Consequently, they proliferate within us.
An Adieu To Jesus
When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.
Mark 5:15-17 (NIV)
It is astonishing to learn that the inhabitants of that town and village requested Jesus to depart from their region, even after witnessing the miraculous transformation of the man possessed by evil spirits. Witnessing this incredible transformation instilled fear in them. Subsequently, the two thousand evil spirits found themselves without a dwelling. To find a place to reside, they influenced the people of that place to bid farewell to Jesus, hoping to enter their hearts and take control.
When our prayers are not answered, we often get angry with God and stop reading His word and praying. This is the first attempt of the devil to win over us. Separation from God is a dangerous situation, but many do not understand it, because they become busy with the trivial matters of this world and fail to recognize the absence of God in their lives. We must be aware of the situation that leads us to stop talking to God and rise over it to continue our connection with God.
It is crucial to take note of the sequence of events: first, the devil implored Jesus not to expel them from the area, and now they have incited the people to request Jesus to depart from the place. We must remain vigilant against the devil’s cunning schemes. While we may not fully comprehend the power of our prayers, the devil is aware of it and will manipulate people to drive Jesus away. Recognizing His authority, we should instead petition Jesus for far greater things and certainly not insist on His departure from our midst.
The Ministry Of The Delivered Man
In compliance with the people’s request, Jesus departed from the location. While Jesus harboured affection for them, he detested the demonic influence compelling the residents to dismiss him. It is common for us to harbour animosity towards the afflicted, disregarding the demonic forces deceiving them. The man who had been liberated, implored Jesus to allow him to accompany him but Jesus refused and advised him to return to his village.
Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”
Mark 5:19 (NIV)
We must not succumb to frustration when our prayers are not answered according to our desires; instead, we should learn to accept the response we receive from God. Many individuals claim that their prayers go unanswered because they fail to achieve their desires. The truth is, every prayer is answered, but we fail to recognize it as such when it does not align with our intentions. When God’s answer does not align with our plans, it aligns with His greater purpose. The healed man obediently entered the place and shared the incredible deeds Jesus had performed in his life with his community.
Once we receive salvation, it is not the desire of Jesus for us to remain with His followers. Instead, He calls us to reach out to the Gentiles and share the miraculous transformation that has occurred within us. The man who was healed did not seek out the established pulpits of the church but instead travelled through the streets, sharing the message of God’s love with his own people. The residents of Decapolis heard the Good News and bore witness to the remarkable change in this man’s life, bringing them joy. Initially, fear gripped their hearts at the sight of this transformed man, but his love and demeanour attracted them to Jesus.
The individuals who once requested Jesus to leave their vicinity were now filled with anticipation for His return, thanks to the transformative ministry of the recently saved individual. This prompts us to reflect on whether we are simply existing within a limited community, or if we are actively dedicating our lives to drawing others towards the path of redemption.
So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake.
Mark 5:20-21 (NIV)
The Jordan Valley 
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