Main Scripture Reference - Mark 5:1-20

Other Scripture References: John 10:10; John 16:33; Isaiah 61:4; I Corinthians 6:19-20

INTRO–‘Evil in Control’Read John 10:10

In understanding the spiritual battle going on in and around you, the reality is that any one can be possessed by demons. Meaning that anywhere evil has control, whether habits, addictions, hang ups, unhealthy thinking, etc., evil has some possession of your life. Recognizing and naming some of these demons will also cause them to loose some of their power.

• What are some of our culture’s ‘demons,’ bad habits, and evil issues? Have any of them affected you or your family? Explain.
  
  
• How do you see ‘the thief’ trying to possess your life right now? How are you fighting against this evil force?

THE PROBLEM –‘Demons have Power’Read Mark 5:1-5

If you are going to win this battle for your heart and mind you must first understand what demons can do. Evil wants to take possession of you and looks for open doors into your life to gain access. Things like unresolved anger, fear, pride, loneliness, and certainly stress, are perfect ways for evil to get a foothold in your life. As you read the story of the Demonic, you should be reminded that demons have super human strength and anyone who has ever dealt with an addiction knows not to underestimate this power of possession. Once evil has as hold on you then it tries to isolate you, knowing that you are weakest when you are alone. In the end if you don’t deal with your demons they will destroy you.

• What are some open doors in your life that potentially might do you harm? Name the thing that is stressing you out the most right now in life. How are you dealing with it?


• How often do you find yourself feeling isolated or alone? What is causing this?
  
  
• Name one support system you have that keeps you from falling into loneliness and seclusion. Do you need more?

THE ANSWER –‘Jesus has More Power’Read Mark 5:6-7; John 16:33 & Isaiah 61:4

But just as demons have super human power, Jesus has supernatural power. In fact there really isn’t an epic battle between good and evil because God’s power is so strong it isn’t even a fight. In the story the demons were so overmatched they knew they were beat even from a distance. The real story is that nothing is too big for God to handle and no matter what evil power, possession, addiction or habit that might have control over you can easily be defeated if you allow Christ to help you. In fact Jesus strategy for you is to rebuild you, restore you, and renew you making you whole again – not being possessed by evil but by Jesus.

• Name some ways Jesus has transformed your life so far. Where do you see Jesus working at this present time in your life?


• If God is bigger than any problem, what problem, issue, or demon do you need to give to God?

THE MISSION –‘Be a Living Witness’Read Mark 5:18-20 & I Corinthians 6:19-20

You might have thought that once you were on the road to renewal through the power of Christ that would be the end. But Jesus has much more in mind for you to accomplish. Now that you are being transformed, Jesus wants you to share that with everyone, and the best place is in your own town and in your own home. It’s not the easiest place because of pain, shame, grief, and past heart-ache. But it is the place where you will be most effective being a living witness of Jesus Christ.

• In a few sentences what has Jesus done for you?


• How can God use you and your story to be a living witness to others?