Sermon Central
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Clothed And In His Right Mind
Contributed by Rodney Johnson Sr., on Apr 1, 2009 (message contributor)
Summary: Jesus encounters a man that was naked and out of his right mind. The man was demon possessed. Could there be a connection between nakedness, mental issues and demoniac activities?
Introduction: In our text, Jesus confronts a man possessed by demons. He referred to himself as Legion, when Jesus inquired about name. A Legion is a Roman military band composed of 6000 men. This does not mean that the man had 6000 demons but that he had very many. Note, one Lord and 6000 demons. Jesus is Lord over the demons also.
Let’s look closely at this man:
I. HE WAS DEMON-POSSESSED.
A. He mind was under Satanic control
B. He body was driven by Evil forces.
C. Satan occupied the throne of his spirit.
II. HE WAS DEVOID OF CLOTHES.
A. Satan stripes us.
B. He robs us peace.
C. He removes us from family.
( we live in a generation that loves skimpy clothes)
III. HE WAS DESTRUCTIVE. (Self and others)
A. He cut himself.
B. Others were afraid of him.
C. He howl all night.
(We live in a generation that is bent on destroying themselves)
IV. HE WAS DEPRESSED.
A. Not in his right mind.
B. See what Satan does to our minds.
C. Yet, the worst minds will know Jesus.
V. HE WAS DETACHED.
A. He was detached from himself.
B. He was detached from his family and friends.
C. He was detached from his creator.
(He lived in a graveyard)(He stayed around dead stuff)
VI. HE WAS DEFIANT.
A. No man could approach him.
B. No man could imprison him.
C. He was a wild man.
VII. HE WAS DISEASED.
A. He was ill mentally.
B. He was ill physically.
C. He was ill spiritually.
VIII. THE HEALING PROCESS.
A. He meets the Lord of ALL.
B. The Lord gave leave to the demons.
C. The demons departed.
D. The man became docile.
E. He become devoted to the Lord.
Conclusion: There are problems and people that only God can change. No amount of policemen can alter the forces of evil. Jesus allowed the demons to enter the swine and note; the swine died. However; nowhere in the text did it say that the demons died. Demons will leave one place, only to find another. It is no wonder, Paul says; "give no place to the devil." To encounted Jesus is to receive a right mind and to be clothed in His righteousness.
