Luke 8:26-36 – The Power of God

When the devil reigns in someone’s life the result is misery and horror. We see this in the demon-possessed man described in these verses. But we also see this today. Perhaps we don’t see cases where Satan bodily possesses someone, but all around us are those whose souls have been possessed by the devil. Satan still urges those in whose hearts he reigns to destroy themselves. He still drives them on from sin to sin, far from any good influence, plunging them into the depths of wickedness. We have all seen those whose lives are a mess because the devil reigns in their hearts. Often there is only one thing we can do for them – pray. Christ who has healed those possessed by demons, still lives in heaven, and pities sinners. The worst slave of Satan is not beyond hope. Jesus may yet have compassion and set him free.

Notice the absolute power that Christ has over Satan. The evil spirits are forced to leave this man and have to beg for permission to enter the pigs. This power should give us great comfort and keep us from despair. Christ will not allow Satan to steal any of His people and is daily rescuing lost souls from the devil’s kingdom.

An amazing change takes place in those whose lives have been transformed by the Gospel. When men or women go from being slaves of Satan to children of God, their lives are never the same again. Each conversion is truly as wonderful as the sight of this man, formerly insane, clothed and in his right mind at the feet of Jesus.

Questions
1. What is the result of Satan’s control over someone’s life?
2. What can we do for people who seemed to be intent on destroying themselves?
3. How does a person change when they become a Christian?

Prayer Points
1. Pray for the salvation of those in our town.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.