Focus : Youth and Identity
2015 Young Adults Week of Prayer
Wednesday - talent Night
Mini concert of about 20 minutes in length. Poems, music, drama, etc. This should be open to everyone in the church and community. Great tool to introduce people to Christ.
Verona was a very intelligent young lady who was a good debater, loved to argue, strongly opinionated, friendly and always liked to be in the company of others, especially those who considered themselves post–modern and cool. She enjoyed questioning standards and practices of the Church and liked to be considered a voice for the voiceless or for those who are too timid to speak. She was very socially aware, and considered herself responsible for networking with peers, to keep them abreast
of current events. She accomplished this through her online blogs, where she gave her honest opinions on topical issues. She stayed on top of the relevant news and trends through her very active twitter account. Her obsession with computers, the Internet and curiosity to acquire knowledge led her to an online
Ouija (Wee Gee) Board which is a flat board marked with the letters of the alphabet, the numbers 0–9, the words yes, no, hello, and goodbye, as well as various symbols and graphics. It is also known as a spirit board or talking board. The board uses a small heart–shaped piece of wood or movable indicator
to indicate the spirit’s message by spelling it out on the board during a séance. Participants place their fingers on the wood and it is supposedly moved around the board by the spirit to spell out words. This board is associated with demonic possession, and people are cautioned to have nothing to do with it. However, Verona developed an attraction to it and invited a friend to join her in the games one night. While playing, she suddenly became possessed by evil spirits. She began to growl and thrash around as though she was in a
trance. She became erratic, began hallucinating, showing signs of muscle spasm and difficulty swallowing. She became very difficult to manage, assumed superhuman strength and began talking with a very course voice, courser than that of a matured man. She made several attempts to find sharp objects and seemed desirous of taking her life and hurting others around her. In our world today, Satan and all his demons are looking for people to target with their darts. They look for both the weakness and strengths in individuals
and launch their darts precisely at those points where they are able to overpower them. As satanic involvement among young people and adults continues, the primary goal of the devil is to alter their values and turn them against themselves, their beliefs, family, God, and society. These demonic forces influence people to seek after knowledge of unknown information, knowledge that is gained beyond the five senses and received through some supernatural involvement or connection. Luke Chapter 8:26–29 is a relevant text that addresses our topic, “Contending for the Mind”. “Then they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. And when He stepped out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs. When
he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, ‘What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me!’ For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness.”
Demon Possession and Mental Illness For centuries, many are of the opinion that mental illness is demon possession. Chris Cook’s article about demon possession and mental illness, published in the Autumn 1997 Christian Medical Fellowship Journal argued that it would seem reasonable to suggest that demon possession may be an aetiological (cause) factor in some cases of mental illness, but it may also be an aetiological (cause) factor in some non–psychiatric conditions, and in other cases it may be encountered in the absence of psychiatric or medical disorder. Furthermore, demon possession is essentially a spiritual
problem, but mental illness is a multifactorial affair, in which spiritual, social, psychological and physical factors may all play an aetiological (cause) role. Based on real life realities, mental illness must not therefore
be categorically considered demon possession. Demon possession may be more pronounced in some parts of the world today than in others. Differential diagnostic skills play a major role in of 70
Offering help to those whose problems could have demonic or medical/psychiatric origin. In the case of demon possession, spiritual discernment is of great importance in addressing such matters. On the other hand, in the case of mental illness, medical/psychiatric care is invaluable. Whether demon possession, mental illness, physical illness, social illness or spiritual illness, Jesus has power over them all and through consistency in prayer and dependence upon him by faith, healing and restoration is possible. This story of demon possession has spiritual implications for young people, children and adults today. There are extremes, which should be avoided in relation to demon possession or with reference to satanic movements. C. S. Lewis said: “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devil. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors, and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight” (p.3).
The Demoniac According to this text, Jesus’ welcoming committee to the country of the Gadarenes consisted of one man who was totally possessed by demons. It is apparent that this was a serious problem in the time of Luke, since the gospel writers mentioned numerous such cases. The way he appeared could probably be compared to the “Incredible Hulk”, that television creation. Although his symptoms would have appeared to be those of an insane man, the various gospel writers tell us that it was a case of demon possession. Driven by his terrible condition, the man abandoned his home, alienated himself from
people and associated himself with the dead by living in the cemetery, which certainly is not a place anyone in his right mind would choose to live. Nudity was his preferred mode of dressing and he moved about in the community with rage and fury that engendered fear on the part of the residents. So strong he was when he got into his rage that even when they bounded him with chains he was able to burst them and set himself free (verse 29).
There were at least six disorders that the demonic possession inflicted on their possessor
2015 Young Adults Week of Prayer
Wednesday - talent Night
Mini concert of about 20 minutes in length. Poems, music, drama, etc. This should be open to everyone in the church and community. Great tool to introduce people to Christ.
Verona was a very intelligent young lady who was a good debater, loved to argue, strongly opinionated, friendly and always liked to be in the company of others, especially those who considered themselves post–modern and cool. She enjoyed questioning standards and practices of the Church and liked to be considered a voice for the voiceless or for those who are too timid to speak. She was very socially aware, and considered herself responsible for networking with peers, to keep them abreast
of current events. She accomplished this through her online blogs, where she gave her honest opinions on topical issues. She stayed on top of the relevant news and trends through her very active twitter account. Her obsession with computers, the Internet and curiosity to acquire knowledge led her to an online
Ouija (Wee Gee) Board which is a flat board marked with the letters of the alphabet, the numbers 0–9, the words yes, no, hello, and goodbye, as well as various symbols and graphics. It is also known as a spirit board or talking board. The board uses a small heart–shaped piece of wood or movable indicator
to indicate the spirit’s message by spelling it out on the board during a séance. Participants place their fingers on the wood and it is supposedly moved around the board by the spirit to spell out words. This board is associated with demonic possession, and people are cautioned to have nothing to do with it. However, Verona developed an attraction to it and invited a friend to join her in the games one night. While playing, she suddenly became possessed by evil spirits. She began to growl and thrash around as though she was in a
trance. She became erratic, began hallucinating, showing signs of muscle spasm and difficulty swallowing. She became very difficult to manage, assumed superhuman strength and began talking with a very course voice, courser than that of a matured man. She made several attempts to find sharp objects and seemed desirous of taking her life and hurting others around her. In our world today, Satan and all his demons are looking for people to target with their darts. They look for both the weakness and strengths in individuals
and launch their darts precisely at those points where they are able to overpower them. As satanic involvement among young people and adults continues, the primary goal of the devil is to alter their values and turn them against themselves, their beliefs, family, God, and society. These demonic forces influence people to seek after knowledge of unknown information, knowledge that is gained beyond the five senses and received through some supernatural involvement or connection. Luke Chapter 8:26–29 is a relevant text that addresses our topic, “Contending for the Mind”. “Then they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. And when He stepped out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs. When
he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, ‘What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me!’ For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness.”
Demon Possession and Mental Illness For centuries, many are of the opinion that mental illness is demon possession. Chris Cook’s article about demon possession and mental illness, published in the Autumn 1997 Christian Medical Fellowship Journal argued that it would seem reasonable to suggest that demon possession may be an aetiological (cause) factor in some cases of mental illness, but it may also be an aetiological (cause) factor in some non–psychiatric conditions, and in other cases it may be encountered in the absence of psychiatric or medical disorder. Furthermore, demon possession is essentially a spiritual
problem, but mental illness is a multifactorial affair, in which spiritual, social, psychological and physical factors may all play an aetiological (cause) role. Based on real life realities, mental illness must not therefore
be categorically considered demon possession. Demon possession may be more pronounced in some parts of the world today than in others. Differential diagnostic skills play a major role in of 70
Offering help to those whose problems could have demonic or medical/psychiatric origin. In the case of demon possession, spiritual discernment is of great importance in addressing such matters. On the other hand, in the case of mental illness, medical/psychiatric care is invaluable. Whether demon possession, mental illness, physical illness, social illness or spiritual illness, Jesus has power over them all and through consistency in prayer and dependence upon him by faith, healing and restoration is possible. This story of demon possession has spiritual implications for young people, children and adults today. There are extremes, which should be avoided in relation to demon possession or with reference to satanic movements. C. S. Lewis said: “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devil. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors, and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight” (p.3).
The Demoniac According to this text, Jesus’ welcoming committee to the country of the Gadarenes consisted of one man who was totally possessed by demons. It is apparent that this was a serious problem in the time of Luke, since the gospel writers mentioned numerous such cases. The way he appeared could probably be compared to the “Incredible Hulk”, that television creation. Although his symptoms would have appeared to be those of an insane man, the various gospel writers tell us that it was a case of demon possession. Driven by his terrible condition, the man abandoned his home, alienated himself from
people and associated himself with the dead by living in the cemetery, which certainly is not a place anyone in his right mind would choose to live. Nudity was his preferred mode of dressing and he moved about in the community with rage and fury that engendered fear on the part of the residents. So strong he was when he got into his rage that even when they bounded him with chains he was able to burst them and set himself free (verse 29).
There were at least six disorders that the demonic possession inflicted on their possessor
(1) personality disorder in which his identity and individuality were consumed by the demons.
(2) Anti–social behavior that was manifested in his banishment to live in the seclusion of tombs, away from the civilization of human beings.
(3) Unusual spiritual insight that made him alert in recognizing Jesus as the Son of God and gave him unusual spiritual intelligence. (4) Super–human strength that made him uncontrollable by normal methods of
human control. He broke all attempted confining apparatus and set himself
loose.
human control. He broke all attempted confining apparatus and set himself
loose.
(5) Torment by causing those who fell victims to him to agonize constantly and
(6) the tendency towards self–destruction by continually doing harm to himself, using stones and other objects.
Guarding the Mind Against Demonic Possession Satanic influence on the mind can influence individuals to do unthinkable things. Some leave their home, family and friends and the members of their church to live in loneliness and isolation. Some indulge in various kinds of unchristian conducts. They become addicted to substance abuse, among which is alcoholic drinking and smoking. They become caught up in pornography,
fornication and effeminate behaviors. Some with very good intellectual abilities give up school and the pursuit of career and meaningful life vocation to become preoccupied with unambitious pursuits. The Apostle Paul counsels that we should not take lightly the ability of the devil and should be armed against his spiritual attacks and demon possession. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor
of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and
with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions
with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:10–18, NIV).
fornication and effeminate behaviors. Some with very good intellectual abilities give up school and the pursuit of career and meaningful life vocation to become preoccupied with unambitious pursuits. The Apostle Paul counsels that we should not take lightly the ability of the devil and should be armed against his spiritual attacks and demon possession. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor
of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and
with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions
with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:10–18, NIV).
“Those who would not fall a prey to Satan’s devices must guard well the avenues of the soul; they must avoid reading, seeing, or hearing that which will suggest impure thoughts. The mind should not be left to wander at random upon every subject that the adversary of souls may suggest. ‘Gird up the loins of your mind,’ says the apostle Peter, ‘be sober... not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: but as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of living.’ Says Paul, ‘Whatsoever
things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.’ This will require earnest prayer and unceasing watchfulness. We must be aided by the abiding influence of the Holy Spirit, which will attract the mind upward, and habituate it to dwell on pure and holy things. And we must give diligent study to the word of God” (MYP. P. 285). What It Means to Come to Jesus “When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before Him and said with a loud voice, ‘What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me.’ For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him.) He was kept
under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert. Jesus then asked him, ‘What is your name?’ And he said, ‘Legion,’ for many demons had entered him” (Luke 8:28–30).
Ellen White said, “The mind of this wretched sufferer had been darkened by Satan, but in the Savior’s presence a ray of light had pierced the gloom. He was roused to long for freedom from Satan’s control; but the demon resisted the power of Christ. When the man tried to appeal to Jesus for help, the evil spirit put words into his mouth, and he cried out in an agony of fear. The demoniac partially comprehended that he was in the presence of One who could set him free; but when he tried to come within reach of that mighty
hand, another’s will held him, another’s words found utterance through him. The conflict between the power of Satan and his own desire for freedom was terrible” (DA 255). When you come to Jesus, He opens conversation with you that could take your life into a new and different direction. When you make Jesus your friend the possibilities for cleansing, healing, restoration, achievement of progress, and success are endless. The people who have no special concern for us often make us feel good. Our real friends tend to ask hard questions and expect mature responses. They hold us to our best. Sometimes we’re less than grateful. In this encounter, the demoniac must have sensed it would produce a radical change in his life. Like the demoniac, individuals are ambivalent about dealing with radical changes. In the Preachers’ Commentary series, Larson, B., & Ogilvie said that after Jesus commanded the demons out He inquired of the man his name which
was a profound question about his identity similar to what modern psychiatry deals with. The man responded to Jesus with great insight, “My name is Legion”. In those days a legion was comprised of 6,000 soldiers. In biblical times, the number of demons living in the sufferer measured the degree of mental illness. (Mary Magdalene was possessed by seven demons.) The demoniac claimed to be possessed of 6,000, which meant that he was telling Jesus how sick he really was. It was the schizophrenic gentleman—whose identity
was lost and who existed with many different personalities, lonely and living on the outer edge of normal society in the cemetery—that ran to Jesus and opened conversation with Him that resulted in his cure. What is your identity? Who are you? Who would you tell Jesus that you are?
Sometimes even the most stable of us struggle with the question of identity. The genius inventor and architect of the United States government Benjamin Franklin, was reputed to be very mean within his own family. Which was the real Ben Franklin? Thomas Jefferson wrote that “all men are created equal” yet it is said that he kept slaves until the day he died. Which was the real Thomas Jefferson? Tolstoy is revered as one of the great Christian writers and statesmen of his time, yet his wife said he never gave her a kind word or a cup of water. Again, will the real Leo Tolstoy please stand up? Even the apostle Paul, in Romans 7:19, 24, speaks of a divided self: “For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice… O, wretched man that I am.” It seems all of us are potentially schizophrenic. But here is the good news: by coming to Jesus, our true identity can be revealed and we cannot be too confused, mixed up or deranged for Him to straighten us, heal us and restore us. Ellen White said, “The demoniac, in place of prayer, could utter only the words of Satan; yet the heart’s unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need, though it fails of utterance in words, will be unheeded. Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature” (DA, p. 258). He was the answer to the problems of the demoniac. This same Jesus who stilled the storm is also the One who
can heal our minds, resolve identity crisis, rearrange our thought processes and set us on our way rejoicing. He can save us from all of the situations that, however unwittingly, we get ourselves into. This Ultimate Being, God Himself, is our friend. C. Raymond Beran gives us this description of a friend: A friend… is a person with whom you dare to be yourself; your soul can be naked with him. He seems to ask you to put on nothing, only to be what you are. He doesn’t want you to be better or worse. When you are with him you feel as a prisoner feels when he is declared innocent. You do not have to be on your guard. You can say what you think, so long as it’s genuinely you. He understands those contradictions in your nature that lead others to misjudge you. With him you breathe freely. You can avow your little vanities and indecent hates,
your meanness and absurdities and in opening them up to him they are lost, dissolved in the white ocean of his loyalty. He understands. You do not have to be careful. You can abuse him, neglect him, tolerate
him, it makes no matter. He likes you. He is like fire that purges to the bone. He understands!
When we evaluate ourselves we may realize that we never had a friend like that, neither have we been such a friend, and that is the reason we are here this moment. We need that friend who can help us to be that friend! Jesus is such a friend! When He says, “Tell me about it!” you can open up and reveal your confusion, you can reveal to Him who you are. You can tell Him, “I failed in my marriage.” “I’ve alienated my children.” “I betrayed my best friend.” “I have split personality.” “I am addicted to pornography.” “I am a sex addict.” “I am struggling with homosexual tendencies.” “I am growing more and more indifferent to spiritual things.” “I am an avid liar.” “I am hooked on drugs.” “I am obsessed with social media, movies and all kinds of pleasurable entertainment that I cannot find time for study of the Bible, prayer, and personal worship.” By opening up to Him, we can find integration and become one joyful person with someone to love, something to do and something to hope for.
things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.’ This will require earnest prayer and unceasing watchfulness. We must be aided by the abiding influence of the Holy Spirit, which will attract the mind upward, and habituate it to dwell on pure and holy things. And we must give diligent study to the word of God” (MYP. P. 285). What It Means to Come to Jesus “When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before Him and said with a loud voice, ‘What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me.’ For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him.) He was kept
under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert. Jesus then asked him, ‘What is your name?’ And he said, ‘Legion,’ for many demons had entered him” (Luke 8:28–30).
Ellen White said, “The mind of this wretched sufferer had been darkened by Satan, but in the Savior’s presence a ray of light had pierced the gloom. He was roused to long for freedom from Satan’s control; but the demon resisted the power of Christ. When the man tried to appeal to Jesus for help, the evil spirit put words into his mouth, and he cried out in an agony of fear. The demoniac partially comprehended that he was in the presence of One who could set him free; but when he tried to come within reach of that mighty
hand, another’s will held him, another’s words found utterance through him. The conflict between the power of Satan and his own desire for freedom was terrible” (DA 255). When you come to Jesus, He opens conversation with you that could take your life into a new and different direction. When you make Jesus your friend the possibilities for cleansing, healing, restoration, achievement of progress, and success are endless. The people who have no special concern for us often make us feel good. Our real friends tend to ask hard questions and expect mature responses. They hold us to our best. Sometimes we’re less than grateful. In this encounter, the demoniac must have sensed it would produce a radical change in his life. Like the demoniac, individuals are ambivalent about dealing with radical changes. In the Preachers’ Commentary series, Larson, B., & Ogilvie said that after Jesus commanded the demons out He inquired of the man his name which
was a profound question about his identity similar to what modern psychiatry deals with. The man responded to Jesus with great insight, “My name is Legion”. In those days a legion was comprised of 6,000 soldiers. In biblical times, the number of demons living in the sufferer measured the degree of mental illness. (Mary Magdalene was possessed by seven demons.) The demoniac claimed to be possessed of 6,000, which meant that he was telling Jesus how sick he really was. It was the schizophrenic gentleman—whose identity
was lost and who existed with many different personalities, lonely and living on the outer edge of normal society in the cemetery—that ran to Jesus and opened conversation with Him that resulted in his cure. What is your identity? Who are you? Who would you tell Jesus that you are?
Sometimes even the most stable of us struggle with the question of identity. The genius inventor and architect of the United States government Benjamin Franklin, was reputed to be very mean within his own family. Which was the real Ben Franklin? Thomas Jefferson wrote that “all men are created equal” yet it is said that he kept slaves until the day he died. Which was the real Thomas Jefferson? Tolstoy is revered as one of the great Christian writers and statesmen of his time, yet his wife said he never gave her a kind word or a cup of water. Again, will the real Leo Tolstoy please stand up? Even the apostle Paul, in Romans 7:19, 24, speaks of a divided self: “For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice… O, wretched man that I am.” It seems all of us are potentially schizophrenic. But here is the good news: by coming to Jesus, our true identity can be revealed and we cannot be too confused, mixed up or deranged for Him to straighten us, heal us and restore us. Ellen White said, “The demoniac, in place of prayer, could utter only the words of Satan; yet the heart’s unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need, though it fails of utterance in words, will be unheeded. Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature” (DA, p. 258). He was the answer to the problems of the demoniac. This same Jesus who stilled the storm is also the One who
can heal our minds, resolve identity crisis, rearrange our thought processes and set us on our way rejoicing. He can save us from all of the situations that, however unwittingly, we get ourselves into. This Ultimate Being, God Himself, is our friend. C. Raymond Beran gives us this description of a friend: A friend… is a person with whom you dare to be yourself; your soul can be naked with him. He seems to ask you to put on nothing, only to be what you are. He doesn’t want you to be better or worse. When you are with him you feel as a prisoner feels when he is declared innocent. You do not have to be on your guard. You can say what you think, so long as it’s genuinely you. He understands those contradictions in your nature that lead others to misjudge you. With him you breathe freely. You can avow your little vanities and indecent hates,
your meanness and absurdities and in opening them up to him they are lost, dissolved in the white ocean of his loyalty. He understands. You do not have to be careful. You can abuse him, neglect him, tolerate
him, it makes no matter. He likes you. He is like fire that purges to the bone. He understands!
When we evaluate ourselves we may realize that we never had a friend like that, neither have we been such a friend, and that is the reason we are here this moment. We need that friend who can help us to be that friend! Jesus is such a friend! When He says, “Tell me about it!” you can open up and reveal your confusion, you can reveal to Him who you are. You can tell Him, “I failed in my marriage.” “I’ve alienated my children.” “I betrayed my best friend.” “I have split personality.” “I am addicted to pornography.” “I am a sex addict.” “I am struggling with homosexual tendencies.” “I am growing more and more indifferent to spiritual things.” “I am an avid liar.” “I am hooked on drugs.” “I am obsessed with social media, movies and all kinds of pleasurable entertainment that I cannot find time for study of the Bible, prayer, and personal worship.” By opening up to Him, we can find integration and become one joyful person with someone to love, something to do and something to hope for.
The Result of Coming to Jesus “When those who fed them saw what had happened, they fled and told
it in the city and in the country. Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. They also who had seen it told them by what means he who had
been demon–possessed was healed” (Luke 8:34–36). The news went around the town like wild fire and the Gadarenes with great curiosity went out to experience firsthand the story told of this man who lived among them all these years as a lunatic. There are three basic ingredients of health and wholeness that are applicable for any age that Luke’s description of this new man provides. They found the man from whom the demons had departed sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. That’s exactly what the new psychiatry, the post–Freudian psychiatry, is all about—these three signs of wholeness are
1) submission to authority,
2) clothed and
3) in a right mind.
First, he was sitting at the feet of Jesus. He was acting responsibly under authority. No longer was he free to do his own thing. That had made him ill. He did his own thing when he was running about in frenzy, tearing
off his clothes and living like an animal. Now he submitted his life to the authority of Jesus. Christian freedom is a paradox. When you submit to the lordship of Christ and the Holy Spirit takes possession of your life,
you are most free. When the Spirit of God resides within, and Christ is enthroned, demons cannot abide. Martin Luther said, “A Christian man is the most free lord of all and subject to no one. A Christian man is the
most dutiful servant of all and subject to everyone.” We lose our freedom to find a new freedom.Second, he was clothed, which is another mark of wellness. He was no longer shameless. His nakedness symbolized shamelessness, a flaunting of all morals and absolutes. This is a common disease today. There are those who tell us everything is relative and, if it feels good, do it. But under Jesus’ lordship, the man put on clothes with a new sense of what is decent and proper. Third, he was in his right mind. He saw the world as it is. No longer was he paranoid and convinced that everybody was out to get him. Those who suffer from those feelings should always convince themselves by the help of the Holy Spirit to remember that most of the world doesn’t even know that they exist. On the other hand, being in your right mind means coming to accept the fact that everybody does not and will not love you. They don’t. You may have enemies. In his right mind, the
man who was possessed saw life as it actually is.
3) in a right mind.
First, he was sitting at the feet of Jesus. He was acting responsibly under authority. No longer was he free to do his own thing. That had made him ill. He did his own thing when he was running about in frenzy, tearing
off his clothes and living like an animal. Now he submitted his life to the authority of Jesus. Christian freedom is a paradox. When you submit to the lordship of Christ and the Holy Spirit takes possession of your life,
you are most free. When the Spirit of God resides within, and Christ is enthroned, demons cannot abide. Martin Luther said, “A Christian man is the most free lord of all and subject to no one. A Christian man is the
most dutiful servant of all and subject to everyone.” We lose our freedom to find a new freedom.Second, he was clothed, which is another mark of wellness. He was no longer shameless. His nakedness symbolized shamelessness, a flaunting of all morals and absolutes. This is a common disease today. There are those who tell us everything is relative and, if it feels good, do it. But under Jesus’ lordship, the man put on clothes with a new sense of what is decent and proper. Third, he was in his right mind. He saw the world as it is. No longer was he paranoid and convinced that everybody was out to get him. Those who suffer from those feelings should always convince themselves by the help of the Holy Spirit to remember that most of the world doesn’t even know that they exist. On the other hand, being in your right mind means coming to accept the fact that everybody does not and will not love you. They don’t. You may have enemies. In his right mind, the
man who was possessed saw life as it actually is.
Tell Your Story
“But the man from whom the demons had gone out was begging Him that he might accompany Him; but He sent him away, saying, ‘Return to your house and describe what great things God has done for you.’ So he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him” (Luke 8:38, 39). Now the man was so obsessed with Jesus who restored him that he wanted to join the ranks of the disciples to be going around with Him, but Jesus had another mission for him. Jesus sent him back home to minister and to witness. It was a person-to-person ministry. He said go back home: Let your family know what has been done for you. Go to your neighborhood and let your friends and neighbors know what the Lord has done for you. Go and tell your story! There are many out there who need to meet the Man who made this
change in your life. Jesus wants us to be a part of the whole healing process in society so He sends us. This is what the Kingdom of God is about. When you are converted, help to bring the flock together. There are many who will listen to you when they see the change that has taken place in your life. Go and tell your story
and in telling your story you are telling the story of Jesus! This is what He has done for me! He restored me and He will do it for you! That is the Gospel. Seventh–day Adventist young people all around the world must join in sharing this wonderful story. For in a little while He, Jesus, who heals, restores, redeems, and saves will be coming back to take the faithful witnesses home and you should be among those who will share in this eternal experience.
Appeal and Prayer:_______________________________________________________
Suggested Closing Song: I’ve Wandered Far Away From God
Benediction: ______________________________________________________________
References
Butler, T. C. (2000). Vol. 3: Luke. Holman New Testament Commentary (126). Nashville, TN:
Broadman & Holman Publishers.
Chris Cook, (1997). Demon Possession and Mental Illness. Retrieved from Christian Medical
Fellowship on July 4, 2014 at
http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=619
C. S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters (New York: The Macmillan Co., 1971), p. 3.
Larson, B., & Ogilvie, L. J. (1983). Vol. 26: Luke. The Preacher’s Commentary Series (152– 153). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Stein, R. H. (1992). Vol. 24: Luke. The New American Commentary (256). Nashville: Broadman
& Holman Publishers
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Lk 8:27). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society
White, Ellen G. (1964). Desire of Ages. Review and Herald Publishing Association. Washington,
DC Hagerstown, MD.
White, E. G. (1930). Messages to Young People. Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald
Publishing Association.
Suggested Closing Song: I’ve Wandered Far Away From God
Benediction: ______________________________________________________________
References
Butler, T. C. (2000). Vol. 3: Luke. Holman New Testament Commentary (126). Nashville, TN:
Broadman & Holman Publishers.
Chris Cook, (1997). Demon Possession and Mental Illness. Retrieved from Christian Medical
Fellowship on July 4, 2014 at
http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=619
C. S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters (New York: The Macmillan Co., 1971), p. 3.
Larson, B., & Ogilvie, L. J. (1983). Vol. 26: Luke. The Preacher’s Commentary Series (152– 153). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Stein, R. H. (1992). Vol. 24: Luke. The New American Commentary (256). Nashville: Broadman
& Holman Publishers
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Lk 8:27). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society
White, Ellen G. (1964). Desire of Ages. Review and Herald Publishing Association. Washington,
DC Hagerstown, MD.
White, E. G. (1930). Messages to Young People. Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald
Publishing Association.
Discussion Questions
1. Identify and discuss ways by which Satan seeks to invade the minds of
young people today.
2. How can young people guard their minds against the invading forces
of the devil?
3. How is it that people who are active in the faith eventually fall prey to
the devil?
4. In what ways do peers and others influence young people to become
receptive to demonic possession?
5. Identify specific situations of demon possession and state how can you help one who is possessed to overcome.
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