Sermon Central
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The Man Who Lived In A Cemetery
Contributed by Mike Turner on Oct 31, 2003 (message contributor)
Summary: Sermon on the encounter of Christ, and the man who lived among the tombs !
The Man Who Lived In The Cemetery
As Jesus stepped on shore in the country of Gadarenes, he is immediately met by a man who is totally consumed by darkness. This man is a sad and pitiful picture of a sinful soul now totally posessed of demons. As I read this account, I am reminded of the words of our Lord in John 10:10 "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Like a game of cat, and mouse, the devil is toying with his prey before he finally leads him to utter destruction. Look at the pitiful plight of this possessed man.
1. He was Defiled By The Devil. V. 2
"Unclean" is impure, lewd, demonic
The word "with" in V.2 can indicate many things. In the case of this pitiful individual it means he had " given himself wholly to " a unclean spirit.
We find out later in this encounter that the number of unclean spirits that tortured, and tormented this man numbered in the range of 2000. V. 13
Are there individuals in this condition today ? Absolutely ! How does one get into such a state of spiritual ruin ?
a. Beware of his deception.
John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lust of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
b. Beware of his distortion.
Gen 3:3-4 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die.
c. Beware of his disguises
2Co 11:14-15 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
d. Beware of his devices.
2 Cor 2:11 "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices."
e. Beware of his darts.
Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Illust. Many years ago, a strong young indian decided to climb to the summit of a nearby snow-capped peak. He donned his buffalo hide shirt, wrapped his blanket around him, and set off. When at last the reached the summit, he swelled with pride. Then he saw a motion hat his feet. It was a sanke, which promptly and pitifully spoke to him. "I’m about to die" said the snake. It is too cold for me up here, and I am freezing. There is no food, and I am starving. Please wrap me under your shirt, and take me down to the valley where it is warmer, and where I can find food. " " No said the young man. I know your kind. You are a rattlesnake, and if I pick you up you will bite me and kill me." "No, said the serpent. I will treat you differently. I will not harm you.....I promise" At last the youth gave in to the snakes pleading and tucked the snake under his shirt. After arriving down in the valley, he removed the snake from his shirt, and laid it down on the ground. Whereupon the sanke immediately coiled, rattled, struck and planted his fangs into the young man’s leg. "But you promised said the young man as he fell, feeling the effects of the deadly poison now entering his blood. The snake responded....."You knew what I was when you picked me up! "
Remember the words of Paul in
2 Cor. 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ
2. He was Dwelling Among the Dead. V. 3
"his dwelling among the tombs;"
Ephesians 2:1-5 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, by (grace ye are saved;).......
