What practical steps can we take to rely on Jesus' power over evil? Setting the Scene “Now a herd of many pigs was feeding at a distance from them.” (Matthew 8:30) This single verse sits in the middle of the Gadarenes episode (Matthew 8:28-34). Two demon-possessed men confront Jesus; the demons beg for permission to enter the pigs; He grants it, and the entire herd rushes into the sea. The picture is vivid: evil is real, but Jesus’ authority is greater, immediate, and unquestionable. Seeing Jesus’ Power on Display •The demons recognize Him: “What do You want with us, Son of God?” (Matthew 8:29). •They submit to His single word: “Go!” (Matthew 8:32). •The destructive intent of evil is unmasked when the pigs plunge into the water. •The townspeople’s fear shows the difference between witnessing power and submitting to it. When Scripture presents Jesus decisively overruling evil, it invites believers to trust the same authority today (Hebrews 13:8). Practical Steps to Rely on His Power Over Evil •Anchor your confidence in Christ’s finished work – “Having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” (Colossians 2:15) – Begin each day reminding yourself that the victory has already been secured. •Stay under His authority through willing submission – “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) – Yield choices, habits, and motives to His lordship; unconfessed sin is an open door the enemy loves to exploit. •Speak and stand on Scripture – Jesus answered every satanic temptation with “It is written” (Matthew 4:1-11). – Keep verses at the ready (write them, memorize them, sing them) and declare them aloud when fear, accusation, or temptation strikes. •Clothe yourself daily in the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) – Belt of truth: refuse half-truths that undermine your identity in Christ. – Breastplate of righteousness: rest in His imputed righteousness, walk in practical holiness. – Gospel shoes: stay willing to share good news—light pushes back darkness. – Shield of faith: extinguish lies with trust in God’s character. – Helmet of salvation: guard thought life with the certainty of rescue. – Sword of the Spirit, the Word: use Scripture offensively and defensively. – Persistent prayer: keep communication lines open; pray “at all times.” •Cultivate a worshipful atmosphere – Evil spirits begged to leave Jesus’ presence; worship invites His manifest presence (Psalm 22:3). – Fill home, car, and mind with praise that exalts Him and leaves no room for darkness. •Walk in honest, accountable community – “Two are better than one… a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) – Share struggles, confess sin, receive encouragement; isolation breeds vulnerability. •Practice discerning, Spirit-led resistance – Not every problem is demonic, but when opposition carries a distinctly destructive, oppressive edge, ask the Spirit for discernment (1 Corinthians 12:10). – Take authority in Christ’s name, commanding evil influences to leave (Luke 10:19). •Rest in His unfailing love – “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) – Nothing—“neither death nor life… nor powers”—can separate you from His love (Romans 8:38-39). Fear loses its grip when love is embraced. Confidence for Every Day The stampede of pigs reminds us that evil ultimately self-destructs under Jesus’ command. Leaning on His supremacy is not a one-time event but a lifestyle: trusting His victory, obeying His Word, arming yourself with truth, surrounding yourself with worship and community, and standing firm until the day every knee bows and every evil bows with it. |
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