Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Mark 1:21-28 Whether we realize it or not, there is a demonic world we cannot avoid. It is real, and we cannot be uninformed or uninterested. We do not fight against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness. We must be aware of the warfare in order to win the battle. The Enemy comes against us in three basic ways: Oppression. The devil knows how to harass you, and demon spirits will oppress you. Obsession. The devil stirs an insatiable longing within people that drive them and mold them until they are caught up and swept along. Possession. It is possible for the devil, through one of his demons, to possess a person. He takes control of his mind, his emotions and his will. There's a battle. And Satan never gives up anybody or anything without a fight. But there's no waiting to see who will win. Satan has been defeated. Jesus has authority over the enemy and all of the powers of darkness. The demons recognize Jesus’s authority. They must always yield to it. No child of God should ever fear the demons. Never. We must be aware of them. Be vigilant, be sober. But do not be afraid. They are afraid of you when you recognize who you are in Jesus, and the authority He has given you. Adrian Rogers tells us, “Unless you are living with God, filled with the Holy Spirit, claiming the power of Jesus Christ in your life, you don't understand the power of our enemy. But you do need to understand the greater power of Jesus Christ and the authority of Jesus rightly applied over the power of the enemy.” Children of God are going to know conflict with the enemy. But God has given us authority over him. Satan has no threat, temptation has no allurement, sin has no hold that the child of God cannot break in the power of Jesus Christ. Apply it to your life If you are recognizing the reality of the spiritual warfare around you, it’s time to get fitted for battle. Get alone or get with some prayer warriors and take authority over the enemy in the name of Jesus. And in repentance, clean up your life. The Bible says, “resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
