Dealing with Demons

In this message centering on Matthew 8:28–34 and the more detailed parallel account in Mark 5:1–20, Chuck Swindoll addresses the serious reality of the spiritual realm. He begins by warning against two common extremes regarding demons: total denial of their existence or an inordinate preoccupation where one sees demons in everything. Swindoll argues for a balanced, biblical view, asserting that while demons are real, dangerous, and relentless, they operate under the permissive will of God and must bow to His authority [7–9]. The sermon vividly recounts Jesus' arrival in the region of the Gadarenes, where He encounters men who are "demonized"—a term Swindoll prefers over "demon-possessed." These men lived in a cemetery, were violent, naked, and uncontrollable, illustrating how the enemy drives victims to the depths of degradation. When confronted by the Son of God, the demons (identifying themselves as "Legion") begged not to be tortured and requested to be sent into a herd of pigs. Jesus commanded them to "Go," resulting in the immediate deliverance of the men and the destruction of the herd [14–19, 21]. Swindoll concludes by contrasting the reactions to this miracle: the townspeople, valuing their economy over human restoration, begged Jesus to leave, while the healed man begged to follow Jesus. Jesus commissioned the man to stay and tell his family what the Lord had done, becoming a witness to the Ten Towns. The message ends with a practical application from Ephesians 6, urging believers to stand firm in the "Divine equipment" (the armor of God) and to remember that in the end, God wins [22–23, 27].

Message Key Facts:

• The Two Extremes: Swindoll warns believers against two dangers: believing the demonic world does not exist, or treating it with "inordinate preoccupation" (blaming the devil for personal habits like overeating or nail-biting).
• Characteristics of Demons: Demons are described as invisible, insidious servants of Satan who are aggressive and restless. They have supernatural power, but they are not all-powerful; they operate under the "permissive will of God" and are terrified of Jesus.
• "Demonized" (Daimonizomai): Swindoll clarifies that the biblical term is not "demon possession" but daimonizomai ("demonized"). This describes the invasion of a victim's body by a demon, resulting in the victim's inability to successfully resist the entity's control [12–13].
• The Meaning of "Legion": The demon identifies itself as "Legion," a Roman military term referring to a unit of approximately 6,000 foot soldiers and 120 horsemen. This indicates the massive number and organized nature of the spirits inhabiting the man.
• Masochism and Violence: Swindoll highlights the "savage" nature of the demonized man, noting his tendency toward self-harm (cutting himself with stones) and violence toward others, which terrified the region [14–16].
• Pigs vs. People: Upon seeing the herd of pigs destroyed, the townspeople were more concerned with the loss of livestock than grateful for the restoration of the man. Swindoll notes this parallels modern society, which often values economic interests over human life [21–22].
• The First Missionary: Unlike the disciples who were called to follow, Jesus commanded the healed man to stay and go home. Swindoll views this man as a unique testimony who spread the news of Jesus throughout the Decapolis (Ten Towns).
• Suicide and Darkness: Swindoll notes that demons are often the source of suicidal thoughts, catching people in weak or despondent moments to interject hopelessness.
• Spiritual Armor: Drawing from Ephesians 6, Swindoll offers four practical suggestions for spiritual warfare: expect struggles with unseen forces, stand firm in God’s armor, hold up the shield of faith while praying, and never forget that Christians are on the winning side [26–27].

Message References:

• Matthew 8:28–34: The primary text recounting the encounter with the two demonized men in the region of the Gadarenes.
• Mark 5:1–20: The parallel passage providing greater detail on the man who called himself "Legion," his strength, and his conversation with Jesus.
• Luke 8: Referenced as another parallel account of this event.
• Ephesians 6:10–18: The concluding application regarding the armor of God and the struggle against "principalities and powers" rather than flesh and blood [25–26].
• Matthew 25:41: (Referenced indirectly) The "Lake of Fire" prepared for the devil and his angels.

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll