Christ preaching with power, Pt2

Scripture: Mark 1:21-28

Sermon notes 

THE SAVIOUR’S PRACTICE WAS IMMEDIATELY OPPOSED BY THE DEVIL.

The disciples learned this lesson on their first Sabbath as followers of Christ!

1. A man motivated by the devil was present. The devil is not afraid to attend the place of worship, especially where scribes normally preside! He does his unclean work through sinful men as he works to oppose the ministry of the Saviour. The devil’s agents infiltrate the cause of God, 2Peter 2:1ff, Jude 3-4.

2. The devil’s tactics to oppose Christ:

1. A demand for Christ to go away. Presuming to speak for all present this man indicates he wants nothing to do with Him. This is the language of the devil and is often found on the lips of sinners.
2. A derogatory use of His name. There is an intended slight on the Saviour by this description. Nazareth was a despised place. Cp John 1:46.
3. He slanders Christ’s saving work as destructive. Of course the Saviour’s work is destructive for the devil. Cp 1John 3:8. This man is moved to speak in sympathy with the devil as if the Saviour’s help was ruinous to his own best interests.
4. A confusing testimony to the Saviour’s true identity. The devil knows who Christ is! Cp James 2:19. These words have to be seen as fitting in with the devil’s agenda of opposing the Saviour on this occasion. It is often a masterstroke by the devil to have his servants speak the ‘truth’. This is widely seen today when evil men and women claim to be Christians and speak of the Saviour. When they and their wickedness are used because of popular appeal to ‘advance’ the cause of Christ it is in reality the work of the devil. This drags the truth/gospel down to a level where it is seen to be sponsored by the devil. ‘Advertising’ by the devil creates confusion and a false impression.

III   THE SAVIOUR’S DELIVERING POWER DISPLAYED.

Christ was a preacher with power. His words had authority and power over the devil. The battle with and triumph over Satan in v12-13, is replayed in a sense on the individual level. There is a battle with the power of hell to be waged and won for the individual sinner to be saved.

1. He silences the devil, v25. He will not allow the devil to speak even words that are factually correct. Cp v34. He will not have the endorsement of the devil! The practical effect of this is that the Saviour prevents the devil influencing this man’s words and thinking. This is the precursor to his conversion!
2. He delivers this man from the indwelling power of the devil. Sinners are to varying degrees under the power of the devil. Cp Eph 2:2-3, Heb 2:14-15. What mercy is extended to this poor soul rendered unclean by sin and Satan’s power within. Christ’s great gospel purpose is not merely to triumph over the devil but to do so in order to deliver souls under his power.
3. The devil leaves under protest. He tears this poor man in a display of frenzied, violent opposition to the Saviour, yet he must comply! It is striking to see how a sinner is on the point of deliverance and yet may evidence strenuous devilish activity!
4. A vital discussion begins, v27. The conversation begins in the synagogue and spreads to the entire region, v28. The miracle power of Christ is recognized as supporting His message. Sadly, it is counted a new thing! This indicates how far from the gospel truth the current regime of spiritual instruction had gone.