Mark 5:1-15
The Bible talks about a man in this passage who is possessed with demons, and the name of the demon is Legion. And this demon replicates itself in the lives of the man.
Christ demonstrated his power over many things to show us that he is Almighty God.
The Characteristics of this Man in the Tomb
This man had his dwelling among tomb- vs 3
This man is possessed with an unclean spirit- vs 2
This man is out of control because he always break the chains and fetters vs 4
This man is homeless, and dangerous – vs 5
The Control of Christ over the Demons
Vs 6
“But when he saw Jesus afar off…”
Christ has the authority over all things including demons and evil spirits.
He even received worship from the demon possessed man…
Vs 7.
What have you do with me?
Though this apparently was his first encounter with Jesus, this knew who He was, such knowledge coming to him from the demons who indwelt him.
The Conversation with the Demons
We can see that from verses 8 through 9
Christ gave a command to this unclean spirit in the man. When a man is saved by grace through faith.
God cleanses the man and forgives him of his Sins.
And the key verse is 15:
After this man received salvation from being possessed by the demons, great things happened in his life.
When the people came to see the man, they saw something different about his life:
He was no more possessed by demons- He does things crazy, but now in Christ Jesus, no more.
He was stilled and not cutting himself anymore
He was fully clothed no more nakedness
He was fully in control of himself(right mind)
Introduction
Bible Reading Plan for 2022
What really got my attention is two words:
…And Clothed”
He is now wearing clothes, he is properly arrayed, and beautifully decked because of Christ in him Now.
This is copied from Facebook Friends about Modesty
MY ADVICE ON WHY YOU NEED TO PUT SOME CLOTHES ON…
Have you ever really studied what God’s word says about immodesty and nakedness? If every believer has formed their opinions on this issue from the scriptures, then why are so many people proudly displaying their immodesty with such self-righteous confidence?
Here are the 10 biggest excuses that I have heard for why people are so carnal in their dress codes….
The interpretation and application of each verse are in their clearest context. If you want to challenge me, do it with scripture instead of your opinions.
1.” I’M NOT NAKED IF I KEEP MY WAIST AREA COVERED UP”…WRONG!
In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve made aprons out of fig leaves to cover the sexual areas of their bodies, but they knew that they were still “naked” in the sight of God and each other according to Genesis 3:7-10
…nudity is not just isolated to being completely unclothed.
2.”THERE’S NOTHING WRONG WITH ME NOT WEARING A SHIRT BECAUSE I’M A MAN”…WRONG!
when Peter was fishing on his own boat bare chested without a shirt on, he threw a coat on when he saw Jesus because the Bible said he was “naked” according to John 21:7
…yes sir, it’s important for you to dress right, too – not just your wife and daughters.
3.”IT’S OKAY IF I WEAR MY SHORTS BECAUSE YOU KNOW EVERYBODY’S GOT A BUTT”…..WRONG!
The virgin daughter of Babylon lost her status as a lady when she raised her garments high enough to reveal her thighs which God called “nakedness”. She diminished her reputation instantly when she exposed herself in spite of her still being a virgin according to Isaiah 47:1-5
…it’s not popular to point out, but exposing your thighs is still wrong even in the heat of summer.
4.”GOD HASN’T CONVICTED ME OF MY TIGHT BLUE JEANS, SPANDEX PANTS, AND PAINTED ON SKIRTS”…..WRONG!
Although the priest wore a linen robe from head to toe, he still wore “breeches” underneath them to cover his “nakedness”. Why? because the sunlight would reveal the silhouette or outline of his body through his robe even though he was completely covered according to Exodus 28:39-43
…tight clothing that clings your body is wrong whether you admit it or not.
5.”WHAT I WEAR IS NONE OF ANYBODY’S BUSINESS SINCE I’M NOT HURTING ANYONE”…..WRONG!
when a daughter shows her body off, she actually reveals her sisters’ body and her mother’s body. If a son exposes himself in public, he also reveals his brothers’ body and his father’s body. God condemns nudity because it reveals the anatomical similarities of their family members according to Leviticus 20:19-21
…amazing how far God actually goes in this issue…even trying to protect the privacy of family members.
6.”IF PEOPLE WANT TO STARE, I DON’T CARE BECAUSE I’M NOT ASHAMED OF MY BODY”…..WRONG!
“nakedness” (as the Bible defines it – not you or I) and “shame” go hand in hand throughout the scriptures. Part of the “shame” that Jesus “endured” on “the cross” was being publicly exposed according to Hebrews 12:2.
…God the Father even cut the lights off to help hide his Son’s shame. If it embarrassed him, why doesn’t it embarrass you to be exposed?
7.”GOD LOOKS ON THE HEART AND NOT ON WHAT I WEAR”…..WRONG!
…he commands us to be “chaste” which means “modest and innocent” in our character. This issue actually rises to the level of “sound doctrine”. The Lord said that rebellion in this area was paramount to blaspheming the word God according to Titus 2:1-5
…remember that God’s word is elevated above his name (Psalm 138:2) so blaspheming his word should be taken very seriously.
8.”THE LORD UNDERSTANDS THAT I NEED TO DRESS FOR COMFORT” …..WRONG!
God clothed the first couple with skins because the fig leaf aprons would fade like all fads do. He wanted to hide the blemishes of their sin. Consider how well your clothing covers your flaws, weight, and needlepoint knees. Frankly, clothing is supposed to be more for your covering and character than solely for your comfort.
…whether you recognize it or not, people assess our testimony by what we wear and how we look.
9.”I’M JUST AS SAVED AS YOU ARE AND IT DOESN’T BOTHER ME TO SHOW A LITTLE SKIN”…..WRONG!
…it’s interesting how the maniac of Gadara put some clothes on after Jesus delivered him from all of that demonic influence. He changed his mind about going around in “nakedness” because he was finally in his “right mind” according to Mark 5:1-15
…as our mouth reveals our heart, but our attitude toward immodesty reveals what’s going on in our mind.
10.”WE GO TO CHURCH WHERE THEY PREACH LOVE AND ACCEPTANCE JUST LIKE IT WILL BE IN HEAVEN”…..WRONG!
…going to pop somebody’s bubble on this one, but we will wear robes in glory. Sorry, but there’s no sunbathing on the shores of sweet deliverance. Nobody’s going to gawk at your rear end or envy your chubby little potbelly as you walk down the street of gold. Some women show more cleavage at church than men show at a plumbers’ convention, but it won’t be that way in heaven according to Revelation 3:14-22; 7:9-14; 16:15
PS…even the angels wear robes in heaven.
NOTE: Most preachers will tell you that this is the most contentious issue that we have to deal with in our ministries. It causes conflict every time we preach on it, but we are failing our Lord if we stop identifying it for what it is. Exposing your chest, thighs, or wearing anything that contours to your body is a sin PERIOD.
NOTE: To our new generation of pastors, evangelists, and lay preachers, you are not as gun barrel straight as you claim to be if you or your family are carnal and worldly in your dress codes.
I’m embarrassed by the rock bottom standard some of you fellows hold. You couldn’t survive the preaching of the 70’s and 80’s because you are just too soft. Be a godly example of separation and holiness in your community and put some clothes on.
DID YOU NOTICE THAT I NEVER USED DEUTERONOMY 22:5 TO SET A STANDARD?
THE REASON…TO SHOW YOU THAT THERE’S A WHOLE LOT MORE SCRIPTURE ON THIS SUBJECT THAN JUST ONE VERSE.
WHY IS IT THAT EVERYBODY WHO CLAIMS A NEW FOUND LIBERTY IN CHRIST THAT IT’S ALWAYS IN A CARNAL DIRECTION?
DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN GOD USED TO CHALLENGE YOU TO BE MORE LIKE HIM THAT YOU GOT MORE SANCTIFIED IN YOUR LIFESTYLE INSTEAD OF MORE LIBERAL?
I SAY THIS IN LOVE…YOU HAVE BEEN DUPED! DO THE FIRST WORKS AND RETURN TO YOUR FIRST LOVE WHICH IS CHRIST – NOT YOUR FLESH.
DON’T GET ANGRY AT ME BECAUSE EVERY SCRIPTURAL EXAMPLE I USED IS IN ITS CONTEXT. HERE’S MY CHALLENGE…STUDY THESE 10 POINTS, PRAY ABOUT IT, AND THEN DECIDE WHAT YOU SHOULD WEAR. GOD SPEED.
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