Background

Luke chapter 8 verses 26 to 39 - Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. And when he came out onto the land, he was met by a man from the city who was possessed with demons; and who had not put on any clothing for a long time, and was not living in a house, but in the tombs. Seeing Jesus, he cried out and fell before him, and said in a loud voice, "What business do we have with each other, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me." For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had seized him many times; and he was bound with chains and shackles and kept under guard, and yet he would break his bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert. And Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Legion"; for many demons had entered him. They were imploring him not to command them to go away into the abyss. Now there was a herd of many swine feeding there on the mountain; and the demons implored him to permit them to enter the swine. And he gave them permission. And the demons came out of the man and entered the swine; and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they ran away and reported it in the city and out in the country. The people went out to see what had happened; and they came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting down at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they became frightened. Those who had seen it reported to them how the man who was demon-possessed had been made well. And all the people of the country of the Gerasenes and the surrounding district asked him to leave them, for they were gripped with great fear; and he got into a boat and returned. But the man from whom the demons had gone out was begging him that he might accompany him; but he sent him away, saying, "Return to your house and describe what great things God has done for you." So he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.

The disobedience expressed by Eve and Adam, called sin, gives the devil power for a time (Genesis chapter 3 verse 15). Sin has power that rapidly reduces humanity to self-destruction, unable to resist it (Genesis chapter 4 verse 7). God intended rest but sin brings unrest (Genesis chapter 2 verse 3; 4 verse 12).

In Genesis (chapter 6 verse 11) humanity is described as corrupt and violent. We have the involvement of beings called the 'sons of God' (chapter 6 verse 2). In Job (chapter 1 verse 6) we have a view into heaven where the devil is amongst these 'sons of God' still actively trying to undermine humanity by wanting to turn Job against God. The 'sons of God' are angelic beings that have rebelled against God and therefore want to subvert creation (1 Peter chapter 3 verses 18 to 22; 2 Peter chapter 2 verses 4,5). Jesus, in his death and resurrection, not only brought about salvation for us, he also overcame the opposing spiritual powers such as demons.

Jude 6 states that these angels left their own domain.

In the Old Testament we have Israel being called to be separate from other nations (Deuteronomy chapter 7 verses 1 to 6). This is the same as the time of Noah where the world is described as full of corruption and violence and, to demonstrate how humanity should live, the people are to be distinctive from the way others lived. However, although the wording in these verses seems extreme, 'utterly destroy' relates to the terrible way people live and not the people themselves. Chapter 7 verse 22 states this will happen little by little, addressing hearts and minds not through warfare.

The church is also called to be separate (2 Corinthians chapter 6 verses 16 to 18). However it is clear that the battle is against demonic authorities and powers not other people (Ephesians chapter 6 verse 11 to 12). The passage calls us to stand against the evil, not look for it. As Jesus goes about his usual business and he comes across demons he deals with them!

Jesus releases us from sin and any powers including demons (Luke chapter 4 verse 18; 8 verses 29 to 31). It is important to be filled with the Holy Spirit and not give opportunity to demons (Luke chapter 11 verses 24 to 26).

Jesus does not have to battle with demons, he just has to turn up. They know who he is and know they need to obey him (Luke chapter 8 verse 28).

Paul encounters a similar situation and mirrors Jesus in resolving it (Acts chapter 16 verses 16 to 18).

In Luke (chapter 10 verses 17 to 20) as the disciples act in Jesus name, he sees the devil fall from heaven to earth. Revelation chapter 12 describes the birth of new humanity as God intends and the devils attempt to destroy it. However, here they overcome (verses 11,17). This is the beginning of the end for the devil and the demons who cause a lot of chaos before they are ultimately chained up (Revelation 20).