A SOUND MIND Bible Background LUKE 8:26–39 Printed Text LUKE 8:26–36 | Devotional Reading PHILIPPIANS 2:1–11 1 April 17, 2016 Bible Study Guide 7

AIM FOR CHANGE 2 By the end of the lesson we will: KNOW The details of Jesus’ healing the Gerasene man from demons EMPATHIZE With those who have great troubles and to remember their times of trial; and START Support, promote, or work in a church counseling program

KEEP IN MIND “Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid” (Luke 8:35). 3

At-A-Glance 1. The Encounter (Luke 8:26-31) 2. The Deliverance (vv. 32–33) 3. The Proclamation (vv. 34–39) 4

In Depth The Encounter (Luke 8:26– 31) The demons recognized Jesus’ power over the spiritual world. Jesus did not avoid the man He had compassion because the man had been tormented so long. We need to have compassion on those suffering physical or mental ailments.. 5

The People, Places, and Times A demoniac is someone possessed by a devil or demon. Sometimes demon possession causes people to have physical and mental ailments. Evil spirits can also cause some to act and speak in peculiar ways. Jesus made clear that demon possession is real. Demoniac 6

The size of a Roman legion varied over time between 4,500 to nearly 6,000 men. Jesus cast out every one of them with His word. Jesus granted the demons’ request. When the demons entered the pigs, they ran into the lake and died. This massacre revealed the demons’ true intentions: to destroy and abuse all life. Demons only have limited power; they cannot stand against the power of Jesus’ authority The Deliverance (vv. 32–33)

3. The Proclamation (vv. 34–36) The crowds came to meet Jesus and see for themselves the man who once was demon-possessed, now sitting with Jesus in his right mind. If Jesus stayed, they feared they would experience greater financial losses. For them, money was much more important than ministering to the people. We cannot allow money and material possessions to take priority over helping people. 8

Search the Scriptures 1. Why did the demoniac man call Jesus “Son of the Most High God” (Lk.8:28)?2. What did Jesus command the healed man to do (v. 39)? 9

In Focus Those in the church should be especially sensitive toward those who are caring for loved ones with mental disorders. What are some of the attitudes that keep people from seeking professional counseling? 10

Discuss the Meaning 1. What can we do to help those who suffer from mental disorders? 2. How does the power of God make a difference as we minister to those in need of counseling? 11

Lesson in Our Society Many people suffer from mental and behavioral disorders. We often may think this is just limited to those we see in the streets talking to themselves and fighting invisible people. But this can include older people with dementia, as well as children with Attention Deficit Disorder. What should we do about these people who are a part of our church congregations? God calls us to show more empathy and devise ways to minister to their needs. 12

Make It Happen 1. The most important way to support our friends and family members who have mental illness is: 2. Pray and show patience when they struggle with everyday tasks. 3. In church, assisting them to their seat, finding the bathroom, or finding the Scripture in the Bible. 4. We can, also, show support by being a part of those who start special counseling groups for those with exceptional needs. 13

Follow the Spirit What God wants me to do: ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ 14