Demoniacal possession.
The personality of devils or demons has been called in question, and the examples of demoniacal possession recorded in Scripture have been construed as cases of insanity. But the narrative before us refuses to be thus treated. Here clearly are intelligences who can know, reason, speak, and pray, and who can exist separately from the subject of possession, and after expulsion from men can enter and possess inferior animals. Note—
I. THAT DEVILS ARE FORMIDABLE FOES.
1. They are formidable in power.
2. They are formidable in number.
3. They are formidable in their military order.
4. They are formidable in their inveterate malignity.
5. They are formidable because of their passion for enshrinement in humanity.
II. DEMONIACAL ASCENDENCY IS DISASTROUS TO HUMANITY.
1. Disastrous because assimilating.
2. Disastrous because dissocializing.
3. Disastrous because infuriating.
III. ABSOLUTE SUPREMACY VESTS IN CHRIST.
1. Demons confess him their Superior.
2. He may listen to a devil's prayer.
3. tie may listen to a rebellious sinner's prayer.
4. He may refuse the prayer of a saint.