THE POWER THAT SETS THE CAPTIVES FREE

THE POWER THAT SETS THE CAPTIVES FREE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 8:26-39

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 61:1, John 8:36, Colossians 2:15, Acts 10:38, Mark 5:1–20

INTRODUCTION:
The story in Luke 8:26–39 reveals the mighty power of Jesus to break the hold of satan over any life. A man possessed by many demons, isolated from society and living among tombs, encountered Jesus — and in a moment, his story changed. This narrative shows that no one is beyond the reach of God’s delivering power.

Jesus travelled across the Sea of Galilee, not for a crowd, but for one man. This demonstrates His compassion and intentionality. He saw the value of a soul that was lost in darkness and refused to leave him in bondage. Where others saw a hopeless case, Jesus saw a testimony in the making.

This encounter reminds us that the presence of Jesus disarms the power of the enemy. What society could not solve, Jesus handled in a moment. Today, the same power is available to set captives free from sin, addiction, fear, and every demonic influence.

1. DEMONIC BONDAGE IS REAL, BUT IT IS NOT FINAL
The man in this story was completely overtaken by demons, but Jesus had the final say over his life.

a) Demons Oppress and Isolate Their Victims (Luke 8:27)
The man lived among tombs, away from his family and community — a sign of spiritual and emotional bondage.

b) Demonic Powers Can Be Violent and Destructive (Luke 8:29)
He broke chains and was driven by demonic power into solitary places — highlighting the destructive nature of satan.

c) No Human Solution Could Help Him (Luke 8:29)
Though he had been bound with chains and guarded, no one could tame him — reminding us that only Jesus delivers.

d) Satan Aims to Dehumanise and Humiliate (John 10:10)
The devil had turned this man into a creature of fear, shame, and confusion — a far cry from God's plan for him.

Biblical Example: The boy with an unclean spirit in Mark 9:17–27, who was thrown into fire and water by demons, was also restored by Jesus.

2. THE PRESENCE OF JESUS EXPOSES AND EXPELS DARKNESS
When Jesus stepped into the region, the demons recognised His authority and trembled.

a) Jesus Has Authority Over Every Demonic Power (Luke 8:28–30)
The demons cried out, acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God — even hell knows His power.

b) The Anointing Breaks Every Yoke (Isaiah 10:27)
The presence of Jesus was too much for the legion — they begged Him not to send them into the abyss.

c) Deliverance Requires Divine Intervention (Acts 10:38)
Jesus went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed — He still does so today.

d) Power Changed Hands in One Encounter (Colossians 2:15)
Jesus disarmed the powers and made a public spectacle of them — satan cannot stand where Jesus reigns.

Biblical Example: Mary Magdalene was delivered of seven demons and became a faithful follower of Christ (Luke 8:2).

3. TOTAL TRANSFORMATION FOLLOWS TRUE DELIVERANCE
When Jesus sets a person free, He restores their dignity, identity, and destiny.

a) The Man Was Clothed and in His Right Mind (Luke 8:35)
Deliverance restored his sanity and brought him back to his senses — this is what grace does.

b) People Saw the Change and Were Amazed (Luke 8:36)
A formerly feared man became a living testimony of the power of Jesus.

c) Salvation is Not Just Freedom, It is Restoration (Joel 2:25)
Jesus restored what the enemy had destroyed in his life — mentally, spiritually, and socially.

d) Jesus Doesn’t Just Cast Out Demons, He Calls into Destiny (Luke 8:39)
The man was sent to evangelise his city — transformation leads to purpose.

Biblical Example: Zacchaeus, after his encounter with Jesus, was transformed from a corrupt tax collector to a man of restitution and generosity (Luke 19:1–10).

4. GOD CAN USE YOUR DELIVERANCE FOR THE SALVATION OF OTHERS
The man wanted to follow Jesus physically, but Jesus gave him a higher calling — to witness to his people.

a) Your Testimony Has Power (Revelation 12:11)
The man became a preacher of what Jesus had done for him — your deliverance is someone’s hope.

b) You Are Sent to Be a Light in Dark Places (Matthew 5:14–16)
He returned to the same region where he had been feared — now with the light of Christ.

c) Evangelism is the Proof of Gratitude (Luke 8:39)
Those who are truly changed by Jesus want others to experience the same.

d) One Transformed Life Can Shake a Region (Mark 5:20)
He published his testimony throughout Decapolis — and the people marvelled.

Biblical Example: The Samaritan woman at the well evangelised her entire village after her personal encounter with Jesus (John 4:28–30).

CONCLUSION:
This story in Luke 8 reminds us that there is no case too hard for God. Jesus crossed the sea for one man, showing us the lengths God is willing to go to rescue the bound. If you feel trapped by sin, demonic oppression, or life’s burdens, know this: Jesus can set you free completely.

Deliverance is not the end; it is the beginning of a new life in Christ. Like the man of Gadara, you too can become a voice of hope and a carrier of light to others. Your freedom will lead to the freedom of many others. Let Jesus step into your “region” today and watch chains break.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord Jesus, step into every troubled area of my life and bring deliverance.
2. Every chain of darkness holding me bound, break now in Jesus’ name.
3. Father, restore every aspect of my life that has been damaged by the enemy.
4. Use my testimony as a tool to win others to Christ.
5. I declare total freedom from every satanic stronghold over my life and family.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You are free from every bondage that once held you captive!
2. The same Jesus who delivered the man in Gadara is setting you free today!
3. Your story is changing into a testimony that will shock your generation!
4. Every area of shame and isolation is turning into joy and restoration!
5. You will become a living proof of the power and mercy of God!