Sermon Recap
Pastor Justin Kendrick began this sermon series by exploring spiritual oppression from the account of the demon possessed man in Mark 5. He emphasized the reality of spiritual evil and oppression in the world. Exploring the strategy of spiritual oppression, he illustrated how it is progressive and gradual in our lives. By detailing how the enemy incrementally gains influence through desires and unrepentant sin, he revealed a pathway to freedom—highlighting that Jesus’s arrival offers us a way out. With a call to action, he invited everyone to confront the spiritual battles in their lives, underscoring that true freedom comes through surrender to Christ.
HOW TO USE THIS DISCUSSION GUIDE
Ice Breaker Option
What is the most useless gift you ever received?
HEAD Read Mark 5:1-20
• What do we know about this man from this passage? What do we learn about he came to live among the tombs?
• How did the community respond to this man’s liberation?
• What did the man do that gives evident to his freedom from oppression?
• What do we learn about Jesus and His authority in this passage? How does this point us to the truth of the gospel?
HEART
• How does scripture define living in freedom and how is this different than how freedom is defined in our world today?
• Why might the people in this account have asked Jesus to leave? Where do you see similar reactions in your own life?
• How does understanding Jesus' sacrifice and victory over darkness empower you in your response to spiritual oppression?
HANDS
• Where are you facing spiritual oppression? How does recognizing it as such change how you approach overcoming this oppression? What will you do differently this week in response?
• Understanding the progression of spiritual oppression, are there desires or unrepentant sin in your life that could open the door to spiritual darkness? How does this understanding change how you will respond in this area of your life?
PRAYER
Pastor Justin shared a deliverance prayer. Use this as a guide for your prayer time together.
- Repent – To turn from sin in your life.
- Renounce – To take back all the spiritual authority you have given over.
- Release – To decree freedom and liberty in Jesus’ name, through His death and resurrection.
- Receive – To receive His life, power and strength.
Go Deeper:
Pastor Justin shared some scripture that help us understand the progression of Spiritual oppression. Read and consider what these scriptures say: James 1:14-15; 1 Timothy 3:6; 1 John 3:1-10; Hebrews 12:11-16; 2 Corinthians 2: 5-11; 2 Corinthians 10:3-4
• What do these scriptures say about how we experience spiritual oppression?
• What do you find most challenging in these texts?
• How is the Holy Spirit inviting you to respond?
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