“Just then, a man was there in the synagogue that had an evil spirit in him. He shouted, “Jesus of Nazareth! What do you want with us? Did you come to destroy us? I know who you are – God's Holy One!” Mark 1:23 , 24.  

Immediately, confusion and alarm filled the synagogue and the people's attention was drawn away from Jesus. This was Satan's purpose then and today. Satan strives to distract us by any means possible. It could be the lure of television or a sudden tragedy.  

Fortunately, Jesus quickly took control of the situation.  “Jesus commanded the evil spirit, “Be quite! Come out of the man!” The evil spirit shook the man violently, gave a loud cry, and then came out of him.” Mark 1:25 .  

We really don't know why this man was overtaken by an evil spirit; however, it is likely that he invited the pleasures of sin into his life, which allowed Satan to ultimately take complete control of his mind.  

Since the beginning Satan has been working to gain control of our mind, body, and soul. He does this with great subtly ultimately disguising his cruel intentions to his victim.  “Now the Holy Spirit clearly says that in the later times some people will stop believing the faith. They will follow spirits that lie and teachings of demons. 1 Timothy 4:1.  

We can resist Satan's control by studying the word and claiming God's promises to protect us. If we cherish a secret sin that seems to control us, we can reach out to God and receive his saving power – just like the man in the story above. Jesus says, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free”. John 8:32.