Clothed, Calm, and Clear-Minded
A Life Transformed by Christ
Clothed, Calm, and Clear-Minded: A Life Transformed by Christ
When Jesus stepped onto the shores of the Gerasenes, a man possessed by a legion of demons ran to meet Him. This man was feared by everyone—wild, violent, and living among the tombs.
But when Jesus cast the demons into a herd of swine, something incredible happened. The townspeople arrived to find him sitting down, clothed, and in his right mind (Mark 5:15).
And then—surprisingly—they became afraid.
Why would they fear a man now made whole? Because transformation by Jesus is more powerful and unsettling than the chaos they had grown used to. And this same transformation is available to us today.
The Three Marks of a Life Changed by Jesus
1. Sitting Down – Finding Peace in Christ
The first thing Mark tells us about the man’s transformation is that he was sitting down. No longer restless or wandering, he was still in the presence of Jesus. This is a picture of true peace—the kind Jesus offers when we surrender to Him.
In Exodus 14:14 we learn: The Lord will fight for you, while you keep silent." In John 14:27 , Jesus reminds us: “Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful."
A transformed life begins with stillness—trusting that Jesus will handle what we cannot.
2. Clothed – Restored to Righteousness
The man who had once been naked—exposed in shame and madness—was now clothed. In Scripture, being clothed often represents being covered by God’s righteousness.
Isaiah 61:10 says: "I will rejoice greatly in the Lord, My soul will be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness." In Galatians 3:27, Paul reminds us that: "For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ."
Salvation is not just about forgiveness—it is about being covered, restored, and given a new identity in Christ.
3. In His Right Mind – Renewed by Christ
The man’s mind was now clear. Jesus had not only freed his body from torment but had also restored his thinking. This echoes Paul’s words about renewal in Romans 12:2, whereby he says: "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
In his letter to Timothy (2 Timothy 1:7), we are reminded that: "For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline." True transformation means having a renewed mind—one that no longer operates in fear, confusion, or destruction but in the clarity and wisdom of Christ.
Practical Steps for Daily Victorious Living
Be Still and Let Jesus Fight for You - When life overwhelms you, resist the urge to panic or act in fear. Instead, practice stillness in God’s presence. Spend time in prayer and trust that He is working on your behalf (Psalm 46:10 – "Stop striving and know that I am God.").
Walk in Your New Identity - You are no longer defined by your past. Just as the man was clothed, you have been given a new covering in Christ. Live as a redeemed child of God, clothed in His righteousness (Ephesians 4:24 – "Put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.").
Guard Your Mind and Renew It Daily - The battle for transformation happens in the mind. Fill your thoughts with Scripture, reject lies from the enemy, and focus on what is true and good (Philippians 4:8 – "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."). Make time each day to renew your mind with God's Word, allowing Him to reshape your thoughts and attitudes.
One Final Thought
The man who once lived among the tombs and terrified others is now a powerful example of what Jesus can do for anyone who comes to Him. No matter how lost or broken you may feel, Jesus offers transformation that reaches every area of your life: your heart, your mind, your identity, and your peace.
Will you allow Jesus to work in you as He did in the man from Gerasenes? Will you choose to be still, walk in your new identity, and renew your mind daily? The transformation that began with this man can begin in your life today.
Jesus is ready to bring peace to your restlessness, cover you with His righteousness, and give you clarity in your mind. Will you let Him?
Experience a New Life in Jesus Christ
If you have not yet experienced the life-changing power of a relationship with Christ, we invite you to open your heart to Him today. Embrace the truth of His resurrection and embark on a journey of transformation, guided by His presence and fueled by His mission of love and redemption.
The Bible teaches us in Romans 10:9-10 that "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation."
Do it today and start enjoying a new life in Jesus Christ.
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Scriptures for this Bible Study taken from the New American Standard Bible (NASB), © 2025 The Lockman Foundation. Used with permission. www.Bible.com
"Clothed, Calm, and Clear-Minded: A Life Transformed by Christ" is a Christian Bible Teaching presented by Second Ridge Ministries
03-14-2025 | © 2025 Second Ridge Ministries. All Rights Reserved.
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