Acts 19

ScriptureActs 19:15One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?”Observation - What does it say?Some men who weren’t believers in Jesus but Jews, attempted to drive out evil spirits by invoking the name of Jesus. Rather than submitting to them the spirit claimed to not know them, attacked them and beat all 7 of them sending them away naked and bleeding.Understanding - What does it mean?Authority over the enemy is only given to those who believe in and follow Jesus.This passage shows us the lack of authority for those who aren’t Christians. But the rest of scripture is clear that complete authority over the enemy belongs to every single believer.

Jesus said to his disciples in  Luke 10:19, “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” He also said in Mark 16:17, "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons…"

Those who believe in Jesus never need to fear the enemy or any evil spirit. We can be confident that because we have relationship with Jesus we won’t have to experience what the sons of Sceva did. Whew! Instead we will successfully drive out demons in Jesus’ name.Life ApplicationWhen encountering the enemy or those with evil spirits, don’t ever be afraid but boldly drive them out in Jesus’ name!

God, thank you that you are for us! Thank you for the power in the name of Jesus! And thank you that you have given all of us, your followers, authority to overcome all the power of the enemy. Help us to walk in this truth and not in fear. And, use us to bring freedom to those being oppressed by the enemy in your name, Jesus. Amen.

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