Pastor Baker's Blog

Entry for November 15, 2006

Daily Reading: Acts chapters 17 thru 20

Key Verses: Acts 19:14-15

The sons of Sceva attempted to cast out demons as they had observed Paul do. However, they did not understand one crucial aspect of Paul's ministry. Paul was empowered by the Holy Spirit to cast out demons in the name of Jesus. They were not submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and had not invited Him to dwell in their hearts; therefore they did not have the power of the Spirit.

There are those individuals who like to imitate others who are walking by the Spirit. They want to call on the name of Jesus in times of trouble as if it is a magic formula. A person who is submitted to Jesus and filled with the Spirit may experience blessings and favor from the Lord because they have devoted themselves to following Christ. Someone who is not committed to Christ (although they believe in Him) may see the favor on this person's life and expect to imitate the externals without making the internal connection. Salvation is costly. It will cost you your sin nature. It will cost you your life.

Demons recognize Jesus and the authority of the Holy Spirit. That is why they knew who Paul was, but not the sons of Sceva. In response to their fleshly command, the man with the evil spirits jumped on them and overpowered them. This was such a powerful event that the Jews and Greeks in Ephesus were seized with fear and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. They began to openly confess their evil deeds and turn from their evil ways. The question arises - why is it so difficult to simply be committed to Christ and obey God's word instead of trying to have the power of Christ through the flesh?

2006-11-15 16:12:10 GMT

Comments (2 total)

Author:Anonymous

In defense of the sons of Sceva, it was not totally their fault. I believe it was the deeply engrained Jewish culture that caused them to respond the way they did. Not only were they Jews, but they were priest and magicians. So, why would they not in a logical, earthly sense believe that they were equal to Paul.

By leaving our first love, the US's culture is one where the almighty dollar speaks volumes. So, if a person obtains a level of success as defined by the US culture (whether they are a drug dealer, a stripper, a CEO, a doctor, etc.), then why would they not consider themselves equal to or superior to a person devoted to Christ. That's why even rappers who proclaim that endulging in sex and making lots of money is the ultimate lord over their lives will thank God for their success
--Aundrea Baker
<mailto:abaker@thewaybiblefellowship.org>

2006-11-15 16:21:16 GMT

Author:Anonymous

I honestly believe that, in most cases, it is a lack of knowledge that causes people to believe that they can "have the power of Christ through the flesh", which we all know can be a dangerous way of thinking. Furthermore, this lack of knowledge, in my opinion, comes from the fact that people in the church are often told what to do, but not how to do it. So many pastors will stand on Sundays and mid-week service and proclaim the Word of God with surface teaching, not really expounding on the points or delving deeper into it's meaning. Not to say that it isn't our individual responsibility to study the Word for ourselves, but it definitely helps to have a shepherd who will guide us in the right direction and facilitate the learning process. Just like in Acts chapter 8 when Philip asked the eunuch from Ethiopia if he understood what he was reading and he answered, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" So, back to my original point, I think that in most cases this way of thinking stems from a lack of knowledge and if that's not the case, it must be pure rebellion.
--Stephanie

2006-11-15 17:30:10 GMT

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		Pastor Baker's Daily Devotional

		Entry for November 15, 2006 Daily Reading: Acts chapters 17 thru 20 Key Verses: Acts 19:14-15 The sons of Sceva attempted to cast out demons as they had observed Paul do. However, they did not understand one crucial aspect of Paul's ministry. Paul was empowered by the Holy Spirit to cast out demons in the name of Jesus. They were not submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and had not invited Him to dwell in their hearts; therefore they did not have the power of the Spirit. There are those individuals who like to imitate others who are walking by the Spirit. They want to call on the name of Jesus in times of trouble as if it is a magic formula. A person who is submitted to Jesus and filled with the Spirit may experience blessings and favor from the Lord because they have devoted themselves to following Christ. Someone who is not committed to Christ (although they believe in Him) may see the favor on this person's life and expect to imitate the externals without making the internal connection. Salvation is costly. It will cost you your sin nature. It will cost you your life. Demons recognize Jesus and the authority of the Holy Spirit. That is why they knew who Paul was, but not the sons of Sceva. In response to their fleshly command, the man with the evil spirits jumped on them and overpowered them. This was such a powerful event that the Jews and Greeks in Ephesus were seized with fear and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. They began to openly confess their evil deeds and turn from their evil ways. The question arises - why is it so difficult to simply be committed to Christ and obey God's word instead of trying to have the power of Christ through the flesh? 2006-11-15 16:12:10 GMT Comments (2 total) Author:Anonymous In defense of the sons of Sceva, it was not totally their fault. I believe it was the deeply engrained Jewish culture that caused them to respond the way they did. Not only were they Jews, but they were priest and magicians. So, why would they not in a logical, earthly sense believe that they were equal to Paul. By leaving our first love, the US's culture is one where the almighty dollar speaks volumes. So, if a person obtains a level of success as defined by the US culture (whether they are a drug dealer, a stripper, a CEO, a doctor, etc.), then why would they not consider themselves equal to or superior to a person devoted to Christ. That's why even rappers who proclaim that endulging in sex and making lots of money is the ultimate lord over their lives will thank God for their success --Aundrea Baker <mailto:abaker@thewaybiblefellowship.org> 2006-11-15 16:21:16 GMT Author:Anonymous I honestly believe that, in most cases, it is a lack of knowledge that causes people to believe that they can "have the power of Christ through the flesh", which we all know can be a dangerous way of thinking. Furthermore, this lack of knowledge, in my opinion, comes from the fact that people in the church are often told what to do, but not how to do it. So many pastors will stand on Sundays and mid-week service and proclaim the Word of God with surface teaching, not really expounding on the points or delving deeper into it's meaning. Not to say that it isn't our individual responsibility to study the Word for ourselves, but it definitely helps to have a shepherd who will guide us in the right direction and facilitate the learning process. Just like in Acts chapter 8 when Philip asked the eunuch from Ethiopia if he understood what he was reading and he answered, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" So, back to my original point, I think that in most cases this way of thinking stems from a lack of knowledge and if that's not the case, it must be pure rebellion. --Stephanie 2006-11-15 17:30:10 GMT Site Home