Acts 19
Walk in Jesus’ Authority!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Tuesday, July 28.
Do you walk in the authority of Jesus Christ?
Listen to Acts 19:13-16, “Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, ‘I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.’ Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. But the evil spirit answered them, ‘Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?’ And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.”
Did you hear this quote: “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?”
Who are you? This is not a question of notoriety or familiarity, like you’re not famous or important enough for me to recognize you. Rather, this is a statement of authority!
These exorcists were not authorized agents to wield the Name that is above all names, the name by which all knees must bow. They were famous, but not authorized! These seven sons of Sceva remind us that the popularity on earth does not determine your spiritual authority in Heaven, which can only come from being in His Name through a personal relationship with Jesus.
Don’t be discouraged by the evil that is at work in the world. It will not win the day! That’s God’s promise! Rather, be encouraged that your name is written in the Lamb’s book of life and you have authority from God to shine His light that will pierce the darkness.
Seize the moment during these dark days. Remain humble of heart, confess Christ with your lips, put on the full armor of God and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Walk in His authority!