Monday, October 28, 2024
I do not like scary movies and books! I am a voracious reader, but I have never read a novel by Stephen King. I did, however, read The Exorcist and watched the movie, against my better judgment. When I read these passages in the Bible that were highlighted this weekend, I got a nervous tingling. I know that evil exists, and it often comes disguised as something good! Look at these guys—sons of a leading priest, casting out evil spirits. All good, right?
Acts 19:13-14
13 A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this.
It’s not clear whether they had ever successfully contacted demons before—but this time, something answered.
Acts 19:15
But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?”
Although the Bible doesn’t say this, history records that this was usually done for a fee. They weren’t traveling and casting out demons out of the goodness of their hearts and hope of heaven. They did not have a personal relationship with Jesus, and the evil spirit knew it!
This is how it often goes with false teachers in our day, too. They may have built large and profitable ministries, but they are not following the teachings of Christ. They are blind guides, unable to equip us with the power that comes from actually knowing Jesus. Evil spirits are aware of Christ, his power, and their eventual destruction. They do not underestimate the power of the name of Jesus, and neither should we.
Because those same spirits encourage us to overestimate our own ability to withstand their temptations, it is vital that we KNOW Jesus! It’s vital that we know his Word and follow his teachings, that we make time and space to hear the Holy Spirit as he guides us throughout our lives, and that we obey his voice!
Bottom Line: God’s power is given to those who live surrendered to him.
Questions:
Who do you know, and what needs to go?
Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus? What can you do to further grow your relationship with him this week? Is there something you can cut out of your schedule in order to spend more time with him?
Next Steps:
If you have never received God’s gift of salvation through faith in Christ, invite him into your heart right now! Then you will receive the power you need to live a victorious life. There may be hard choices to make, plus new ways of thinking and responding to learn, but as Pastor Andy Stanley says, “Knowing Jesus will make your life better, and make you better at life!”
Memorize this verse (Yes, you can!) to help you find your way out of temptation.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (emphasis added)
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, how grateful I am that you want a personal relationship with me! You sent your Son Jesus, the Word made flesh, to show me your love, mercy, and grace. You gave me your written Word, miraculously preserved over the centuries, for me to read and study so I can know you more. You delight in my relationship with you, and desire my presence above all. Help me to desire you. Help me make you the priority in my life, that I can know you and worship you for the amazing, holy, wonderful God you are. Give me the power to live the life you created me to live as I submit to you. I pray this all in the beautiful name of Jesus. Amen.
***Do you love to write? Have you ever considered sharing Jesus through your writing? If so, consider writing for the LivingItOut! We are always looking for new writers to share their gifts with our readership. This might be the exact opportunity God is asking you to be open-handed with! To learn more, please contact livingitout@cedarcreek.tv.***
This post was written by Lauri White, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.