Some people would try to tell us that there is no evil spirit. Here is a group of men who knew there was, and had wounds and torn clothes to prove it! Let this be a warning not to play around with the evil spirit’s power.
“Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish High Priest” travelled around and drove out evil spirits from people’s lives. (verses 13-14.)
At that same time “God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured, and the evil spirits left them.” (verses 11-12.)
When the seven sons of Sceva heard of Paul doing miracles in the name of the Lord Jesus, they decided they would try that too! They would say, ‘In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.’ (verse 13.)
“The evil spirit answered them, ‘Jesus I know, and I know about Paul; but who are you?’” (verse 15.)
You see, it is not the five lettered word J.E.S.U.S. that has power to help people. The name “Jesus” has no magic or superstitious power. It is the PERSON who was called Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God, who has the power over all evil. “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the Devil’s work.” (1stJohn 3:8.)
Jesus’ name is used by many who do not trust in Him as their only Priest and Saviour. Jesus warned such people of the coming judgment. He once said, “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from Me, you evil doers.’” (Matthew 7:21-23.)
So, it’s not surprising to find out what happened to those seven brothers when they decided to misuse Jesus' name. “The man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all … They ran out of the house naked and bleeding.” (verse 16.)
Is “Jesus” just a name to you, too? A “word” you maybe use to swear with, or maybe even in your religion you might often say, “In Jesus’ name.” You will have found that the influence of such a use of “Jesus” makes no change in the wrong desires in your life? You will have no power to have victory over sin! (2ndTimothy 3:1-5.)
To the apostle Paul “Jesus” was not like that! Jesus was the PERSON who was Paul’s Saviour, and who had the POWER to deliver people from the evil spirit’s power.
Let JESUS be the PERSON you have turned to in faith, to put away your sins; and the POWER you are depending upon to overcome evil in your life? (John 1:29. Acts 26:18-29.) “Our Father … forgive our sins … and deliver us from the evil one,” in Jesus’ name. (Matthew 6:9-13.)
Read Acts of the Apostles chapter 19, verses 11-17.
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