Text: Acts 19:11-20
It is fascinating to read about the early Church and the wonderful ways Jesus worked through His people. The Book of Acts is in
the Bible to reveal to us how the Church is supposed to be; it is our model. Our text passage is one that is interesting in that it
reveals to us some aspects of the spiritual realm, a realm with which most people are not at all familiar. From passages like this we
begin to form a deeper understanding of the unseen world around us. It is very real. We would do well to understand the spirit
world, especially how it operates and how we are to interact with it. The invisible realm greatly effects our natural world; this is why
it is important for us as Christians to know how to operate in it.
Let’s dissect what happened in this passage. This was a season of great manifestations of the Spirit of God and of His dominance
over evil spirits that resulted in people being set free from demonic powers through the ministry of the Apostle Paul. Everyone in
Asia was witness to this awesome demonstration of God’s power. There were those looking on who desired to operate in this great
power and attempted to do yet we see they were unsuccessful and even paid quite a price for doing so. The sons of the Jewish
chief priest quickly discovered (much to their dismay) that the power they desired came from God and since they were not born of
the Spirit of God they were not privy to His power. The truth is, only those who are born of the Spirit of God have the Holy Spirit in
them and with them (John 14:17) and are therefore empowered to dominate evil spirits. (Luke 10:19)
Look closely at what the evil spirit said to the sons of Sceva: “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Why did this
demon ask this? He said this because his eyes see in the spiritual world, and he sees who is anointed by the Holy Spirit and who is
not. This demon remembered Jesus vividly because he encountered His awesome might and was defeated by it! And he knew of
Paul because he was his present nemesis who dominated him and his evil cohorts and revealed to all the superiority of God over
Satan. Apparently those to whom the question was asked did not possess the power of the Holy Spirit. The demon knew this and
thrashed them severely.
What is to be learned from this passage? We start with answering the question, “Who am I?” If the answer is correct, what
happened to the sons of the Jewish priest will not happen to us. Consider the following answers to this question if you have been
born again:
1) You are a child of God. (John 1:12-13)
2) You are called by the name of God. (II Chronicles 7:14)
3) You are the righteousness of God in Christ. (II Corinthians 5:21)
4) You are the covenant partner with Almighty God. (Hebrews 8:6)
5) You are indwelt by the Holy Spirit (John 14:17)
6) You are empowered by the Spirit who indwells you. (Matthew 18:18)
7) You are anointed by God. (I John 2:27)
8) You are a partaker of the divine nature. (II Peter 1:4)
9) You are always led in triumph in Christ. (II Corinthians 2:14)
10) You have the Greater One in you than he who is in the world. (I John 4:4)
11) You are always victorious because of your faith and you overcome the world. (I John 5:4)
12) You are the salt of the earth. (Matthew 5:13)
13) You are the light in the world. (Matthew 5:14)
14) You have the mind of Christ. (I Corinthians 2:16)
15) You are blessed along with Abraham. (Galatians 3:9)
16) You are favored by God. (Psalm 5:12)
17) You are God’s mouthpiece as the Word flows forth from you. (Mark 11:23)
This is not even a complete list of all that the Bible says you are, but I think you get the idea that you are something very special to
God and very powerful! No evil spirit or demon, not even Satan himself has a chance against God’s power in you. The power of God
that was in Jesus and that was in the Apostle Paul is in you. Rejoice in this!
Begin right now to daily stand your ground in the power of the Holy Spirit. Do not allow the evil one or his evil cohorts to touch you
or your family or any aspect of your lives. The blood of the Lamb has been applied to you and the evil one cannot touch you. Forbid
the enemy from stealing or killing or destroying anything or anyone associated with you. Release the blessings of God in your life
by faith. Declare by the words of your mouth the promises of God (found in His Word) and see the blessings flow into your life. No
demonic power will ever have to ask who you are, for sure!
But Who Are You?
By Bishop Randy Barnett
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