Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. (Acts 19:13-16)
Evil spirits are fallen angels. They once lived in heaven and knew Jesus well. They weren’t intimately connected with Paul but they were afraid of him because he had God’s power to to dispatch and trample on them. But who were Sceva’s sons? They were nothing to Satan. They didn’t believe Jesus was their Messiah, so they didn’t have God’s power to fight him. Human power is no match for demonic power. Likely they exorcised evil spirits by annoying them. The spirits would return when the source of aggravation left.
Satan attacks unbelievers to keep them from God, but he also attacks believers, usually new Christians, before we understand him. We can reflect on our past and recall the times we, too, have been bloodied by Satan.
When we believe in Jesus, we become princes and princesses in the Kingdom of God. We are royalty and our names are written in heaven. He gives us the authority to overcome all the power of the enemy. (See Luke 10:19-20)
Who are you? Are you royalty in God’s kingdom? Are you a warrior with God’s power fighting wickedness when your loved ones are attacked? God promises that when we trample on evil with His power, nothing will harm us. But we can only do that in the name of Jesus when we believe in Him.
Father, I praise you for Your power to fight evil and Your promise that evil can’t harm me. Help me discern the enemy, so I can combat him with love and Your power. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.
This is a hard topic for me. Thinking about anything Satanic is very frightening for me. I believe Satan has been at my doorstep when I was weak in faith. Satan is out there just waiting for our faith to be weak. God protects me and everyone who believes, even if our faith is not strong at times.
I didn’t mean to frighten you. God has given us authority and the power of the Holy Spirit to resist Satan. It’s important to be aware and get him out of our thoughts. I’m praying for you and your family. Hope you’re having a great day!