We trust today’s message encouraged and guided you in your journey of following Jesus. These notes are meant to help you remember and reflect on the message, help you go deeper into study on the subject, or be used for a sermon group discussion.

Sermon Title: WHEN BELIEVERS COME CLEAN

Scripture References: ACTS 19:8-20:1

Intro:

There are a few prominent themes in our scripture, today. First, we once again see an example of the supremacy of God over evil powers in our world. Head to head, God wins every time. Second, God seems to have endless ways of bringing salvation and spiritual reform to communities. What the devil intended for harm, God flips it and uses it for good. Lastly, the believers were delving into wicked practices but God got their attention and they came clean. Perhaps, we need to be reminded today to come clean and be wholly committed to God. Let's begin.

Notes:

V. 8-10

The gospel advanced in the province of Asia, including Ephesus, where Paul stayed at least 2 years. Some believe Paul was there for about three years by the time he actually left.

V. 11-16

The Holy Spirit performed many miracles through Paul’s daily ministry of laying hands on the sick. If Paul was unable to physically touch and pray for the sick, handkerchiefs and aprons that had once been touched by him were being used to bring about healing. This parallels the healing power demonstrated by Jesus (The bleeding woman- Luke 8:43-45) and Peter (His shadow - Acts 5:12-16).
Historians found evidence that the Hall of Tyrannus was open for lectures from 11 am - 4 pm. It is believed that Paul worked on tents from early in the morning until the afternoon, then he would go to the lecture hall to teach. One historian said, “So powerfully was the Lord working through Paul that people did not want to wait for him to minister to them in the lecture hall. They would come to his workroom where he was busy at his tentmaking and would carry off handkerchiefs (sweat cloths) and work aprons that had been in contact with his body.” -Horton, Stanley, ACTS, 321-322
Paul gains fame for the miracles and casting out of evil spirits. “Some Jewish magicians observe the miracles that Paul does in Christ’s name (vv.13-120), and they conclude that the powerful charm is in that name. Seeking to capitalize on Paul’s success, they also try to cast out demons using that name. The formula they use is “In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches (v.13).” -FLBC, 638

Sceva is said to be a Jewish chief priest. But perhaps he merely claimed to be, and Luke simply recorded his boast. Or Sceva may have actually been a chief priest whose seven sons had gone astray into exorcism. Toussaint, S. D. (1985). Acts. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 410). Victor Books.

“To use the name of Jesus means to identify yourself with Him and His Word and to put yourself at His disposal for Him to do His will. No unbeliever can do this.” -Horton, Stanley ACTS, pg 323
These seven men did not know or have faith in Jesus in a personal way, therefore they could not claim the authority and power of His name.
The demon sees right through this and challenges their right to use the name. The demon claims to know Jesus and Paul, but he knows these men are not disciples of Jesus or colleagues of Paul. The man with the evil spirit gives these men a severe beating and they leave humiliated.
This shows us that demons can do things against someone’s will. I can’t imagine that this man wanted to beat up seven men. This goes back to how demons will use people like a Ventriloquist uses a puppet on the lap.

V. 17-20 a great cleansing and reform takes place

As news spreads of what happened, a great wave of holy fear and reverence sweeps the city.
“They recognize that this defeat of the seven exorcists comes from misuse of the name of Jesus. Many Ephesians are devoted to the practice of magic and realize how dangerous a thing it is to use the name of Jesus lightly. Because of the dramatic failure of the sons of Sceva, the people honor and magnify the name of Jesus more highly.” FLBC, 639
The results of this encounter bring a great revival. Those who were confessing believers began to confess and repent of all their sins and abandon their evil practices. These believers had tried to marry faith in God with pagan magic and idol worship. This event cut into their hearts, convicting them deeply, and they burned all of their pagan books and materials. The amount was so great it equaled millions today or a day's wage of 50,000 workers at the time.
Remember what I said a few weeks ago? The wickedness and evil of our world are so absurd and so deviant that people are waking up to see the truth of God’s Word.
This decisive break from evil doesn’t come just because of this event, the work of Paul’s gospel ministry set the stage for an event like this. All the sowing and working reaped a great harvest, just not the way Paul may have expected.
The Word of God works when we put it to work in our lives. Revival begins with the house of God and when we live faithful to God’s Word.

V.21-22

Paul felt compelled to go by the Holy Spirit but he did not leave right away. Just because we feel compelled doesn’t mean there is urgency. In this instance, it was Paul being prompted to plan his next visit. But before he left he had some things to take care of so he sent Timothy and Erastus ahead. Meanwhile, a conflict was brewing.

V. 23-41 and 20:1

The idolatry and superstition had been crippled but there was still the powers of darkness present. Those who practice pagan religion and witchcraft rise against the Christian church in hopes of stopping their financial losses.
Ephesus was the center for the worship of the goddess of fertility, identified by the Greeks as Artemis and by the Romans as Diana. Her temple was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and the glory of Ephesus. It had gold between its stones instead of mortar and housed some of the magnificent sculptures of antiquity.” FLBC, 640 (Some historians have good arguments that they were two different gods with the same name).
Vs 26- 27 is key. The gospel ministry had disrupted not only the economy in this area but also religious loyalty. Artemis is losing her position of honor in that community.
Many in the mob have no idea why they are there, this is typical of mobs.
Alexander tries to bring some reason to the center of the conflict but he is quickly shut down by hours of chanting. But a city clerk or mayor is able to calm the crowd down and rightly reveals they have no real charges against the men and if they did they should take them to the courts, not to a trial of public opinion.

Application:

Consecrate your whole life to the Lord

The believers had one foot in the light, the kingdom of God, and one foot in the dark, the world of evil. Godliness and wickedness don't mix, but these believers were definitely into their mixers.
The misuse of Jesus' name and the evil demonstration ignited a guilty conscience among the believers and unbelievers who were guilty of practicing witchcraft.
There was a holy fear and conviction that they needed to stop messing around with this stuff. They made a hard break with their wicked practices by removing their homes of these objects and burning them.
This wasn't an emotional response, you can tell it was genuine and lasted because the word of God spread powerfully after this (v.20).
The word consecrate means: Separation of persons, utensils, buildings, or places from everyday secular uses for exclusive dedication to holy or sacred use. Protestant teaching stresses the priesthood of every believer. Thus all Christians are “saints” (from the same root word as “consecration”), that is, devoted to God for life. Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Consecration. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 1, p. 511). Baker Book House.
This is needed today. Living a double life, lukewarm, or being a part-time Christian holds us back from truly experiencing God’s favor and plan for our lives. Let us consecrate ourselves, and make it clear to God today that we are removing any unholy activity from our lives

Call upon the name of Jesus

The power comes from the person of Christ, who we put our hope and faith in, not just saying the name. This is why using His name in vain without need for salvation, healing, protection, or help is so wrong.
We call upon Jesus because He is above all and has all authority and power on heaven and earth to save, deliver, heal, and help in any situation. So we call out to Jesus for a purpose that truly requires Him.
Whatever situation you call upon Jesus for, let it be with pure intentions and with faith that He will answer!

Discussion:

What did God use in this sermon to speak to your heart or situation?
What part of the scripture stuck out to you and why?
The Seven sons used the name of Jesus so why did the demon not obey?
What does it feel like to be convicted by God and repent? How can you tell it’s genuine?
When and how should we use the powerful name of Jesus?
How can we pray for you or someone in your life, today?

The most important decision you will ever make!

If you’re ready to trust in Jesus for salvation and eternal life we encourage you to process this decision with a strong believer and when you’re ready say a simple prayer like this from your heart: Dear God, I acknowledge and admit I have sinned. I see my need for Jesus Christ. I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I believe I am forgiven and cleansed of my sin by His death. I also believe I have eternal life because of His resurrection from the dead. I repent, I turn away from my old ways and I choose to live my life to worship you and follow Jesus, Amen!

We would love to know if you decided to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Let us know here.

Pray Together

We hope you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!

Ryan Coon

WHEN BELIEVERS COME CLEAN