One of my stories in the Bible is the story of the seven Jew exorcists who tried to cast out demons, "In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches..." (Acts 19:13). As we get into part two of this series, I want to talk about the importance of having an intimate relationship with Christ before you start trying to cast out demons.
Okay, back to the story! If you want to get a laugh read Acts 19:13-16! In the passage, seven, non- believers in Christ, tried to cast out in demons in the "Jesus" Paul knew. In other words, they tried to use Paul's authority to cast out demons because they didn't have a relationship with Jesus.
One day after commanding some demons in a man to come out, the demon confronted the seven Jews and said, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” (Acts 19:15). Basically, the demon was letting them know they had no authority to make him leave. Demons respect and adhere to the authority of Christ. Those men didn't have any so the Word says, "Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered." (Acts 19:16).
Listen, if you don't think that's funny something is seriously wrong with you! Okay, my point in telling that story is to emphasize to you that you cannot cast out demons if you do not have an intimate relationship with Christ. As a believer in Christ, you have the power and authority to cast out demons (Luke 10:19). But it takes more than just believing in Christ for demons to respect and obey your authority. Demons only respect and listen to those who have an intimate personal relationship with Jesus. Paul knew Jesus. He spent time in His presence daily. He was a man of great faith and a great authority. When he told demons to come, they came out! Everybody knew Paul was a man who walked daily in His God given authority! Acts 19:11-12 says, And God gave Paul the power to do unusual miracles, so that even when his handkerchiefs or parts of his clothing were placed upon sick people, they were healed, and any demons within them came out."
Talk about authority! Whew! This is the type of authority that I strive to walk in! God wants all of His children to walk in that level authority. We can only get this authority through daily intimacy with Him and using this authority on a consistent basis.
Okay, this concludes part 2 of this series, "You Have The Power To Cast Out Demons". I hope you enjoyed it! Remember, demons only respect those who Jesus knows. Paul they know, Jesus they know, but who are you? Don't play with demons because they will not play you. Read Acts 19:13-16!
I pray this post has blessed you! If it did, please share it with others on your various social media platforms.
Are you having difficulty moving on after an intense breakup? Has the pain of rejection crippled you to the point that it affects your everyday life? If you are, it’s time for you to go on a journey of self-healing and heal the broken pieces of your fragmented soul.
Pre-order my new book, One Day At A Time: Self Healing Journey For The Rejected Soul. Read more information about the book and pre-order the book by clinking the picture below.
