But Who Are You

TITLE: BUT WHO ARE YOU?

SCRIPTURE: ACTS 19:13-17

There are many passages of scripture that tangentially teach principles of authority, even though the primary purpose of the text may concern something entirely different. In Acts 19, we are told of the miracles that Paul did, powerful miracles that included healings and exorcisms. We are told that even pieces of clothing, aprons or handkerchiefs, that had touched Paul’s body, were brought to the sick and healed them. Such power was effective in proving Paul’s authority was from God and caused many at Ephesus to believe in Jesus. We are told, “SO THE WORD OF THE LORD GREW MIGHTILY AND PREVAILED.”

There are actually two contrasting events recorded by Luke in this particular passage. In the first, God does amazing work through Paul which bolsters believers but unfortunately encourages copycat ministries. The improper reaction of a few doesn’t go well, but God uses the seven sons of Sceva for good and the church grows. This is where we will plant our flag this morning.

We meet the Seven Sons of Sceva in the middle of Acts 19. We aren’t told a ton of details about them. The passage simply says SCEVA IS A JEWISH PRIEST. This makes it likely they resented Christianity and felt it was displacing what had given their family income and stability.

• Whatever their feelings about Christianity (jealousy, fear they needed to compete with this “new thing”), they observed Christians casting out demons in Jesus’ name

This portion of the text is about Spiritual Authority . Spiritual authority is not a mere concept; it is the foundational force that determines whether our efforts in faith are effective or futile. It is the difference between striving in our own strength and seeing true victory through God’s power. The events in Acts 19 illustrate that genuine authority to overcome darkness comes only through a relationship with Christ and the indwelling of his spirit.

Without this divine backing, all attempts to confront spiritual opposition lack substance and results. The seven sons of Sceva learned firsthand that spiritual authority cannot be imitated - manufactured - borrowed -- it must be rooted in God’s presence and purpose.

• This observation reveals the power at work was not derived from personal status or tradition, but from invoking the authority of Jesus

• The sons of Sceva’s attempt to replicate this power without understanding or embracing its source exposes the futility of operating outside of God’s authority

• True spiritual impact is never achieved by imitation or envy — it requires surrender and faith in Christ

The lesson here is profound - attempting to confront sin or spiritual forces apart from God’s authority is not only ineffective it can be dangerous. Real spiritual authority is the privilege of those who belong to Christ, who are covered by his victory and empowered by his spirit. The battle with sin and evil is not won through ritual, knowledge, or religious status, but through the living relationship with Jesus.

• You cannot fight sin on your own merits

• The limitations of human strength are exposed when facing spiritual challenges

• Only God’s authority makes true victory possible

• You desperately need Jesus to do the real heavy lifting

• Jesus is not just a helper

• He is the source of all power to overcome sin and darkness

• Our dependence on Him is not optional, but essential

You need the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit to make any difference in this world. The Holy Spirit transforms –

• Weakness into Strength

• Confusion into Clarity

• Defeat into Victory

Let me be clear, whenever you find yourself engaged in a spiritual battle for your family, your loved ones, or your children, it is absolutely crucial to recognize the seriousness of what you face. Spiritual warfare is not a matter to take lightly or approach with superficial actions. You must fully understand the reality of the enemy and the depth of the struggle. In these moments, you need much more than —

• Simply putting on your Sunday best and attending church services, as if outward appearance or routine can win spiritual battles

• Going through motions like anointing your house with oil, thinking that rituals alone will drive away darkness

• Laying hands on your loved ones without genuine faith, spiritual authority, or dependence on Christ

• Pretending to speak in tongues or putting on a show of spirituality, when what’s needed is authentic connection with God’s power

The sons of Sceva had all the looks of being ready for the battle but no way to fight it. Even worse, they spoke the name that always causes a reaction among the enemy. They suffered as a result.

• Demons tremble at His very name

• The name guarantees that the Sons of Sceva had the attention of the evil spirit