There Is No secondhand Spirituality

                                                       When The Door Slams

Then some of the traveling Jewish exorcists also attempted to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, "I implore you and solemnly command you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches!" Seven sons of one [named] Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, was doing this. But the evil spirit  retorted, "I know and recognize and acknowledge Jesus, and I know about Paul, but as for you, who are you?"                           Acts 19:13-15 

        There is no secondhand spirituality. No one else can develop Christian maturity on your behalf. A strong Christian heritage is an asset, but it cannot take the place of your own vibrant, growing relationship with Christ.

        Paul had a powerful walk with God. God used him so mightily that extraordinary miracles occurred through his life. Clothes that touched Paul were taken to the sick, and the sick were healed (Acts 19:10-12). Evil spirits were cast out. Paul's preaching and teaching were instrumental in building a strong church in Ephesus. Paul's ministry was so impressive, in fact, that others tried to duplicate it. 

        Seven sons of the chief priest, Sceva, attempted to cast out demons the way Paul did. They confronted an evil spirit and attempted to exorcise it "by the Jesus that Paul preaches!" These men were trying to use a spiritual power that Paul had acquired after years of walking closely with his Lord.

        They could imitate Paul's words, but they could not duplicate the power that was his through his personal relationship with God. The evil spirit retorted, "I know Jesus, and I recognize Paul--But who are you? The demon then viciously attacked them and humiliated them. The evil spirits were fearfully aware of Jesus (James 2:19); they were familiar with Paul's influence over the powers of darkness. But the demons had no knowledge of the seven sons of Sceva.

        Think about this: Religious people can duplicate the words and deeds of a spiritually mature Christian, but they cannot inherit his or her walk with God. Christian maturity take effort; it comes over time. If you ignore the place of prayer and if your religion neglect your relationship with Christ, you will not grow in your faith. Imitating the faith of others will not give you victory. Only as you nurture your own relationship with Jesus, your life will be filled with spiritual maturity and power.

        Renewal: May I love the Lord my God and serve Him with all my heart and with all my soul (Deuteronomy 11:13). May I set my heart to honor Your name (Malachi 2:2). May I worship the Lord my God, and serve Him only (Matthew 4:10). May I take courage and not be afraid, for the Lord Jesus is with me (Mark 6:50). 

Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness.  

                                                            Never Rest Ministries