VBS General Session - Day 5

Synopsis

SUMMARY:

Paul was on his third missionary journey to Ephesus because he wanted to strengthen the churches. He appealed to the Jews and spoke in the synagogue but they became stubborn to his speaking. So Paul and his ministry partners met daily in the lecture hall for two years.

God worked extraordinary miracles through Paul as he was only dependent on God’s perfect power. The handkerchiefs and the aprons that Paul had used were taken to the sick and cured of their sickness and the evil spirits left them. We see in Peter’s life that is shadow healed people as it says Acts 5:15.  

The Scripture never says extraordinary things do not happen but there is never a sense that the apostles and disciples can do these things at their will and they can use this power however they wish. The power to do extraordinary miracles was never the main thing for our Lord Jesus and his Disciples. 

Too often what crowds want is magical power, some seek prophets for the lust of power, authority and fame.

Sceva who was a Jewish high priest had seven sons. They thought using the name of Jesus was the formula that they can use to drive out demons. One day they came to the person who had the evil spirit and said we command you to come out in Jesus name whom Paul preaches. The evil spirit answered them “Jesus I know, I know about Paul, But Who are You?”. The man who had the evil spirit over powered them and gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house badly injured. They didn’t realize how foolish and dangerous it was to do anything with the extraordinary power from God.

When the news spread far and wide to both Jews and Gentiles, they were convicted and held the name of the Lord Jesus in high honour. Many believed and openly confessed their evil deeds. The people who practiced sorcery showed their reverence to God by burning all the scrolls. In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.

What Do We Learn About Sceva’s Boys ?

• They were irreverent to God by thinking that the methodology that Paul used would help them in making money.
• They had no interest to establish any relationship with God.
• They didn’t have faith in the person and the power of Jesus.

What Do We Learn About GOD ?

• God is Holy and Worthy of all worship. He does not overlook dishonour to his name.

• God honours those who honour him through their life of faith and obedience to God.

• God gives authority and power in his name to people who seek him with all of their heart and who have a close relationship with him.

APPLICATIONS

• We should not misuse the name of Jesus.

• We should use the word of god when we face troubles in our lives.

• We should put on the full Armour of God and put it into practice.

CONCLUSION

We as children of God are called to honour God in every aspect and to give him the first place in our lives. We should remember that He is Holy and cannot see sin. We should have a heart to repent and seek him all the time. When we have an intimate relationship with him, He gives us power and authority in His Name as it says in Luke 19:20, “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the powers of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”

MEMORY VERSE

Psalm 51:10: Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.