VBS General Session - Day 5

Synopsis

Sceva’s Boys

Scripture Passage: Acts 19:8-20

Scripture References: Mathew 5:13-16, Ephesians 5:8-17 and 6:10-18, 1 John 3:8 and 4:4

1. THE STORY

Today’s lesson today is from the book of Acts, about the story of the beginning and spread of the church. Several people of God played a role but today we will learn about Paul’s missionary journeys, and his role in preaching and witnessing about Jesus.

Paul went to preach and teach the people in the city of Ephesus, for over two years and he even healed many in Jesus’ name, although there were some who resisted. 

Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit and even pieces of clothing – like handkerchiefs, when placed on sick people, healed them of their diseases. Evil spirits were also driven out.  

When chief priest, Sceva’s sons who were “itinerant Jewish exorcists” came to know about Paul’s miracles, they tried to chant what they thought was a magic mantra on a demon-possessed man saying, “In the name of Jesus, as preached by Paul, we

command you to come out!” Then the man said, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are YOU?!” He even attacked that they

had to run away, battered, bruised.

This fear lead to deep reverence to God and the name of Jesus was greatly honoured in the whole town of Ephesus. Many confessed their sins; those who were practicing sorcery and witchcraft brought their books to be burnt at a public place.

2. WHAT DO WE LEARN ABOUT THE SONS OF SCEVA?

• They showed irreverence to God as they were not followers of Jesus. They thought that the method of Paul would help them make money.
• They had no authority and power to heal in Jesus’ name. 
• They had no interest in establishing a relationship with God.
• I want you to think of a pet parrot that imitates and repeat every word it hears - words and phrases that sound meaningful, but actually makes no sense to the parrot itself.

They spoke the name of Jesus without faith.  They dishonoured God.

3. WHAT DO WE LEARN ABOUT GOD?

• God is Holy and Worthy of our worship.

• God honours those who honour Him through a life of faith.

• God does not like people who use His name in vain.

Misuse of God’s name caused the sons of Sceva to be punished and shamed publicly; God allowed the evil spirit to punish them for their deception. 

It was God who saw their hearts, judged them and held them to account for

dishonouring Him.

4. APPLICATIONS

• We should not misuse the name of Jesus by using His name in our prayers and yet live a life of wilful sin and disobedience.

1. The people of Ephesus recognized the power of God’s name, confessed their sins, realized the enormity of their wrongdoing, and were determined to turn their backs to

sin, and turn towards God. They truly repented. 

3. Stay tuned to the True source of power to be powerful

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. Let us be bold in our journey to know Jesus; let us allow His power and authority to work in our lives through a real and close relationship with Him.

5. HOW DO WE CONNECT IT TO THE THEME?

The sons of Sceva tried to deceive others by pretending they had power that they didn’t have. The left a trail of deception and irreverent (disrespectful) attitude towards God that met with a tragic ending. 

Many a times do we do things just to please people at school, church, Sunday School; or is it truly to praise and glorify God. Sometimes we may not even realize that we are only acting and not genuine in our actions. 

Remember God is holy and we have to worship him with reverence. Whatever you do for the glory of God, do it with true devotion, not by acting as Christians.

Don’t let the devil say, “okay...Jesus I know..,Paul... I know

but WHO ARE YOU?”

Develop a close and real relationship with God with a daily awareness of Jesus and His power in your lives.

Memory Verse: 1 John 4:4 

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.