Acts 19:11-22 Often when we are attacked, whether in word or deed, our first response is to defend ourselves. Sometimes we do that by attacking our offenders, pointing out their misdeeds and acting justified while doing so. We forget that we "wrestle not against flesh and blood" but against attitudes, cultural traditions, and every thought raised against God. This is a battle only he can win if we remain faithful and trusting Him to be our defender. It can be hard to let go and let God be in control.
Introduction
There is a difference in fighting a battle in your own strength, or letting God fight for you. In the OT there are several different cases where the situation seemed hopeless and yet God performed miracles to save his people. From Jericho to Gideon’s 300, from Elisha and the army against Dothan who was captured and taken to Samaria to have peace with them and stop two wars.[1] The joy of knowing Jesus is for us and not against us is very comforting. Our enemy cannot defeat Jesus.
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A note from last week: Laying on of hands and the transference of gifts and graces, encouragement at hope by touching and praying to God. On the one hand God baptizes in the Holy Spirit even if no one lays hands on you, but it can happen. The issue is this: Historically, a distinction between clergy and laity has been created, and there are some things that only clergy who are “ordained” according to a specific tradition are able to do. Personally, this debate is beyond me, but I personally find it difficult to take certain scriptures and create something that neither the early church practiced nor taught.
There are leaders in the church, elders, administrators, teachers, pastors, apostles, prophets, and evangelists. These are gifts of Jesus to the church. But to place them on pedestals is not the intention, but they are to serve others, not be exalted. If they are good at what they do, honor them. If they are heretical, have nothing to do with them. So, matters like baptism, communion, laying on of hands, and other foundational teachings from Hebrews 6[2] are the domain of the church and those who know Jesus and live in him. If you know someone is sick, and you want to pray for them and believe that God will heal them, place your hands of them. If you lead someone to Christ, bring them here and baptize them so we can all rejoice with you!
If you have company at home, and you are talking about Jesus, and you are sharing a meal, have communion as well!
Now we see what happens when Paul continues his work in Ephesus: Sick are healed, evil spirits are cast out. The difference between evil spirits and the Holy Spirit are clearly demonstrated in this passage. The result was that the fear of the Lord fell on them, and the Lord’s name was magnified. Looks like revival to me!
The result of this was the most amazing campfire. Several million dollars of books and trinkets burned! This is a major position against sin and for God. It is an incredible move throughout the region. The battle is set against the principalities of this world. Against witchcraft, idolatry, sexual immorality, lying, cheating, discrediting God’s word, just as the devil did when he deceived Adam and Eve with: “Has God said?” casting doubt on salvation, judgement, eternal life, and mocking the cross and the empty tomb. The value of life is only determined by whether it is my life that we are discussing, others are not as valuable. The attack by the enemy will be the same throughout history, even if they take a different shape. But the moral character of God and his laws will always come under attack by those who profit from sin.
In our lives, are we willing to take a stand for what is righteous – even if we are assaulted for our stand? Are we willing to let the Lord fight for us because we know that those who are for us are more than those who are against us? Can we trust God to shield and protect, keep and deliver us from evil?
Salvation comes with the trust we need to place our faith and our hope in Jesus.
[1] 2 Kings 6: 15-23
[2] Hebrews 6: 1,2