Acts 19:13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.

15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?

16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

17 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

18 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.

19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

Introductory Thoughts

When the “name of the Lord Jesus” is truly magnified (Acts 19:17), everything contrary to Him either becomes insignificant or observably wicked. As men believe on the Lord, they naturally begin to consider the moral nature of everything else in life. As they begin to see the wickedness of their flesh, they must choose whether to obey God or to satisfy the flesh. The people in Acts chapter 19 chose to obey God. As they learned of the wickedness of their curious arts, they brought their books together to be burned. This was done at no little cost to them (Acts 19:19), but they considered it a greater cost to displease the One who died for them. Naturally resulting from this, the word of God grew and prevailed (Acts 19:20).

Devotional Thoughts

• (For children): When we hear the word of God, it should move us to action (James 1:22). Consider king Josiah’s reaction to the word of God (2 Kings 23:24-25). Would you be willing to get rid of something displeasing to God if it were shown to you (Genesis 35:2-4)?

• (For everyone): Is the word of God growing and prevailing in your home? If not, have you considered whether or not there are some things in your home that need to be set aflame to the glory of God?

• What is keeping you back from a closer walk with the Lord? What is more important to you—pleasing the flesh or pleasing the Lord who bought you?

Prayer Thoughts

• Ask God to give you the courage to obey Him.

• Ask the Lord to help you see the cost of disobeying Him.

SONG: AM I A SOLDIER OF THE CROSS?