Do You Know Your Identity?
Scripture Reading — Acts 19:13-20
The evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" Acts 19:15
The modern world teaches that demons exist only in our imaginations and fears. But the Bible teaches that demons are evil spirits that torture people who open themselves to their influence.
In Paul's day there were Jewish exorcists who tried to cast demons out of people by using liturgical prayers and religious paraphernalia. The seven sons of Sceva, a high priest, made their living by trying to cast out demons. Seeing that Paul was casting out demons in the name of Jesus, they wanted to experiment with this new technique. But when they tried it on one man, the demon did not go out. Instead, it asked, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" Then it gave them a beating they would never forget.
If even demons know who Jesus and his followers are, then how is it that many of us don't know our own spiritual identity in Christ? Many of us live in fear and defeat because we do not know who we are in Christ. Demons acknowledged their submission to Paul because they knew that Paul identified with Christ.
Do you know who you are? Are you a fearful and reclusive son or daughter of God? Do you know that as a child of God you have power over demonic forces? Let's not settle for allowing demons to know more than we do about our true identity.
Lord, help us to see ourselves as we really are--your children, bought with the precious blood of Christ. Give us the strength to stand against the powers of evil each day. Amen
About the author — Paul M'pindi
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