Reactions to the Word of God in this chapter

· Somewere ignorant—hopefully not intentional

· Somewere hardened while others believed

· Somewere so excited that they spread the Word

· Somefalsely tried to imitate but not obey

· Somehad a complete life change and burned their books

I. Thereis a power play taking place in thisworld

a. Everyonerespects real power and wants it

b. Mostbelieve that real power is found in money, materialism, position and prestige

c. Somelost religious people think they have the formula for real power—they commandthe evil spirits in the name of the Jesus that Paul preaches 19:13

d. Satandoes have power—the seven sons of Sceva are overcome and leave naked andwounded 19:16

e. Satanwill constantly hold people’s attention with imitation, temporary power

i. Themiracles of Moses imitated, rod Exodus 7:10-11, water to blood 22, frogs 8:7

ii. TheBible shows us a false religious man who can do miracles Revelation 13:13, IIThessalonians 2:9-10

f. Thename of Jesus and those that knew Him had real lasting power that the worldlongs to see

i. Yetwe fail to glorify God publicly for what He has done

ii. Wedon’t allow Him to do much in our lives because we are too busy seekingworldly, temporary power

iii. God’seternal power costs too much—the losing of ourselves, our goals and our lives

II. Ourspiritual life always affects ourreal daily life

a. Theyhad been trying to live the same false life as the sons of Sceva in one way oranother—some practicing the curious arts others maybe just admiring them

b. Theydidn’t know that their was a God of real power that could have a personal partin their lives

c. Theyconfessed their deeds 19:18

d. Theydestroyed their things that were part of their sin 19:19

e. Realrepentance costs –50,000 pieces of silver

f. SO the Word of God grew because ofhow they responded

i. Theymade a complete turn from their sin to God

ii. Theysacrificed what had been their life for His

III. Real faith affects society

a. Suchfaith and decision caused no small stir 19:23

b. Thispower of God was affecting their religion and their wealth 19:25, 27

c. Paul’spreaching had persuaded and turned many people away from the false gods 19:26

d. Anentire city was in danger of being changed 19:35

e. Howis your faith and walk with God affecting your real life and society aroundyou?

f. Haveyou burned the books?

g. Whichpower are you seeking?

h. Whataffect has the power of God had on your life? Does any notice or hear about thework of God in your life?