Back in college, I had a creative writing professor who talked a lot about taking the Lord’s name in vain. That might seem strange. But this was a private Christian university, so it wasn’t uncommon for us to dive into spiritual themes in the middle of a conversation about internal rhymes. Since English majors can have colorful language, the subject of profanity often came up during writing workshops—especially if our workshop took place right after chapel.
Students held very different beliefs about what you should or shouldn’t say in a piece of poetry. But what our professor wanted us to understand was that taking the Lord’s name in vain was about more than using or not using a specific word or name, even though it’s true that words have power. It was more about heart posture and behaviors stemming from our beliefs about who God is.
We see this happening with the seven sons of Sceva in Acts 19. These men were exorcists, someone who casts out demonic spirits (v.13). Since this passage is the only one in Scripture where we see these seven men mentioned, we don’t know their track record when it comes to their practice. But we do know it doesn’t work here. Not when they try to illegitimately evoke the name of Jesus. “I know Jesus, and I recognize Paul—but who are you?” says the possessed man (v.15). This verse makes me shudder!
What we have is a case of people using the Lord’s name in vain. After these exorcists witness Paul’s power, they want to capitalize on it, but the very spirits that they try to call out dismantle their strategy by calling them phonies. Because they didn’t have faith in Jesus Himself, their attempts were just a mockery and the evil spirits saw that.
In this story, God makes it clear: simply using the name of Jesus isn’t enough to step into His power. You also have to believe in Him. You have to be transformed by Him. During this era of Christianity, it was in the testimony of lives transformed by Jesus that we see true power over darkness, Paul’s testimony being one of the most memorable. It was “in this way the word of the Lord spread and prevailed” (v.20). The same is true of our testimonies today.
Thinking back on those creative writing workshops, I’m so glad our professor took the time to not just teach us about words but also address our hearts. Are we using Jesus to further our own goals or ideas? Are we doing things in the name of God that are dishonoring Him? I know I’ve done this in the past. I pray we’re challenged and inspired today to not just acknowledge the power of Jesus’s name, but to have true faith and trust in Him.
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43 thoughts on "Opposition in Ephesus"
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https://www.marinerschurch.org/series/my-anxious-thoughts/
It could be terrifying to go up against demons with an ‘unloaded’ prayer.
taylor, oh my word. this sounds a lot like a situation i was in two years ago. if you felt that tug in your heart that things weren’t right, listen to it, and continue to pray over it. as for why he brought this man into your life, i don’t have an answer, and we don’t always get one this side of eternity. much love for you, taylor, praying for discernment and clarity!
I guess I musta hit enter before I was done… sorry!
Hi, She’s! I am having such a hard time doing this study each day. I am in the word each day, but not this study… And this one is so precious! I feel like I know many of you, even though we aren’t next-door neighbors! (I grew up in SoCal… the Long Beach area, Victoria and Jennifer… you were dialoging about that. I am now in the Midwest and love it!) Praying for those who requested prayer and also offering prayers of thanksgiving when those prayers are answered! (Glad your appt. went well VICTORIA E.) Sleep well tonight, sisters! Maybe I’ll be here again, doing tomorrow’s study IN THE MORNING before going to preschool rather than “catching up” at night. Blessings to you all!
Hi, She’s! I am having such a hard time doing this study each day. I am in the word each day, but not this study. And this one is so precious! I feel like I know many of you, even though we aren’t next-door neighbors! (I grew up in SoCal,Victoria and Jennifer… you were dialoging about that. I am now in the Midwest and love it!)
Seeing people give themselves completely over to idolatry like we saw in this chapter of Acts is a very sad and depressing thing to see. And the confusion that idolatry creates is so hectic and chaotic.
So many of us sometimes fall in to idolatry because these things that we worship promise us that they would comfort us.. and that always falls flat. Our savior, our God, is the only thing that will not only comfort us, but save us.. and make us Holy.
I see so many people today give themselves over to idolatry and it makes me very sad inside. It really isn’t worth it. I know how amazing life with God is.. and how much He loves us.. you just want them to see it too.. but like I said earlier we cannot force anyone into the faith.. we can only pray for them.
I usually like to say this prayer for my family. It’s a prayer for the conversion of Unbelievers. Im posting this prayer from my book of Catholic prayers. I pray that we can all say it and speak it over the world so people don’t lose themselves completely to idolatry:
O Holy Spirit of truth, we invoke You to enlighten the minds of unbelievers in the midst of us; to incline their hearts to love Your word, and to believe the teachings of Your Church; give them the courage to accept the faith and openly profess it (again, something we should ALL do); that they may come into union with You and the Father, through Christ our Lord, Who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen
Ruth, I too have struggled with anxiety all of my life. Please don’t be ashamed about it and know that you aren’t alone in your struggles. We all have our own internal struggles. I will be praying for God’s peace to flood your heart and for direction on next steps for you. I know a Christian counselor really helped me. My church, Mariners, is doing a study on anxiety. I wish I was tech savvy enough to post it here, but if you look up Mariners church, you should be able to find it. Blessings my sister!❤️
Lord help us to ask ourselves tough questions like this on a regular basis and help us to be willing to answer honestly so that we neither deceive ourselves or others.
Praise and prayers for you all. Xx
“V20 So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.” Lord, may that be true in our lives today.
When I read the Scripture about the seven sons of Sceva and how the demon chased them off after beating them, I couldn’t help but snicker and think, “they had it coming.” I know that may sound a little harsh or mean but they trying to go up against the Almighty and they didn’t even believe. The demons knew who they were dealing with and it wasn’t anyone associated with God or Christ or the Holy Spirit.
I feel it is still true today, anyone who tries the same thing will eventually be brought down. But if they are truly filled with the Spirit let them tell the world. Let us tell the world about God, Christ and the Holy Spirit. Let us PRAISE HIM from every valley and mountain. Let us REJOICE in the fact the Spirit is in each and every one of us and we will have eternal life. Let us SHARE this message with those around us.
Sisters have a wonderful and blessed day.
Taylor, I’ve been there, and I’m still there, as I’ve been through much trauma and have a strong fear of abandonment. I’m praying for wisdom for you and your friend.
Thank you so much to all who were/are praying. Mari V I am so thankful to be pregnant after the difficulties we had earlier. Taylor. I am so proud of you for seeking God in this and I am praying for you. When I look back on the relationship ships I had prior to meeting my husband I can see that they taught me what not to look for in a husband and what was truly important and I thank God for it. Ruth long my heart is moved for you. Thank you for coming to us for prayer. You are absolutely worth loving. I have been struggling with anxiety since I was young too, and I never thought to pray about it or seek God’s help until recently ( I am 35). I am so proud of you for seeking God to help you and rest assured He will. His power is made perfect in our weakness. I was always ashamed of my anxiety and depression, thinking that it meant I didn’t trust God enough and many times that is not the case. If you can, please consider a church counselor or doctor. Bless you all!
@Ruth, i’m on my way to work right now. I am praying for you. Hold onto those people who are around you to support you. Please know that you are fearfully and wonderfully made a precious child of God.
Victoria E. My heart is so happy and filled with joy for you and your husband. My son is 20 years old and my daughters 15. And let me tell you, I loved being pregnant. I’m so happy for you. And I think we talked about this before, my son was attending Biola in Southern California.
Taylor, I’m very proud of you! This takes maturity and of course discernment. I agree with you, if there are things in him that you are not willing to put up with then you have made a wise decision. I am so proud of you how you considered his heart and yours. You are mature beyond your years. Maybe this one month relationship was a way to grow and see what you are willing and not willing to put up with. Trust me I wish I would’ve had half the maturity that you have when I was your age. I stayed in a relationship for two years during my senior year in high school and first year in college and it was an unhealthy one. Things ended ugly. And a little scary. But God protected me. Have a wonderful day Taylor. Please know that this mother here is so proud of you.
“Am I doing things in the name of the Lord thats dishonoring Him?” Wow!! Do I have some things I need to think through! I’m one of the few Christians in my work area. The last thing I want do is dishonor Him. I know I mess up at times. My prayer is I hope they understand. I’m human just like them. But when I’ve messed up I do my best to own up to it. I’ve surprised of a few as they were not expecting an apology.
Lord, I pray you bring only the peace you can provide to Ruth’s mind, body and spirit. Help her to speak life to herself and those around her. Remind her that you knit her together in her mother’s womb because you have a plan and purpose for her life. Jesus I pray you unveil her eyes so she can see your beauty in herself and the world around her. We thank you for this community and the ability to come before you and lift one another in prayer. Renew each of our minds and spirits as we read your word and go about our day today. In Jesus precious and holy name, Amen.
Lord, I pray you bring only the peace you can provide to Ruth’s mind, body and spirit. Help her to speak life to herself and those around her. Remind her that you knit her together in her mother’s womb because you have a plan and purpose for her life. Jesus I pray you unveil her eyes so she can see your beauty in herself and the world around her. We thank you for this community and the ability to come before you and each other to ask for your
ARINA – Very thought provoking comment! Do I let it change my life? Or do I just want something from my belief. I will be contemplating this today.
TAYLOR – I wish I would have stood firm as you do. I pray for you to stay strong and seek God’s guidance.
Hey Ruth–
I feel with you in all this. I often struggle with voices of condemnation and struggle to speak graciously with myself. It’s helped me to remember scriptures for these times. I recently read the book “Gently and Lowly” by Dane Ortlund (based on Matthew 11:28-30). It helped me really stay close to the truth that God’s ways really are not our ways, meaning, He’s much kinder and gentler than we believe for ourselves. I pray He would show you so much kindness and grace that those traits will stick with you– His character would be so concrete in your mind. Praying this So you can remember to give grace to yourself more because you know how much grace God is giving you. I know He can renew your mind because He has been helping me tremendously the past few months. May He do abundantly more than we can even ask for. I also pray for patience. I know it’s hard not to see immediate change, but I trust God is working on you since you are very aware of your need for Him in these areas of your life. God, please help Ruth know your heart for her in every circumstance, today. Help her to know Your love is farther than she can imagine. As far is the east is from the west, that’s how great Your mercy and love is for us. May she feel so loved and graced, she can carry this everyday for herself and others. Help her to carry truth. Your word is hidden in her heart. Help her bring it to mind when the enemy comes to lie to her and condemn her. Please transform her mind, in Jesus’s name.
Taylor — I love reading your posts. Your honesty always moves my heart. I pray God would give you more wisdom and discernment. I pray He would continue to reveal His character of kindness to you.May you have peace in your relationships and stand firm in your beliefs.
God bless you all. Love and hugs.
Kathy, thank you for that beautiful quote. It is going to be taped to my computer at work as well now.
Hi SHES! I have a prayer request, and it’s difficult to ask it, but I have been experiencing something I suspect is a form of anxiety, scrupulosity, and depressive episodes. I speak really cruelly with myself and shame myself for not being ok mentally, and fighting month-long periods. I have prayed against it and it’s not leaving. And ladies, I’m feeling so tired physically, spiritually, and mentally. There are truly good and godly people around me that I know I can trust, but sometimes I don’t believe that I am worth loving. If you could pray for me, i would mean the world. Thank you❤️
Lara, you’re so thoughtful…thank you so much for asking and what a wonderful surprise to see you thinking about how I am doing. It came at the perfect time… thank you Jesus. Grieving is difficult and the constant reminder of loss is hard. Recently just missing so much about him…his wisdom and advice and struggling with having been the one who found him. That’s hard. I am working on gratitude and being thankful for God being close. Grateful for you that cared enough to reach out and convey your concern. Blessings to you today.
Praying for you, Taylor.
Please pray for Tanner today. His hematocrit is high. He has too many red blood cells and it’s causing his blood to be too thick. They will pull blood off of him today. My prayer is that he will feel okay during and after. No dizziness or nausea. Thank you!
I want to say thank you to all who offered encouraging words and prayers for me yesterday. If I started naming each one, I’m afraid I’d miss some names, but I read each comment. When we leave the field still remains to be seen, but we’re trusting God to make it clear. Thank you for praying!
ARINA, you are so right about all the goings on in this passage of Acts – several things I need to look at more thoroughly. Praying God reveals what He wants me to see.
TAYLOR – I was in a similar relationship when I was your age so my heart goes out to you! Maybe God brought this young man into your life to help you firm up where you stand (changes you want to make in honoring God) and to help you see your growth and the confidence He has brought about in your relationship with Him. Prayers for wisdom/discernment in this and any subsequent relationships. Early HAPPY and BLESSED BIRTHDAY!
Joining all of you in prayer and praise!
Today’s devotion made me think of one of my favorite quotes. I have it taped to my desk at school as a reminder.
“We draw people to Christ not by loudly discrediting what they believe, by telling them how wrong they are and how right we are, but by showing them a light that is so lovely that they want with all their hearts to know the source of it.” Madeleine L’Engle
I pray that we will all be lovely lights today.
Praying for you, Taylor that the Lord will give you clear discernment as to how to proceed with the young man you have been dating. I will pray for peace whatever the outcome.
“Our calling as Christians is not to wage war against and defeat our opponents. Instead, we seek to win our opponents with the good news that Christ has come to save. Our mission is not to overthrow our opponents but to rescue them from the ignorance, hard-heartedness, and idolatry that enslaves them. We want to see all people transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of the Son.” HRT -Jared Kennedy
TAYLOR – praying the Lord gives you wisdom and peace
VICTORA E – glad to hear of the good report
Jesus thank You for the power of Your mighty name. Amen
Also thank you all for your responses to me yesterday :) It’s nice to know I’m not alone in these feelings and that from your own experiences, I can trust that I CAN experience rich blessings and adventures while being rooted (whether permanently or temporarily) in my hometown.
Good morning ladies! Asking for prayer today. I decided to end things with the guy I was dating. In one month there’s certain qualities about him that aren’t attractive to me, and I’ve already started to feel annoyed by him on some instances. I think I’ve discerned that I don’t see myself marrying him so to protect his heart and mine I decided to end things, especially before we were supposed to go to a fancy dinner for my birthday on Thursday. We had a long conversation last night about my feelings and his and he wants to keep trying in our relationship. I felt at peace about my decision, but after talking with him I started to question myself. We’re taking some space from each other to think and are going to talk once more on Wednesday. I was really hoping and praying he would be my last relationship, and now I’m also wrestling with God on why he would bring this man into my life and let me be with him for a month before taking him away. If you could pray for me and him and that our relationship would follow God’s will whether that be to keep trying or to break things off I would appreciate it <3
Guilty!!!! Some times I use His name but don’t believe. Lord strengthen my trust in You. I have a hard time trusting and letting go. I pray and leave with Jesus only to pick it up again. I pray that God gives each of us more faith to ask and believe in His Holy name.
@Martha Hix- praying for you. How are you?
Thank you, Mary D! That was such a nice comment to read early this morning as I head into a busy day at school!
Paul had so much opposition to the gospel, and yet it contributed to grow. It’s inspiring to read about his ministry, knowing that the same Holy Spirit that was with him is with me. Hallelujah!
Amen
Good morning. You are loved beyond measure. Have a wonderful day! ☀️
There is so much happening in this chapter. So many different reactions to the gospel. Some people react with indifference, but we also see unbelief, anger, even rage. Other are afraid of the financial impact it has, the consequences for their life. Then there are those who think they gain something from it, interested in the power it seems to bring. But there are also other reactions. People who want to know more, belief, trust in God, lives that are changed. Old ways are left behind. Today as the gospel comes to me again, how do I react? With indifference, fear, anger? Or rather with belief, trust in God? Do I let it change my life?