Acts 39. Acts 19:11-20

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 5. From what you know about the people of Ephesus (see 19:17-20), can you think of a reason why God worked healings and exorcisms through Paul (see 19:11-12)? If so, explain.
 They lived in a world filled with magic and the occult. They therefore needed to see the power of God in Paul's ministry. God’s power was the supreme spiritual power. 
 
 6. Why couldn’t Jesus’ name be invoked to magically cast out demons (see 19:13-16)? What else is necessary for the name to be effective?
Being acknowledged by demonic powers as one associated with Jesus.
There must be true power
- that power is found in our connection with Jesus 
Praying as if Jesus were praying
Praying only through Jesus as our mediator
Praying as if on behalf of Jesus, as one knowing, belonging to and acting for Him

For Thought and Discussion: How might a Christian use “in Jesus’ name” in his prayers with a wrong attitude that approaches magical invocation? How should Acts 19:13-16 help us interpret John 14:13-14 (Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.)?
Thoughtlessly, mechanically 
Demandingly, with a wrong understanding of what faith involves.
 
 For Thought and Discussion: Exactly what is wrong with magic? Why do you think God abhors it so much? 
It calls upon supernatural, demonic powers that will eventually destroy us.
It is an attempt to subvert natural processes
It counterfeits true miracles
It is an expression of lack of faith in God's goodness and provision
cf. Dt 18:10-12, Rev 21:8, Gal 5:19-21 
 
 For Thought and Discussion: Why was it important for the Ephesians to burn their magical scrolls (see 19:17-20)? Is there anything you should destroy or get rid of? 
It marks a decisive break with past sins of attempting to harness the power of occult forces.
Martial arts, horoscopes, ouija boards, Idolatry and false religion (Dt 18:9-14) occult involvement and owning occult objects (Dt 18:9-14, Ac 19:18-20, persistent sin (e.g. unforgiveness, anger, doubt, sexual immorality, abortion), previous dedication to a false god, family connection, childhood abuse  
 
There can be different degrees of demonic attack or influence in the lives of believers,,)
  • Temptation (Lk 4:2)
  •  Affliction (2 Cor 12:7)
  • Opposition (Eph 6:12)
  • Physical illness (Lk 13: 11-16)
  • Threat to spiritual life and health (Jas 4:7, 1 Pe 5:8)
 Symptoms of demonization
  •  Bizarre/violent behaviour, especially with respect to preaching of the gospel (Mk 1:23-24) and which cause destruction of the person or of God’s creation (Mk 5:2-5, 9:17-22).
  •  Abnormal physical strength
  • Unusual illness, although not all illness is caused by demons
  •  “and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them” (Mt 4:24)
  •  False doctrinal statements (1 Co 12:3, 1 Jn 4:2-3, 2 Cor 11:13-15) by people claiming to speak by the Holy Spirit.
  • Emotional torment, depression, suicidal thoughts, irrational fears, anger, bitterness, rebellion, rage, rejection, guilt, unworthiness and shame.
  • Inability to break free of particular sins (e.g. sexual sins and addictions)
  • Inability to focus on Bible reading/study or faithful preaching of the Word.
  •  Inability to engage in worship, prayer and Holy Communion.
  •  Attraction to the occult
  • Supernatural abilities (e.g. clairvoyance, telekinesis, fortune telling)
  •  Persistent, irrational obstruction of godly ministry.
 
For Thought and Discussion:  
a. What good resulted from the miraculous healings in Ephesus? 
Fear and regard/worship, repentance and rejection of occultic practices
b. What are some possible drawbacks of a ministry that overemphasizes miracles? How did Paul keep his ministry in balance? 
People come for miracles regardness of truth 
Continued preaching the 'word of the Lord' (19:20. A repentant, sacrificial attitude was commneded
c. How is Jesus’ power at work today? Does God use the same methods and do the same things as in Ephesus? Why or why not?
Yes. Wherever there is a need to show supernatural power, God does not fail.

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