The Sceva Phenomenom

“I hesitate to call on His name...” 

Why?

 “I feel so unworthy, I know I have been such a sinful person. I have not been very serious in following Jesus”. 

So what are you afraid of? You think God won’t hear you?

 “Worse than that: I fear being like the sons of Sceva.” 

Who?

Some Jews who went around trying to drive out demons attempted to use the name of the Lord Jesus on those who had evil spirits. Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. But the evil spirit said to them, "I know Jesus, and I am acquainted with Paul, but who are you?" Then the man with the evil spirit jumped on them, got the better of them, and so violently overpowered all of them that they fled out of the house naked and bruised. Act 19:13-16(ISV)

 Your case is not like that at all. Do not let Satan deceive you.

 “How do you mean. Does this kind of a thing not happen anymore or what?” 

It still happens; but to those who do not know Jesus. 

“I don’t think I really know Him either, and I don’t want evil spirits to trouble me.”

  See these guys were not repentant; they just wanted to use His name for their own ends: everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved Rom 10:13(ISV). Have you forgotten the thief on the cross? If anyone felt unworthy he did. But the other criminal scolded him: "Don't you fear God at all? Our punishment is fair. We're getting what we deserve. But this man hasn't done anything wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you enter your kingdom." Lk 23:40-42(GW).  Hear what the Lord answered him: Jesus said to him, "I can guarantee this truth: Today you will be with me in paradise." Lk 23:43(GW).  That is the beauty of grace: we are not worthy, we can never be worthy, but He invites us to come to Him anyway to wash us clean, give us new lives and make us part of His kingdom. 

“Is that so?” 

Yes Peter said “Do you think we have some power of our own? Do you think we were able to make this man walk because we are so religious? He put his faith in the name of Jesus and was made strong. Faith in Jesus made this man completely well while everyone was watching” Act 3:12, 16(CEV).  “So I should go ahead and call on Him?”

Go ahead my dear. Call on Him expecting Him to answer for He will. The Sceva phenomenon is for unrepentant people.

Then let us come near to the seat of grace without fear, so that mercy may be given to us, and we may get grace for our help in time of need Heb 4:16(BBE).

APPEARED IN THE CHURCH BULLETIN WEEK 25, 2009