What do you do when life confronts your deepest convictions with a truth you cannot walk around? This sermon takes us to Ephesus, where the apostle Paul meets disciples who know only the baptism of John, and where the sons of Sceva painfully discover that you cannot use the name of Jesus without believing in Him (Acts 19). The Holy Spirit still confronts us with the truth about Jesus, and our response determines whether we receive the power to break with the old life and start anew. Listen and see what God is confronting you with today.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- The disciples in Ephesus knew only John's baptism and had not even heard of the Holy Spirit. What were they missing, and how does Paul explain the difference between John's baptism and baptism in the name of Jesus (Acts 19:1-7)?
- The sons of Sceva used the name of Jesus, but the evil spirit answered: "Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?" What does this story say about the difference between using Jesus' name and personally trusting Him?
- The speaker says that simply believing in God is not enough, because even the demons believe and tremble. How do you understand the difference between belief in a "higher power" and acknowledging Jesus as Lord and Savior?
- The people of Ephesus publicly burned magic books worth fifty thousand silver denarii. Why does real transformation require breaking with the old life rather than just adding Jesus to our existing habits?
- The sermon says confrontation is not bad, because without it there is no change and no growth. In what area is the Holy Spirit confronting you with God's word right now, and what makes it hard to accept?
- Like the Ephesians with their books, what specifically can you leave behind this week, and if you have not yet been baptized as a believer, what is holding you back from that step?
