READING: Acts 18:24-19:20, 1 Corinthians 1:1-3:23
Today, we come to the spiritual warfare passage that most challenges me in all the Bible. Seven professional exorcists came through Ephesus, and they did what exorcist magicians of that day did: they tried to tap into somebody else’s power by saying the same words and following the same pattern of another exorcist. In this case, they tried using Paul’s approach.
The demon, though, spoke back this time. He knew Jesus because Jesus was the Son of God. He knew Paul because Paul walked with God. But, the professional pagan exorcists had no real authority over the enemy, and they posed no threat to the demon. Thus, the words, “But who are you?” were more than just a question; they were evidence of the enemy’s lack of concern over these “religious” leaders.
Based on this text and others, here is my personal mission statement: “to love Christ and live and speak for Him in such a way that God is glorified and Satan is threatened.” Would you pray for me that I might live out this statement?
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Does your life stand against the enemy today?
DAILY PRAYER: “Lord, work in my life in a way that pleases You and threatens the enemy.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Corinthians 4:1-7:40
