*Morning Message of Motivation*

*Encounter in Ephesus: 19*
By Rev Robert Ampiah-Kwofi

The Jewish exorcists tried to use the name of Jesus to do their own thing.
Acts 19:13 NKJV
“Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.”

A Jewish priest had seven sons who worked as exorcists.
Acts 19:14 NKJV
“Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.”

Their attempt to use the name of Jesus backfired badly.
Acts 19:15 NKJV
“And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”

The demon was aware that these seven men were not authorized to use the name of Jesus.
The name of Jesus contains His power.
Philippians 2:10 NKJV
“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,”

Our Lord Jesus sent 70 disciples to go two by two into some towns he intend to visit later.
Luke 10:1 NKJV
“After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.”

They were to minister healing.
Luke 10:9 NKJV
“And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.”

They returned full of joy.
Luke 10:17 NKJV
“Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.”

These 70 disciples were authorized to use the name of Jesus, but the seven sons of Sceva were not.
They suffered for their presumption.
Acts 19:16 NKJV
“Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.”

May you operate confidently in your mandate that Christ has given to you.
May all demonic powers be subdued before you, in the name of Jesus Christ.

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