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Acts 19:1- 20:6 Living in the Spirit

by fol CHURCH on September 29, 2020

Ephesus was the capital and leading business centre of the Roman Province of Asia. Paul stayed here for about two years and it was here that he wrote his first letter to the Corinthians. Paul stayed in Ephesus because the Ephesian believers needed further teaching. They believed Jesus was the Messiah, but they did not understand the significance of His death and resurrection, or the work of the Holy Spirit. So, Paul and his co-workers spread the Gospel in Ephesus, which was a tough place for Christian believers, as it was also a centre for black magic and other occult practices.

Chapter 19 follows a pattern of: Receiving the Holy Spirit…Powerful preaching and teaching…Miracles…Opposition. This pattern in the same for today. Wherever people are filled with the Holy Spirit and there is powerful teaching, along with miracles, there is always opposition.

(v.1-4) Paul finds a group of believers who had experienced a “baptism of repentance”, but had not heard about the Holy Spirit and the need for a baptism in “the name of Jesus Christ.” Paul laid his hands on them and they powerfully received the Holy Spirit.

Application for today: If we are thirsty for God to use us as Christians, we need to have the Holy Spirit of Jesus living in us. I was a Christian for many years without knowing the power of the Holy Spirit in my life. When I finally did, I found God leading me into all kinds of gifting to help and guide others. My prayer life was different and I could hear God’s voice so much more clearly. I had been missing out on what God had fully planned for me.

(v.8-10) Paul spent three months preaching. This was an important time of learning and spiritual growth for those who listened to him. He was preaching truth and the Kingdom of God was real and powerful.

Application for today: If we want to grow in our Christian lives, we need teaching. This is why our Church family and groups are important. These are places where we can be strengthened and encouraged.

(v.11-12) Miracles were a natural part of Paul’s ministry. God anointed Paul powerfully. It was important for the Ephesians to hear the Gospel and along with that came healings.

Application for today: We should expect God to perform the unexpected. We would love to see God heal everyone, but God is not our puppet! His timing is perfect and He knows best. Jesus didn’t heal everyone. Remember the paralysed man at the pool of Bethsaida? There were hundreds of people there, but only one was healed……God had His reasons. We must always continue to pray in faith for each other though and miracles do happen.

(v.13-16 and 23-40) Paul received a lot of opposition. The sons of Sceva were impressed by Paul’s work, whose power to drive out demons came from God’s Holy Spirit, not from witchcraft, which was obviously more powerful than theirs. They soon discovered that no one can control or duplicate God’s power. Demetrius made shrines for Artemis the fertility goddess. He had nothing against Paul’s doctrine, but he was angry because his teaching threatened his profits.

Application for today: God works His power through those He chooses. Wherever God’s name is preached, opposition is to be expected.

 

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Father God, Fill me daily with your Holy Spirit. Make me thirsty for your Word. Increase my faith in believing You are a God of miracles. Make me strong in the face of opposition. Use me today. Amen

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