“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.” Also, there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” – Acts 19:13-15 (NKJV)
Imagine a newly employed front desk executive who sees someone walk straight to the CEO’s door without following protocol. Naturally, the executive would stop them and ask, “Who are you?” But what if they discovered the person was the CEO’s spouse or child? Their reaction would likely change immediately.
This week, we start a series on the believer’s authority, emphasizing that knowing your identity as a believer is crucial to wielding and expressing that authority. Simply put, you must know who you are to exercise the authority you have.
From our anchor text, the sons of Sceva, having observed Paul perform miracles, believed they could replicate them. So, they attempted to cast out a demon just as they had seen Paul do but the demon challenged their authority. In John 14:12-14, Jesus said, “He who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also” We see this fulfilled in Paul’s life (Acts 19:11-12), but not in the sons of Sceva because, unlike Paul, they were unbelievers.
While it takes a believer to walk in Christ’s power, many today are no different from the sons of Sceva—lacking power and being easily susceptible to the enemy’s attacks. As stated in Mark 16:17, this power is promised to all believers; nevertheless, it takes a deep understanding of one’s identity in Christ to walk in it. Grasping your identity in Christ is crucial; without it, you may not experience real progress in your Christian walk.
There are two things you must understand: you have an inheritance of power (Ephesians 1:15-18, Romans 8:17), and you have been baptised into Christ and united with Him (Ephesians 2:1, 4-6, Galatians 3:27). Therefore, the honour bestowed upon His name is yours to exercise. You can operate as though you are Christ. Christ did not only die for you; He died as you and was raised as you (Romans 6:3-5), making you a partaker of His glory. You are seated with Christ in heavenly places, far above principalities and powers (Ephesians 1:18-21). This is your identity.
Meditate deeply on your identity in Christ until it becomes real to you. Put on Christ and walk with full awareness of your inheritance and authority. Jesus Christ is your identity. Unlike the sons of Sceva, you have full authority to use the name of Jesus because it’s not just about professing the name—it’s about who is speaking it. As Luke 10:19 affirms, you have authority over the enemy. Don’t give the devil any place; instead, rise in your authority and go with confidence and power.
SAY THIS: I know who I am. The name of Jesus is my new identity and I embrace Him fully as I walk with complete awareness of my inheritance and authority.
Bible Reading Plan: 2 Corinthians 7-8