The Power That Prevails: Discussion Guide
Summary
This sermon from Acts 19:11-20 explores the question of what kind of power can truly transform our lives. Pastor Mike examines Paul's ministry in Ephesus, a city obsessed with spiritual power and the occult. The passage reveals three key movements:
the power of Jesus demonstrated through extraordinary miracles
the power of Jesus distinguished when the seven sons of Sceva tried to use His name without knowing Him personally
the power of Jesus declared as genuine revival swept through Ephesus.
The main message is that Jesus prevails over all rival powers, exposing false faith and transforming lives through genuine revival. Unlike worldly power that ultimately corrupts and disappoints, only Jesus has the power to truly change hearts, families, and communities.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather together to study Your Word, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us today. Help us to approach this time not with our own preconceived ideas, but with humble hearts ready to receive whatever truth You want to reveal to us. Holy Spirit, work among us and through our discussion to transform our hearts and draw us closer to Jesus. May we leave this time changed by Your power and grace. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What's one thing you've always wanted to have the power to do or change in your life?
Key Verses
Acts 19:11-20
Matthew 7:21-23
Romans 10:13
Questions
Why do you think God chose to do 'extraordinary miracles' specifically in Ephesus, a city known for its obsession with magic and the occult?
What's the difference between knowing about Jesus (like the sons of Sceva) and actually knowing Jesus personally? How can we tell the difference in our own lives?
The evil spirit said 'Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?' What does this teach us about spiritual authority and our relationship with Christ?
What are some modern examples of people trying to 'use' Jesus' name for their own purposes rather than submitting to His lordship?
The Ephesian believers burned their magic books worth 50,000 pieces of silver. What does this costly act of repentance teach us about genuine faith?
What 'rival powers' do people in our culture typically turn to when seeking transformation or control in their lives?
How does the story of the sons of Sceva serve as a warning for those who claim to follow Christ but show no evidence of true submission to Him?
What does it mean practically for the 'name of Jesus to be exalted' in our daily lives and communities?
Life Application
This week, identify one area of your life where you've been seeking power, control, or transformation apart from Jesus. It might be a habit, relationship, fear, or idol that you've been clinging to. Like the Ephesians who burned their magic books, take a concrete step to surrender this area to Christ's lordship. This could mean confessing a hidden sin, ending an unhealthy relationship, or destroying something that has been competing with Jesus for your heart's devotion.
Key Takeaways
True spiritual power comes from God alone, not from objects, formulas, or human effort
You cannot use Jesus' name without belonging to Jesus personally - there's a difference between knowing about Him and knowing Him
Genuine repentance involves costly surrender, burning the bridges to our former idols and sins
When Jesus is truly exalted, rival powers lose their grip and transformation begins
The same power that worked through Paul in Ephesus is available to believers today through the Holy Spirit
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us through Your Word that You alone have the power to truly transform our lives. Help us to examine our hearts and identify any areas where we've been seeking power apart from You. Give us the courage to surrender completely to Your lordship, burning whatever needs to be burned and releasing whatever we've been clinging to. May Your name be exalted in our lives, our families, and our community. Help us to live under Your authority with joy, knowing that true freedom comes through submission to You. Transform us by Your power so that others might see Your glory at work in us. In Your powerful name we pray, Amen.