There is an interesting story in Acts Chapter 19. It is about the sons of a man named Sceva. They must have given considerable attention to Paul’s ministry and what he had accomplished using the name of Jesus. They commanded devils out of someone “by the Jesus whom Paul preaches” (vs 13). The outcome was not pleasant to these men, as the man energised by the evil spirit pounced on them and tore their clothes. The pedigree of these men is instructive. Their father, Sceva, was not only a Jew but also a chief priest. The impressive bio of their father was not enough to confer authority on them. It is not our long religious title that translates to power and makes the devil submit to us. Many religious folks are under the firm grip of the devil.
Believers who traffic with the ways and systems of the world inadvertently bring themselves under the control of the devil. It is futile, if not dangerous, for such people to attempt subduing the devil.
In previous meditation, we understood the importance of exercising authority over the devil. This must be approached with caution. The story of the sons of Sceva shows that not everyone can exercise spiritual authority to good effect. As a rule, one has to be born again to enjoy this privilege. Beyond that, one has to be sufficiently consecrated in order not to become a victim of spiritual battles. In our text, admonition is given of the importance of not loving the world. The world simply refers to the maxims and principles that the unbelievers employ to conduct their affairs in life. Believers who traffic with the ways and systems of the world inadvertently bring themselves under the control of the devil. It is futile, if not dangerous, for such people to attempt subduing the devil.