Bible Reading
Acts 19:11-20 (NKJV) — > 11 Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul,
> 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.
> 13 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.”
> 14 Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.
> 15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”
> 16 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.
> 17 This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
> 18 And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds.
> 19 Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver.
> 20 So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.
Acts 20:7-12 (NKJV) — > 7 Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.
> 8 There were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together.
> 9 And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead.
> 10 But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, “Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.”
> 11 Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed.
> 12 And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted.
Acts 21:10-14 (NKJV) — > 10 And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.
> 11 When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’”
> 12 Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem.
> 13 Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
> 14 So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.”
Observation Questions
- In Acts 19:11-12, what unusual way did God use Paul to perform miracles, and what does this say about how God can use ordinary things?
- What happened to the seven sons of Sceva when they tried to use Jesus’ name without truly knowing Him?
- In Acts 19:23-27, what was the reaction of the idol makers in Ephesus to Paul’s ministry, and why did they respond this way?
- What happened to Eutychus during Paul’s long sermon, and how did Paul respond?
Interpretation Questions
- What does the story of the sweat rags (Acts 19:11-12) teach about God’s willingness to use our weaknesses and ordinary parts of our lives for His purposes?
- Why was the authority of the sons of Sceva powerless, and what does this reveal about the difference between religious routine and real relationship with Jesus?
- The idol makers in Ephesus were upset because their business was threatened by the spread of the gospel. What does this reveal about the cost of true revival and the idols that can exist in our own lives?
- Paul was warned that suffering awaited him in Jerusalem, but he chose to go anyway. What does his response show about the nature of obedience and faith, even when it is risky or costly?
Application Questions
- The sermon said, “Worship is not just a routine or a performance; it is a living sacrifice, an offering of our lives to God.” What is one area of your life where you have been treating worship as a routine instead of a sacrifice? What would it look like to offer that area to God this week?
- Paul’s sweat rags were used for miracles, showing that God uses our weaknesses. Is there a weakness or “ordinary” part of your life that you have been hiding or ashamed of? How might God want to use that for His glory?
- The sons of Sceva tried to use spiritual authority without intimacy with Jesus. Are there ways you have tried to “borrow” faith or authority from others instead of building your own relationship with God? What step can you take to grow in intimacy with Jesus this week?
- The sermon challenged us to examine our lives for idols—anything that takes God’s place. What is one thing (a relationship, possession, habit, or even a good thing) that might be competing with God for first place in your heart? What would it look like to surrender it?
- Eutychus fell asleep and fell out the window, even though he was present in church. Is there an area of your spiritual life where you have become complacent or “asleep”? What is one practical way you can “wake up” your faith this week?
- Paul was willing to risk his safety and comfort to obey God’s call. Is there something God is asking you to do that feels risky or uncomfortable? What is holding you back, and what would it look like to take a step of bold obedience?
- The sermon said, “The world does not need safe Christians; it needs those who are willing to be bold, to let go of idols, and to follow Jesus wherever He leads, no matter the cost.” What is one bold step of faith you feel God is calling you to take in this season?
