Does the devil know who you are?

“But the evil spirit responded and said to them,

“I recognize Jesus, and I know of Paul, but who are you?""

Acts 19:15

An Interesting Story

There’s an interesting story in Acts 19, starting at verse 11, that we’ve all come across at some point. But listening to a podcast recently made me think a little more about it. The seven sons of Sceva were trying to exorcise a demon by mentioning Jesus and Paul. The demon-possessed man replied by saying, “I know Jesus, and I’ve heard of Paul, but who are you guys?” The demon then proceeded to overpower the seven men and sent them away beaten and naked.

 

An Interesting Response

Just think about the demon's response: “I know Jesus.” Even the demons believe and tremble. Then: “I’ve heard of Paul.” Now, how did the demon know of Paul? In the preceding verses, Luke describes all of the great work the Lord was doing through Paul. The demon was aware of Paul because Paul was advancing God’s kingdom!

An Interesting Quote

C.T. Studd (a missionary of the late 19th and early 20th century) said, “I pray that when I die, all of hell will rejoice that I am out of the fight.” (I had to do some research; it seems this quote is often falsely attributed to C.S. Lewis).

Crucial Questions

The question is then: Do the devil and his minions know who you are? What are you doing to advance God’s kingdom?

• Are you discipling your wife?

• Are you discipling your children?

• Are you part of a local church that focuses on God’s Word and His work?

• Are you growing with other men of God?

• Do the people at your workplace know that you are a man of God?

• Do the people in the stands at your kids’ games know that you are a man of God?

Critical Action

I heard a pastor recently put it another way. He said something along the lines of, “I want the devil and his demons to say, ‘Crap, he’s up again!’ when my feet hit the floor each morning.” As men of God, we aren’t doing our job if the devil doesn’t know who we are.

Answer those questions above. Find a way to let the devil know who you are! To finish with another C.T. Studd quote: “Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Thad Hardin

MD5 Facilitator