“Secondhand spirituality”
SERMON Title: Secondhand spirituality
SCRIPTURE: Acts 19:11-16
Passage (Acts 19:11-16)
God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them. Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.
What’s happening in the passage?
The Book of Acts is the story of the church - continuing the story of Jesus, through the church. In Acts 19, we see a contrast in the power of Apostle Paul and a small group called The Seven Sons of Sceva. Paul encountered God and was transformed from the inside out. He became someone who God performed extraordinary miracles through. Word was also spreading that in the name of Jesus, there is power; in the name of Jesus, miracles can happen.
Around the same time, there was a small group of men who were travelling Jewish Exorcists named The Seven Sons of Sceva. They heard about Paul’s ministry and mimicked his ways. These men invoked the name of Jesus to heal, but were instead overpowered by the evil spirit. This group of men used Jesus’ Name as a commodity; superstitiously. They did not have an intimate relationship with Jesus - the One they were calling on for His authority - they didn’t know Him personally.
What’s happening in our modern times?
Similar to The Seven Sons of Sceva, we rely on only knowing about Jesus and forsaking the opportunity to have a personal relationship with Him. This is one of the greatest challenges facing Christians globally. We unconsciously and in some ways deliberately, adopt a secondhand spirituality.
Secondhand spirituality: ongoing act of living off of someone else’s spirituality.
Do you rely on other people and their experiences or spirituality to carry you into a deeper spirituality? Do you know about Jesus, or do you know Him? Though there are justifiable forms of secondhand experience relevant and useful in our daily lives, there are certain consequences to what a secondhand experience can have in our personal walks with Jesus.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. (Matt 7:21-23)
What are some of the obstacles we face in cultivating a personal relationship with Christ Jesus?
Distraction: a distracted culture. Our environments breed minds that wander. How do you let yourself be distracted?
Unequipped: many of us are unequipped. Our ability to engage in spiritual disciplines and liturgies are weak because we are underdeveloped and have not formed practices that enable us to: know how to properly read and interpret the Bible, intercede and speak to God as One we believe hears and listens to us, or open up in vulnerability to those who care about us. It is the mission of the local church to help others approach and know God. How do you see the local church equipping you to cultivate your own firsthand spirituality?
Busyness: this may be the biggest obstacle for many of us. Regular busyness swallows up our time and reduces the opportunities to be with God. Religious busyness is being busy for God. We replace zealous doing for God instead of being with God. However busy we choose to be, whether directly or indirectly for the Kingdom of God, works will never replace the true cultivation of a firsthand spirituality and relationship with God. What are the forms of busyness that prevent you from being still and spending time with God?
What does this mean for us?
No matter how many obstacles stand in-between you and God, He will not punish or penalize you. Choose to do one thing for Him: by His grace, choose to enter into a firsthand experience with Him again. At any moment in your life, seek to know Him (and He will make Himself known to you), seek to give your heart to Him (and He will give you new life filled with power, strength, peace, and joy), and turn back to Him (He will open His arms widely to embrace you).
Sermon reflection questions:
What stuck out from the sermon as you learned more about secondhand spirituality? Do you see yourself relying on the spirituality of others?
What personal convictions did the sermon uncover for you to seek out in your relationship with Jesus?
What is 1 thing you can do this week in response to cultivate a firsthand relationship with God?
Prayer
Jesus, I choose to turn back to You and I want to know You in a deep, personal, and intimate way. I desire to enter into a genuine relationship where I truly know YOU and not just know about You on a superficial level. I know You are not content in having a secondhand relationship with me. Lord, come into my life and lead me to have a firsthand experience with You.
