5.

Confronting the evil spirits in our pilgrimage and deliverance sessions

Acts 19: 13-20. Mark 5: 1-20

  • Session: 5
  • Week: 1
  • Day: 5
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Introduction

In this session, Acts 19: 12-22, we focus on understanding the different ways of confronting the evil spirit in our pilgrimage and that of our beloved. we will be warned of the danger of attempting to confront the evil spirits in our pilgrimage without the cover of the blood of Jesus. We will also learn the doctrine of casting out devils from the example of Jesus and Paul.

Objectives

By the end of this session, the learner will have:

  • Identified different ways of deliverance from the evil spirits
  • Warned of the danger of casting out devils without a cover
  • Identify different power centers during deliverance sessions
  • Appreciated the impact that results from effective deliverance sessions

Outline

  • Followers’ classes in the synagogue and discussion halls,
  • Class without boundaries, i.e., mountain, by the sea, in one
  • Word of God spread mightily
  • Healing, preaching, teaching, and praying with them

Group Study Time

Acts 19: 13-20. Mark 5: 1-20

Connecting

  • Gather with two or more people for a community discovery bible study session.
  • Start with a heartfelt prayer, inviting God to guide and bless your understanding.
  • Explore the passage by reading it at least twice, using different Bible versions if available, then retell the story together as a group.
  • Reflect and share the challenges and blessings you experienced from the previous study.

Comprehending

  • Read Acts 19: 12-20. What is the meaning of driving an evil spirit out of a man? What is deliverance? How do evil spirits keep the bride of Christ out of their spiritual blessing? Identify an appropriate way to cast out evil spirits in these verses?
  • Read Acts 19: 17-20. What do you do with objects of witchcraft from the people you deliver to? Identify 7 power centers (defiled rivers which pollute the garden of God) that people need to be delivered from to access blessings in their pilgrimage?
  • Identify an inappropriate method of casting out devils in these verses. What is the possible danger of casting out devils without the covering of the blood of Jesus?
  • Read Acts 19: 13-20. Describe the sons of Sceva who possible target audiences in the city were. What shows that they were not real believers in Christ?

Extra question

  • Read Mark 5: 1-20. Identify 7 truths about casting out devils from Jesus’s example

Committing

  • Engage with the Bible—read, study, memorize, meditate, pray, listen, and live it out.
  • List three lessons you have learnt as an agent of change that you would like to put into practice and teach others about.
  • Take time and worship Jesus with the attributes revealed about Christ.
  • Use the SPACEPETS model, to assist you in putting God’s word into practice. Look for:
    • Sin to confess
    • Promise to claim
    • Attitude to change
    • Command to keep
    • Error to change
    • Prayer to make
    • Example to copy
    • Truth to obey and
    • Something praiseworthy

Communicating

  • Identify one person you can connect with and share the valuable insights and lessons you gained from this session.
  • Reach out to a new believer—either in person or by phone—and pray with them to support them through their challenges, including any concerns about attending church.
  • Create a new group and guide others through this study to help them grow in their understanding.

Post Lesson Teaching Summary

Great job completing the study! Take a moment to listen to this summary to reinforce your group’s understanding of the text and ensure you’re all on the same page. We’re here to support your learning journey!

Confronting the evil spirits in our pilgrimage and deliverance sessions

Acts 19: 13-20. Mark 5: 1-20

Acts 19:12-20

Context

  • Acts 19:12-20 continues the Ephesian church narrative, focusing on overcoming demonic barriers to access God’s spiritual blessings during the pilgrimage.
  • It contrasts the power of Jesus’ name when used by authorized believers with the failure of those without His covering.

Overcoming Demonic Barriers to Blessings (Acts 19:12-20)

  • Miraculous Power: God performs miracles through touched items, healing the sick and expelling evil spirits, enabling the church to access spiritual blessings.
  • Failed Exorcism: Seven sons of a Jewish chief priest attempt to cast out demons using Jesus’ name without being born again. The spirit acknowledges Jesus but overpowers them, leaving them beaten.
  • Widespread Impact: The incident spreads fear in Ephesus, elevating Jesus’ name. Believers confess sins, and sorcerers burn valuable witchcraft scrolls, renouncing demonic practices.
  • Breaking Witchcraft: Ephesus’ witchcraft culture, supported by instructional scrolls, is dismantled through public repentance, freeing people to receive God’s blessings.
  • Authority in Christ: Only those under Jesus’ blood can confront demonic powers, highlighting the need for genuine faith to overcome Satan’s influence.
  • Gospel’s Growth: Fear of God and honor for Jesus lead to repentance, causing the word of the Lord to spread powerfully.
  • Pilgrimage Call: Pilgrims must rely on Jesus’ authority to break demonic strongholds, ensuring access to God’s blessings.

Application

  • Trust in Jesus’ authority, covered by His blood, to overcome demonic barriers. Renounce sinful practices, rely on the Holy Spirit, and spread God’s blessings on the pilgrimage to Zion.