Counterfeit Spirits
Why are we so fascinated with the supernatural? Why are we drawn to stories about ghosts, angels, demons, and spiritual powers? And could our fascination with the unseen world reveal something about how God created us? The Bible makes it clear that there’s more to reality than what our physical eyes can see. But it also reveals an important truth: Not everything spiritual is from God.
In this message from Counterfeit Kingdom, Pastor David takes us into Acts 19, where the apostle Paul encounters a culture filled with spiritual practices, supernatural beliefs, and people searching for power. Through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, extraordinary miracles, and the seven sons of Sceva, we discover the difference between experiencing God’s power and attempting to manipulate it.
Along the way, we’re challenged to examine whether we’re genuinely seeking a relationship with Jesus or simply looking for what He can do for us. Counterfeit spirituality attempts to control spiritual power. Biblical spirituality calls us to surrender to the God who possesses it. The question isn’t whether you believe in the spiritual world. It’s whether you’ve surrendered your life to the One who has authority over it.
Acts 19
Discussion topics
- HEAD – What did Jesus say to you through the Word?
- Read Genesis 2:15, Genesis 3:17 and Genesis 11:4
- Read Colossians 1:16–17 and Ephesians 6:12. What do these passages teach us about the spiritual world and Jesus’ authority over it? How should that shape the way Christians think about supernatural things?
- Read Acts 19:1–12. What differences do you notice between the disciples receiving the Holy Spirit and God performing extraordinary miracles through Paul? What does this teach us about the source of spiritual power?
- Read Acts 19:13–20. What were the seven sons of Sceva attempting to accomplish by using Jesus’ name? How was their approach different from Paul’s relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit?
- HEART – How did it make you feel?
- Am I seeking a relationship with God, or am I primarily seeking what God can do for me? How can we recognize the difference between genuinely pursuing Jesus and simply wanting His help, protection, or provision?
- Where am I trying to control an outcome instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to lead me? What makes surrender difficult when God’s direction doesn’t match our expectations?
- cts 19 describes people abandoning spiritual practices they had previously trusted. Are there things in your life you’ve begun depending on for security, direction, or peace more than you’re depending on God? What might surrender look like in those areas?
- HANDS – What are you going to do with it?
- “Am I submitted to the Holy Spirit, or am I trying to manipulate spiritual power?” Invite each person to complete this statement: “This week, I’m choosing to surrender __________ to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.”
- God can meet you where you are without intending to leave you where you are? Where does God need to meet you?
Check out our other audio series and video playlists that can help you find Jesus in every moment and then discover what’s next
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Recent Comments