SERMON OUTLINE # 1 - "Who Are Ye?"

"Who Are Ye?"

Text: Act. 19:15-20


Nowadays, lots of people are claiming that they are Christians - preaching the same gospel as we do but deceiving many. John warns us to try every spirit (1 Jn. 4) and not to believe on them immediately though they preach Christ. We have to know them well whether they are of the truth or not.

In the passage, the sons of Sceva tried to cast out an evil spirit using the name of Jesus whom the apostle Paul preached yet the spirit rebuked them saying, "And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? (v. 15)" As a result, they were the ones who were kicked out naked and wounded by the spirit. Thus, it is truly essential to make sure that one must have the true spirit of Christ and not just assuming things which are not.

The following points may help us in understanding the things need to be manifested to anyone who has the spirit of the true God.

I. Let God's glory be made known in you
   a. Shine as lights of this dark and sinful world - Mat. 5:14-16
   b. Listen and be obedient to the voice of the Lord - Jn. 10:27

II. Be of one mind with the other believers - Act. 4:20,32; 1 Cor. 10:10; 6:17

III. Stand firm before God - Act. 5:29; 6:2b; 2 Tim. 1:7-10; Rom. 1:16,17

IV. Continue preaching the gospel without hesitation - Act. 5:41,42; 26:18,28,29; 1 Cor. 2:4-5; 9:16-18

V. Willing to die for God's sake - Act. 21:13,14; 1 Cor. 15:31

VI. Resist sins & turn away from them - 1 Cor. 15:33,34; Jas. 4:7

VII. Show holiness, righteousness, & godliness that lead to perfection - 2 Cor. 7:1,10; Lk. 1:74,75; Eph. 1:4; 1 Pet. 1:15,16; 2 Pet. 3:11; 1 Tim. 6:11; 1 Pet. 2:24

When the above-mentioned points are observed and manifested, God's name will be magnified and be glorified. Also, a lot of people will know and believe the only true God especially on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. In such case, the word of God will eventually prevail (Act. 19:17-20). Therefore, it is important that one must check himself that he is in the faith and that the spirit of God resides in him before claiming that he is a Christian (2 Cor. 13:5).