Today we will talk about “Jesus I know, Paul I know, but who are you?” This phrase originates from the book of Acts and carries significant implications for believers. Its message calls us to reflect on our relationships with Jesus and our understanding of spiritual authority. It’s important for us as Christians to recognize the transformative power of knowing Christ personally. As we explore this topic, let’s meditate on God’s Word together and seek wisdom that helps us grow in our faith and in our identity as children of God.
Jesus I Know, Paul I Know, But Who Are You?
The Power of Identity in Christ
Understanding who we are in Christ is fundamental to our faith. The phrase “Jesus I know, Paul I know, but who are you?” (Acts 19:15) serves as a reminder that spiritual identity is rooted in our relationship with Jesus. The context refers to a group of itinerant Jewish exorcists who attempted to invoke the name of Jesus in their attempts to drive out evil spirits, without having a personal relationship with Him. The demons recognized Jesus and Paul, but these exorcists lacked the necessary identity that comes through a genuine faith in Christ.
The term “know” in this context is derived from the Greek word “ginosko” which denotes an intimate, experiential knowledge rather than just an intellectual awareness. It’s one thing to know about someone, but it’s entirely different to have a personal relationship with them. In John 17:3, Jesus emphasizes this relationship by stating, “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (ESV). This highlights that knowing God and Jesus is central to our eternal life. One can only accurately represent the authority of Jesus if one knows Him intimately, just as Paul did.
Let’s look at some biblical figures who had a personal walk with God and thus wielded spiritual authority:
- Moses spoke to God face to face (Exodus 33:11).
- David wrote songs expressing his deep love and knowledge of God (Psalm 23).
- Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Messiah contributed to his spiritual authority (Matthew 16:16).
To build a robust identity in Christ, we must spend time in His Word, engage in meaningful prayer, and fellowship with other believers who encourage and challenge us in our spiritual growth. God’s Word faithfully reminds us of our identity as His children (1 John 3:1). Moreover, in 2 Corinthians 5:17, the promise of being a new creation in Christ affirms our changed identity.
The Importance of Spiritual Authority
Spiritual authority is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith. In the scene with the seven sons of Sceva, we witness a stark contrast between genuine authority and imitation. The authority is rooted in one’s relationship with Christ and is not something to be taken lightly. Ephesians 6:12 states, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (ESV). This scripture highlights that we are engaged in a spiritual battle; therefore, knowing the source of our authority—Christ—is of utmost importance.
In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” He then commissions us to go and make disciples, using that authority to continue His work on earth. It’s essential to recognize that authority goes hand in hand with responsibility. When we step into our identity in Christ, we are also stepping into His empowerment.
Notably, the exorcists were trying to use Jesus’ name, but they lacked a personal relationship with Him, resulting in their failure. This serves as a warning for us to examine our spiritual lives. Are we living out our faith authentically? Are we channeling our identity in Christ, or are we merely referencing Him from a distance? Our effectiveness in spiritual matters is directly tied to our intimacy with the Lord.
The Role of Faith in Spiritual Warfare
As we engage in spiritual warfare, our faith becomes a key component of our victory. Hebrews 11:6 affirms that “without faith it is impossible to please God.” Faith gives us access to God’s power and provision. When we affirm our relationship with Christ, we can confidently approach trials and troubles, knowing that we are equipped for battle.
In Ephesians 6:10-17, Paul outlines the armor of God, emphasizing that each piece is crucial for our defense and offense in spiritual warfare. The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the shield of faith all serve to empower us as believers. However, these items only function effectively when we exercise our faith—a living faith that trusts God for our needs and situations.
Notably, in Mark 9:23, Jesus reassures us, “All things are possible for one who believes.” Our faith is what translates our relationship with Christ into real empowerment. It opens doors, provides courage, and fosters resilience in the face of opposition. When we know who we are in Christ, is also reflected in our faith—a faith that can move mountains (Matthew 17:20).
The Consequences of Spiritual Pretenders
The outcome of the seven sons of Sceva serves as a cautionary tale for believers. When they attempted to invoke Jesus’ name without having a genuine relationship with Him, they were overpowered by the evil spirit. This narrative reveals how seriously God takes authenticity in our walk with Him. In Matthew 7:22-23, Jesus says, “On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” (ESV). Here, we see that even apparent success in ministry does not equate to true knowledge of Christ.
This statement reiterates that outward appearances or performances do not count if they lack genuine relational depth. Spiritual pretenders risk being exposed and forcibly reminded that the authority to use Christ’s name comes from a personal relationship grounded in faith and trust in Him. We are reminded to continuously pursue a deeper, more authentic relationship with Christ to avoid such pitfalls.
Understanding the Nature of Spiritual Warfare
Spiritual warfare transcends mere exorcisms or confrontations with evil spirits. We are continually engaged in battles against doubts, fears, and lies that the enemy may use to undermine our faith. 2 Corinthians 10:4 states that “the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” (ESV). It’s crucial to understand that our pursuit of a close relationship with God equips us with the tools necessary for overcoming such strongholds.
In 1 Peter 5:8, we are cautioned to “be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (ESV). This reinforces the need for vigilance and reliance on Christ, the source of our strength and identity. When we are armed with knowledge of Christ and our rightful place as His children, we can boldly confront the enemy. Through prayer, worship, and the Word, we claim the authority Jesus has given us: we are not just passive victims; we are active participants in God’s mission.
Moreover, we are encouraged not to isolate ourselves from the Body of Christ—community strengthens our faith. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us that “two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.” (ESV). Together, we grow, fortify, and stand in the face of spiritual battles.
Knowing Jesus Personally
The foundation of our spiritual authority rests entirely on knowing Jesus personally. How can we achieve this intimate connection? Through prayer, worship, and engaging with Scripture, we open ourselves to His teachings and embrace His guidance. Jesus invites us into relationship (Revelation 3:20), and as we respond to His invitation, we begin to flourish in our faith.
Philippians 3:8 expresses the desire to know Christ: “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (ESV). This perspective shifts our focus from earthly pursuits to spiritual ones, where our identity and purpose are found in Him alone. Daily seeking Him transforms our lives, as described in Romans 12:2, urging us to be “transformed by the renewal of your mind.” Our growth in Christ allows us to fulfill our God-given destiny.
As we learn to walk closely with Jesus, we see His work in our lives. Our struggles, weaknesses, and sins are met with grace as we grow in our understanding of who He is and how much He loves us. Galatians 2:20 states, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (ESV). This teaches us that as we surrender to Him, our lives reflect His light, and through this authentic representation, we wield spiritual authority over darkness.
Final Thoughts
Through our exploration of the words “Jesus I know, Paul I know, but who are you?”, we uncover that true identity in Christ comes from a personal relationship with Him. It is not enough to know about Jesus; we must know Him intimately to tap into the authority He has given us.
As we engage actively in spiritual warfare, it becomes essential to develop our faith through prayer, study, and fellowship. By understanding the importance of our identity in Christ, we recognize the empowerment available to us and the responsibility that comes with it. May we strive to know Jesus more deeply, reflecting His love and grace in every aspect of our lives.
Finally, let’s commit ourselves to genuine faith and a vibrant relationship with Christ, knowing that it is in Him that we find our strength, identity, and purpose. May our journey inspire us to seek Him daily, equipping us to confront any challenges and bear witness to His glory.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4