Jesus I Know, Paul I Know… But Who Are You?" By Pastor M.Gaudin

"And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?"  Acts 19:13–16 

Introduction

There are many people who know the language of faith but have never experienced the power of a relationship with Christ. They can quote Scripture, attend church, and imitate spiritual leaders, yet heaven and hell both recognize authenticity.

In Acts 19, seven sons of Sceva attempted to cast out a demon using the name of Jesus—not because they knew Jesus, but because they had heard Paul preach about Him. They wanted the authority without the relationship, the power without the surrender, and the results without the commitment. The demon's response has echoed through the centuries:

"Jesus, I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?"

1. Hell Recognizes Genuine Authority

The evil spirit acknowledged Jesus first.

Jesus is the King of kings. Every demon knows His authority. His name is not magic; it carries power because of who He is.

Then the spirit said, "Paul I know."

Paul was not famous because of wealth or status. He was known because he belonged to Christ, lived a life of obedience, and walked in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Our greatest goal should not be to be known by the world but to be faithful to Christ.

2. Borrowed Faith Cannot Win Spiritual Battles

The sons of Sceva borrowed Paul's words but not Paul's life.

They knew the name of Jesus, but they did not know Jesus.

Many people try to live on someone else's faith:

Their parents' faith.

Their pastor's faith.

Their spouse's faith.

Their church's faith.

But God calls each person into a personal relationship with Him.

No one can believe for you. No one can pray your way into a relationship with Christ. You must know Him for yourself.

3. Your Private Life Produces Your Public Authority

Paul's authority was built long before Acts 19.

He prayed.

He suffered.

He obeyed.

He preached faithfully.

He walked closely with Christ.

Authority in public ministry is born from faithfulness in private devotion.

Before God uses someone publicly, He shapes them privately.

4. The Name of Jesus Is Not a Formula

The sons of Sceva treated Jesus' name like a magical phrase.

The name of Jesus is not a charm or a ritual. It is the name above every name, entrusted to those who belong to Him and submit to His lordship.

Power flows from relationship, not from repetition.

5. The Question We Must Answer

The demon asked, "Who are you?"

That question invites self-examination.

When people look at your life, do they see Christ?

When trials come, do they see faith?

When temptation comes, do they see integrity?

When you pray, is it from habit or from a living relationship with God?

The most important identity is not your title, your career, or your reputation. It is whether you are known by Christ.

Conclusion

The goal is not for demons to know our names. The goal is for Jesus to know us.

One day we all will stand before Him. The greatest words we can ever hear are:

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

Do not settle for borrowed faith.

Know Jesus personally.

Walk with Him daily.

Live by His Spirit.

Serve Him faithfully.

Then your life will carry the unmistakable evidence that you belong to Christ.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that true spiritual authority comes from a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. Forgive me for the times I have relied on appearances instead of obedience. Draw ME closer to You. Fill ME with Your Holy Spirit, shape MY character, and make MY life reflect Christ in every area. Help me to walk in humility, faithfulness, and holiness so that everything I do bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, Amen.

"Christ in You, The Hope of glory"