Yoke of Exousia: Bad Assumption

Ok, we moved from "The Assignment" of the servants into reviewing the "Bad Assumption" of this week.  Our case study was based in Acts 19:8-16 - the Seven Sons of Sceva.  The Apostle Paul is in Ephesus and spent 2 years sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Some believed, others didn't.  Some folks went on to "act out" what they believed ... while others (the Seven Sons of Sceva) attempted to function the same.  Here is where the "bad assumption" steps into the picture.  When one takes on a power or authority which isn't theirs, they will eventually run into trouble.

Based on our group discussion, we covered some points from scripture and suppositions about what may have occurred.  There were "incantations" used, perhaps the demon expulsion was a money maker, perhaps it was "smoke and mirrors".  In the end, if there isn't an authenticity of authority, a person will fail.

We continued our discussion by doing a quick review of another Greek word - "dynamis" (G1411), or "release of power" - like dynamite.  Of the many scriptural references which use this Greek word, here are a few highlights:

• Gospels: Jesus acted/worked by dynamis
• Acts 1:8 - the Day of Pentecost - dynamis from the Holy Spirit
• 1 Corinthians - miracles (dynamis)
• 2 Corinthians - dynamis in clay containers
• 2 Timothy 1:7 - having a form of godliness, but, denying the dynamis

When we look specifically at the last reference above, the "denying" (Greek G720) indicates "not to accept" or to "refuse something that is offered".  The whole discussion creates a spectrum for our review:

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"bad assumption"                                                    "refuse an offer"

You see, we don't want to be on either extreme of the spectrum above ... we want to be EXACTLY where God wants us and sees us according to Romans 12:3.  Because, when we are exactly where God sees us, there is nothing that can stop us from doing His will and purpose for the assignment given to us!

Changing my thinking to match His ...