Acts 19 challenges people who talk about Jesus but don’t actually belong to Jesus.

Acts 19:1-10 

1. Right Doctrine Matters

Paul meets disciples who had received John’s baptism—repentance without the fullness of Christ.

- Paul explains Jesus fully: crucified, risen, reigning.

- They are baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

- Repentance without resurrection power produces good people, not bold witnesses.

- Right theology fuels real experiences.

- The Holy Spirit is not an add-on. He’s the engine of change and power.

Acts 19:11-20 

2. Authority Comes from Relationship, Not Vocabulary

- Demons do not fear Christian phrases.

- They fear Christ-filled people

3. The Holy Spirit Produces Fear of God, Not Self-Promotion.

- This was not private repentance—it was costly obedience.

- True revival always costs something.

4. Authentic Faith Trumps Religious Activity

- The sons of Sceva were active—but not authentic.

- Jesus does not outsource His authority: You either abide in Him, or you don’t.

5. The Holy Spirit Is Not an Add-On

- Acts 19 shatters the idea that the Spirit is optional. The Spirit:

- Christianity without the Spirit becomes moralism or performance.

6. True Encounters Produces Radical Repentance

- They burned spell books, sources of income, tools of identity

- They didn’t just stop doing evil—they destroyed access to it.

- Question for today: What would repentance cost you?

If you’ve been near Jesus but not surrendered—repent.

If you’ve known religion but not power—ask for a fresh filling of the Spirit.

If you’ve kept hidden idols—burn them.

“So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.” (Acts 19:20)

That’s what happens when real Jesus meets real repentance through real power.