"Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the LORD Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.
And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so" (Acts 19:13-14).
The seven sons of Sceva had followed apostle Paul and keenly observed how he exorcised evil spirits. From Paul, they had learnt the correct words to say, the right moves to make and the relevant and most important name to mention in order to drive out demons. They assumed that since they knew how Paul did it, that knowledge also certified them to do what Paul did. But they were wrong, so very wrong. The evil spirits taught them that lesson in a very hard way.
Authority comes with commission, appointment and direct instruction. If you were never commissioned for a task or appointed to a duty, you would not have authority in that particular field, though you may know so much about that task. The seven sons of Sceva were beaten up, wounded and disgraced because they attempted to perform a task they were not appointed to undertake. The evil spirit gave them a sharp reply in verse fifteen: "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?"
The demon spokesman was saying in essence, "I know that Jesus has conquered principalities and powers and has received all authority in heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18). I also know that Paul has authority in His name to cast out devils because Jesus has given authority to those who have received Him as Lord and are serving Him in righteousness (Luke 10:19), and has commanded them to go and cast out devils (Mark 16:17). But what authority have you to command us in Jesus' name, or who gave you any such power?"
Friends, that you know how to do a thing does not necessarily confer on you the authority to do same. Knowledge may bring power, but it will be an error to think it also automatically brings authority or legitimacy. It is not everyone who knows how to preach that God has called to be a preacher. A lot of people in the church know so much in the Bible but such knowledge would not confer pastoral authority upon them. I personally know a couple of people who have been Christians ever before I gave my life to Christ, Who knows the Bible more than I do, but are not called into the ministry as I am.
Beloved, it will be your wisdom to know what your knowledge of the Scriptures qualifies you to do and what it does not qualify you to do. For no man takes this honour unto himself except he that is called (Hebrews 5:4). It is only those who are called of God to particular assignments who will receive grace and authority from God to function safely, effectively, successfully and prosperously in those assignments.
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