A Secondhand Faith is Not Genuine Faith

 Sermon: "A Secondhand Faith is Not Genuine Faith” by Fleury Ndongozi

Introduction:

Dear friends, today's reflections draw inspiration from the sons of Sceva in Acts 19:13-16. 

13 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” 16 Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.

This narrative reveals the dangers of a secondhand faith, emphasizing that relying solely on external factors, even with a priestly heritage, does not guarantee genuine spiritual security.

I. The Sons of Sceva's Background:

These young men had the advantage of growing up in a religious home. Their father was a priest, and it's likely they inherited a sense of religious heritage. However, we learn from their story that a family's religious background alone cannot guarantee a personal, vibrant relationship with Jesus.

In understanding the limitations of their heritage, let's turn to Ezekiel 18:20, where the prophet declares, "The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son." This verse underscores the personal responsibility each soul bears, irrespective of familial background.

II. The Illusion of Security:

The sons of Sceva might have assumed a false sense of security due to their father's position. It's a common misconception that religious affiliations or family connections can substitute for a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus. External appearances do not guarantee the genuine transformation that comes from a living faith.

To dispel the illusion of security in external affiliations, consider Matthew 3:9, where John the Baptist warns, "And do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father,' for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham." True security rests not in heritage but in a personal relationship with God.

III. Vulnerability to Spiritual Attacks:

Despite their father's role as a priest, the sons of Sceva were not immune to spiritual attacks. This underscores the truth that our spiritual vulnerabilities cannot be shielded by external factors. A secondhand faith leaves us susceptible to the schemes of the enemy, emphasizing the need for a personal, individual connection with Jesus

Reflecting on spiritual vulnerabilities, 1 Peter 5:8 cautions, "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." Regardless of our background, acknowledging our vulnerability directs us to a dependence on Christ, our true source of strength.

IV. Genuine Faith Requires Personal Relationship:

Contrast a secondhand faith with genuine faith. Scripture teaches us in John 3:16 and Romans 10:9 that personal belief in and confession of Jesus as Lord are essential. Genuine faith is marked by a deep, personal connection with Christ, transcending mere adoption of familial or cultural beliefs.

In aligning with John 14:6, where Jesus declares, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me," we affirm that genuine faith necessitates a personal connection with Jesus. External rituals cannot substitute for the transformative power found in Him alone.

V. Lessons for Today:

Let's bring these lessons into our contemporary lives. In a world where external appearances can be deceiving, let's examine the authenticity of our own faith. Are we relying on a secondhand faith or cultivating a personal, vibrant relationship with Jesus?

For contemporary application, Romans 12:2 advises, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." In a world of external pressures, let our faith be transformed, not conformed.

VI. Cultivate Personal Faith:

Turning to James 4:8, "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you," let's encourage one another to cultivate a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus. Our faith is not inherited; it is discovered in the pursuit of a living connection with our Savior.

I encourage each one of you to cultivate a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus. Let's not merely adopt the beliefs of others but seek a living faith that transforms our hearts. Whether we come from a long line of believers or are the first in our families to follow Christ, the call is the same – to know Him personally.

Conclusion:

As we conclude, let these verses resonate: "A Secondhand Faith is Not Genuine Faith." Personal responsibility, the call to true security in Christ, acknowledgment of vulnerability, and the necessity of a personal connection with Jesus—all these biblical truths challenge us to cultivate an authentic, transformative faith. May our lives be a testament to the genuine power of Christ. Amen

Stay blessed and rapturable!

/Fleury Ndongozi