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Name: John Doe
BIBLE STUDY PROJECT: APPLICATION TEMPLATE
Passage: Acts 19:11-22
What points of application can be made using the “Four Questions for Application?” State and
explain 1 point of application for each of these four questions. Your explanation for each of these
points should be 1 paragraph (200-300 words) in length, clearly connected to a part of this
passage (by way of a verse quotation and/or citation), specific to this passage, and relevant.
1. The Question of Duty
The passage highlights the stark contrast between Paul's ministry, characterized by "God
[working] unusual miracles by the hands of Paul" (Acts 19:11), and the sons of Sceva's failed
attempt at exorcism. The sons, lacking genuine faith, sought to exploit the name of Jesus for
personal gain. Their humiliating defeat underscores that true spiritual authority and power stem
from a sincere relationship with God, not from empty rituals or religious formulas. This contrast
challenges believers to examine their own motivations and actions. The passage prompts us to
ask: Are we serving God out of genuine faith and obedience, or are we driven by selfish ambition
or a desire for recognition? The narrative serves as a reminder that our actions should be rooted
in a deep love for God and a desire to fulfill His will, not in seeking personal glory or accolades.
It calls us to align our actions with God's purposes, recognizing that true spiritual power flows
from a place of surrender and submission to Him. For believers today, this passage challenges us
to reflect on our own motivations and actions. Are we serving God out of genuine faith and a
desire to fulfill His will, or are we driven by selfish ambition and a desire for recognition? The
story calls us to examine our hearts and ensure that our actions are rooted in a deep love for God
and a commitment to His purposes. True spiritual power flows from a place of surrender and
submission to God, and it is through this genuine relationship that we can experience His
transformative power in our lives.
2. The Question of Character
The Ephesians' response to the events in Acts 19:11-22 provides a powerful example of
repentance and transformation. The text describes how "many of those who believed kept
coming, confessing and disclosing their practices" (Acts 19:18). They even publicly burned their
magic scrolls, a tangible demonstration of their turning away from evil and immoral practices.
This calls for introspection and a willingness to confront any areas in our lives that are not
aligned with God's will. The passage encourages us to cultivate humility, recognizing our
dependence on God's grace, and to actively pursue repentance, turning away from sin and
embracing a life transformed by Christ. The burning of the scrolls serves as a powerful symbol
of the radical change that occurs when we encounter the truth of the Gospel. It challenges us to
examine our own lives and to be willing to let go of anything that hinders our relationship with
God. The passage encourages us to cultivate humility, recognizing our dependence on God’s
grace. True repentance involves not only acknowledging our sins but also taking active steps to
turn away from them. It is a continuous process of transformation, driven by a desire to live a life
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that reflects the teachings of Christ. The Ephesians’ example reminds us that genuine repentance
requires action and often involves making difficult choices to remove obstacles in our spiritual
journey.
3. The Question of Goals
The extraordinary miracles performed through Paul and the subsequent transformation in
Ephesus serve as a powerful testament to God's power and the life-changing message of the
Gospel. The text notes that "the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power" (Acts
19:20). This challenges believers to prioritize God's glory and the advancement of His Kingdom
above personal ambitions or worldly pursuits. It calls for a commitment to sharing the Gospel,
recognizing that true fulfillment comes from participating in God's redemptive work. The
passage serves as a reminder that our ultimate goal should be to see God's name exalted and His
Kingdom established in the hearts of people. The spread of the Gospel in Ephesus, despite
opposition and challenges, inspires us to persevere in sharing the good news with others, trusting
in God's power to transform lives. Furthermore, the passage underscores the importance of
aligning our actions with God’s will. It is a call to examine our motivations and ensure that our
efforts are directed towards advancing God’s Kingdom rather than seeking personal glory. The
transformation in Ephesus serves as a powerful example of what can happen when believers are
fully committed to God’s purposes. It challenges us to let go of selfish ambitions and to embrace
a life dedicated to serving God and others. In conclusion, the extraordinary events in Ephesus
remind us of the transformative power of the Gospel and the importance of prioritizing God’s
glory in our lives. By committing to share the Gospel and trusting in God’s power, we can
participate in His redemptive work and witness the profound impact it can have on individuals
and communities.
4. The Question of Discernment
The sons of Sceva's misguided attempt to use Jesus' name without genuine faith highlights the
critical need for discernment in spiritual matters. The evil spirit's response, "Jesus I know, and
Paul I know; but who are you?" (Acts 19:15), exposes the danger of engaging in spiritual
practices without a proper understanding of their source and purpose. This calls for believers to
be discerning, testing everything against the Word of God and seeking the guidance of the Holy
Spirit. The passage encourages us to be vigilant in guarding against counterfeit or deceptive
practices, recognizing that true spiritual power comes from God alone. It is through a genuine
relationship with Him and a commitment to His truth that we can navigate the complexities of
the spiritual realm and live in a way that honors and glorifies Him. The events in Ephesus serve
as a cautionary tale, reminding us to be discerning in our spiritual practices and to avoid any
attempts to manipulate or control spiritual forces apart from a genuine relationship with God.
Moreover, this passage challenges believers to examine their own spiritual practices and
motivations. In the Everyday Bible Study, the authors ask “Are we seeking to serve God with a
sincere heart, or are we driven by selfish ambitions and a desire for recognition (Cartwright and
Hulshof, 2019)?” True spiritual authority and power come from a place of surrender and
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obedience to God. It is through a deep, personal relationship with Him that we can experience
His power and presence in our lives.
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Bibliography
Cartwright, J., & Hulshof, C. (2019). Everyday Bible Study: Growing in the Christian Faith.
B&H.H
