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“Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. A number who had practised sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.” (Acts 19:18-20)

This account occurred in Ephesus after the supposed failure of the seven sons of Sceva to cast out an evil spirit from a man, which actually led to many believing in the superior power and truth of Jesus Christ.

We often learn far more from failure than success and we can learn much from their account.

We learn there is no power in reciting words, formulas or rules. There is no power in mere humans.

Rather, power comes from the Holy Spirit, who can dwell within all believers of Jesus Christ.

We learn, the Holy Spirit gives us our identity as beloved children of God and gives us the authority of Jesus Christ meaning evil spirits will recognise and submit to us in His name.

Ephesus was a city of immorality, idolatry and the occult. In some ways no different to the culture we are immersed in today. We need, as Paul did, to exercise our identity and authority in Christ, given through the Holy Spirit to battle all schemes of satan. Through the Holy Spirit we have all the weapons and armour we need for victory.

The Holy Spirit also brings freedom from any darkness within us through the power of revelation, conviction, confession and repentance.