Philippi

1. Paul and Silas are praying

Prayer was instrumental to their ability to see God work.

• Prayer holds back the working of the demonic
• Prayer will activate the demonic as well
• Prayer is a weapon of power
  • Note: Eph. 6:18 NIV 

Be alert during your times of prayer

• You have tapped into the heart of God
  • The demonic can’t stand it

1. The girl was able to predict the future.

• She could also fortune-tell 

She had a “Python spirit.”

• The spirit spoke through the individual
• The term, “ventriloquist” was used to describe this person

The demonic are real and active.

1 John 4:1-6 NIV 

“Most High God” (vs. 17)

• Only used twice in the New Testament
  • Mark 5:7 NIV He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!”
  • Acts 16:17 NIV She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.”
    • Only used by the demonic
  • Note: Isa. 14:14 NIV I will ascend above the tops of the clouds;
        I will make myself like the Most High.”
    • Spoken by Satan
  • Most High
    • El Elyon
    • God the Creator of Heaven and Earth

1. The power of the name of Jesus Christ (vs. 18)

Paul is troubled by what is taking place.

• To distract your attention

The victory for the souls of the Philippian people rested upon what Paul would do with the girl.

Paul knew what was happening.

• It wasn’t about the girl
• It was about the evil spirit
  • She too needed the love of Jesus Christ
  • Her deliverance opened up the chance for Christ to change her life

Paul turns to the spirit and commands it to come out.

• In the name of Jesus Christ

The power to overcome the demonic is in the Name.

• Col. 1:16-17 NIV 

“I command you” – in the name of Jesus Christ

• To transmit a message
• To give a charge
• To declare
  • Yes, to command

Be careful that it is because of the “Name” that you declare or command.

• Note: Acts 19:11-16 NIV 

Take a ways:

1. Your power is through prayer

• It reveals the power and presence of God

1. Your position is in Jesus Christ

• The Holy Spirit is present in your life
• Eph. 3:14-19 NIV

1. Your authority is through the Name – Jesus Christ

• Matthew 28:18-20 NIV