What is the difference between sincere faith and counterfeit faith?
This morning we are exploring the issue of the miraculous and the ridiculous, the godly and the ungodly, the real and the counterfeit, in terms of faith. We are exploring the great miracles that God performed through Paul in Ephesus, compared with the attempts to copy these miracles by others, especially the infamous Seven Sons of Sceva.
There are countless ways to counterfeit anything. Bank tellers and money changers are trained to recognize counterfeit currencies by becoming experts in the authentic currencies. They are not trained by learning all about the many different kinds of counterfeit bills, because that would just lead to confusion. Rather, they are taught that by learning the traits of the authentic monies, they can recognize the counterfeit when it comes along.
There is a parallel truth for believers. We should become experts in the authentic, in the truth of God. And if we are grounded in his word, and in the experience of walking with his Spirit, and in knowing genuine believers, we will not be fooled by the fake and phony when it comes along. Become an expert in knowing and obeying the truth of God and your faith will be solid. You will build your life upon the rock.
