February 23, 2014 – Pastor Tim – “The Name”
Philippians 2:6-10, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,
The name of Jesus, which is the most powerful name on heaven and earth Jesus belongs to us as believers. We have a right to use the Name of Jesus. The right to use the Jesus’ name is a blessing given to the Church, to every child of God.
We have a fourfold right to use the Name.
- First, we are born into the family of God, and the Name belongs to the family. Ephesians 2:19, Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
- Second, we are baptized into the Name. And being baptized into the Name, we’re baptized into Christ Himself. Galatians 3:26-29, For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
- Third, the Name was conferred (awarded, bestowed, presented, granted, given) upon us by Jesus. He gave us the power of authority. Luke 9:1-2, Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Acts 4:7-10, And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?”
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.
Ephesians 3:9-12, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ 10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.
- Fourth, we are commissioned as ambassadors to go and herald the Name of Jesus among the nations. We’re representatives of Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:20, Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.
Mark 16:15-18, And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they[a] will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
As a believer, I can’t find anywhere in the Bible where it says we need to have any special faith to use the Name of Jesus, because the Name already belongs to us. There is “no special faith necessary” all one has to be is a believer.
You don’t need any special faith to get in your car and drive it. You wouldn’t think about saying, “Pastor, I want you to pray for me that I will have enough faith to put the key in the ignition of my car and drive it home.” No, you already know that you have the key in your pocket, and you know what to do with it. So you act in faith unconsciously.
You see, it takes knowing what is yours. Ephesians 3:17-21, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. When we come to know that the Name of Jesus is ours and that we have the right to use the Name of Jesus we’ll begin to use it as unconsciously as we use the key to start your car and drive it.
Jesus said in John 14:13-14, And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
And in John 16:24, Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
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