Sermon on 1 May 2022 by Pastor Paul
Introduction
Proverbs chapter 18 talks about the ways of the wise in comparison with fools. But verse 10 in contrast brings in the name of the Lord, telling us that we can find safety in His name. Proverbs is in the Old Testament, before mention of the name Jesus Christ. God’s names include Jehovah Jireh the provider, Jehovah Shalom our peace, Wonderful Counsellor. The name of the Lord is also Jesus.
Message
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. – Proverbs 18:10
The name of Jesus has authority (Philippians 2:9-11; Matthew 28:18; Luke 10:17)
He is the almighty who created the heaves and the earth.
Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. – Philippians 2:9-11
The authority of Jesus is upon us when we go out to make disciples. We do not do this based on our own power but on the authority that Christ has given to us.
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18
Even the devil will flee at the name of Jesus. Therefore, we do not need to fear when we have Jesus with us.
When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!” – Luke 10:17
The name of Jesus has power (1 Corinthians 5:4; Mark 16:17-18; Acts 4:24-31)
Even though I am not with you in person, I am with you in the Spirit. And as though I were there, I have already passed judgment on this man in the name of the Lord Jesus. You must call a meeting of the church. I will be present with you in spirit, and so will the power of our Lord Jesus. – 1 Corinthians 5:3-4
These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.” – Mark 16:17-18
Reflect on whether our prayer is in line with God’s will. If so, when we pray in the name of Jesus, there is great power. Let His power manifest in your life. Let Jesus heal because nothing is impossible with Him.
When they heard the report, all the believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God: “…… be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. – Acts 4:24-31
The name of Jesus brings healing (Acts 3:6)
Jesus’ disciple Peter saw a man who was unable to walk. Peter had compassion for the man and brought upon the healing power of Jesus Christ.
But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” – Acts 3:6
The name of Jesus brings salvation (John 20:31; Acts 2:21)
We deserve to be destroyed, as we have sinned against God. But by believing in Him we are saved.
But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name. – John 20:31
When we call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are depending on Him. We trust in Him. We will want to follow Him. Therefore, we want to be obedient to His words. Calling on His name is an act of trust and dependency, not merely saying His name.
But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. – Acts 2:21
The name of Jesus must be honoured (Exodus 20:7; Acts 19:13-17; 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)
We do not take His name lightly because we respect and honour Him.
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. – Exodus 20:7
In Acts, the seven sons of Sceva were not believers but they used Jesus’ name in trying to drive out a demon. The consequence was that they were struck by the demon. This is a lesson for us that we do not get the full power and authority of the Lord just by saying His name.
A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered. The story of what happened spread quickly all through Ephesus, to Jews and Greeks alike. A solemn fear descended on the city, and the name of the Lord Jesus was greatly honored. – Acts 19:13-17
How do we honour the name of Jesus?
Calling out His name alone does not honour Him. It is about the way we live. Are we living as good sons and daughters? Good students? Good employees? Good homemaker? Good support for the family? No matter our role, or where we are, reflect on whether we are living in the right manner which is pleasing to God.
So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honoured because of the way you live, and you will be honoured along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ. – 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
Closing
Pray in the name of Jesus and live in a manner to glorify the name of Jesus. Remember Proverbs 18:10. Remember that the name of Jesus has authority, power, brings healing, brings salvation and must be honoured.
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. – Proverbs 18:10
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