Empowered by Faith: The Authority of Jesus' Name
Summary
The sermon focuses on the significance of faith and love, as highlighted in Ephesians chapter 1 verse 15, and the power and authority vested in the name of Jesus. The speaker urges believers to be known for their love, mercy, and acts of kindness, drawing from their personal experiences and struggles to live from a Christlike nature. They share insights from their own marriage and the wisdom imparted by Pastor Mike Shepard on the importance of repentance and forgiveness in relationships.
The speaker delves into the necessity of understanding Jesus' name, encouraging the congregation to study the gospels and read "The Wonderful Name of Jesus" by E.W. Kenyon. They stress the importance of asking for forgiveness and being peacemakers, praying for the audience to receive wisdom and revelation in their knowledge of God. The sermon also emphasizes the believer's hunger for righteousness and commitment to being doers of the word, expecting to see results and fruit in their lives.
The authority believers have in Jesus' name is a central theme, with the speaker referencing Mark 16:17-18 and Acts 3:6 to illustrate the power to overcome satanic oppression and afflictions. They encourage the use of Jesus' name confidently and quickly, asserting that belief can change feelings and bring the body into alignment with faith.
The speaker identifies with the Pentecostal denomination, embracing the move of the Holy Ghost and the healing power of Jesus' name. They share testimonies of protection and deliverance experienced by invoking Jesus' name and emphasize the privilege of using it as believers. The speaker recounts their personal journey of overcoming anxiety and teaching their daughter to call upon Jesus in times of trouble, referencing John 14:13 to highlight the power of attorney given to believers.
The sermon also includes anecdotes about the protective power of Jesus' name in dangerous situations and the importance of teaching children to rely on it. The speaker discusses the right and permission to use Jesus' name granted to those born again into God's family, using it to exercise authority over demons and overcome challenges, including personal struggles with addiction.
Finally, the speaker shares a story of a missionary's miraculous protection through Jesus' name and expresses frustration with prayers made in one's own name rather than invoking Jesus'. They draw parallels between the authority of medieval kings and the delegated authority given to believers by Jesus, encouraging the congregation to use Jesus' name in all aspects of life for joy and fulfillment.
Key Takeaways:
- Faith and love are inseparable in the Christian walk, with love being the tangible expression of faith in action. Believers are called to be known for their love, demonstrating mercy and forgiveness as a reflection of their Christlike nature. This love extends beyond personal relationships to all interactions, serving as a witness to the transformative power of the gospel.
- Understanding the name of Jesus is crucial for believers, as it encompasses the authority and power given to them. By studying the scriptures and seeking deeper revelation, Christians can grasp the significance of Jesus' name and the implications it has for their lives, enabling them to walk in victory and overcome challenges.
- The act of asking for forgiveness is not only a humbling experience but also a key aspect of Christian maturity. It aligns believers with the peacemaking heart of Jesus and opens the door to wisdom and revelation, which are essential for understanding God's calling and exercising the authority given to them.
- The name of Jesus is a source of strength and quickening for believers. It carries the power to bring healing, deliverance, and protection. By invoking Jesus' name, Christians can experience soundness in their bodies and lives, reinforcing their authority over any negative circumstance.
- Believers have been given the power of attorney to use Jesus' name, which is a privilege and responsibility. This authority allows them to act on Jesus' behalf, overcoming demonic powers and bringing their desires before God with the assurance of His response. It is a call to exercise faith boldly and to witness the fulfillment of Jesus' promise that joy may be complete.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 1:15-23 (NIV)
> "For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way."
2. Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV)
> "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
3. John 14:13-14 (NIV)
> "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."
#### Observation Questions
1. What two qualities did Paul hear about the Ephesians that prompted him to give thanks? (Ephesians 1:15)
2. According to Philippians 2:9-11, what is the significance of the name of Jesus?
3. In John 14:13-14, what promise does Jesus make about asking in His name?
4. How does the speaker describe their natural tendency versus their desired Christlike nature? ([04:20])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize both faith and love in his letter to the Ephesians? How are these two qualities interconnected? (Ephesians 1:15)
2. What does it mean for believers to have the "power of attorney" to use Jesus' name, as described in the sermon? ([17:56])
3. How can understanding the authority in Jesus' name change a believer's approach to prayer and spiritual warfare? ([25:01])
4. What role does repentance and forgiveness play in maintaining peace and exercising spiritual authority, according to the speaker's personal experiences? ([06:12])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you had to choose between acting out of your natural tendency and your Christlike nature. How did you handle it, and what would you do differently now? ([04:20])
2. The speaker shared about the importance of asking for forgiveness and being a peacemaker. Is there someone in your life you need to ask for forgiveness from or extend mercy to? How will you approach this? ([06:12])
3. How can you incorporate the practice of invoking Jesus' name in your daily life, especially in moments of anxiety or temptation? ([15:39])
4. Think of a time when you experienced the power of Jesus' name in your life. Share this experience with the group and discuss how it strengthened your faith.
5. The speaker mentioned teaching their daughter to call upon Jesus in times of trouble. How can you teach and model this practice to the younger generation in your family or community? ([17:16])
6. In what ways can you deepen your understanding of Jesus' name and its authority? Consider setting a goal to study specific scriptures or read recommended books like "The Wonderful Name of Jesus" by E.W. Kenyon.
7. How can you ensure that your faith and love are evident to others, as Paul noted about the Ephesians? What specific actions can you take this week to demonstrate these qualities in your interactions? (Ephesians 1:15)
Devotional
Day 1: Love as Faith's Expression
Love is the hands and feet of faith, actively reaching out to show mercy and kindness. It is through acts of love that faith becomes visible, transforming relationships and bearing witness to the gospel's power. Love is not passive; it is a deliberate choice to embody Christ's nature in every interaction. [07:40]
1 John 3:18 - "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."
Reflection: Who in your life needs a tangible expression of love today, and how can you show it to them?
Day 2: The Authority in Jesus' Name
The name of Jesus is not just a label; it is a mantle of authority for believers. Understanding this authority is key to walking in victory, as it empowers Christians to overcome life's challenges and to stand firm against spiritual opposition. It is a profound truth that requires both study and faith to fully grasp and utilize. [15:30]
Acts 4:12 - "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."
Reflection: In what situations this week can you more consciously rely on the authority of Jesus' name?
Day 3: The Heart of a Peacemaker
Forgiveness and peacemaking are not signs of weakness but of spiritual maturity. They reflect the heart of Jesus and open the door to deeper wisdom and revelation. Asking for forgiveness is a powerful step towards healing and reconciliation, aligning believers with God's purpose and peace. [22:45]
James 3:17-18 - "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness."
Reflection: Is there a relationship in your life where you need to initiate peace and seek forgiveness?
Day 4: Healing in His Name
The name of Jesus is a wellspring of healing and quickening. It brings alignment between our bodies and our faith, offering deliverance from affliction and disease. Believers are called to use Jesus' name with confidence, expecting to see the manifestation of His power in their lives. [30:10]
Luke 9:1-2 - "When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick."
Reflection: What physical or emotional ailment do you need to address with the healing power of Jesus' name today?
Day 5: Delegated Authority to Believers
Believers have been given the power of attorney to act in Jesus' name, a privilege that carries great responsibility. This delegated authority allows Christians to confidently bring their requests to God and to stand against demonic forces. It is a call to live boldly in faith, witnessing the fulfillment of Jesus' promises. [38:55]
Ephesians 6:10 - "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power."
Reflection: How can you exercise the authority given to you in Jesus' name in a specific area of your life this week?
Quotes
"Faith and love go hand in hand. We're Faith people, but we need to be love people—people who love, show mercy, and are quick to forgive." [03:16] (Download)
"What that also means is that you're the first to repent, you're the first to ask for forgiveness, you're in charge of the peace in your home." [06:12] (Download)
"It's humbling yourself to say I made a mistake, I'm sorry, forgive me. And whether they say something or not, it does not matter. My heart is, I'm asking for forgiveness, I am making this right." [07:41] (Download)
"The name of Jesus is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. The name of Jesus, man, I'm telling you, man, Jesus, the first thing that comes out of your mouth shouldn't be oh shoot, it should be Jesus." [34:00] (Download)
"The name of Jesus will make you strong and will strengthen you, will Quicken you. Let the weak say I'm strong, right when you're feeling weak, when you're feeling down, when you're feeling like you can't go forward, that's when you tap on that name." [30:39] (Download)
"The right to use the name [of Jesus] and the privilege to use it comes in the new birth. So when you get born again, if you're a born-again child of God, you now have the ability to use that name." [21:28] (Download)
"Every demon in hell has to bow to the name of Jesus. Demonic power has to bow to the name of Jesus." [23:51] (Download)
"Jesus holds the highest position in the universe as the head of the church and he is saying to us, whatever you ask, ask it in my name, use my name. It's like a power of attorney, Jesus is alive at this point and he's giving us the power of attorney to use his name." [17:56] (Download)
"When you'll deploy the name of Jesus, I'm telling you, there's power behind that name. So he's saying whatever you ask, do it in my name, that I will do, that the father may be glorified in the son." [20:49] (Download)
"We're hungry for righteousness, we're hungry for your word, we're hungry to develop into what you've called us to be, father. We're all in with you, we want to learn and we want to grow." [10:18] (Download)
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