Empowered by Relationship: The Authority of Jesus' Name

Today, we gathered in the presence of God to lift up the name of Jesus, to worship, and to be reminded of the power and authority that comes through faith in His name. We celebrated the truth that Jesus is mighty in battle, victorious, and that there is no one like Him. As we looked into Acts chapters 3 and 4, we saw how Peter and John, ordinary men without wealth or status, became conduits of God’s miraculous power simply because they had spent time with Jesus. The healing of the lame man at the temple gate was not about silver or gold, but about giving what they had—faith in the name of Jesus. This miracle sparked a wildfire of faith, leading thousands to believe, and it also provoked opposition from religious leaders who feared the spread of Jesus’ name.

We reflected on the reality that spending time with Jesus changes us, and as we become more like Him, we will face resistance from the world. Yet, it is precisely this identification with Jesus that brings miracles, deliverance, and transformation—not only in our lives but in the lives of those around us. The authority to minister, to heal, and to cast out oppression does not come from our own abilities, but from being connected to Jesus and carrying His name with reverence and faith.

We also examined the story of the seven sons of Sceva in Acts 19, who tried to use the name of Jesus without relationship or authority, and were overpowered by evil spirits. This is a sobering reminder that the power of Jesus’ name is not a formula or a magic word, but is effective only when we are truly in Christ—baptized in His name, filled with His Spirit, and living in obedience. The name of Jesus is precious, powerful, and not to be taken lightly or in vain. It is the name that saves, delivers, and brings new life.

We were challenged to live every aspect of our lives in the name of Jesus—at home, at work, in worship, and in prayer. We are called to be worshipers who cannot be kept down, who encourage others to worship, and who let the light of Christ shine in a world that desperately needs Him. The invitation was given to repent, to be baptized in Jesus’ name, to receive the Holy Ghost, and to walk in the authority and victory that only Jesus can give. Whatever the need—healing, deliverance, provision, or salvation—Jesus is present, and His name is enough.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. The Power of Jesus’ Name Flows from Relationship, Not Ritual The authority to heal, deliver, and minister in Jesus’ name is not found in religious formulas or outward actions, but in a living relationship with Him. Like Peter and John, it is time spent with Jesus that transforms us and enables us to be vessels of His power. Without that connection, even the right words are empty, as seen in the failure of the sons of Sceva. [48:23]
• 2. Worship is Both a Weapon and a Witness True worshipers are not easily kept down by life’s trials. Worship lifts us up, brings us back to our feet, and becomes contagious—encouraging others to join in. When we worship, we invite the presence of God, and that presence brings healing, deliverance, and joy, not just for ourselves but for those around us. [52:01]
• 3. The Name of Jesus Demands Reverence and Brings Authority The world and the enemy are not threatened by our good deeds or religious activity, but by the authority of the name of Jesus. We must guard against using His name in vain or treating it casually, for it is the name that saves, delivers, and gives us access to God’s power. When we honor His name, we walk in spiritual authority that the enemy cannot counterfeit. [72:43]
• 4. Faith Stretches the Limits of What God Can Do God responds to faith that expects the impossible. The early church saw extraordinary miracles because they believed that anything could happen in Jesus’ name. We are called to stretch our faith, to believe for citywide revival, for healing, and for deliverance—not because of our worthiness, but because of the greatness of Jesus. [60:48]
• 5. Living in Jesus’ Name Transforms Every Area of Life We are called to do everything—in word and deed—in the name of Jesus. This means carrying His presence and authority into our homes, workplaces, schools, and communities. When we live this way, we become light in the darkness, and the world cannot help but notice the difference Jesus makes. [80:35]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [37:01] - Lifting Up the Name of Jesus
• [38:46] - Calling Men to Leadership and Faith
• [42:45] - The Power of Spending Time with Jesus
• [47:05] - Miracles Through Ordinary People
• [48:23] - Authority Comes from Relationship
• [49:38] - The Attack on the Name of Jesus
• [52:01] - The Resilience of True Worshipers
• [55:09] - The Church Must Have Jesus’ Presence
• [56:31] - The Importance of a Clean Conduit
• [58:19] - The Enemy Fears the Name of Jesus
• [59:28] - Faith for Extraordinary Miracles
• [63:34] - The Danger of Imitation Without Authority
• [72:43] - The Meaning and Reverence of Jesus’ Name
• [80:35] - Living Every Day in Jesus’ Name
• [83:45] - Walking in Authority Wherever You Go
• [86:55] - The Power of Repentance and Testimony
• [89:25] - Testimonies of Healing and Restoration
• [92:11] - The Gift of the Holy Ghost for All
• [93:56] - Responding to God’s Invitation
• [97:16] - Connecting to Jesus and Ministering to Others
• [98:48] - Prayer of Repentance and Receiving
• [99:49] - Worship and Deliverance in Jesus’ Name

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Power and Authority of Jesus’ Name

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Bible Reading

Acts 3:1-16 (ESV)
> Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
>
> While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s. And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.”

Acts 19:11-20 (ESV)
> And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them. Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.

Colossians 3:17 (ESV)
> And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

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Observation Questions

1. In Acts 3, what did Peter and John offer the lame man at the temple gate, and what was the result?
2. According to Acts 19, what happened when the seven sons of Sceva tried to use the name of Jesus without truly knowing Him?
3. What does Colossians 3:17 say about how we should live our daily lives?
4. In the sermon, what was the reaction of the religious leaders when Peter and John healed the lame man in Jesus’ name? [[49:38]]

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Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Peter and John emphasized that the healing was not by their own power or holiness, but by faith in the name of Jesus?
2. What does the story of the seven sons of Sceva teach us about the difference between using Jesus’ name as a formula and having a real relationship with Him? [[01:03:34]]
3. The sermon said, “The authority to heal, deliver, and minister in Jesus’ name is not found in religious formulas or outward actions, but in a living relationship with Him.” What does this mean for how we approach prayer and ministry? [[48:23]]
4. How does living “in Jesus’ name” (Colossians 3:17) affect the way we interact with others at home, work, or in our community? [[01:20:35]]

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Application Questions

1. The sermon challenged us to spend more time with Jesus, because “spending time with Jesus changes us.” What is one practical way you can set aside time this week to be with Jesus? How do you think this might change your attitude or actions? [[48:23]]
2. Peter and John gave what they had—faith in Jesus’ name—to someone in need. Is there someone in your life who needs encouragement, prayer, or help? What is one thing you can do for them this week, even if you feel you have little to offer? [[47:05]]
3. The seven sons of Sceva tried to use Jesus’ name without relationship or authority and were overpowered. Are there areas in your life where you have tried to “do the right thing” without really depending on Jesus? What would it look like to invite Him into those areas? [[01:03:34]]
4. The sermon said, “Worship lifts us up, brings us back to our feet, and becomes contagious—encouraging others to join in.” When was the last time you worshiped God even when you didn’t feel like it? How can you encourage someone else to worship this week? [[52:01]]
5. The name of Jesus is not to be taken lightly or in vain. Are there ways you have treated Jesus’ name casually or without reverence? What steps can you take to honor His name more in your words and actions? [[01:12:43]]
6. The early church believed God could do the impossible. Is there something in your life or in our city that seems impossible right now? What would it look like to stretch your faith and pray boldly in Jesus’ name for that situation? [[01:00:48]]
7. Colossians 3:17 says to do everything in the name of Jesus. What is one area of your daily routine (work, school, home, etc.) where you want to be more intentional about carrying Jesus’ presence and authority? [[01:20:35]]

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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person walk in the authority, faith, and relationship that comes from truly knowing and honoring Jesus’ name.