Living with Authority: The Power of Jesus' Name
Summary
### Summary
Today's sermon delved into the profound significance of doing things "in Jesus' name." We began by exploring the common practice of ending prayers with "in Jesus' name, amen," and questioned the rationale behind it. This led us to John 14:13-14, where Jesus promises that whatever we ask in His name, He will do. However, many of us have experienced moments when our prayers, even those ending in Jesus' name, seem unanswered. This discrepancy prompted a deeper exploration of the authority and meaning behind Jesus' name.
We discussed the historical and biblical context of names carrying authority, such as a king's decree or a Roman centurion's command. Jesus, having been given all authority by the Father, extended this authority to His disciples and, by extension, to us. This authority is not just a matter of saying the right words but understanding and embodying the character and mission of Jesus.
The sermon also highlighted the importance of names in the Bible, showing how God changed Abram's name to Abraham and Sarai's to Sarah, breathing life into their destinies. Similarly, Moses changed Hosea's name to Joshua, signifying "Yahweh saves," which foreshadowed Jesus (Yeshua), whose name means the same and who lived up to it in the fullest sense.
We then examined why saying "in Jesus' name" is not a magical formula. James 4:3 tells us that we often ask with wrong motives, seeking to fulfill our desires rather than God's will. Jesus Himself, in the Garden of Gethsemane, prayed for God's will over His own. This teaches us that invoking Jesus' name means aligning our requests with His character, mission, and the will of the Father.
Finally, we were reminded that living in Jesus' name involves embodying His compassion, love, and faithfulness. It means striving to fix brokenness in ourselves and others, just as Jesus did. Our ultimate goal is to live in such a way that, at the end of our days, we hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant," rather than, "I never knew you."
### Key Takeaways
1. Authority in Jesus' Name: The authority in Jesus' name is not just about saying the words but understanding and embodying His character and mission. Jesus was given all authority by the Father and extended this to His disciples. This authority is rooted in a deep relationship with Jesus and a commitment to His will. [06:09]
2. Significance of Names: In the Bible, names carry profound meanings and destinies. When God changed Abram's name to Abraham and Sarai's to Sarah, He breathed life into their destinies. Similarly, Jesus' name, Yeshua, means "Yahweh saves," and He lived up to this name fully. Understanding the significance of names helps us grasp the depth of doing things in Jesus' name. [24:11]
3. Right Motives in Prayer: James 4:3 teaches us that our prayers are often unanswered because we ask with wrong motives, seeking to fulfill our desires rather than God's will. Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane exemplifies the right attitude: "Not my will, but Yours be done." Praying in Jesus' name means aligning our requests with His character and the Father's will. [37:14]
4. Living in Jesus' Name: To do things in Jesus' name means to act with the same compassion, love, and faithfulness that He did. Jesus healed the sick and cast out demons out of compassion and a desire to fix brokenness. We are called to embody these same qualities, striving to fix brokenness in ourselves and others. [44:14]
5. Eternal Perspective: Our ultimate goal is to live in such a way that we hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant," at the end of our days. This requires a genuine relationship with Jesus and a commitment to His mission. We must ensure that our actions and prayers align with His will, avoiding the danger of hearing, "I never knew you." [53:08]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:27] - Introduction to the Theme
[03:34] - Authority in Jesus' Name
[06:09] - Historical Context of Authority
[08:13] - The Roman Centurion's Faith
[10:45] - Jesus' Authority and Creation
[12:16] - Disciples' Authority
[13:32] - Adoption into God's Family
[15:04] - Understanding Authority
[17:08] - Disheartening Unanswered Prayers
[19:23] - Responsibility to Understand Teachings
[20:42] - Biblical Significance of Names
[24:11] - God Breathing Life into Names
[26:05] - Joshua's Name Change
[29:28] - Jesus as Yeshua
[30:08] - Jesus as Emmanuel
[31:21] - Greater Works in Jesus' Name
[32:21] - Casting Out Demons
[34:23] - Sons of the High Priest
[36:49] - Asking with Right Motives
[39:18] - Aspects of God's Character
[42:16] - Doing Things in Jesus' Name
[44:14] - Jesus' Compassion and Healing
[47:41] - Fixing Brokenness
[50:17] - Pointing Out Sin
[51:59] - Praying for God's Will
[53:08] - Terrifying Passage in Matthew
[54:48] - Living in Jesus' Name
[57:13] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 14:13-14 (ESV): "Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it."
2. James 4:3 (ESV): "You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions."
3. Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV): "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. According to John 14:13-14, what does Jesus promise to those who ask in His name?
2. What reason does James 4:3 give for why some prayers are not answered?
3. In Matthew 7:21-23, what criteria does Jesus give for entering the kingdom of heaven?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to ask for something "in Jesus' name" according to the sermon and John 14:13-14?
2. How does the historical context of names carrying authority, as discussed in the sermon, deepen our understanding of praying in Jesus' name?
3. Reflecting on James 4:3, how can our motives affect the outcome of our prayers?
4. What does Matthew 7:21-23 suggest about the importance of a genuine relationship with Jesus versus merely performing religious acts?
#### Application Questions
1. Think about a recent prayer you made. Were your motives aligned with God's will or more focused on personal desires? How can you better align your prayers with Jesus' character and mission?
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of embodying Jesus' compassion, love, and faithfulness. Can you identify a specific area in your life where you can show more of these qualities?
3. How can you ensure that your actions and prayers are genuinely in Jesus' name and not just a ritualistic habit?
4. Reflect on a time when you felt disheartened by an unanswered prayer. How can understanding the right motives in prayer (James 4:3) help you process that experience?
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of fixing brokenness in ourselves and others. Is there a specific brokenness in your life or someone else's that you feel called to address? What steps can you take to begin this process?
6. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus to ensure that you are not just performing religious acts but truly living in His name?
7. Considering the eternal perspective discussed in the sermon, what changes can you make in your daily life to hear "Well done, good and faithful servant" at the end of your days?
Devotional
Day 1: Authority in Jesus' Name
Understanding and embodying the authority in Jesus' name is crucial for every believer. This authority is not merely about uttering the words "in Jesus' name" but involves a deep relationship with Jesus and a commitment to His will. Jesus was given all authority by the Father and extended this authority to His disciples. When we act in Jesus' name, we are called to reflect His character and mission. This means that our actions and prayers should align with His teachings and the will of the Father. The authority in Jesus' name is a profound responsibility that requires us to live out our faith authentically and with integrity.
In the historical and biblical context, names carried significant authority. For instance, a king's decree or a Roman centurion's command held power because of the authority behind the name. Similarly, when we invoke Jesus' name, we are tapping into the divine authority given to Him by the Father. This authority is not a magical formula but a call to live in alignment with Jesus' character and mission. As believers, we are entrusted with this authority to bring about God's will on earth, just as Jesus did. [06:09]
Matthew 28:18-19 (ESV): "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to better align your actions and prayers with the authority and character of Jesus? How can you start embodying His mission more faithfully today?
Day 2: Significance of Names
In the Bible, names carry profound meanings and destinies. When God changed Abram's name to Abraham and Sarai's to Sarah, He breathed life into their destinies, signifying a new purpose and identity. Similarly, the name Jesus (Yeshua) means "Yahweh saves," and He lived up to this name fully by fulfilling God's plan of salvation. Understanding the significance of names helps us grasp the depth of doing things in Jesus' name. It is not just about the words we say but about embodying the essence and mission that the name represents.
Names in the biblical context often signified a person's character and destiny. For example, when Moses changed Hosea's name to Joshua, it signified "Yahweh saves," foreshadowing the ultimate salvation brought by Jesus. This understanding of names underscores the importance of living in alignment with the character and mission of Jesus. When we do things in Jesus' name, we are called to reflect His love, compassion, and faithfulness. It is a call to live out our faith in a way that honors the name we bear as Christians. [24:11]
Genesis 17:5 (ESV): "No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations."
Reflection: How does understanding the significance of names in the Bible change your perspective on doing things in Jesus' name? What steps can you take to ensure that your actions reflect the character and mission of Jesus?
Day 3: Right Motives in Prayer
James 4:3 teaches us that our prayers are often unanswered because we ask with wrong motives, seeking to fulfill our desires rather than God's will. This is a crucial lesson for believers who seek to pray in Jesus' name. Jesus Himself, in the Garden of Gethsemane, exemplified the right attitude by praying, "Not my will, but Yours be done." Praying in Jesus' name means aligning our requests with His character and the Father's will. It requires us to examine our motives and ensure that our prayers are in line with God's purposes.
When we pray with the right motives, we are more likely to see our prayers answered because they align with God's will. This alignment is essential for effective prayer. Jesus' example in the Garden of Gethsemane teaches us the importance of surrendering our desires to God's will. By doing so, we demonstrate our trust in God's plan and His wisdom. Praying in Jesus' name is not about using a magical formula but about seeking God's will above our own. It is a call to self-examination and a commitment to align our hearts with God's purposes. [37:14]
James 4:3 (ESV): "You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions."
Reflection: Reflect on your recent prayers. Are there any that were driven by personal desires rather than seeking God's will? How can you realign your prayer life to better reflect the character and mission of Jesus?
Day 4: Living in Jesus' Name
To do things in Jesus' name means to act with the same compassion, love, and faithfulness that He did. Jesus healed the sick and cast out demons out of compassion and a desire to fix brokenness. As His followers, we are called to embody these same qualities, striving to fix brokenness in ourselves and others. Living in Jesus' name involves more than just words; it requires action that reflects His character and mission. It is a call to live out our faith in tangible ways that demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus.
Living in Jesus' name means being His hands and feet in the world. It involves reaching out to those in need, showing compassion to the hurting, and working to bring healing and restoration. Jesus' ministry was marked by acts of love and compassion, and as His followers, we are called to continue this work. This means being attentive to the needs around us and responding with the same love and care that Jesus showed. It is a call to live out our faith in practical ways that make a difference in the lives of others. [44:14]
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."
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can show compassion and love to someone in need this week. How can you embody the character and mission of Jesus in your actions?
Day 5: Eternal Perspective
Our ultimate goal is to live in such a way that we hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant," at the end of our days. This requires a genuine relationship with Jesus and a commitment to His mission. We must ensure that our actions and prayers align with His will, avoiding the danger of hearing, "I never knew you." Living with an eternal perspective means prioritizing our relationship with Jesus and His mission above all else. It is a call to live with purpose and intentionality, knowing that our ultimate reward is to be with Him forever.
An eternal perspective helps us to focus on what truly matters. It reminds us that our time on earth is temporary and that our ultimate goal is to be with Jesus for eternity. This perspective shapes our priorities and influences our decisions. It calls us to live in a way that honors Jesus and reflects His character. By keeping our eyes on the eternal reward, we are motivated to live faithfully and to seek God's will in all that we do. It is a call to live with a sense of purpose and urgency, knowing that our actions have eternal significance. [53:08]
Matthew 25:21 (ESV): "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'"
Reflection: How does having an eternal perspective change the way you live your daily life? What steps can you take to ensure that your actions and prayers align with God's will and His eternal purposes?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "So, when you think about the phrase, in Jesus' name, what comes to mind? For most people, the next word after in Jesus' name is amen, right? Because that's how we close prayer for a lot of people. But did you ever stop and think where that came from? What's the point of doing stuff if we don't know why we do it?" [02:27](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So, if a pagan who didn't acknowledge Jesus' deity was able to benefit from it just by submitting to the authority that he didn't understand what's in store for us, we understand that Jesus is, in fact, the one and only, or the only begotten son of the only true God." [09:56](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God doesn't want us doing that. He wants us to understand who we are because we understand whose we are. So what's in a name? By now, we have a decent understanding of authority, right? I'm not going to harp on that, that we receive from Jesus, both through the agency that he assigned to us and by us being adopted into God's family." [15:04](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If we're going to do things in Jesus's name, what that means is that we absolutely have to do it exactly the same way and for exactly the same reasons that he would have. And if we don't really know Jesus, we can't do it. We can't do that. We have to be, our only way to know Jesus is to be led by the Spirit and spend time with him and to pray and ask for wisdom." [42:45](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So I'll leave you with this. And I have learned the fine art of when preachers say in closing, you got about another 20 minutes. It's right there. See, I got it. We gotta do everything the same way that Jesus did it. He did things out of compassion. He did things out of love." [48:45](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "So, let's see what the Bible has to say about it. First of all, we all understand, or we should, I've got to stay away from the monitors. We should understand that there is authority in Jesus' name specifically, but just in general, names carry authority. Have you ever watched an old TV show or a movie where there's a policeman and he's like, Stop in the name of the law! Or some kind of movie about the medieval times, and somebody says, In the name of King Saul! Such and such. I hereby declare that, you know, something's going to happen. They do it in Game of Thrones all the time. We can talk about how I ain't supposed to be watching Game of Thrones at a different time. But, real history, historically in human history, and in the Bible too, that actually meant something." [05:26](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So, I was talking about Jesus driving out demons, healing the sick. Those were both acts of compassion. Make no mistake, if somebody is possessed by a demon, they're suffering. If somebody's sick, they're suffering. Julie talked about her migraine, this morning. You could see on her face she was suffering. Jesus didn't want people to do that. Everywhere he went, he healed the sick. There's even a passage that says he went back to his hometown, but the only thing that he could do because they didn't believe that he was who he said he was, was heal a few sick people. On his worst day, Jesus was healing people. It was that compassion." [44:14](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So, part of what Jesus did while he was here, it's not written in our Bibles, but a big part of what he did was he went around fixing brokenness. That was a big part of his mission while he was walking the earth was to fix brokenness. And you know what? That's part of his mission right here today, 2,000 years later, is to heal the broken. Only the creator can pick up broken pieces and put them back together the way that they're supposed to be." [46:17](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Whenever we're praying and we say in Jesus' name, we have to have that exact same mentality. We have to say, God, this is my preference, but your plan is better. I've always heard people say, if you won't make God laugh, tell him your plans. God, your will, not mine. And then the other thing I want to leave with is what I personally consider the absolutely necessary, most terrifying passage in the entire Bible. I'm just gonna put it out there. It's concerning in times. It's not in Daniel. It's not in Revelation. It's in Matthew. Jesus said, not everybody who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, though the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." [52:31](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If we're gonna do something in Jesus' name, we gotta make sure that we have that relationship with God that Jesus had, that everything we do is for the glory of God and to further the kingdom of God or it's completely pointless. Jesus is gonna be like, I didn't tell you to do that. It's like I don't even know who you are. So again, whenever we say, in Jesus' name, we're asking it as Jesus would have. With the same motivation, the same desired outcome. Not only that, we need to make sure that we're living our everyday lives the way that he would, the way that he would have." [54:15](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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