Unlocking Freedom Through the Name of Jesus
Summary
Today, we gathered in a spirit of expectation, believing that God is ready to do something great in our lives. We began by coming together in prayer, lifting up every need—spoken and unspoken—trusting that God hears and answers when we call on Him. There was a special sense of unity and hunger for God’s presence, as we praised Him and invited His Spirit to move among us. We welcomed new faces and celebrated the young people who joined us, recognizing that God is drawing all generations to Himself.
The heart of our time together centered on the power and authority found in the name of Jesus. Using the image of a locked door and a single key, we explored how so many of us try every possible solution—money, relationships, accomplishments—to unlock the answers and freedom we desperately seek. Yet, only the name of Jesus is the true key that opens the door from darkness into light, from bondage into freedom, from despair into hope. The name of Jesus is not just a word; it is the very power of God at work for those who believe.
We were reminded that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord—not just in the future, but as a present reality for those who submit to Him now. When we call on His name, mountains move, darkness flees, and the enemy is defeated. But this power is not automatic; it is unleashed when we align ourselves with God’s will, submitting our lives fully to Him. The devil has no choice but to flee when we are truly surrendered to Jesus.
No matter how small or weak we may feel, or how relentless the enemy seems, the authority of Jesus’ name is greater than any force that comes against us. Like children on a playground facing a bully, we are defenseless on our own, but when we cry out to Jesus, the enemy must let go. The greatest miracle of all is the salvation found in Jesus’ name—repentance, baptism, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit. This is the lifeboat that rescues us from the waves of sin and brings us into eternal safety.
We are challenged to stop pushing against locked doors in our own strength and instead use the key that God has placed in our hands: the name of Jesus. Whether we need healing, deliverance, restoration, or salvation, everything we need is found in Him. Today is the day to call on His name, to step out in faith, and to experience the transformation that only Jesus can bring.
Key Takeaways
- The Name of Jesus Is the Only True Key
Many of us spend our lives trying every possible “key” to unlock the answers we seek—money, relationships, achievements—but only the name of Jesus truly opens the door to freedom, healing, and purpose. When we call on His name, we move from darkness into light, and what once seemed unreachable becomes possible. The authority of Jesus’ name is not theoretical; it is the practical key to a transformed life. [39:50]
- Submission Unlocks Power
The power in Jesus’ name is not just accessed by speaking it, but by submitting our lives to His lordship. True victory over the enemy comes when we align ourselves with God’s will, letting go of our own control and surrendering fully to Him. When we submit, the devil loses his grip, and God’s unstoppable plan is released in our lives. [48:09]
- Cry Out to Jesus—Don’t Settle for Defeat
Like children facing a bully, we are powerless against the enemy on our own. Friends, family, and self-effort cannot deliver us. But when we cry out to Jesus, the enemy must flee, because he recognizes the unmatched authority of Christ. Don’t walk around defeated—call on Jesus and let Him bring you out of isolation, despair, and bondage. [52:02]
- Salvation Is the Greatest Miracle in His Name
The ultimate purpose of Jesus’ name is not just to perform miracles or defeat the enemy, but to bring salvation to our souls. Repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit are the steps to eternal life. This is the lifeboat that rescues us from sin and secures our place in God’s family—don’t hesitate to call on Him for salvation. [55:06]
- Stop Pushing—Use the Key God Has Given
Too often, we exhaust ourselves trying to force open doors that only Jesus can unlock. The invitation is to stop striving in our own strength and simply use the key God has placed in our hands: His name. When we call on Jesus, the door opens, light floods in, and we find new hope and purpose. Everything we need is within reach when we trust in Him. [59:09]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:07] - Gathering in Prayer and Praise
[33:37] - Special Recognitions and Announcements
[34:52] - The Name Above Every Name
[39:50] - The Key That Unlocks the Door
[41:23] - Every Knee Will Bow
[42:36] - Why Jesus’ Name Is Powerful
[43:58] - Declaring All Power in Jesus’ Name
[45:23] - Faith Versus Unbelief
[48:09] - Submission and Alignment with God
[50:23] - Facing the Enemy’s Bullying
[51:07] - Crying Out for Help
[52:02] - The Devil Must Flee
[55:06] - The Bold Call to Believe and Be Saved
[59:09] - Stop Pushing—Use the Key
[01:01:44] - Invitation to Respond
[01:02:51] - The Door Opens by His Name
[01:03:41] - Final Call to Surrender
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Power and Authority in the Name of Jesus
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### Bible Reading
Philippians 2:9-11 (ESV)
> Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Acts 2:38 (ESV)
> And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Philippians 2:9-11, what is unique about the name of Jesus, and what response does it demand from all creation?
2. In Acts 2:38, what three steps does Peter say are necessary for salvation?
3. The sermon compared the name of Jesus to a key that unlocks a locked door. What are some of the “keys” people often try before turning to Jesus? ([39:50])
4. What happens when someone truly submits their life to Jesus, according to the sermon? ([48:09])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the Bible emphasizes that “every knee will bow” and “every tongue confess” that Jesus is Lord? What does this mean for us today, not just in the future? ([41:23])
2. The sermon says that the power in Jesus’ name is not just in saying it, but in submitting to His lordship. Why is submission so important for experiencing God’s power? ([48:09])
3. The preacher described us as children on a playground facing a bully, powerless on our own. What does this illustration teach us about our need for Jesus? ([51:07])
4. According to Acts 2:38 and the sermon, why is salvation considered the greatest miracle that comes through the name of Jesus? ([55:06])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to stop “pushing against locked doors” in our own strength and instead use the key God has given us: the name of Jesus. Is there an area in your life where you’ve been striving in your own strength? What would it look like to “use the key” and trust Jesus with that situation this week? ([59:09])
2. The message said that many people try money, relationships, or accomplishments to find freedom or purpose, but only Jesus truly opens the door. Which of these “keys” have you tried in your own life, and what was the result? ([39:50])
3. Submission was described as the way to unlock God’s power. Is there a part of your life you’re holding back from God? What is one step you could take to surrender that area to Him? ([48:09])
4. The preacher said, “When we cry out to Jesus, the enemy must flee.” Have you ever experienced a time when calling on Jesus made a difference in your situation? If not, what’s holding you back from calling on Him now? ([52:02])
5. Acts 2:38 lays out repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name, and receiving the Holy Spirit as the way to salvation. Where are you on this journey? Is there a next step you feel God is calling you to take? ([55:06])
6. The sermon used the image of a lifeboat rescuing someone from the waves. Do you feel like you’re drifting or struggling in any area of your life right now? What would it look like to “call out to the Captain” and let Jesus rescue you? ([55:06])
7. The preacher invited everyone to respond, not just by coming forward, but by repenting, seeking God’s Spirit, and asking for healing or freedom. What is one specific prayer you need to pray today, using the authority of Jesus’ name? ([01:01:44])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray together, specifically calling on the name of Jesus for the needs represented in the group, and asking for the courage to surrender every area of life to Him.
Devotional
Day 1: The Name of Jesus Unlocks Every Door
There are moments in life when it feels like every effort to break through is met with resistance, as if you are standing in a dark room before a locked door, weighed down by frustration, confusion, or despair. Yet, there is a key that opens what no other can: the name of Jesus. When you call on His name, light floods into your darkness, and what once seemed unreachable—healing, peace, freedom, restoration—becomes accessible. The name of Jesus is not just a word; it is the key that transitions you from old struggles into a new life filled with hope and possibility. [39:50]
Philippians 2:9-11 (ESV)
"Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel stuck or locked out? Will you intentionally call on the name of Jesus today and trust Him to open that door?
Day 2: All Power and Authority Belong to Jesus
When you speak the name of Jesus with faith, you are invoking the highest authority in heaven and on earth. His name is not just a title; it carries the full weight of God’s power—power to heal sickness, break chains, drive out darkness, and move mountains. No force of evil, no circumstance, and no personal struggle can stand against the authority of Jesus’ name. Declare it boldly, and watch as the impossible becomes possible, for all power and all authority are in Him. [42:36]
Matthew 28:18 (ESV)
"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.'"
Reflection: Where do you need to see God’s authority at work in your life? Speak the name of Jesus over that situation and believe for His power to be revealed.
Day 3: Submission to Jesus Brings Victory Over the Enemy
True victory over the enemy comes not by your own strength, but by submitting your life fully to Jesus. When you align yourself with God’s will and confess Jesus as Lord, the devil loses his grip and must flee. It is not enough to simply know about Jesus; you must surrender every part of your life to Him, letting go of pride, fear, and self-reliance. In submission, you find freedom, peace, and the unstoppable power of God working on your behalf. [48:09]
James 4:7 (ESV)
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
Reflection: Is there an area of your life you have not fully surrendered to Jesus? What would it look like to submit that area to Him today?
Day 4: Salvation Is Found in the Name of Jesus
The greatest miracle in the name of Jesus is the salvation of your soul. No other name can save, forgive, or transform you from death to life. Repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name, and receiving the Holy Spirit are the keys to eternal life. Just as a lifeboat captain calls out to rescue the stranded, Jesus calls you to Himself—don’t hesitate, don’t delay. Call on His name, and let Him pull you from the waves of sin into the safety of His salvation. [55:06]
Acts 2:38 (ESV)
"And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"
Reflection: Have you personally responded to the call of Jesus for salvation? If not, what is holding you back from repenting, being baptized, or seeking the Holy Spirit today?
Day 5: Stop Striving—Use the Key of Jesus’ Name
So often, we exhaust ourselves trying to fix what’s broken, pushing against doors that won’t budge, and striving to make things happen in our own strength. But the answer is not in more effort; it’s in using the key already in your hand—the name of Jesus. When you stop pushing and start calling on Him, the door opens, light pours in, and hope is restored. Whatever you are facing—sickness, pressure, low self-worth, or hopelessness—Jesus is ready to unlock a new purpose and a new beginning for you. [01:01:44]
Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)
"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: What is one thing you need to stop striving to fix on your own, and instead trust Jesus to unlock for you by calling on His name today?
Quotes
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