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Thursday, January 31 2013
Introduction: Last week we continued in our study by looking at the authority in the name of Jesus, the meaning of authority, the connection between the name of Jesus and authority and the fact that authority in His name commands the supernatural. We concluded that Jesus confers His authority to us because He knows we will have need of it for a victorious Christian living. We cannot afford to be ignorant of the use of our delegated authority as satan thrives on ignorance.
His name our Surname In Rev. 3:8 Jesus commends the church for keeping both his word and his name." It is apparent that God wants us to know him by name for his name represents to us who He is and in Rev. 2:13 He commended the Church in Pergamum: "I know your works and where you dwell, even where Satan's throne is: and you hold fast my name, and have not denied my faith, even in those days when Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells" A Christian must know his status, his authority and his rights IN CHRIST. Satan always yields to the commands of a child of God who knows his position and God always confirms His Word with signs and wonders following that believer "that the eyes of our hearts may be opened, that we may know the exceeding greatness of His ability on our behalf..." (Eph. 1:17-23). To pray in the name of Jesus, is to take ownership of that which he has given to us as His bride and representatives on earth and as such we are united with Him and His purpose.
Jesus gave His authority to those who believe in him. It gives us God's power to fight spiritual warfare and do God's work on earth Amen," (Mk. 16:17-20). Jesus is the only name in which salvation is found (Acts 4:12) and gave the Church the power of attorney to use His Name. The disciples are commissioned to go and bear fruit; and they are given a legal right to use the Name of Jesus and to have the same authority that Jesus exercised in His earthly walk: John 16:23-24,26.
In Acts 5:27-28 - The high priest, all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees knew they were combating a "force" that they had never met before. Jesus, they had crucified, but His Name was more powerful! His name was working wonders and none could arrest His name or wrest it from his disciples. When you know how to take full possession of His name you will be a wonder in your world, you will be strong and do exploits. Acts 4:18,19 "And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19But Peter and John answered and said to them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, judge you"
What does it mean when Jesus gives us power in His Name--the free use of it--with assurance that whatever we ask in His Name will be given to us? (John 14:13-14; 15:16; 16:23-24, 26). Jesus solemnly gives to all who are His, a general and unlimited power to use His Name at all times. He could trust us with His interests and that His honour would be safe in our hands. Do not take His name in vain.
The free use of someone else's name is always a token of great confidence and close union. Someone who gives his name to another stands aside to let that person act for him. Someone who takes the name of another gives up his own as of no value. When I go in the name of another, I deny myself. I take not only the name of another, but himself and what he is, instead of myself and what I am.
Peter at the beautiful gate despite having no silver or gold he knew he had the name of Jesus which is more valuable than silver and gold.
Do you know you have his name as your possession? Do you fully understand what Jesus has accomplished on the cross? Colossians 2:10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. Colossians 2:15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. As a believer you must understand the mystery of Christ, His name, person, office, and grace.
According to Kenneth Hagin "Charles Spurgeon (1834-92), noted English Baptist preacher, told this personal experience. He was called to the home of an elderly woman who was bedfast. Malnutrition was about to take her physical life. During his visit, Spurgeon noticed a framed document on the wall. He asked the woman, "Is this yours?" She said it was, and explained that she had worked as a maid in the household of some of the English nobility. "Before Lady So-and-so died," the woman said, "she gave that to me. I served her for nearly half a century. I've been so proud of it because she gave it to me. I had it framed. It's been hanging on the wall ever since she died 10 years ago." Mr. Spurgeon asked, "Would you allow me to take it and have it examined more closely?" "Oh, yes," said the woman, who never learned to read, "just be sure to see I get it back." Spurgeon took it to the authorities. They had been looking for it. It was a bequest. The English noblewoman had left her maid a home and money. She lived in a little one-room house built out of wooden boxes and was starving to death?yet she had hanging on the wall a document that authorized her to be well cared for and to live in a fine house. The money was gathering interest. It belonged to her. Spurgeon helped her get it, but it didn't do her as much good as it could have earlier. I think that is indicative of what has happened to much of the church world. We live in a little run-down shanty? spiritually speaking?while lying on a table somewhere is the New Covenant. We're proud of it. But we've never taken the time to find out what it says belongs to us"
The devil has deceived the majority of Christians and kept them ignorant of the power in the name and the right to use it. To effectively use His name you must know what it entails and how to use it by studying the word, obeying and living by the word. The name is not a magic wand.
CONCLUSION When the Lord Jesus went to heaven, He left His work--the management of His Kingdom on earth--in the hands of His servants. He also gave them His Name to draw all the supplies they need for advancing the kingdom. We have the spiritual power to use the Name of Jesus only as far as we yield ourselves to live only for the interests and the work of the Master. The use of the Name always supposes the surrender of our interests to Him Whom we represent. All the authority and all the power that is in Jesus is in His Name and He has given the name to the Church. He said "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Matt. 16:18-19 The name of Jesus belongs to you when you marry Him, it will not work for people dating God. Christ is the bridegroom and you as His bride automatically possess His name, can represent Him and co-owns all that belongs to Him. His name has been freely given to you.
Contributor: Esther Alajiki Thursday, January 31 2013
INTRODUCTION: Last week, we continued in our journey into walking in the miraculous by gaining understanding of the origin of the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We concluded that He obtained the great Name, Jesus by Inheritance: Hebrews 1:1-6 "......hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name.....", by Bestowal: Philippians 2:9-11 "Wherefore God has highly exalted Him, and given Him a name....", and finally by Conquest: Ephesians 1:20-21 "which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated him at His right hand in the heavenly....". We concluded last week that knowledge of the origin of the Name will enhance our walk in the original dominion God intended for us.
This week, we will be looking at how we can walk effectively in this dominion, through Authority in the Name of Jesus Christ.
1. Meaning of Authority The words, Power and Authority are sometimes used interchangeably in the New Testament. The word Power is translated from the Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament) from several different words. In O.T.: Koach - Strength; Force; Ability to do something (Exodus 15:6 & 32:11) In N.T.: Dunamis - in reference to God: Matthew 26:64, Mark 14:62; of Christ:1 Corinthians 1:24; the Gospel: Romans 1:16 Exousia - freedom of action, right to act; Luke 12:5, Ephesians 3:10 Ischus - ability, force, strength; 2 Thessalonials 1:9 Kratos - power; 1 Timothy 6:16, Hebrews 2:14
The word Authority is translated from the Greek word exousia denoting ability or strength that one is endued or given. We see that this word is used somewhat interchangeably in the New Testament meaning power or authority depending on its context. Summarily, Power is the ability or force to accomplish something and Authority is the right to carry it out. Authority is delegated power! Example - Uniformed Personnel and a very strong person.
2. Connection Between the Name of Jesus & Authority "I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death." [Revelations 1:18]
In classical Greek, key (kleis (noun), kleio (verb)) described keys, as well as a bar, a catch, or a bolt. It also carried the idea of authority (the ability to "open and close" something. A general summary for the word key in the scripture is a "symbol of authority." We can therefore conclude from the above explanations that the one who has the key is the authorised one. Jesus is saying here, "I am the authorised one." He has authority - the right to carry out!
"And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," [Matthew 28:18-19]
"And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." [Mark 16:17-18]
Jesus Christ delegated His authority in the earth to the Church (You and I) by commanding us to Go therefore. Not only this, He also gave us His name as the authority. He's commanded us to exercise authority in my Name. In his book, The Believers Authority, Kenneth. E. Hagin mentioned that the value of our authority rests on the power that is behind that authority. God Himself is the power behind our authority! The devil and his forces are obliged, therefore, to recognise our authority! We, as believers, can therefore exercise this authority and face the enemy fearlessly!
Policemen who direct traffic during the rush hour just raise their hands and the cars stop. These men dont have the physical power to stop the vehicles if the drivers choose not to stop. But guess what, they dont use their own strength to stop traffic; they are strong in the authority that is invested in them by the government they serve. People recognise that authority and stop their cars. blessed be God, there's authority that's vested in us by the Lord Jesus Christ!
When a uniformed personnel goes to make an arrest, he or she simply declares that the offendant is under arrest. If asked to show any arrest warrant, the arrester just simply shows document which authorises him to make the arrest! We have the warrant to carry out Jesus's authority here on earth, hallelujah! The authority is in His Name! He gave us the name that is above every name. He gave us the name that is recognised in three worlds - the Name that has authority in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. Angels, men, and demons have to bow at that Name - and that Name belongs to us. We have the Authority to use that Name, Hallulujah!!!
"Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." [Philippians 2:9-11]
"which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come." [Ephesians 1:20-21]
3. Authority In His Name commands The Supernatural According to Mark 16:17-18, Jesus Christ promised that the supernatural signs mentioned (new tongues, taking up serpents and you can add to the list) will accompany the believers. We became born again through His name. By believeing in His name. There is no other Name given under heaven whereby we must be saved (acts 4;12).
Blessed be God, the Name of Jesus does belong to us today! And thank God, that Name not only carry salvation, the Name enwraps all the power, all the majesty, and all the glory it ever did. Remember that the name of a person, stands for the person. Jesus is seated at the right hand of the father on high (the seat of power), far above every known authority. His name has all authority, all the power, all the dignity, all the majesty and all the glory that Jesus the Person has. We will discuss how the name of Jesus healed Lazarus (Smith Wigglesworth) and the Girl with convulsion (16 Year Old Leader of the Full Gospel)
Conclusion In conclusion, the Lord Jesus Christ confers His authority to us because He knows we will have need of it for victorious christian living. Imagine if the uniformed men refuse or are ignorant to use their delegated authorities? They would have made a shipreck of their authorities and been seriously injured in the process. The bible says;
"lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices." [2 Corinthians 2:11]
Satan thrives on ignorance. We must not only be knowledgeable of our authority in Jesus Christ, we must use and enforce our Authority in His Name!
Contributor: Leye Olayiwola Wednesday, January 23 2013
Introduction: Last week we started off our journey into walking in the miraculous by understanding the name Jesus - the name by which the miraculous happens. We looked at the meaning (Jehovah is salvation), the significance, the content and implication of the name Jesus. Today, we will consider the origin of the name - how He obtained this great name! There are examples of people who were self-acclaimed. The Roman emperor Domitian became power drunk and decreed himself to be god demanding to be addressed as dominus et deus (master and god) in AD 81. Idi Amin came into power in 1971 as the Ugandan president and decreed himself Field Marshall! But Kenyon writes: "Men obtain great names in three ways. Some men are born to a great name?a king, for instance. Others make their name great by their achievements. Still others have a great name conferred upon them." The name Jesus is great because it came by all three means. · He inherited a great Name. · His achievements were great. · His Father conferred it upon Him. Let us consider one after the other how, when and why Jesus obtained this great name. 1. By Inheritance Hebrews 1:1-6 "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high: Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, and let all the angels of God worship him. Jesus inherited a "more excellent name than they." He inherited a greater Name than any angelic being. As Son, He is heir of all things. He is "the express image" of God. He is "the brightness of the Father. He is God speaking to us. And He "by inheritance obtained a more excellent name." When did He inherit it? Not in heaven before He came to this earth, because He already had everything. Not when He came to the earth, because the Philippians 2:7 says that He stripped Himself of all honour and glory. Hebrews 1:4, 5 These verses tell us when He inherited this more excellent Name. It was when God said to Him, "Thou art my son, THIS DAY have I begotten thee" This day! That's when it happened?the day He was begotten. When was Jesus begotten? When He was raised up! On that Resurrection morning "God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee." Acts 13:33 Emphasis mine We will not be able to understand the authority in the Name of Jesus until we understand this fact that Jesus went down to hell and satisfied the claims of Justice on the behalf of each one of us, because He died as our substitute. 2. By Bestowal "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name; That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things [beings} in heaven, and things [beings] in earth, and things (beings] under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." ?Philippians 2:9-11
The second is by bestowal; God gave Him a Name, which is above every Name. Let us imagine for a moment that God had a Name (known in heaven, unknown elsewhere), and this Name was kept to be conferred upon someone who would merit it: and Jesus came down to earth and made himself of no reputation, became a servant, God became like men. He then humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. He therefore merited and was given this Name, and at this Name every knee shall bow in the three worlds?Heaven, Earth, and Hell?and every tongue shall confess that He is Lord of the three worlds to the glory of God, the Father. Paul praying for the Church at Ephesus in Ephesians 1:18-20 prayed that the eyes of their spirit would be enlightened to truths they would never be able to figure out in their heads. God not only gave him a Name before which every being in the three worlds must bow and confess His lordship, but God seated Him in the highest place in the universe, at His own right hand, and made Him to be head over all things. Why did was the name given to us? 1. To use that Name against our enemy (the Devil and his cohorts). Mark 16:17 2. To use it in our petitions. John 14:13-14 3. To use it in our praises and worship. Luke 4:8
Finally, we will consider the third means by which Jesus obtained His Great Name. 3. By Conquest In Paul's prayer for the Church, he stated that God had raised Christ from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenlies, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named "(Eph. 1:20,21). By His conquest of these principalities, powers, might, and dominions, Jesus obtained that Name! Colossians 2:15 says: "And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it" These are the same principalities and powers spoken of in Ephesians 6:12: "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual "wickedness in high places" The principalities and powers we wrestle against are the same ones that He overcame, No wonder He said, "In my Name they will cast out demons"! The conquest that Jesus made of the devil, of sin, of sickness and disease is wrapped up in the Name. The Name, when we use it, will bring into reality in our lives what Jesus has already accomplished. We need to be well aware of the authority invested in that Name Colossians 1:13 "Who hath delivered us from the power [authority] of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son." After spoiling the principalities and powers, putting them to nought, overcoming them and defeating them, He delivered us from the "power of darkness." Satan has no authority to dominate the Christian or the Church. Conclusion When we know this truth, that the name is not a self-acclaimed name, and know that the Name has been given to us. When we recognize the power and authority embedded in this name and the completeness it offers; then we can indeed walk in the original dominion God intended for man in the Garden of Eden; dominion over all of creation including the Devil and his agents.
Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai Wednesday, January 23 2013
Introduction: The final days of anyone on earth are always days of handing over precious information to the next generation. When Jesus knew that He was coming close to His passion, He met with His disciples for the last supper, washed the disciples' feet and Judas Iscariot finally left the company of the disciples. Jesus begins His parting address to His disciples. It was the intimate fellowship around the table and Christ proclaimed the new commandment, that they should love one another (Chpt 13). He comforted their hearts by telling them that He was to go to prepare a place for them; He had shown Himself to be the revelation of God the Father. He had given them a vision of their coming task: the greater works that they should accomplish. Then, as if coming to the heart of His message, as indicative of how these greater works should be accomplished, he solemnly speaks these words, "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it" (John 14:13, 14). We learn from John 16:24, that the disciples had asked nothing in the name of Jesus up to this time. It was a new command; a new challenge; a new revelation. The statement was clear. There was only one condition: "in my name." There is no greater revelation concerning prayer, nor a greater challenge to enter into and claim God's promise than in this verse. Here, then, is the key to prevailing prayer. But what did Christ mean by asking "in my name"? 1) The meaning of the name of Jesus: Isa. 9:6, Matt.1:21 "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given: and the government shall be on his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." "And she shall bring forth a son, and you shall call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." "Jesus" is an English rendering of the Greek name Iēsous(Joshua), which is a translation of the ancient Hebrew Yehoshua[Yeshua (ישוע)]. This name is formed from Hebrew roots signifying "Jehovah is salvation" and is translated in our English Old Testament as "Joshua." The name of Jesus is infinitely glorious because of it significance and content.
a) The Hebrew meaning of Jesus is "Jehovah is salvation". Salvation is available to all only by His name. Act 4:12 b) The angel proclaimed His name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
a) His name shall be called Wonderful (Isa.29:14) b) His name shall be called Counselor (Jhn.14:26) c) His name shall be called the mighty God (Jhn.1:1) d) His name shall be called the everlasting Father (Heb.1:2) e) His name shall be called the Prince of Peace (Jhn.14:27)
2) The Implications of His name. Jhn.1413,14 "And whatever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it." When an individual does something in the name of another, it indicates union which may be of different kinds. Andrew Murray pointed out that this union may take three different lines: legal union, family union and marriage or love union.
Contributor: Alex Alajiki |
