Central Thought: God has honored and exalted the name of Jesus Christ above all other names.
Hymn: On ward, Christian soldiers
Text: John 16:23-27, 14:12-14, Philippians 2: 9-11, Acts 3:12-16
The name of Jesus Christ is symbolic of His mission (Matthew 1:21), His ministry and victory over the works of darkness. It is the access link between a world that was once lost and a loving Father who is compassionately seeking for the lost. This name is life-giving and salvation-oriented. God has honored it and exalted it to a position of singular eminence among all creations.
For us as believers, it is one thing to make our prayers and petitions in the name of Jesus Christ; it is another thing to have simple trust and confidence in the potency of this name in our battles of life.
In His name lies the identity and distinctive designation of His person, His reputation and authority. Faith is an attitude that connotes strong belief, trust and loyalty with strong conviction. The beginning and indeed the whole essence of the Christian race is to develop faith in the name of Jesus Christ, and to pledge total loyalty to all it stands for. Faith in the name of Jesus Christ will make us to yield totally to the will of God, and will pre-dispose us to His favour and mercy.
This study is therefore intended to create a renewed sense of awareness in the believer, of the immense priviledges we enjoy when we have genuine faith in the name of Jesus Christ.
Lesson Objectives:
- To explain the significance of the name of Jesus Christ.
- To identify when to exercise faith in the name of Jesus Christ.
- To discuss why we should exercise faith in the name of Jesus Christ.
- To list ways people have misused the name of Jesus Christ.
- To list the benefits in exercising faith in the name of Jesus Christ.
Question 1.) From the Holy Bible, what is the significance of the name “Jesus Christ”?
Hebrews 1:4, Philippians 2:9-11, Matthew 1:21, Acts 4:12
“Jesus Christ” is the divinely hallowed name of our Lord and Savior, revealed and given to Him before His human birth. The name Jesus is the Greek (or Aramaic rendition) of Joshua, which means “Jehovah saves” or “Jehovah is salvation”. Christ (Messiah) is a descriptive appendage to the name of Jesus to reflect His mission, ministry and exploits. Christ means the Anointed One, someone on a divine mission with supernatural abilities.
The name is significant to His mission as the captain of our salvation and our Great High Priest, who took the filthiness of humanity upon Himself, and paid the penalty with His own blood.
It is a name hallowed and exalted by God, the only means for eternal salvation, a name adored and loved in Heaven and dreaded in Hell, at whose mention all authorites comply in obeisance.
Question 2.) In what circumstances do we need to exercise faith in the name of Jesus Christ?
It is important and necessary that believers exercise faith in the name of Jesus Christ at all times, irrespective of prevailing conditions. However, there are special moments of life when it becomes very imperative to demonstrate faith in the name of Jesus Christ.
Some of the obvious ones are as follows:
- At new birth: when one is convicted of sin and decides to accept the work of grace, he must exercise faith in the name of Jesus Christ to receive forgiveness and adoption as a child. (John 1:12, Acts 10:43).
- In prayers: we were specifically directed to pray in the name of Jesus Christ and that answers are guaranteed (Acts 16:25). The name of Jesus is the vehicle and authority that brings our prayers before God.
- When confronted by the host of darkness: the name of Jesus becomes our stronghold (Proverbs 18:10). Therein we take refuge and find encouragement.
- In moments of trouble and temptation: the name of Jesus Christ will be our defense (Psalms 20:1). He is the word made flesh, which we speak to silence every storm.
- When believing God for healing of infirmities: it is necessary to exercise faith in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 3:16).
- In the battlefield of soul winning: we must exercise faith in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. The sinners attention must be directed to Christ.
- In time of victories also: we must not loose our guard, we must be steadfast and firm in our belief on His name.
- In time of disaster and disappointment: we must sustain our resolve to exercise faith in the name of Jesus Christ because He is the sure hope of our recovery.
Question 3.) Why should we exercise faith in the name of Jesus Christ?
Acts 4:12, Philippians 2:9-11, Hebrews 1:4
The name of Jesus Christ is dependable and worthy of trust because it is unique and stands out in many ways.
First, behind this name is divine covenant and an acceptable sacrifice of His blood. The covenant is God’s undertaking to honor any expression of faith in this Name. Also, God has set the name of Jesus to be above every other name and commanded that at the mention, every knee must bow. All spirits (good or bad) have been made subject to this name and they cannot resist Him. Moreover, it is a name that satan does not and cannot contend with at any time and in all situations. The name of Jesus Christ is universally known in the kingdom of spirits also. It is hallowed in Heaven and dreaded in Hell. It is a more excellent name that can ever be imagined. The name of Jesus attracts mercy, grace and love of God on one hand, and connotes authority, justice and judgement on the other hand.
Question 4.) In what ways do people misuse the name of Jesus Christ today?
2 Peter 2:1-3, Acts 19:13-17
The name of Jesus Christ has been misused in various places and ways. Some persons use the name in pretext and pretense by calling “Jesus” when they have not yielded their lives to Him. This was the case of the sons of Sceva, and influential priest of Paul’s era. Many have also resorted to making merchandise of the name engaging in commercialization, money making rituals and financial exploitation of the vulnerable. Yet some others use the name of Jesus to practice lewdness, promiscuity and immorality of all sorts. Some others use the name of Jesus to promote occultic activites, Spiritism, idolatry, and witchcraft. Others are preaching falsehood and are using magic and divination coined in the name of Jesus to deceive the gullible. Many are also subjected to captivity, enslavement, hypnotism, and other forms of manipulation of the simple through the bondage of fear.
The Lord Jesus is very much aware of every misuse of His name by intent and action, and His patience must not be misunderstood.
This misuse of the Name is inexcusable and condemnable; because our God is a consuming fire. The terror of God is inescapable for those who refuse to repent.
Question 5.) What benefits do we get by exercising faith in the name of Jesus?
Acts 3:6, Psalms 20:1, Matthew 18:5, John 16:23-24
Numerous benefits will accrue to the believer who exercises faith in the name of Jesus Christ. These include:
- Living in the atmosphere of miracles, signs, and wonders
- Receiving healing and living in good health
- Quick and prompt answers to prayers
- Exercise of authority over agents of darkness and living in fullness of joy.
- Divine protection and victory in all battles of life
- True fellowship with God and with the brethren, and unity of believers.
- Eternal life for those who will preserver to the end and rewards for all who did exploits using the name of Jesus Christ.
Daily Living Application
Every child of God must learn to demonstrate faith in the name of Jesus Christ in every situation of life. This we do, not by words alone, but also by action and lifestyle. We show our faith in His name by living up to the meaning, mission and expectations of that Name.
There is no substitute or alternative to the name of Jesus. It is our qualification to enter and abide in the presence of God.
Memory Verse:
Philippians 2:9
“Wherefore God hath highly exalted Him and given Him a name which is above every name”
Daily Devotional Guide:
Monday: Salvation through faith in His name.
Acts 4:12, 10:43
Tuesday: All power is given to Jesus Christ.
Matthew 28:18
Wednesday: Made whole through faith in His name.
Acts 3:16
Thursday: Cast out devils in His name.
Mark 16:17
Friday: Magnify the name of Jesus.
Acts 19:17-18
Saturday: Jesus Christ is Lord.
Philippians 2:11