UTILIZING THE NAME OF JESUS

One of the primary weapons believers have in warfare is the name of Jesus. The name of Jesus gives us power in our battle. On our own strength we are complete failures; however, when we go in the authority (exorisia) and power (dunamis) that we have received from God through His son Jesus we have victory in our Christian walk, struggles and warfare.

Believers are recipients of the benefits of God’s ultimate sacrifice of His Son. God’s plan of salvation, which required Jesus’ death on the cross resulted in our redemption and His conquest over sin, death, Satan, and his host. Knowing His pending absence from the earth realm, Jesus gave His followers the authority to be His agents on earth. With His stamp of approval, we are to use His name and carry on His ministry.

After completing His earthly assignment and prior to leaving His disciples Jesus instructed them as recorded in Mark 16: 17- 18, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Also, Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 28:18 He had been given all power in heaven and earth. In Philippians 2: 9-10 Paul reminds us that God highly exalted Jesus, gave him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven, earth, under the earth and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God. Thus, the use of Jesus’ name gives authority and power over demonic spirits not only on earth but in the heavens and under the earth.

If we suffer defeat, it is on us for not utilizing His name appropriately. The use of the name of Jesus should not be taken for granted, and its utilization is to be done by those that have a relationship with Him. To use His name without the legal rights can lead to defeat as seen with the seven sons of Sceva in Acts 19 who attempted to cast out an evil spirit out of a man using the name of Jesus. This one man leaped on the seven men, overpowered and attacked them violently causing them to run away naked and battered.

Finally, Paul in Colossians 3:17 states, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” All through our day, we can thank God for His provisions, our victories, strength, life, trials, family, foes, and the use of the name of Jesus. Warfare is serious, and since we will be engaged in it while we are living on this earth, let’s heed the Word and utilize the weaponry.