Video Transition: Chosen – Let me tell you about my Jesus!
Series: Spiritual Warfare
Summary: The Invisible War – Spiritual warfare 101-201
Three points to remember from Spiritual Warfare 101:
1. We are in an Invisible War whether we believe it or not. So, we need to know we are in the fight and acknowledge it!
2. We need to know who our enemy is and learn his strategies and tactics.
3. We need to know we have the victory – the war was won on the cross!
a. Chip states, “Satan continues to fight even after Jesus has won the victory. Satan was defeated at the cross. Sin’s penalty was paid for all people for all time. Sin’s power was broken. Yet Satan and his host of fallen angels continue to engage in guerrilla warfare to discourage, deceive, divide, and destroy God’s people and God’s program. Believers are commanded to equip and prepare themselves in the strength of the Lord and in his mighty power to stand firm against the enemy’s schemes, repel his multifaceted attacks, and engage and defeat him in specific battles.” Ingram, Chip. The Invisible War (p. 67). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
Lessons from Spiritual Warfare 201:
1. Put on the armor of God everyday – be like the Roman Soldiers always dressed for battle!
a. The armor of God: Ephesians 6:10-20:
i. “The Belt of Truth” - This is the support system that holds your pants up in battle.
ii. The second protective gear is the “Breast plate of righteousness.” This is like the flak jackets and bullet proof vests that the soldiers/policemen use to protect their vital organs.
iii. The third element needed in warfare is that your feet are “Fit with the readiness.” In other word’s it reflects back to a Scripture that speaks that Christ will come back like a thief in the night and that the soldiers need to always be ready to go with Him into battle.
iv. The next item we need for battle is the “shield of faith.” Faith is your shield in the mist of war. When your superior officer tells you to do something you have to trust - have faith that what he says to do will make the difference between life and death for someone in your outfit and for your life. In the movie there is a quote: “Sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage.” It’s highlighted over and over in the movie!
v. When we are in spiritual combat, we must have the “helmet of salvation” on our heads and minds. The helmet is part of a uniform, in the wars of the Middle East, it designated whose side you were on. It’s the uniform and helmet that allows you the ability to be in the war fighting. The helmet is also there to protect your head and mind. To survive in this battle, you must have the mind of Christ and that is the mind of salvation.
vi. The “sword of the spirit” is the next weapon in the arsenal of God for us. We are to use the sword of the spirit against the enemy. We are to use God’s Rhema Word.
vii. The next weapon is “prayer” I call it the stealth bomber/fighter. You cannot see it coming but when it hits you know it.
1. Jim Cymbala quote: “I learned as never before that persistent calling upon the Lord breaks through every stronghold of the devil, for nothing is impossible with God. For Christians in these troubled times, there is simply no other way.”
2. Jim Cymbala quote, “If we prevail in prayer, God will do only what he can do.”
3. Jim Cymbala, “No matter what I preach or what we claim to believe in our heads, the future will depend upon our times of prayer.”
T.S. - Today I want to talk about the name of Jesus! I want you to know it’s part of the armor of God – I think the most important part to win victories in this Invisible War. Would that be okay with you to talk about Jesus this morning – Jesus – Savior - His name – the power that comes with Jesus’ name – the lives which have been changed by His name – the name above all other names.
Sermon: Spiritual Warfare pt. 4 (Spiritual Warfare 301)
Thesis: To be able to drive back the Devil and his demons will require us to know the name of Jesus, be connected to Jesus and learn how to use the name of Jesus in spiritual warfare and prayer.
Introduction:
If you read through the Bible especially the Gospels – you see repeatedly, "In my name," "In Jesus' name," or "In His name." Jesus’ name – Jesus himself is front and center throughout the Bible (see handout on how every book of the Bible refers -references or connects with the name of Jesus)
One pastor explained the references in the Bible to Jesus this way: “The devils were powerless because of his name (Luke 10:17). The demons were cast out in his name (Mark 16:17-18). Healing occurred in his name (Acts 3:6, 3:16, 4:10). Salvation comes in his name (Acts 4:12, Rom. 10:13). We are to baptize in his name (Matt. 28:19). We are justified in his name (1 Cor. 6:11). Everything we do and say is done in his name (Col. 3:17). But it is praying in Jesus' name that I want to bring to the forefront. Jesus has invited, urged, and commanded us to pray in his name and has promised incredible results. (Just look at) John 14:13-14 (ask anything in my name so my fathers is glorified and I will do it) and John 16:23-24 (My father will give you whatever you ask in my name – so ask and you will receive) are some of the most powerful verses in all of Scripture related to prayer. In fact, when most of us pray we conclude with the phrase, "in Jesus' name." But do we use it properly?
The above from https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/sermon-power-praying-11-in-the-name-of-jesus#:~:text=Sermon%3A%20In%20the%20Name%20of%20Jesus%20-%20John,Praying%20in%20God%27s%20Name%20Calling%20on%20God%27s%20Name
John 14: 12-17: 12I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.14You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.15“If you love me, you will obey what I command.16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—17the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”
Question: Have you used His name in prayer - in spiritual battle – in crisis?
Illustration: When my truck started spinning out of control on icy road, I cried out to Jesus to “help me” and the truck straightened out – I did again when we ended up a multiple car accident in Florida, I cried out “Jesus help me” and we came through with cars crashing all around us – but we came through without a dent or scratch on the car. Have you ever heard the song “Jesus take the wheel!”
Why do we do this – use His name – is it habit – is it because we are religious – is it a magical word? No! We use His name because of the life and death of Jesus – Because He changed the world – Because His name has power – Yes, His name even 2,000 years after His death and resurrection sets miracles in motion! Sets people free! Brings healing to people like you and me! His name drives back demons and darkness! His name when used brings the help we need. We as believers need to know what’s in the name of “Jesus.”
T.S.- Let’s read a few verses from Scripture to get a glimpse of what’s in the name of Jesus!
Scripture Texts:
Luke 10:17-20:
17 The seventy–two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Acts 4:1-13:
1The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people.
2They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.
3They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day.
4But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.
5The next day the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem.
6Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest’s family.
7They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”
8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people!
9If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed,
10then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.
11He is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.
12Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
13When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished, and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
Philippians 2:5-11:
5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!
9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
I. What can be found or discovered in the name of Jesus?
a. Jesus – say it with me – “Jesus” - wave the flag – cry out “Jesus” – if you have discovered Jesus personally and you have given your life to Him – this name should inspire you, it should impact you - it should be special to you.
i. Why? Because having a divine encounter with Jesus will transform you heart and mind and it will be drawn to Him. A Born-Again experience with Jesus will cause you to fall in love with Him.
b. Think about the songs we sing about Jesus – do they inspire you – do they give you the Holy Spirit rush – do these songs make you cry – do they resonate in your heart – do you get goose bumps when you sing them?
i. Songs: Do a clip of songs:
I. What a beautiful name
a. “What a beautiful name it is – What a beautiful Name it is – The Name of Jesus Christ my King – What a beautiful Name it is – Nothing compares to this – What a beautiful Name it is – The name of Jesus!
II. Lord, I lift your name on high
a. Lord I love to sing Your praises – I’m so glad Your in my life – I’m so glad You came to save us – You came from heaven to earth – to show the way – from the earth to the cross – My debt to pay – from the cross to the grave – From the grave to the sky – Lord I lift your name on High.
III. I Speak Jesus
a. I just wanna speak the name of Jesus – Over every heart and every mind – Cause I know there is peace within your presence – I speak Jesus – I just wanna speak the name Jesus – Til every dark addiction starts to break – Declaring there is hope and there is freedom – I speak Jesus
IV. Only Jesus
a. And I, I don’t want to leave a legacy – I don’t care if they remember me – Only Jesus – And I, I’ve only got one life to live- I’ll let every second point to Him – Only Jesus
V. Way Maker
a. You are – Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper – Light in the darkness. My God – That is who You are.
VI. Nothing Else: Cody
o I'm caught up in Your presence
o I just want to sit here at Your feet
o I'm caught up in this holy moment
o I never wanna leave
o Oh, I'm not here for blessings
o Jesus, You don't owe me anything
o More than anything that You can do
o I just want You
o I'm sorry when I've just gone through the motions
o I'm sorry when I just sang another song
o Take me back to where we started
o I open up my heart to You
o I'm sorry when I've come with my agenda
o I'm sorry when I forgot that You're enough
o Take me back to where we started
o I open up my heart to You
o I'm caught up in Your presence
o I just want to sit here at Your feet
o I'm caught up in this holy moment
o I never wanna leave
o Oh, I'm not here for blessings
o Jesus, You don't owe me anything
o And more than anything that You can do
o I just want You
o I just want You
o Nothing else, nothing else
o Nothing else will do
o I just want You
o Nothing else, nothing else
o Nothing else will do
o I just want You
o Nothing else, nothing else
o Nothing else will do
o I just want You
o Nothing else, nothing else, Jesus
o Nothing else will do
o I just want You
o Nothing else, nothing else
o Nothing else will do
o I just want You
o Nothing else, nothing else, Jesus
o Nothing else will do
o I'm coming back to where we started
o I'm coming back to where we started
o When I first felt Your love
o You're all that matters, Jesus
o You're all that matters
o I'm coming back to what really matters
o Just Your heart
o I just wanna bless Your heart, Jesus
o I'm caught up in Your presence
o I just want to sit here at Your feet
o I'm caught up in this holy moment
o I never wanna leave
o And oh, I'm not here for blessings
o Jesus, You don't owe me anything
o More than anything that You can do
o Oh, I just want You
? Songwriters: Cody Carnes, Hank Bentley, Jessie Early. For non-commercial use only.
ii. As I have watched the series “The Chosen” – I am amazed at Jesus – many times while watching this series I get tears in my eyes – goose bumps – thinking of what He has done and what He especially has done for me and for so many others. His love – His power – His truth – His sacrifice - His boldness to heal people, cast out demons, walk on water, multiply food, and His connection to Abba Father impact my heart!
iii. I am not ashamed to say, “I love Jesus!” His name – His story - His relationship with me makes my heart flutter!
I. My heart flutters for Jesus like it did when I feel in love with Kathy – do you know the feeling?
c. The Name of Jesus represents and is connected to God the Father (Abba), He is the Creator of the heavens and earth. God the Father controls all powers in the heavens and on earth and Jesus is Love personified in the flesh – God Himself.
i. “All things have been committed to me by my Father, Jesus said. No one knows the son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Mathew 11:27
d. The Name Jesus is filled with the power of the Holy Spirit because He sent us the Holy Spirit to empower us and be with us! To lead us into truth and to teach us!
i. “And the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
e. The name of Jesus is above all other names.
i. God has put the Name of Jesus Christ above ALL Names according to scripture – above Buddha – Muhammed – Confucius – even any Hindu god – it’s above any famous person – His name is greater than George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, or even Obama!
ii. “For this reason, also [because He obeyed and so completely humbled Himself], God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name, which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus [a]every knee shall bow [in submission], of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess and openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord (sovereign God), to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11
iii. Sadly today we live in a culture the praises the names of Sports heroes – movie stars and the like – It seems as if celebrities get more recognition than the name of Jesus – or Jesus himself! Even celebrity pastors or preachers get more applause than Jesus!
iv. But I like what Tony Evan says in his book “The Power of Jesus’ Names” page 5 states – “People with large platforms may look impressive now. Their follower counts may seem enormous. But give it time, and all of that will dissipate. Yet there is one name that has never passed and will never pass into oblivion-and that’s the name of Jesus. He never published a book, and yet there are more books written about Him than any other subject, He never wrote a song, and yet there are more songs written about Him than any other person who lived. He never physically traveled more than 300 miles from his place of birth, and yet there is virtually no place on earth you can go where people do not know His name. His notoriety only increases with time, although He’s been physically gone for more than 2,000 years.”
II. The name of Jesus has power – it has resurrection power attached to it!
a. The Name of Jesus Christ is backed up by ALL God’s Heavenly powers. In the spirit world, the Name Jesus is surrounded by heavenly fire. The Devil cannot withstand the divine fire generated at the mention of Name of Jesus Christ.
i. Bible Verses about Power in the Name of Jesus
I. “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.” (Acts 2:38)
II. “What I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” (Acts 3:6)
III. “Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, ‘In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!’ At that moment the spirit left her.” (Acts 16:8)
ii. How Do We Get That Power to flow when we use His name?
I. One does not earn the power, find it, or go to school in order to acquire it. This power is given by God to the genuine believer who asks to be filled with the Spirit.
II. In Matthew 10:1, we read how “Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.” He did not give them a password or a code: just His name. We know that the Lord will not send us out to do Kingdom work without equipping us for that purpose. In Hebrews, Paul declares “may the God of peace […] equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ.” (13:20-21)
a. The above from https://www.christianity.com/wiki/jesus-christ/is-there-power-in-the-name-of-jesus.html
III. But what does it mean to pray in the name of Jesus?
a. When we pray in Jesus' name, we are admitting the bankruptcy of our own name. We don’t have the power – the ability to bring our prayer to pass – we cannot do it with our strength or will. But asking Jesus for help brings the power of the universe into play to answer our prayer!
IV. To get the power only comes when we are connected to the person of Jesus – no connection no power – the power comes from surrendering to Jesus as Lord and Savior – dying to self and being in tune to the mind and will of the Father:
a. It’s connected this way – I have a renewed mind in tune with the Holy Spirit – The Holy spirit who is sent by Jesus is in connection with Abba Father and doing the will of Abba Father – so when I am in tune and committed to the will of the father – When I pray I can use the name of Jesus and He will answer me!
b. The Name Jesus Christ invokes the Blood that Jesus shed on the cross for our salvation. The Devil hates anything having to do with the Blood of Jesus.
c. The Name that saves is “Jesus” means ‘Savior’, it is saving us from all wicked forces, including death.
d. The Name of Jesus is Eternal. Unlike earthly names and the Devil’s name, the Name of Jesus Christ is eternal. It will live forever.
i. The above is also quoted and gleamed from https://preventsatan.com/7-reasons-why-the-name-of-jesus-christ-is-so-powerful/
III. The world and Satan hate the name of Jesus!
a. Have you noticed this truth – anything associated with the world and Satan hates the name of Jesus and they want it silenced!
i. Like don’t say, “Merry Christmas!”
ii. Don’t bring up Jesus’ name in public prayer just refer to a generic god.
iii. Or in AA look to your “Higher Power.”
b. I find it amazing how the world even today tries to stifle even the mention of the Name of Jesus.
i. One writer state’s this: But this goes all the way back to - “Then they [Sanhedrin] called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus” Acts 4:17. “They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name” Acts 5:40-41. HAS ANYTHING CHANGED? NO!
ii. On his show “Home Improvement,” Tim Allen was told he couldn’t mention the name of Jesus in connection with a Christmas episode! It’s TABOO!
iii. Chuck Colson wrote that "ABC officials chose to bleep out the word "Jesus" on its talk show, "The View." A guest who had a very successful weight-loss program exclaimed, “Thank you, Jesus, is all I have to say!" The network bleeped out Jesus’ name!
iv. Franklin Graham, the son of Billy Graham, has created firestorms for his use of the name ‘Jesus’ in public prayers. As long as preachers pray to a generic God, or to Buddha, or Mohammed, or to Goddess Gaia – there’s no problem.
v. But if you say “Jesus” – stand by – the politically correct police will pounce on you in a moment. Isn’t it funny how those who lecture Christians on how we need to be tolerant, have zero tolerance for the name of Jesus!
vi. Even the Church today is hesitant to say the Name of Jesus. Make no mistake about it, the devil is committed to silencing the name of Jesus and all Christians who are so bold as to lift up His mighty, saving Name.
vii. The answer to this opposition is not to back off in fear, but to be even more diligent to lift up the name of Jesus! It is a time to be bold and courageous, not timid and fearful. Use the name of Jesus to drive back the darkness don’t keep it silent!
I. The above from At The Name Of Jesus Sermon by John Gaston, Philippians 2:5-11 - SermonCentral.com
IV. The Name of Jesus Is not to be miss used or abused!
a. Tony Evans states it this way Jesus name is not a “Magic Word!”
i. He states, “Magicians and wizards in stories and on stage utter magic words, then marvelous things happen. “Open Sesame” will cause a door to open, or the hood of one’s car, or the stubborn lid of a jar. “Abracadabra” is a magician’s special word to say “let the magic take effect” such as causing a person to rise from the ground by some apparently invisible force. These words are powerless, however; such feats are an illusion, and the individuals wielding them deceive for the purposes of entertainment or exploitation.”
ii. Quote Tony Evans: “The name “Jesus” is not a magic word given to Christians as a means of bringing trivial or ungodly matters to fruition. We do not call on his name in order to entertain or exploit. When we use His name in power and miracles happen, He is glorified, not us. Christians are instructed to call on Jesus’ name for protection, comfort, and in order to serve others.”
iii. So - you have to make sure you not using the name of the Lord in vain!
I. It’s one of the Big Ten’s by the way!
II. Example of misuse: “The Lord told me to buy myself a jet airplane – So I claimed it in Jesus’ name!”
III. Example being a game in Clayton and people behind me cussing up a storm as they were using the name of Jesus!
a. Have you ever heard people swear saying:
i. Muhammed
ii. Buddha
iii. Confucius
iv. Or fill in the blank?
1. This should open your eyes and ears to know how precious the name of Jesus is!
2. It’s one of the most frequent swear words in our culture!
Application:
• But it all comes down to us acknowledging first - that we are in a war.
• The second thing we must do is we must be willing to fight in this war.
• The third action is we must learn about our enemy and know his tactics.
• The fourth action is we need to put on the armor of God to wage war with our enemy.
• The fifth action is understanding the name of Jesus and learning to use the name of Jesus to drive back the enemy and his demons.
Once we have taken these 5 steps of action, we will see the enemy driven back in our lives and in other’s lives. We will see that we have the stronger force on our side and that the battle is ours to be won - in the power of Jesus’ name connected with the will of Abba Father opens the door for spiritual breakthrough.
