THE IMPACT OF THE NAME OF CHRIST
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Philippians 2:9–11
"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 in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Supporting Texts: Acts 3:6, Proverbs 18:10, John 14:13-14, Colossians 3:17, Mark 16:17
INTRODUCTION:
The name of Jesus Christ is not just an identity; it is an embodiment of divine authority, power, and victory. Throughout the New Testament, believers used this name to perform miracles, cast out devils, and declare salvation. From the moment of His exaltation, Jesus’ name has carried unmatched significance in both the spiritual and physical realms.
When we call on the name of Christ, we are invoking the totality of His person, His finished work on the cross, and His current position at the right hand of the Father. The name of Jesus breaks chains, opens doors, heals the sick, and terrifies the kingdom of darkness. It is the most powerful weapon in the arsenal of every believer.
In this sermon, we will examine the deep impact the name of Christ has on our lives, our authority as believers, the spiritual realm, and the world at large. As we understand this, we can walk in greater boldness and victory, knowing we carry the name above all names.
1. THE NAME OF CHRIST CARRIES DIVINE AUTHORITY
The name of Jesus was given by divine decree and carries the full weight of heaven’s authority.
a) Exalted by God the Father
Philippians 2:9 – God highly exalted Him and gave Him a name above every name.
b) Heaven, earth, and hell respond to His name
Philippians 2:10 – Every knee must bow at the mention of His name.
c) The name represents the fullness of Christ’s victory
Colossians 2:15 – Having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly.
d) Jesus delegated His authority to His followers
Matthew 28:18-19 – All power is given unto Me... Go ye therefore.
Biblical Example: The Seventy Disciples (Luke 10:17)
When the seventy returned, they said, “Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name,” proving the authority in Jesus' name over demonic powers.
2. THE NAME OF CHRIST BRINGS HEALING AND DELIVERANCE
Miracles, signs, and wonders are wrought in the name of Jesus.
a) The apostles healed by invoking His name
Acts 3:6 – “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”
b) Demons are cast out in His name
Mark 16:17 – In My name shall they cast out devils.
c) Healing flows through faith in His name
Acts 3:16 – His name, through faith in His name, hath made this man strong.
d) The name of Jesus silences every affliction
Mark 5:7-8 – The demoniac cried out at the presence of Jesus.
Biblical Example: The Healing of the Lame Man (Acts 3:1–10)
Peter used the name of Jesus to heal a man lame from birth, showing that the name carries the power to restore what was crippled or lost.
3. THE NAME OF CHRIST IS A SPIRITUAL STRONG TOWER
There is security and protection in the name of the Lord.
a) The name of the Lord is a place of refuge
Proverbs 18:10 – The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous run into it, and are safe.
b) His name delivers us from danger
Psalm 91:14-15 – I will set him on high, because he hath known My name.
c) Invoking His name brings divine covering
Isaiah 54:17 – No weapon formed against you shall prosper.
d) The enemy cannot stand against that name
James 4:7 – Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Biblical Example: Paul and Silas in Prison (Acts 16:25–26)
Even in chains, they called on the Lord, and their prison doors were opened, reminding us that God’s name is a refuge in times of trouble.
4. THE NAME OF CHRIST GUARANTEES ANSWERS TO PRAYERS
We have access to the Father and His resources through the name of Jesus.
a) Prayer in His name brings results
John 14:13 – Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do.
b) The name is our access key to heaven
John 16:23 – Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you.
c) Using His name aligns our will with His
1 John 5:14 – If we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us.
d) We honour the Son when we pray in His name
John 14:14 – If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.
Biblical Example: Elijah on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:36-39)
Though pre-Christ, Elijah’s call to the God of Israel mirrored the confidence we now have in Jesus’ name to bring fire and answers from heaven.
5. THE NAME OF CHRIST DEMANDS CONFESSION AND WORSHIP
His name must be exalted, confessed, and worshipped by all creation.
a) All must confess Jesus is Lord
Philippians 2:11 – Every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
b) His name is the centre of true worship
Revelation 5:12 – Worthy is the Lamb that was slain...
c) Confession brings salvation
Romans 10:9 – If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus... you shall be saved.
d) There is no other name for salvation
Acts 4:12 – Neither is there salvation in any other...
Biblical Example: The Thief on the Cross (Luke 23:42-43)
He called upon the name of Jesus in his final hour and received eternal life, showing that salvation is available to anyone who believes in His name.
CONCLUSION:
The name of Jesus Christ is more than just a label; it carries divine essence, heavenly power, and unstoppable authority. As believers, we are not only called to believe in His name but to wield it as a weapon in prayer, ministry, and everyday life. Understanding the power in that name transforms how we live, pray, and overcome the enemy.
Let us live with the consciousness that we bear the name above all names. When we pray in His name, stand in His name, and speak in His name, we release heaven’s authority into our circumstances. The impact of His name is timeless, boundless, and eternally victorious.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, thank You for the power and authority You’ve placed in the name of Jesus.
2. Lord, teach me to boldly use Your name to overcome every challenge.
3. Let the name of Jesus bring healing, deliverance, and breakthroughs in every area of my life.
4. Father, shield me and my family in the strong tower of the name of Jesus.
5. Lord, let the name of Jesus be honoured and glorified in all that I do.