I. We are a
Bible believing, Christ centered church. The
Bible, and not the church, is our authority. We must always depend on the
written word as a standard! Psalms:119:89,
Matthew 5:18, 1Peter 1:23. When we venture too
far from the standard, we risk deception! 2
Corinthians 11:12-15
II. There is
power in the name of Jesus beyond "saying" it. Matthew
7:15-23, John 4:1. A name represents the
essence, personality, and character; the very nature of that person. It
carries the full weight of his "authority." Name (Hebrew) shem: an
appellation (name), as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication, honor,
authority, character. Name (Greek) onoma: a "name" (literally
or figuratively) [authority, character]. There is power in a name.
God began significant moves by changing names. Some examples are Abram
(Mighty Father) to Abraham (Father of a multitude); Saul (Chosen) to Paul
(Little). Other significant names include Gabriel (God is Mighty); Michael
(Who is like God?); and John (Yahweh is gracious). A name will invoke
respect or shame, and impacts the spiritual realm. We can, without changing
the meaning of scripture, substitute the idea of "authority," for
"name." Genesis 32:24-29, Exodus
3:13-15:, John 1:1-12, Acts 4:1-12
III. Obedience is critical to our walk with the
Lord. Obedience of Christ (our example) to
death, Philippians 2:5-8,
in learning, Hebrews 5:7-10,
in submissiveness, Matthew 26:39-42.
Our obedience to God, Romans 6:15-18,
1 Peter 1:18-23.
Our obedience to Pastor, Hebrews 13:15-17,
2 Corinthians 7:13-15.
Lack of obedience brings rejection, 1 Samuel
15:20-23, captivity, 2
Kings 18:11-12, death, 1
Kings 20:36, and retribution, 2
Thessalonians 1:6-8.
IV. We have, and must use, the mind of Christ. Isaiah 55:8-9. God's
primary concern is not our circumstance, but rather our growth in Christlikeness.
Praying for the mind of Christ and a change in attitude may be more
effective than praying for a change in circumstances Philippians
4:11-13, Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 2:16. Now,
when you watch TV, go to the movies, whatever you do in your leisure time,
do you spend that time having the mind of Christ? There are 168 hours in a
week. If you spend 3 hours a week in church, do you "exercise" the
mind of Christ for the remaining 165 hours?
V. We must glorify God with the proper attitude.
John 15:8, 1 Corinthians 6:20, 1 Corinthians 10:31,
Romans 15:6. Now most of us know that
throughout scripture Jesus glorifies the Father, and the Father glorifies
His Son. We can see this in John 17:1-5.
We also know that God exhorts us to glorify him. Have you ever realized,
however, that God the Father, through the Son, glorifies us! John
17:21-23. Did you know that the Holy Spirit
glorifies us! 2 Corinthians 3:18.
We are brought to glory through Jesus’ sacrifice! Hebrews
2:9-10, 2 Timothy 2:10. We learn from scripture
that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit glorify one
another, and as adopted sons (and daughters) having the mind of Christ (1
Corinthians 2:16), and being
"partakers" of the divine nature (2
Peter 1:4), we are to join our heavenly family (Ephesians
3:15), in glorifying God.
VI. Taking a step up the spiritual ladder. Luke
12:22-32, Mark 4:1-20, Ephesians 3:14-19. CONCLUSION:
I. Do you understand the importance of the written
word in conjunction with your spiritual growth? II. Do you
understand the importance and depth of Jesus’ name (His
Authority?) III. Are you willing to part with the things of this
world and walk in obedience to God’s word? IV. Do you have the
mind of Christ? V. Do you glorify God with the mind of
Christ and the nature of God? VI. Are you ready and willing take
a step up the spiritual ladder?
BONUS SCRIPTURE:
Philippians 2:25-30
Galatians 2:20-21
