Deeper Christian Life Ministry – Search The Scripture 7 November 2021 (Lesson 1025)
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Topic: Supremacy And Sufficiency Of The Name Of Jesus (STS 7 November 2021)
MEMORY VERSE: “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth” (Philippians 2:10).
TEXT: Philippians 2:5-11; Ephesians 1:17-23 (KJV)
Philippians 2:5-11:
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Ephesians 1:17-23:
17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Events around the world point to the imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ. They remind us of His words before He ascended to be with the Father in heaven that, “…there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places” (Matthew 24: 7) when His coming draws near. However, He said to His disciples, “…see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass…” (verse 6). New Testament believers are not to succumb to fear because of the prevailing circumstances to the point they forget the power and authority in the name of Jesus and who they are in Christ (Ephesians 2:6). They are to be constantly conscious of the divine promise, provision and protection available to them in Christ. No disease, principality or power can overcome a child of God who is seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. The supremacy and sufficiency of the name of Jesus is not limited to a particular country or continent, or to national and supranational boundaries. Everything on earth, underneath the earth, and in heaven, visible and invisible, is subject to the authority in the name of Jesus.
Question 1: Explain the place of believers in relation to diseases, principalities, powers and works of darkness.
PRECEPTS AND PRINCIPLES FOR CHRIST’S DISCIPLES (Philippians 2:5-7; Colossians 2:17,23; 2 Thessalonians 1;11,12; 3:6,7; 2 Timothy 2:19-21)
Christ is our perfect Example in all things. The Scripture says, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). We are commanded to imbibe the attitude of Christ as we live and prepare for the coming of the Lord. The principle here is that we are to make Him our Model in all respects, and as far as possible, to frame our lives in accordance with His word. One, Christ “made himself of no reputation… he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death…” Humility should be the hallmark of every true believer. There cannot be something like a ‘proud’ or ‘arrogant’ Christian. Genuine salvation takes away the haughty spirit from believers and makes them little christs. No one can be said to be genuinely converted who is not like his Master in “lowliness of mind”, gentleness, meekness and selflessness. Genuine conversion and Christlikeness ensure the believer’s security and protection always. Two, Christ did not seek to be a famous personality whose ego must be massaged and pampered. He never sought publicity on account of His position, power and prestige. Three, He “became obedient unto death…” It was characteristic of the Redeemer to submit to the will of the Father. He confessed that He never did anything on His own but as the Father commanded Him (John 5:30). It follows then, that if Christ obeyed and submitted to the will of the Father, His followers should do the same in order to enjoy the full benefits of their redemption. Four, He is united with the Father in all things. The church of God should be united as we confront common adversities of humanity, which has expiry date. There should be no division or disagreement among believers as we unite to fight the devil, who is the archenemy of the human race. Five, whatever we do as followers of Christ must be done “heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men”. We cannot afford to be part of the defilements, disorderliness and desecration of the society and expect the name of Jesus to work for us in times of crises. If we exalt and promote the name of Jesus in whatsoever we do, His power will work mightily in our lives and situations. In all things, believers should preserve, promote and proclaim the power in His name. To enjoy divine protection, everyone must seek to come under the umbrella of the Most High. “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91 : 1). We must ensure we belong to Him and follow His principle and precept of humility, meekness and submission to the will of the Father.
Also Read: Open Heaven 6 November 2021 – Topic: JEHOVAH NISSI
Question 2: Why is it compulsory to be converted before one can enjoy divine protection?
PROMISE AND PROVISION IN CHRIST’S MIGHTY NAME (Philippians 2:8-10; Ephesians 1:17-23; Acts 4:12; Matthew 1:21; John 1:12; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 John 5:13-15; John 17: 15; 14:27-29; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; Psalm 91:1-16) The name of Jesus guarantees the security of believers who put their trust in Him. It is a tower which the righteous runs into and is safe (Proverbs 18:10). “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth”. This statement affirms the power and authority which heaven confers on the name of Jesus. One, it is only through Christ’s name we have the promise of full and final salvation. He is the only One chosen by God to give salvation to sinners through the remission of their sins. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” He makes the sons of men to become the sons of God; and turns them from darkness to light. Two, the name of Jesus gives us Passover right (Exodus 12:13). The angel of death going around will pass over God’s people without harming them. Three, we have the privilege of receiving answers to our prayers for protection and preservation, even in this perilous times. Four, we have spiritual strength to stand firm when men’s hearts begin to fail them. Five, there is sufficient grace as well as power to continue to endure in all circumstances. Six, He promises to give peace to those who believe in Him (John 14:27; 16:33). Seven, we are kept from evil through His intercession (John 17:15; Hebrews 7:25). At the mention of the name of Jesus, temptations lose their power, Satan’s hosts flee and sicknesses and diseases disappear. His name grants us healing, health, holiness, and heavenly inheritance. Satan cannot decrease the power and authority in His name. The secret place of the Most High is open to those who wish to hide themselves in it. Satan, sickness and disease cannot assail or breach its security. God Himself is its fortress and stronghold and those who seek refuge in it shall be safe from the blast of the terrible. “For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall” (Isaiah 25:4).
Question 3: What is the basis of believers’ faith despite the prevailing worldwide adversity?
THE POWER OF PRAYER IN HIS MATCHLESS NAME (Philippians 2:10,11; Matthew 18:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 10:17-19; John 14:12-14)
The name of Jesus is incomparable on earth and in heaven. “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth” (Philippians 2:10). The whole creation acknowledges its irresistible power in matters of prayer and supplication. Behind the name, there is absolute, almighty, heavenly and unlimited power. There is no challenge, difficulty or situation that can withstand the power and authority in His name. What the name did in Bible days, it can still do in our midst today. The apostles and disciples of Christ wrought mighty works and miracles of healing, signs and wonders through the name. “And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all” (Acts 3:16).
Question 4: What are the privileges a believer stands to enjoy through the power in the name of Jesus?
Heaven stands at attention to take the requests of God’s children which they present in the name of Jesus. Two, we receive purity of heart and power of the Spirit in His name. Three, any deadly or poisonous substance loses its potency at the mention of that name. Four, demons submit to God’s children through the name. Five, greater and unprecedented miracles, signs and wonders are wrought. Six, we receive healing, provision and breakthrough. Seven, daily and continual victory is guaranteed to those who pray in the name of Jesus. There are not enough demons from the pit of hell to reverse whatsoever a child of God asks the Father in the name of Jesus. Let us take advantage of this privilege and begin to release the power of God into our situations today through the powerful name of Jesus.