(Phil 2:9,10 KJV) 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;
This morning we continue our series entitled, “Re-Energizing Your Prayer Life,” by continuing with our teaching on “The Fear Factor” and reasons why not to fear. Here is reason #7 why you should not be afraid, “Because we have authority in the Name of Jesus!” I would venture to say that most believers don’t understand the authority Jesus died to give us. His authority is tied to His name; and guess what? Jesus gave us the right to operate in His name in the earth. In our focus text Paul tells us that Jehovah has exalted Jesus and has given Him a name that is above every name. At the name of Jesus every knee must bow; including those in heaven, in the earth, and under the earth. This means that every knee in the natural and in the spiritual must bow to the name of Jesus. Jesus’ name is the MOST EXALTED name in the universe; and we have been given the right to operate in that name!
One time Jesus called His 12 disciples together and He gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases (Luke 9:1). But even though Jesus gave it to them, they did not really use the power or authority until He was gone. While Jesus was with His disciples they were used to Him operating in authority and they never really stretched themselves to receive that authority by faith. However, in the following chapter Jesus sent out 72 of His followers. He gave them the same authority. These followers embraced the power and authority. They went out to make a difference in the name of Jesus. When they came back they were excited and said to Jesus, “Lord, even the demons obeyed when we spoke in your name!” (Luke 10:17). Did you get that? Not even demons have power over us when we operate in the authority of the name of Jesus. I have personally encountered demons and I can attest to the fact that they are subject to the name of Jesus!
In the passage known as “The Great Commission” Jesus said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” Jesus was not saying that He only had power in heaven. Jesus came to take back what Adam lost in the garden. Jesus died and was subsequently resurrected. This resurrected Jesus conquered satan, hell, and the grave. And it was this resurrected Jesus who clearly stated that He had ALL power both in heaven and in earth. Based upon this power He said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (see Mat 28:18-20). The “therefore” in verse 19 is connected to the power in verse 18. Based upon the power Jesus bequeathed to us, we are supposed to GO! I call that the “Go” in the gospel. But we could not effectively GO without the power He has given us in His name.
So what does this mean to you today? It means that you can take your prayer life to another level if you get an understanding of the power and authority you have been given to operate in the name of Jesus. Jesus came to get back everything Adam lost in the Garden. All power and authority was given to Jesus, both in heaven and in earth. All things are under Jesus’ feet, and when you realize that He has authorized you to operate in His name, then you won’t have any need to fear anything. Once you get to this point your prayers will be full of confidence and fear will have no power over you.
Closing Confession: Father, I have the faith to believe what You said. I have the faith to operate in Your name. No devil, demon, or demonic force has any power over me. I operate in the authority given to me in Your name. Your name is above all principalities and powers. At Your name every knee must bow. Thank You Jesus for allowing me to operate in the authority vested in Your name. I declare, right now, by the name of Jesus, that I am healed, healthy, blessed, prosperous, and protected. Fear has no power over me, I overcome evil with good, I operate with fearless confidence, and I pray prayers of faith that are heard and responded to daily. I declare this by faith! In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
