All in a Name

Text: Acts 4:5-14

 

I.         Saved in a name

            A.        Acts 4:8-12 - Only in the name of Jesus can we be saved

II.        What does “in his name” mean?

            A.        With that one’s authority or with his approval

                        1.         This was Peter’s answer to “by what authority” (Acts 4:7); he answered, “in the name of Jesus” (Acts 4:10)

                        2.         Jesus did works in God’s name - John 10:25

            B.        You see, a person’s name indicates his fame or his authority

            C.        Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus’ name was place above all others

            D.        This is just another way of expressing what Jesus said - Matthew 28:18

III.       To go against someone’s authority, is in the Greek literally to go against his name

            A.        Matthew 7:23 - The word translated “iniquity” or “lawlessness” is literally word “name” with a prefix meaning “against”

            B.        To act without law, without a name, is sin - Romans 4:7; I John 3:4

            C.        Titus 2:11-14 - Jesus gave himself to purify us from lawless (nameless) deeds

IV.      Acting with authority

            A.        The apostles healed with the authority of Christ - Acts 3:6

                        1.         The cast out demons by the authority of Christ - Acts 16:18

            B.        Luke 24:46-47 - Repentance and remission of sin was preached in his name.

                        1.         Jesus authorized the apostles to preach these topics

            C.        Baptism is done in the name of Jesus, with his authority or approval

                        1.         Acts 2:38 - be baptized in the name of Jesus

                        2.         Cornelius was commanded to be baptized in the name of Jesus - Acts 10:48

                        3.         Twelve men in Ephesus were baptized in the name of Jesus - Acts 19:5

                        4.         Matthew 28:18-19 - baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit

                        5.         More subtle: washed, sanctified, justified in the name of Jesus and the Spirit - I Corinthians 6:11

                        6.         This is why Paul was afraid some would claim to have been baptized into his name - I Corinthians 1:10-16

                                    a.         Paul did not have the authority

                                    b.         But he commanded them with the authority of Christ to be united

            D.        John 3:18 - Believe in his name gives the right to be children of God

                        1.         John 20:31 - Believe in Jesus then life in his name

                        2.         Believing in the name of Jesus is not a claim that you believe that there once was a person named Jesus

                        3.         Believing in the name of Jesus is to acknowledge that Jesus has the authority or the law over you and your soul - I John 3:23; 5:13

            E.        Whatever we do is to be done in the name of Jesus - Colossians 3:17

V.        To call upon a name is to claim a right that was authorized

            A.        When Paul desired to invoke his legal protections under Roman law, he appealed (called upon the name) to Caesar - Acts 25:11-12

                        1.         Caesar was the one who authorized and guaranteed the right to appeal

                        2.         So Paul called upon Caesar’s law

                        3.         This is the same word used to call upon the name of the Lord. It means to appeal to the Lord’s law and the rights He has guaranteed.

            B.        Sin stops people from taking hold of God - Isaiah 64:7

            C.        But God will save those who call upon his name - Zechariah 13:9

            D.        Acts 2:21 - Whoever calls on his name will be saved

            E.        To call requires prior knowledge and faith that the call will be answered - Romans 10:12-14

            F.        Interestingly, baptism is an expression of calling on the Lord - Acts 22:16

VI.      When we act in accordance with a person’s name, that person’s reputation is affect and not our own

            A.        “Why did you do that?” “Johnnie told me to”

                        1.         Who’s reputation is damaged?

                        2.         Isn’t that why some kids want to blame trouble on someone else?

            B.        When we act in the name of Jesus, we enhance our Lord’s reputation

                        1.         When people couldn’t cast out demons just by saying the name of Jesus, Jesus’ name was magnified - Acts 19:13-17

                        2.         II Thessalonians 2:11-12 - fulfilling the work of faith glorifies our Lord

            C.        There is an opportunity now to give God glory

                        1.         Believe in his name

                        2.         Confess his name

                        3.         Be baptized in his name

                        4.         For Jesus has promised salvation to everyone who will call upon His name

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