By Kayode Crown

Philippians 2:10

so that at the name of Jesus
every knee will bow
—in heaven and on earth and under the earth—

ANNOUNCEMENT 1 (of 3): I am happy to announce the publication of the paperback edition of the ministry’s book of the year: The Sufficiency of Scripture. The ebook version would be available later this month. Cheers!

https://www.westbowpress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/865091-the-sufficiency-of-scripture

ANNOUNCEMENT 2 (of 3): Please check the new weekly segment following the bible commentary: From Addiction to Freedom by Favour Oyinloye. Or you can scroll immediately to it, I won't mind.

ANNOUNCEMENT 3 (of 3): Going forward, beginning from Sept 1, I will add a segment to my thrice weekly newsletter. I call it weekly chant. You will get to hear the Weekly Chant (not music, because I am just repeating one or two phrases). The weekly chants are words and melodies I am hearing in my spirit.

Jesus offered God obedience. We were told that he learnt obedience through the things he suffered (Hebrews 5:8). And God responded with blessings: elevation, the giving of the name that is above every other name.

That is why he is king of kings and lord of lords (Revelation 19:16). As king of kings, all authority is vested in him, and as lord of lords, all allegiance and obedience is owed to him.

This is given to him as a reward for what he went through in obedience to the father. What realm does Christ’s dominion cover? Everywhere. Paul makes it very clear: in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. That is his way of saying in all realms of existence.

So what is he doing with that Authority now? He is building his church with it (Matthew 16:18). He has delegated his authority to apostles, etc, to build up the church into Christ (Ephesians 4:7-15).

Then Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

So if someone asks Paul who gives him the right to tell us how we should behave? His answer would be: Jesus Christ tells us to tell you how you should behave since all authority has been given to him. He authorizes us to bring about obedience to him regardless of tongues, languages, and race (Romans 1:5).

What does “at the name of Jesus” mean? Is it a formula to invoke his presence? Yes.

These signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages; they will pick up snakes with their hands, and whatever poison they drink will not harm them; they will place their hands on the sick and they will be well.” (Mark 16:17-18)

There is something happening with the invocation of the name of Jesus, causing all opposition to him to dissolve and to cause the supernatural to occur.

Examples

Jesus said the Father was going to send the Holy Spirit in his name.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:16)

Peter said the healing of the man lame from birth placed at the beautiful gate of the temple was done in the name of Jesus.

But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, stand up and walk!” (Acts 3:6)

And on the basis of faith in Jesus’ name, his very name has made this man—whom you see and know—strong. The faith that is through Jesus has given him this complete health in the presence of you all. (Acts 3:16)

let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, this man stands before you healthy. (Acts 4:10)

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among people by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

So Jesus gives us an open check to use his name through which special things are done.

Jesus said If you ask anything in my name, I will do it.

And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. (John 14:13-14)

So though he is going to heaven, he is leaving the church, not alone; he is leaving them with his name to do exploits. What accurately pictures that is the story of Elijah and Elisha.

Elijah did not die, but was taken to heaven, having not seen death, and he dropped his mantle. So that though Elijah is gone, he is not really gone; He is present through the person that bears his mantle. The same is Jesus; Jesus is gone, but he is not gone; He is alive in His people, who have been authorized to wield His name. And just as Elisha, based on records, did double the miracles Elijah did, Jesus said something similar.

I tell you the solemn truth, the person who believes in me will perform the miraculous deeds that I am doing, and will perform greater deeds than these because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. (John 14:12-14)

Welcome to a new weekly segment: From Addiction to Freedom by Favour Oyinloye