Taking on the Name of Christ

When we become Christians, we also become part of the church. (1 Corinthians 12:12-14) Now, I am not talking about a membership to the First Church of the Sweet Potato Casserole, or whatever. I am talking about becoming a part of the church as a whole. The BODY.

The Word says that the church is the bride of Christ. (Ephesians 5:25-33) Traditionally, at least in our western culture, when a couple is married the bride takes the name of the groom. As such, she also takes on her part of the authority and responsibility in that family. Ideally, when there is a big decision to be made in our family, for example, my husband and I will discuss the matter and come to a decision together. Even if one of us thinks we know which route is the best in a particular situation, it always seems helpful to at least get another perspective (one that you may not have thought about) and come together in agreement. However, if I am faced with a decision that needs to be made immediately, and for whatever reason my husband is unavailable, I make the call. I go over the options and determine our course of action. Because we are married, I have the authority and responsibility to do that for our family if the situation merits it.

What happens if you liken that example to the church being the bride of Christ? It means that when we (the church) became the bride, we took the name of the groom, and we have the authority and the responsibility to use it. (In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus says that He has been given all authority in heaven and Earth and then he turns right around and delegates it to the church – the Believers.) It also means that anybody outside of that body does NOT possess that same name (of Jesus) or the authority to use it. So, as a Christian, you have the NAME of Jesus, and the AUTHORITY to wield it. It’s like being an extension cord. You aren’t much use on your own, but when you are plugged into the POWER SOURCE, you can light up anything you are connected to!

In Acts 19:13-16, the seven sons of Sceva (a Jewish chief priest) had apparently seen Paul doing things in the name of Jesus. They must have thought Paul made it look easy peasy and thought they’d give it a whirl. They attempted to drive out evil spirits in the name of Jesus, even though they were not part of the body of Christ – not part of the bride. Get the picture here, y’all: These guys are going around and doing their dead-level best to free people of these tormenting spirits. Nothing wrong with helping folks, but how many of y’all know there is wisdom in getting a little knowledge about a situation before you go busting in, headlong, like a bull in a china shop? I’m guessing Sceva hadn’t taught that lesson to these boys. They were saying, “In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out!”

The first thing that jumps out at you is that, just from the way they talked, it’s OBVIOUS they have no relationship with Jesus. They didn’t KNOW Him. They just heard the name and thought they’d use it. Can you see where this is headed?

Let’s just say, it didn’t go well.

In verse 15, we are told that as they were attempting to throw the spirits out of one man in particular, an evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but WHO ARE YOU?” (I have this image in my head of the spirit looking at them, chuckling and saying, “Seriously, dude?”) And if that weren’t demeaning enough, the man with the spirits then jumped on them, overpowered them (all seven of ‘em), and tore their clothes off. These ol’ boys got such a whoopin’ that they ran off bleeding, naked and, I’m guessing, terrified.

So, what did they do wrong? These guys had essentially just headed into the OK Corral with a plastic cap gun. Their strategy was not only COMPLETELY ineffective, but honestly, it was kinda stupid. Weren’t they doing it just like the Believer’s were doing it? Well, maybe. With one large, very significant, difference. They had no authority. (Doesn’t matter how good your aim is if you are only firing blanks, y’all.) They were going by what they saw. They thought by using the little tin foil Sheriff’s badge they got out of the Cracker Jack box, and their favorite cap gun, that they could get the job done. Not hardly. What they NEEDED were the TOOLS that we as Believers have – the name of Jesus and the full authority behind it. They were not part of the body and they were using a name (Jesus) that wasn’t theirs to use. The evil spirits knew it and called them out on it.

Here is the take-away: As Believers – the bride of Christ – we are given His name and His authority (Luke 10:17-19, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Matthew 16:19, Luke 9:1, Matthew 10:1). The Word says that we have authority over evil spirits. We have authority to ask the Father for healing and provision, and whatever we need.

So now the question becomes this: Knowing that Christ has given ALL of this to you – the sword of His word, His name, His authority – how are you going to choose to wield it?

John 14:12 ESV    Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.

Please feel free to share our posts and our blog site, and leave comments below! We are so glad you are here!  If this is your first visit, go and see our Welcome Page, and explore the rest of the site.