Sunday Sermon


In Jesus' Name

Dave Shaner

January 9, 2005

Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:1-17

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Introduction: This is a time of the year where many set some new year's resolutions. Have you set some spiritual goals as well?

As a disciple of Christ, you are living under an assumed name. As a Christian we carry a great responsibility.

I. What does it mean to live under an assumed name?

A. Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

B. Your single mission is to live for the sake of the name.

C. I Peter 4:16

However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

D. Acts 5:41

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

II. What does living in Jesus' name involve?

A. ______________ His ______________

1. Mark 9:38

"Teacher," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us."

2. I am not asking us to give up our convictions, but our pride.

B. _____________ His ______________

1. John 16:23-24

In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

2. Ephesians 1-2

3. To pray in Jesus' name means that:

a. I come to God not on my merits but on Christ's.

b. I ask what Jesus would ask.

4. The purpose of prayer is not to receive, but to magnify God.

5. John 14:13

And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.

C. ______________ His ______________

1. A Christian is one that reflects the character of Christ.

2. Colossians 3:5-10

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

3. For the sake of the name, if you can't put Jesus' name on what you say or do, leave it alone.

Conclusion: Let people have some idea of who Jesus is by the way you wear his name.

What's the difference between commitment and surrender?

Re-evaluate your priorities such that everything you do is done in Jesus' name.

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