“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name, which is above every name” (Phil. 2:9).
As believers, we have been granted the power of attorney to use the name of Jesus. We have a legal right to whatever the name of Jesus can do. There is power in the name of Jesus. Philippians 2:9 reminds us that God has exalted Jesus and given Him a name higher than any other name.
Jesus’ obedience caused His name to be placed above every other name. You see, names have a particular importance in the Scripture. They are words, and everything in the universe exists and functions by words. Therefore, everything in the universe exists and functions by the name of Jesus.
Philippians 2:10 says, “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth.” Now the term “things” is translated “beings,” which adds more clarity to the verse.
Certainly, we are not concerned about “things” bowing. We are not concerned about a table or a chair bowing down to the name of Jesus. But a lying demon, or some other being, now that’s a different story—those things need to bow in your life, and they shall bow when you use the name of Jesus.
“Things” in the earth and under the earth include every being from the very surface of the earth to the pit of hell and all the way up into the heavens. And that’s not all; every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God whether they want to or not.
Then he instructs us to, “…work out our own salvation….” That word salvation means deliverance. Well, as believers, what is our deliverance? Our deliverance is the name of Jesus. We are to develop and build our faith in His name. We are to pray in His name and have reverence and respect for the name of Jesus.
So then, we are to work out our deliverance with fear and trembling. In other words, don’t go about it casually, but recognize that you are handling the highest Name given in the universe – be in awe at His Name.
Well, you and I didn’t deserve all the benefits of the name of Jesus, but God doesn’t deal with us according to what we deserve, He deals with us according to what Jesus did for us. So exercise your legal right – utilize the name of Jesus.
Scripture References: Philippians 2:9-13; Acts 4:10-12; John 14:6
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Keith Butler has been an ordained minister since 1974. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds diplomas from Canada Christian College and Rhema Bible Training Center.
He serves in ministry with the support of his lovely wife, Pastor Deborah L. Butler, and their children: Pastor Andre Butler (granddaughters Alexis, Angela, and April), Pastor MiChelle Ferguson and husband Pastor Lee (grandson Lucas), and Minister Kristina Jenkins and husband Pastor Joel (grandsons Andrew and Austin, and granddaughter Alyssa).