Text: Philippians 2:9–11; 2 Timothy 2:19; Matthew 7:21–23
Theme: The power, privilege, and responsibility of naming the name of Jesus
«“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
— Philippians 2:9–11, KJV»
Introduction
There is no name like the name of Jesus.
His name is above every name. It is above sickness, demons, fear, death, judgment, sin, shame, and every power of darkness. At His name, heaven responds, hell trembles, and the earth must bow. The name of Jesus is not ordinary. It is holy, mighty, saving, and eternal.
Yet this great name must not be used carelessly. Some use the name of Jesus like a credit card — to access blessings, miracles, favour, and power — while refusing the holiness of the One whose name they mention. But the name of Jesus is not a religious formula. It is not a charm. It is not a password for selfish gain. It is the name of the Lord, and all who name that name must depart from iniquity.
«“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
— 2 Timothy 2:19, KJV»
- The Name Has Supreme Authority
God has highly exalted Jesus and given Him a name above every name. This means there is no rival name, no equal name, and no greater name.
At the name of Jesus, every knee must bow. Things in heaven bow. Things in earth bow. Things under the earth bow. Angels honour Him. Demons fear Him. Creation answers to Him. Judgment belongs to Him. Salvation is found in Him alone.
«“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
— Acts 4:12, KJV»
The name of Jesus carries the authority of His person. His name is powerful because He is powerful. His name saves because He is the Saviour. His name delivers because He is the Deliverer. His name reigns because He is Lord.
- Even Sin Must Bow to This Name
The name of Jesus is not only powerful over demons and diseases; it is powerful over sin. This is where many people fail to understand the fullness of His name.
Jesus did not come only to save us from hell; He came to save us from sin.
«“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
— Matthew 1:21, KJV»
Sin must bow to the name of Jesus. Lust must bow. Pride must bow. Bitterness must bow. Greed must bow. Lying must bow. Secret compromise must bow. Addiction must bow. Unforgiveness must bow.
No believer should honour the name of Jesus with the mouth while protecting iniquity in the heart. The same name that forgives sin also breaks the dominion of sin.
«“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”
— Romans 6:14, KJV»
To call on the name of Jesus is to call on the One who has power to cleanse, deliver, and transform.
- Calling the Name Must Lead to Salvation
The Scripture gives a glorious promise:
«“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
— Romans 10:13, KJV»
This is the mercy of God opened to all. Whoever calls sincerely, repentantly, and faithfully upon the Lord shall be saved. No sinner is too far gone. No bondage is too strong. No past is too dirty. No soul is beyond the reach of the saving name of Jesus.
But calling His name is not empty religious speech. It is not merely saying “Jesus” while the heart remains far from Him. True calling involves faith, surrender, repentance, and trust.
The same passage says:
«“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
— Romans 10:9, KJV»
The mouth must confess, but the heart must believe. The lips must call, but the life must yield. The name that saves us also claims us.
- The Danger of Using the Name Without Obedience
Jesus gave a very serious warning:
«“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”
— Matthew 7:21, KJV»
This means it is possible to say “Lord, Lord” and still not belong to Him. It is possible to speak His name loudly and yet live outside His will.
Jesus continued:
«“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?”
— Matthew 7:22, KJV»
These people did not lack religious activity. They prophesied. They cast out devils. They did wonderful works. They even did these things in His name. Yet Jesus said:
«“And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
— Matthew 7:23, KJV»
This is a fearful truth: miracles are not the final proof that a person is known by Christ. Gifts may operate, crowds may gather, testimonies may be shared, and the name of Jesus may be mentioned often — yet the life may still be full of iniquity.
Jesus did not say, “Depart from me, ye that lacked miracles.” He said, “Depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
Therefore, we must not use the name of Jesus like a credit card while refusing the character of Jesus. We must not borrow His name for ministry while rejecting His lordship in private. The name that carries power also demands purity.
- Let Everyone That Names His Name Depart from Iniquity
Second Timothy 2:19 brings balance to our confession:
«“The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
— 2 Timothy 2:19, KJV»
This verse shows two things.
First, the Lord knows those who truly belong to Him. Men may be deceived by titles, gifts, noise, and outward performance, but God is not deceived. He knows the heart. He knows the secret life. He knows those who are His.
Second, everyone who names the name of Christ must depart from iniquity. Not admire holiness only. Not preach holiness only. Not sing about holiness only. Depart from iniquity.
To depart means to leave, turn away, separate, and refuse to continue. The name of Jesus must create a clear break between the believer and sin.
If we name His name, we must not remain comfortable with what He died to destroy.
- The Name Is Worthy of Reverence
The name of Jesus is worthy, holy, and glorious. It should not be reduced to a slogan, performance, business tool, or religious decoration.
Some mention His name only when they need help, but ignore Him when He requires obedience. Some call His name in prayer but silence His voice in their conscience. Some preach His name publicly but dishonour Him privately.
But the name of Jesus must be honoured in word and life.
«“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
— Colossians 3:17, KJV»
To do all in His name means our actions must agree with His nature. We cannot attach His holy name to unholy living.
- Every Knee Shall Bow
One day every knee will bow at the name of Jesus. Some will bow in worship and joy. Others will bow in judgment and regret. But all will bow.
The question is not whether we will bow. The question is whether we bow now willingly, or later unwillingly.
Those who bow now in repentance will find mercy. Those who call upon Him sincerely will be saved. Those who depart from iniquity will discover that His name is not only powerful to deliver from judgment, but powerful to make a sinner holy.
The name of Jesus saves. The name of Jesus cleanses. The name of Jesus delivers. The name of Jesus rules. The name of Jesus is above every name.
Conclusion
The name of Jesus is the greatest name in heaven and earth. There is salvation in no other name. Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
But we must not call His name carelessly. We must not use His name for miracles while refusing His holiness. We must not say “Lord, Lord” with our mouths while working iniquity with our lives.
The Lord knows those who are His. Therefore, let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
The name above all names must be honoured by a life surrendered to the Lord above all lords.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I honour Your holy name. Your name is above every name. Forgive me for every way I have used Your name carelessly or lived contrary to Your will. Save me, cleanse me, and deliver me from every iniquity. Teach me to call upon Your name with faith, reverence, and obedience. Let my life bring glory to Your name. Help me to depart from sin and live as one who truly belongs to You. In Your mighty name, Amen.
Reflection Questions
- Do I honour the name of Jesus only with my lips, or also with my life?
- Is there any iniquity I must depart from today?
- Am I using the name of Jesus for benefits while resisting His lordship?
- Does my private life agree with the name I profess publicly?
- If Jesus appeared today, would I bow with joy or with regret?