“The NAME.”
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. “-{1 Peter 4:12-14}
The Phrase, “The Name” is used of the LORD Jesus Christ and refers to who He is, His character.
Let’s look at a few things that happened because of peoples identification with “the Name,” The LORD Jesus.
1. SALVATION IN THE NAME;
We read in Acts 4:12, “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” The word “For,” gives us the explanation why there is no other name by which we can be saved, delivered, rescued spiritually but through and in the EXCLUSIVITY of the LORD Jesus. But thank God, we do not have to try feel our way and grope in the dark trying to figure out which Name can save us, or is it possible even to be rescued from spiritual bondage, and be right with God. “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”-{Colossians 1:13-14}.God has made it clear and narrowed it down for us by revealing to us that salvation is found EXCLUSIVELY in the LORD Jesus Christ and in Him and Him alone! Not “a” as one of many, or alternatives but note the word “the,” speaking of exclusivity. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”-{John 14:6}. “We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.”-{Colossians 1:28}.
2. SUFFERING BECAUSE OF THE NAME;
Suffering for “The NAME”of Jesus Christ through identification and proclamation of the LORD Jesus was a reality for the people whom Peter wrote to. -{1 Peter 4:14}, as well as for living Godly in an ungodly society as those in 1 Peter 2 were been encouraged for their Godly living of “excellent behavior…good deeds,..Glorify God…doing the will of God…doing right,” amidst an ungodly society and are praised for it-{ Read 1 Peter 2:11-15}.
“Coming to Jesus,” did not mean deliverance from troubles but been right smack in the middle of them and suffering for belonging to Him was the outcome! Note in 1 Peter 4;14,…
“If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” “Reviled” speaks of being insulted, mistreated, unfairly, unlovingly for “the name of Christ,” what does that mean? “The Name” represents all who He is, His character, and note in 1 Peter 4:14 they were not just suffering unjustly because of their allegiance, identification to Him but also because of their proclamation of Him! They were proclaiming “the Name of Christ,” and they were suffering for it!
The apostles rejoiced because of the privilege to suffer “for the Name.” “They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in THE NAME OF JESUS, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for THE NAME.”-{Acts 5;40-41}. ” But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, “-{1 Peter 3:14}. Suffering for “righteousness,” that which is right in God’s sight, and when you do He says you are “blessed!” And He says don’t allow the opponents to cause you to fear with their intimidation and don’t be troubled. He goes on to say be ready to give an account of the hope that is within you when they ask. They see your life and they cannot ignore the right way you are living for His Name and it causes them to ask you, to tell them about the hope you have. You’re doing right is seen and causes others to enquire about your hope, and you get to testify of the Name above all names, The Name of Jesus who has forgiven you of your sins and given you newness of life, and through His Name you have access to God to pray and assurance that your Eternal inheritance and you are “kept,” it is a military term meaning to “protect, guard” your salvation.
3. HEALING IN THE NAME;
“Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer.2 And a man who had been lame from his mother’s womb was being carried along, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in order to beg alms of those who were entering the temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he began asking to receive alms. 4 But Peter, along with John, fixed his gaze on him and said, “Look at us!” 5 And he began to give them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—walk!” 7 And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened. 8 [c]With a leap he stood upright and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God; 10 and they were taking note of him as being the one who used to sit at the Beautiful Gate of the temple to beg alms, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.” – {Acts 3:1-10}
4. OPPOSITION TO THE NAME;
Note the story in Acts 3:1-10 of the healing of a man through “The Name” of Jesus and the response to this wonderful work was not seen as wonderful by the enemies of the LORD…nor the fact that people were turning to the LORD! Peter boldly testified of the LORD to the religious leaders concerning “The Name,”-
“When they had placed them in the center, they began to inquire, “By what power, or in what name, have you done this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people, 9 if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well, 10 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—by this name this man stands here before you in good health. “- {Acts 4:7-10}
“And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in reply. But when they had ordered them to leave the Council, they began to confer with one another, saying, “What shall we do with these men? For the fact that a noteworthy miracle has taken place through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But so that it will not spread any further among the people, let us warn them to speak no longer to any man in this name.” And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” -{Acts 4:14-18}. Those who were supposed to represent the LORD were indeed opposed to Him! They told the disciples not to speak anymore in ‘THE NAME” of Jesus as they did not want His Fame being spread how the man was healed in that “NAME,” and the fact people were turning to the LORD!
“The Name…? “Jesus! Miracles in His Name was met with threats. And when they were released they went and told their companions all that had been said to them and they glorified God!
And in the book of 1 Peter, he shows us when we identify, live out and proclaim “The Name,” it is at times met with hostility, and as it was, so it is in different parts of the world, people do not mind you saying “God,” but the atmosphere and attitudes can often change when you mention “The Name above all names” the Lord Jesus!
5. REJOICING IN THE NAME;
“…but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing,”-{1 Peter 4:13}. Isn’t it interesting he doesn’t say complain, give up and quit, turn back, retaliate, seek vengeance, name call, but “keep on rejoicing.” Why? He shares in the verse “to the degree you SHARE the sufferings of Christ.” Suffering because of your identification with Christ, because you belong to Him and people opposing you and yet he tells them to “Keep on rejoicing.” Peter contrasts between being “surprised” with acceptance, and the evidence you follow His instructions and keep on rejoicing! It is a command and is present tense which means keep on doing this and it is don’t let things get you down, you choose to be glad. One way you can do that is to praise Him for His Greatness -{1 Peter 1:3} for Who He is and the Greatness of His salvation for them! Read and count your blessings in 1 Peter 1:4-9. He gives us the desire and ability to rejoice, -{Read Phil 2:13}. It is the fruit of the Spirit when He is controlling our lives as we live in submission to His Word.- {Read Galatians 5:22; Colossians 3:16}. Rejoicing in the LORD according to Philippians 3:1 is a “safeguard” to you, which means to keep you from “tripping up, overtaken, ” and notice it is ‘in the LORD.” Think on who He is and what you have in Him and who you are to Him, “accepted,” holy, chosen, beloved” and so so much more.-{Read Ephesians 1:6; Colossians 3:12}. Read Ephesians 1:3-14 and look at the phrases,”In Him…In Whom…In Christ…” and note the blessings that He has imparted to you and Praise Him!-{Eph 1:3}. Rejoice in the privilege to suffer in His Name and who you are “In Christ,” and know He controls the temperature of the furnace of affliction you are in, and He prospers good in your spiritual maturity as revealed in 1 Peter 5:10! A Good prayer for joy whether for you or someone you know who is suffering is in Romans 15;13 {NLT}- ” I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
6. SUPREMACY OF THE NAME;
“For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”-{Philippians 2:9-11}.
There is Power in the Name and so we proclaim Him, but understand there is opposition to “The Name!” But in the end it is HIS NAME that is Exalted and all other names bow down before Him!
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?; Now what about you, when you are mocked, rejected, overlooked for promotion, ostracized, belittled at home or school, work, or if you are in a nursing home, wherever you find yourself and are doing right for “the Name, Sharing “the Name,” Speaking of the Fame of “The Name?” Living and Doing right for “The Name,”Suffering as a result of your identification with “The Name.” Note, what Peter tells those who are suffering, slandered for “The Name,” how they are to think and live in light of their suffering for the LORD,
Note, There is is a “suffering according to the Will of God.” -{v19}. It is normal for the follower of Christ and when it happens FOUR things to Know and do,
A. – IT’S FOR YOU – Know it’s “for your testing” – v 12 .
B. – REJOICE -“keep on rejoicing…”-{1 Peter 4:14}
C. – TRUST –“entrust” your soul to a “faithful Creator” who has made you… for He cares for you – v 19; 5:7
D. -DO RIGHT -“Continue to do what is right.” – Don’t be sidetracked. – v 19.
There is Power in The Name To Heal, Save, Suffer so as to Honor Him- Jesus the Name above All Names!
“Oh worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness;
bow down before Him His glory proclaim;
with gold of obedience, and incense of lowliness, kneel and adore Him;
the LORD is His Name!” -{John S.B Monsell}.