Women of the Bible Lesson 13 Jael: A Story of Courage Part 11 Spiritual Weapons

2 Corinthians 10:4-6, “For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds,[Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One), Being in readiness to punish every [insubordinate for his] disobedience, when your own submission and obedience [as a church] are fully secured and complete.” (AMPC)  

Today we will be continuing our study on: The Name of Jesus. 

Last week we looked at our authority to use the Name of Jesus. To recap, we have been made kings and priests unto God.  Additionally, we have been given Jesus’ Power of Attorney.  Today I want to look at four of the benefits to praying in Jesus’ Name. 

I want to begin by laying a foundation for how to use the Name of Jesus.  I then want to look at the benefits (results) of using His name properly.  Here we will analyze two situations in the Word where the Name of Jesus was invoked with drastically different results.     

Situation 1: Acts 16:16-18, “It happened that as we were on our way to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave-girl who had a spirit of divination [that is, a demonic spirit claiming to foretell the future and discover hidden knowledge], and she brought her owners a good profit by fortune-telling. She followed after Paul and us and kept screaming and shouting, ‘These men are servants of the Most High God! They are proclaiming to you the way of salvation!’ She continued doing this for several days. Then Paul, being greatly annoyed and worn out, turned and said to the spirit [inside her], ‘I command you in the name of Jesus Christ [as His representative] to come out of her!’ And it came out at that very moment.” (AMP) 

Situation 2: Acts 19:13-16, “Then some of the traveling Jewish exorcists also attempted to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, ‘I implore you and solemnly command you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches!’ Seven sons of one [named] Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. But the evil spirit retorted, ‘I know and recognize and acknowledge Jesus, and I know about Paul, but as for you, who are you?’ Then the man, in whom was the evil spirit, leaped on them and subdued all of them and overpowered them, so that they ran out of that house [in terror, stripped] naked and wounded.”  

Here we see that Paul commanded the demon to leave the girl in the name of Jesus Christ and the demon immediately left her. However, when the seven sons of Sceva tried to invoke the Name of Jesus, instead of seeing the demons flee, the demons turned on them. Why? They used the name of Jesus.   

The Name of Jesus in not a magic formula. It is a powerful weapon that, when used properly, carries great power and authority.  However, when miss used, brings trouble for the user.  Exodus 20:7 tells us, “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain [that is, irreverently, in false affirmations or in ways that impugn the character of God]; for the Lord will not hold guiltless nor leave unpunished the one who takes His name in vain [disregarding its reverence and its power].” (AMP) 

Paul was able to use the Name of Jesus to vanquish the demon because he had a relationship with Jesus and had faith in Him.  Paul also understood the authority he had been given by Christ.  Paul carried the Power of Attorney for Jesus.   

On the other hand, the sons of Sceva had no relationship with Christ, thus, they did not have His authority to invoke His Name. They used the Name of Jesus in vain because they did not regard the power behind it.  Their motives for using it were to make a name for themselves, rather than to see the people set free from the bondage of the enemy.  As a result, they got whooped up on by the enemy.   

The difference we see then is a matter of the heart and spiritual condition. Those who have been born again through faith in Jesus Christ have been given weapons with which to fight against the schemes of the devil and his demons.  The Name of Jesus, while it is more powerful than all the other weapons, must be used in like manner, in faith and in agreement with the Word!!!!  When we invoke the Name of Jesus, we must do it without wavering into unbelief.  Remember, James told us in James 1:6 that if we ask anything in faith, without doubting, we will receive.  However, if we ask with unbelief, we will receive nothing!  We must also do it in agreement with the Word. 1 John 5:14 tells us that if we ask anything according to His we will have what we ask.  As I have said before: His Word is His will!  

Paul asked in faith and with authority, the sons of Sceva asked in vain and with only a hope of seeing results.  Faith brings the things we hope for to fruition.  Thus, faith puts the dunamis (dynamite power) behind the Name of Jesus to bring the desired results.     

When we invoke the Name of Jesus, in faith and in accordance with His Word, we will see: 

First, demons flee. Mark 16:17, “These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages.” (NLT) 

Second, people healed. Acts 3:6, “But Peter said, ‘I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!’” (NLT)   

Mark 16:18, “They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.” (NLT) 

Thirdly, lack reversed/ needs met. 2 Corinthians 8:9, “You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.” (NLT)  

Philippians 4:19, “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (NLT) 

Fourth, we find peace and shelter. Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (ESV). 

Proverbs 18:10, “The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.” (NLT) 

In conclusion, the four benefits mentioned above are by no means an exhaustive list.  I just want to get us thinking about how we can use the Name of Jesus to impact our lives as well as the lives of others.  God wants to answer our prayers and He wants us to use the authority we have been given to see His kingdom come and His will be done here on earth as it is in Heaven.  In heaven what He says goes!  When believers invoke the power of the Name of Jesus in faith and in accordance with His Word, then here on earth, what we say goes!!!