Sermon Outline

The Name Above Every Name

Charles F. Stanley

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11

I. Introduction: In ancient Hebrew culture, names carried great significance. They might refer to an individual’s personality, relate to an event surrounding a person’s birth, or indicate a way that God would use the child’s life. A name conveyed the very character and nature of a person.

As the Son of God, Jesus was the most exalted person to ever walk the earth; therefore, His name is above every other name. In Philippians 2:10-11, the apostle Paul explains that one day, every knee will bow to honor our Savior. Let’s look at the significance of His name and how we should glorify it with our lives.

II. The Significance of Jesus’ Name

A. The World’s View: The average person might say something like this: “Jesus was a religious leader who lived and preached around 30 A.D. His followers claim that He had the power to heal people and that He rose from the dead after His crucifixion. Those who believe in Him are called Christians.”

B. The Biblical View:

1. The name Jesus is the Greek version of the Hebrew name Yeshua, which means “salvation.” This name indicates that Christ’s primary role was as the world’s Savior, not just a moral teacher.
2. Scripture gives over 100 different names for Jesus, including the Son of Man, the Son of God, Prophet, Teacher, King of Kings, Immanuel, the Good Shepherd, the Light of the World, the Bread of Life, the Lamb of God, and our High Priest (Heb. 4:16; 1 Tim. 2:5). In the New Testament, the disciples usually address Jesus as “Lord” (Ps. 103:19).

III. The Position of Jesus’ Name

A. Although all will not be saved, the entire world will bow in submission to Jesus. Philippians 2:11 says that one day “every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

B. There are consequences when a person profanes the name of Jesus, who is God in the flesh (Phil. 2:6-7; Ex. 20:7).

IV. The Power of Jesus’ Name

A. Demonstrated in salvation: There is no salvation or hope of eternal life apart from the name of Jesus (Acts 4:12). Many religions teach that people can earn divine favor through good deeds. The truth is, you and I might be able to clean up parts of our lives, but we are powerless to change our sin nature. We need the Savior.

B. Applied to prayer: Christ told His disciples, “Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John 14:13). “In Jesus’ name” indicates four basic truths:

1. We come to Him on the basis of our association with Him—we are His children.
2. Our relationship with Christ gives us access to Him (Rom. 5:1; Heb. 4:16).
3. Through Him, we have authority to make requests of the Father (Matt. 7:7).
4. We must ask according to His will. In prayer, we should seek His purpose instead of our own, and trust that if He says “no,” it is for our ultimate good.

V. The Persecution of Jesus’ Name

A. From the days of the early church, those in the world have hated the name of Jesus (Acts 4:17; 5:28). Today, many people who are okay with talking about the idea of God take offense at the name of our Savior. I believe His name convicts them of their need for salvation.

B. American culture is increasingly opposed to Christianity. Years ago, prayer and Bible teaching were removed from schools. Today, shoppers are usually greeted with “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.” Ten Commandment displays and nativity scenes are under attack in the public arena. I believe the assault on Christian values was systematically planned by those who want to make America an atheistic nation. Let me warn you that no nation has ever been able to deny the Lord without experiencing His judgment.

VI. The Proclamation of Jesus’ Name

Christ told His disciples that “repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations” (Luke 24:47). Missions can include medical attention or supplies of food and clothing, but their primary goal should be to proclaim the name of Jesus. If we don’t share the gospel with people, we are ignoring their most important need—forgiveness of sins so they can experience eternal life.

VII. Conclusion:

One day, every person will bow before Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords. If you are not yet a believer in Christ, I urge you to surrender your life to Him today. He died on the cross to pay your sin-debt in full. Place your faith in Him, not in works; He will forgive you of wrongdoing and give you eternal life. Then you, too, can enjoy complete access to the Father through the powerful name of Jesus.