No Other Name
Notes
Transcript
Acts 4:5-22.
Main Idea: Salvation comes through the power in the name of Jesus.
Life Application: Through the name of Jesus, we can find salvation and reconciliation with God.
INTRODUCTION
Whenever we read a passage of Scripture, we must understand its history and context. Before healing the man at the temple gate, Peter and John had tarried in Jerusalem. There, just as Jesus had promised, they received the power of the Holy Spirit. As a result, they went from fearful disciples into fearless apostles of the faith. While they were instrumental in the healing of the lame man, they refused to take any of the credit. They realized their incompetence while they recognized divine empowerment.
Although such a miracle was a cause to celebrate, not everyone was thrilled. Miracles happen to bring honor and glory to God, not to human instruments. Pride corrupts power and authority. No one, regardless of their title or their ability, is indispensable to God. Leaders who forget this become proud and arrogant. No human being has the final word in spiritual matters. Under the authority of the Holy Spirit, Peter and John realized their inadequacy to do anything miraculous. For this reason, they attributed Jesus Christ of Nazareth to be the source for healing and salvation. After the lame man was healed, they refused to take any of the credit. Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? Unfortunately, the religious leaders, known as the Sanhedrin, thought they had a corner on the spirituality market. Thus, they were upset that these followers of Jesus, these unschooled and ordinary men, had the power of God upon them.
Transition Statement: The name of Jesus is powerful and effective.
· The name of Jesus causes questions. By what power or what name did you do this?
As we consider the group of rulers who asked this question, we would conclude they had to know the answer before asking the question. In today’s language, we would say the proper response would be, “Duh! Whose name comes to mind?” Perhaps the religious authorities wanted to incriminate Peter and John by forcing them to admit they were followers of Jesus. It could be they had no idea what had transpired in the lives of these two apostles with the filling of the Holy Spirit. Since the rulers possessed great authority, they probably thought they could intimidate Peter and John and force them into submission. While the authorities may have breathed a sigh of relief once Jesus was crucified, they had to hear rumors about a miraculous resurrection. They sensed that something unusual was happening, so they wanted to suppress it.
· The name of Jesus heals and saves. It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. For there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.
When Peter answered the rulers, he used a verb that denotes physical and spiritual healing. From his answer, we rightly conclude that the healing of the body is miraculous. However, not every sick or injured person finds healing. Yet, spiritual healing is universal for all who call upon the name of Jesus. No one is excluded. While the Jewish rulers would have agreed that the God of Israel is the source of ultimate salvation, Peter went a step further by declaring that Jesus Christ is the means for salvation. There is no alternative route to God. Jesus is the only way. David Busic states:
One cannot believe Jesus Christ’s exclusive claim, “No one comes to the Father except through me,” and still maintain that there are other ways to gain access to the Father. In effect, to do so would deny the very Christ who spoke these words. Jesus did not say, “I am one of many ways to the Father.” He did not say, “You can choose to follow me if you like, but there are other choices that are just as viable.” Nor did Jesus say, “Whatever spiritual path you walk down will be fine with me as long as you are sincere.” Jesus never hinted at that. He clearly stated that he is the only way to the Father.
· The name of Jesus empowers the fearful. Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.
Have you ever found something that was so great you could not help but tell others about it? Perhaps it was a new tool, a quaint store, or a fantastic restaurant. It could be pictures of your adorable grandkids! A strong sense of excitement was evident in the lives of Peter and John. Even though they knew they were facing the rulers who had condemned Jesus to death, they could not help themselves. They had to witness and tell others the good news about Jesus. Since they knew the source of their power, they were bold in the face of threats from the authorities. Although a few weeks earlier these apostles had cowered in fear and run for cover, they were now empowered to witness and speak boldly. The presence of the Holy Spirit made the difference.
Miracles that have the undeniable earmarks of divine power are difficult to dismiss. For this reason, the religious leaders were between the proverbial rock and a hard place. The evidence of the miracle was standing in their presence. They could not deny it. Yet, the authorities were nervous, since they felt their power was endangered. Few things are as annoying as religious elitism. It is especially destructive since it attempts to limit who is worthy to receive God’s blessings.
Transition Statement: Because the name of Jesus gives us authority, we must avail ourselves of the power in that name. However, we must also be careful that we do not abuse the authority that God has entrusted to us.
CONCLUSION
Whenever God calls us and fills us with the power of the Holy Spirit, we must be ready to put it all on the line. Following Jesus without a reserve may not be the safe thing to do. Religious authority is dangerous if it denies Jesus Christ. Yet, we find great joy if we follow Jesus and fearlessly proclaim the power in His name. John Wesley once wrote, “God moves his instruments, not when they please, but just when he sees it needful.” We need not allow fear to govern us since we have access to the infinite power found in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. While the power in the name of Jesus does not automatically give us the ability to get everything that we want, it does give us all we need to live holy and godly lives in a sin-soaked world. Jesus does not give us a list of rules and regulations but calls us to follow Him since he is the way to God. Nothing else but Jesus will save us now and for eternity!
CLOSING PRAYER
SONG—A Name I Highly Treasure
BENEDICTION
Love the Lord rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit, which is God's special gift to each one of us. And may the Love of God, the Grace of Jesus, and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you and abide in you all week.