Taking Authority In The Name Of Jesus - 100 Days Of Discipleship - Day 73 by Apostle Emmanuel Iren: MP3 Download & Sermon Notes

What Jesus Actually Said About His Name

In John 14:12–14, Jesus said something extraordinary: "He that believes in me, the works that I do, they shall do also, and greater works than these. And if you ask anything in my name, I will do it."

Many people read this text and hear: "If you ask me anything, I will do it." That is not what he said. There is a dimension of prayer in which a believer asks God for something — but that is not the primary point of this passage. The Greek word translated "ask" here means to demand something that is due. He is not talking about making a request to God. He is talking about making a demand using the authority of his name.

An analogy: if a person has a bank account, they can use their ID to access it directly. But they can also give someone an ATM card — and with that card, in the account owner's name and by their financial privilege, that person can make purchases. The card holder does not need to call the account owner each time. They have the authority. They use it.

That is how the name of Jesus works. You have been given the card. Use it.

Peter and the Lame Man — Authority in Action

Acts 3 — Peter and John encounter a lame man at the gate called Beautiful. Peter says: "Look on us. Silver and gold have I none. But such as I have, give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk."

Several things stand out here:

• Peter was not asking Jesus to do something. He was using the privilege given to him to issue a demand over a circumstance.
• "Such as I have" — Peter was speaking from his own position as a steward of that authority, not from what Jesus personally possessed at that moment.
• He used the name to take authority over the devil's work — over a condition, over a body, over a situation.

That is the pattern: using the name of Jesus to challenge sickness, to challenge unfavorable conditions, to challenge the enemy.

Faith That Uses What God Has Already Given

Mark 11:22–23 — After the disciples marveled at the withered fig tree, Jesus said: "Have faith in God. If you say to this mountain, be removed and cast into the sea, and you do not doubt in your heart, you shall have whatsoever you say."

All through his earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated authority. Now he tells his followers: the works I do, you shall do — and even greater. The pattern is not observation. It is practice.

Here is a crucial principle from Moses at the Red Sea: God had already told Moses to use his rod for anything concerning the children of Israel. When Moses found himself in front of the sea and began praying, God said — "Why are you calling out to me? Stretch your rod and divide the sea."

When God has already told you what to do, do it. Asking God for something he has already given you is not always humility. Sometimes it is a failure to understand what has been entrusted. God gave Moses the rod. He gave believers the name. The instruction is to use it.

Starting With the Small Things

Begin to practice this authority in ordinary life. Refuse the enemy having leeway over your family. Challenge sickness in the name of Jesus. Challenge unfavorable conditions. Start from the small things. The authority Jesus gave is lavish and has been given freely — and it grows in proportion to how it is exercised.

Start using what has been given. The name of Jesus carries full authority. Learn to live from that reality.