WHAT IS IN A NAME Phil. 2:9-11

A. AIM:
1. To sensitize us about the undisputable fact that the name of a man could MAKE or MAR his destiny.
2. To remind us that Name can bring GRIEF or JOY
3. To ascertain that it is not out of place to change name.
4. To connect us to the name above all names i.e. Jesus and explore the blessings therein.

B. INTRODUCTION
Still bathing in the euphoria of Easter, the Power of resurrection and all the dividends that accrue to us from the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we look today at the subject matter of NAME. According to our text, the name of JESUS is exalted above all names.

C. DEFINITION OF TERM
NAME
A word or phrase that refers to or that can refer to a specific person.
A word or phrase that refers to a specific place or thing.
A word of phrase that constitutes the distinctive designation of a person or things.

D. FACTS ABOUT NAME
1. Adam gave names to all animals.
2. Quite a number of things are put into consideration before giving a name to a person or thing (ILE LAAWO KATO SOMO LORUKO).
3. Our choice of names for our children as Christians must be guided by the Holy Spirit.
4. It is no longer compulsory for parents to pick a name from the Bible for their children.
5. Those who desire a name from the BIBLE must do so with due diligence before making a choice and be guided by the Holy Spirit, knowing the meaning of the name they desire.
6. Names are part of every culture and they are of enormous importance.
7. People easily form judgement upon a person by his/her name even at the first point or time of meeting.
8. It is possible to have a good and positive name and yet live a pitiable and a miserable life.
9. Our connections and disposition to God our maker through our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and the way we live our lives determines what our names brings us GRIEF or SORROW.
10. There are exceptional cases of people who retain their old names as muslims for the purposes of Evangelism and Testimony

E. CHANGE OF NAME
When God changed a person’s name and gave him a new name, it was usually to establish.
1. A New Identity
2. A token of blessing from God as in the case of Jacob at 90 years.

F. THE JUSTIFICATION FOR NEW NAMES OR CHANGE OF NAMES
1. Abram (High Father)-Abraham (Father of Many) Gen. 17:5-8
2. Sarai (My Princess)-Sarah (Mother of Nations) Gen. 17:15-16
3. Jacob (Holder of the heel or supplanter- He grasps the heel) – Israel (May God prevail) – Gen. 27:36; Gen. 32:28
4. Benoni – (Son of my sorrow) Benjamin (Son of the right hand) – Gen. 35:16-18
5. Saul – (Ask for inquired of God) – Paul (small, Humble)

G. NAOMI: Ruth 1:20-21
Naomi – meaning pleasantness, good, lovely, though the etymology of the name is not certain she on her part while going through turbulent situations occasioned by bereavement, dislocation and poverty asked for a change of name to Marah meaning bitterness.

H. POWER IN A NAME
1. It brings FAME
2. It open Doors
3. Name must to be cherished and protected
4. Good names is better than silver and gold
5. A name carries AUTHORITY, POSITION and REPUTATION (Babatunde, Yetunde, Yejide , Onochie, Nnanna, Nnenna, Nnenne , Ogbonna, Ogbonne …etc)

I. SOME NAMES OF GOD
1. Jehovah Jireh (The Lord will provide) – Gen. 22:14
2. Jehovah Nissi (The Lord our banner) – Exod. 17:15.
3. Jehovah Rapha (The Lord our healer) – Exod. 15:26
4. Jehovah Shalom (The Lord is Peace) – Judges 6:24
5. Jehovah Tsidkenu (The Lord our righteousness) Jer. 23:6
6. Jehovah – Rohi (The Lord is my shepherd) – Ps. 23:1
7. Jehovah Shammah (The Lord who is present) – Jer. 23:33.

K. THE POWER IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST
JESUS: JEHOVAH IS SALVATION – John 16:23-26, Prov. 18:10.
1. The name of Jesus is infused with so much power that it can deliver from every form of Satanic bondage. The use of the name of Jesus in the place of prayer is able to deliver from the weapons of the enemy provided we know Him intimately.
2. Jesus name is the HIGHEST name.
3. At the name of Jesus demons tremble
4. At His name every kneel MUST/SHALL bow.
5. Miracles signs and wonders abound in His name – Acts 3:1-11
6. Jesus Christ wants those who name His name to depart from INIQUITY.
7. The name of Jesus grants us the forgiveness of sins – Col. 1:14.
8. Whatever Jesus can do, the power in the name of Jesus will also do.
9. We must REPENT and CHANGE for the power in the name of Jesus to avail for us – 2 Tim. 2:19.
10. His name confers power on those who believe – Jh 1:12.

L. DANGERS OF USING THE NAME OF JESUS WITHOUT KNOWING HIM INTIMATELY
It is dangerous to call upon Him if we do not know Him as evident in the case of the SONS OF SCEVA.
THE SONS OF SCEVA tried His name to no avail – Acts 19:11-20
i. Not being on top of the situation vs 16
ii. Being overcome by evil spirit rather than overcoming them vs 16
iii. Loosing on the battle field rather than prevailing – Jer. 1:29 vs 16
v. Fleeing before the evil spirit rather that the evil spirit fleeing in seven ways – Deut. 28:7 vs 16
v. Walking in shame and nakedness rather than being clothe with glory and honour vs 16
vi. Being wounded on the battle field rather being more than a conqueror – vs. 16
vii. No fear of God vs 17
viii. God’s name is reproached – vs. 17
ix Hell is not depopulated – vs. 18
x. Salvation is hindered; sin and idolatry abound – vs. 19
xi. Word of God does not have a free flow – vs. 20

M. WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR NAME BRINGS GRIEF RATHER THAN JOY:
JABEZ AS CASE STUDY – 1Chro. 4:9-10
(FOR HE MAKES SORROWFUL)
1. Have understanding
2. Be informed
3. Inquire
4. Have faith, do not resign to FATE
5. Confront the issue, reject the satanic condition and pursue your portion based on the scripture.
6. Turn to the Lord in Prayer (Fasting)
7. Believe Him for breakthrough
CONCLUSION
Grief and sorrow among many others are determined by names. Examine the ETYMOLOGY of your name today and act where necessary after the order of Jabez.

Above all, give your life to Jesus Christ, accept Him as your Lord and Saviour and His name shall become potent in your mouth and your life unto unprecedented breakthroughs and testimonies as of old. Is. 26:13.