Sunday, December 29,
2019 pm
SERMONS FROM SONGS
Take the Name of Jesus with You
Sacred Selections, #661
Tonight, as we conclude our year, we want to examine another song that
we occasionally sing. This
particular song is sometimes described as a closing song, with a message
that reminds us to consider Jesus at all times.
Let us take a few moments to notice this message.
This song was written by Lydia Baxter.
Born in 1800, she lived most of her adult life as an invalid.
But she did not let that rob her of joy.
In fact, one hymnologist (Kenneth Osbeck) noted that friends who
visited her would say that they received more from her encouragement and
disposition than they gave to her.
Baxter was a poet and student of the Bible.
She appreciated names and their meanings and discussed that with
her friends. Of course, she
appreciated the name of Jesus and is quoted as saying, “I have a very
special armor. I have the name of Jesus. When the tempter tries to make
me blue or despondent, I mention the name of Jesus, and He can’t get
through to me anymore.”[1]
This hymn was first published in 1871, 4 years before her death.
It has a message of reminder that is very appropriate as we bring this
year and its theme of shining as lights in the midst of a crooked and
perverse generation to a close.
a.
What’s in a name?
A name represents identity.
It’s a reminder of who you are and where you came from.
Names are often associated with reputation – Proverbs 22:1, A good
name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than
silver and gold.
b.
Take the name of
Jesus with you
– As Christians, we wear the name of Christ (cf. Acts 11:26).
It is associated with our salvation - Acts 4:12, John 20:31 – what was
written in that gospel about Jesus can give us life in His name Do we
wear it properly? Do we
bring honor to Him and glorify Him in our words and actions?
Do we realize that others are always watching?
c.
Child of sorrow and
of woe
– when you are dealing with troubling times.
Don’t just think about Him during the good times, but remember
Him in times of sorrow as well.
d.
It will joy and
comfort give you, take it then where’er you go
- That is the time to turn to Him.
Remember Matthew 11:28-30 – “come to Me…”, “Casting all your
cares on Him” – 1 Peter 5:7
Find your comfort in Him – 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 – Paul began his letter
by noting the comfort of God.
a.
Take the name of
Jesus ever
– always remember Him.
Colossians 3:17 - Do all in the name of the Lord. While associated with
authority, it also serves as a reminder that we should keep Him in our
minds always.
b.
As a shield from
every snare
(trap) – He is our protector.
Proverbs 18:10, The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous
run to it and are safe.
c.
If temptation round
you gather
– 1 Corinthians 10:13, He who is in you is greater.
Also remind yourself of what He endured – Hebrews 4:14-16 – He was
tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin.
When you are tempted remember: 1) It is NOT God – James 1:12-13;
2) If Jesus could resist, so can we.
You don’t have to give in to temptations.
d.
Breathe that holy
name in prayer
– we are continually reminded of the importance of prayer.
In this song, I am reminded how we pray through Jesus to the Father –
John 14:14, Ephesians 5:20, Colossians 3:17, etc.
He understands us – Hebrews 4:14-16
He is our mediator – 1 Timothy 2:5 speaks of Him being our mediator
between God and men.
Hebrews 8:6 speaks of how Jesus is mediator of a better covenant,
established on better promises.
The context is that of Jesus as our High Priest – Hebrews 8:1-2.
Hebrews 7:25 notes that He is able to save to the uttermost those
who come to God through Him (John 14:6), since He always lives to make
intercession for them.
1 John 2:1-2 describes Him as our advocate.
Ephesians 5:20 speaks of giving thanks to God “in the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ”
a.
O, the precious name
of Jesus
– Is His name precious to you?
The idea of being precious means something of high worth.
1 Peter 2:6-7 – Peter quotes from Isaiah 28:16, the chief cornerstone
upon which everything spiritual is built.
Jesus is that cornerstone.
To the elect – He is precious, but a stone of stumbling to the
ungodly.
As we think about His name (which means Jesus and what that name
represents), do you treat it with respect and value?
The word eusebia - typically translated godliness, is associated
with reverence. We are to
show reverence to God and our Lord.
If it is precious we will not be taking His name in vain or using
it flippantly.
b.
How it thrills our
souls with joy
– Luke 24:32 - “Did not our hearts burn within us?”
Spoken after His resurrection
by two men who walked with Jesus on the road to Emmaus.
The teachings of Jesus had an impact as He explained what had to
happen.
I think personal evangelism.
Are we anxious to tell others about Him?
I also think of how we consider what He has done for us and our
gratitude because of that.
c.
When His loving arms
receive us –
do appreciate our forgiveness because of Him? Acts 4:12 (again)
Romans 10:13, Acts 22:16, etc.
Do we appreciate how He is there for us?
Matthew 28:20
d.
And His songs our
tongues employ
– whether they be songs of praise directed toward Him, or worshipping
Him in our assemblies. Many
of our songs our directed toward Him – praising Him, thanking Him,
considering Him – Colossians 3:16 – His word dwells within us as we
teach in “psalms, hymns and spiritual songs”.
That He is worthy of worship is also seen in numerous passages including
Luke 24:52 – after Jesus returned to heaven;
Revelation 5:8-14, Hebrews 1:6
(which speaks of angels worshipping Him – and if we are “lower than the
angels”, should we worship Him too?), etc.
a.
At the name of Jesus
bowing
– this verse addresses our standing before Him in judgement - every knee
will bow and every tongue will confess Him – Philippians 2:10.
b.
Falling prostrate at
His feet
– again, we will submit to Him at the judgment.
But consider the above verse in the context of humility.
We must bow before Him in this life realizing how much we need
Him – cf. Matthew 5:3.
While on earth, many literally bowed before Him – it demonstrated their
reverence and gratitude.
And their worship of Him. A
woman bowed before Him, washing His feet with her tears and wiping them
with the hair of her head (Luke 7:37-38);
Also John 12:2-3 on another occasion, where Mary anointed His feet with
costly oil. - Matthew 28:9, after His resurrection – women held Him by
His feet.
And Jesus accepted it without rebuke (e.g. He accepted such worship).
c.
King of kings in
heaven reigning
– He is seated at the right hand of God, reigning now. Acts 2:33 – it
was preached on Pentecost.
Romans 8:34 notes that He died, is risen and is even at the right hand
of God making intercession for us.
Colossians 3:1 calls for us to seek those things which are above,
where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
(Also Hebrews 10:12, 12:2; 1 Peter 3:22,
He must reign until the last
enemy is destroyed – 1 Corinthians 15:24-25.
So we take Him with us knowing that He is our ruler.
Have we made Him king of our life?
d.
As we stand in Him
complete
– we are complete in
Him – Colossians 2:10.
In this phrase I think of our eternal reward as a result of that which
He did for us.
In Him we have hope – 1 John 3:2-3 – speaks of being like Him when He is
revealed. Then it is noted,
“and everyone who has this hope in Him purifies Himself, just as He
is pure.”
a.
Precious name, Oh how
sweet
– when we consider all that Jesus is, and what the mention of His name
ought to mean – truly it is sweet.
b.
Hope of earth and joy
of heaven
– He is the true hope of this world.
We live our lives with hope for the joy of heaven – Titus 1:1-2 –
we have hope of eternal life.
Romans 5:2 speaks of our rejoicing in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 15:13, Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace
in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy
Spirit.
Many other verses could be added to the points of this song.
As noted, it is often a closing song to remind us to NEVER forget
Him as we leave. I have
seen in church building words painted as one enters the auditorium –
“Enter to worship” and on the auditorium side of the door, words that
said, “Leave to serve”.
May we resolve that we will always take the name of Jesus with us
wherever we go. Think about
it!.