For they have gone out
for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles.
THE STUDY:
The word “name” found in this verse
is a title for God or Jesus Christ as he is revealed through all his
attributes, majesty, and perfections.[1] The
traveling believers went out, perhaps
a technical term for evangelistic activity, for
the sake of the Name. Paul writes of “the
name that is above every name” and that it is “the name of Jesus” that will someday cause all to bow and confess
him as Lord (Phil 2:10).
When it comes to the “the name,” Jesus speaks in a unusual way
in the Fourth Gospel—“Holy Father,
protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me” (John 17:11).
Then he adds, “I protected them and kept
them safe by that name you gave me” (John 17:12). For the biblical authors,
one’s “name” (onoma) and the person it represents are inseparable. So to speak in
behalf of the Name was to speak with
the understanding that Christ was present in the speaking.[2]
WHAT WE CAN WALK
AWAY WITH ….
- We walk away this morning with the understanding that being a believer means we have “the name” tattooed on our heart. That name is the Name above all Names which should resonate from our bodies so to reveal Christ to those around us!
CONCLUSION:
As a parent there is a few things I want my children to understand and be
honored to be a part of. One of those things is most obvious: a follower of
Christ! The other thing is one that is not valued as much in our culture today
as once was: the family name! When my kids are preparing to go to someone else’s
house for the night, or they are going to be with others without the presence of
their mother or me, I remind them of this, “You are a Christian! You
represent Christ! Also, you are a Kincaid! You represent this family! Do not bring dishonor
to either! Behave yourselves, be careful, and have a great time.”
Let us be reminded today that as a believer we represent Christ in our
world. Let’s not bring dishonor to “THE NAME!”
Blessings my friends
Pastor Rod
[1]
Friberg, T., Friberg, B., & Miller, N. F. (2000). Vol. 4: Analytical lexicon of
the Greek New Testament. Baker's Greek New Testament library (282). Grand
Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books.
[2]
Williamson, R. (2010). 1, 2, & 3
John: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary
(211). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.
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