The Distinguished Status

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord.

Primary Text

“But if it’s because you’re a Christian, don’t give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name!” 1 Peter 4v16 (MSG)

“But if [one is ill-treated and suffers] as a Christian [which he is contemptuously called], let him not be ashamed, but give glory to God that he is [deemed worthy to suffer] in this name.” 1 Peter 4v16 (AMP)

“However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear than name.” 1 Peter 4v16 (NIV)

There is a song I learnt a while back which goes “The name, the name of Jesus, is higher than any other name, it is not an ordinary name, it’s a name that’s filled with power and praise.” Philippians 2v9-11 (NIV) recounts “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Our Lord is great and greatly to be praised. When we suffer because we are Christians, the Word tells us that we should give glory to God for this because we have been counted worthy to suffer in this name – the name that is higher than any other name. Amen. Thank God we bear the name of Jesus and not any other name. Thank God because it is a name of power, of hope, of dignity, of love, restoration, glory to the name of Jesus!!!

Supplementary Text

“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ – the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ  - yes, to know the power of His resurrection and participation in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3v7-11 (NIV)

Prayer

Heavenly Father we thank You so much Your love for us. Thank You for the name of Jesus which we bear. Glory to the name of Jesus, in Jesus name we pray, amen.