“In the name of…” Colossians 3:17 (Colossians 3:17), “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” “In the name of…” Colossians 3:17

Name (onoma) – used for everything the name covers [rank, authority, command, deeds, etc.] Lord (kurios) - he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding Modern Day usage: “Stop in the name of the law” “Stop in the name of love” (Diana Ross & Supremes) The Congress of Vienna of 1815 formalized the system of diplomatic rank under international law: Ambassadors are diplomats of the highest rank, formally representing the head of state, with plenipotentiary powers (i.e. full authority to represent the government). Definitions Thayer

Commentary Albert Barnes (3:17), Do it all because he requires and commands it, and with a desire to honor him. His authority should be the warrant; his glory the aim of all our actions and words. Cf. (1 Corinthians 10:31), “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” We cannot bring glory to God if what we do is not by His authority. If it is by our own authority, the glory (OR SHAME) is our own! Commentary Albert Barnes

Levitical Priests Deut. 18:5 “For the Lord your God has chosen him out of all your tribes to stand to minister in the name of the Lord, him and his sons forever.” Chosen (or authorized) by God to serve. Note: Only the Levitical tribe could so serve! Cf. (Hebrews 7:12-14), “For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law. 13 For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.” Levitical Priests Deut. 18:5

“So the king said to him, ‘How many times shall I make you swear that you tell me nothing but the truth in the name of the Lord?’” Ahab complained to Jehoshaphat that Micaiah never prophesied good things regarding him. Micaiah had facetiously said, “Go and prosper, for the Lord will deliver it [Ramoth Gilead] into the hand of the king!” (15). Micaiah’s true prophecy, [in the name of the Lord] “…the Lord has declared disaster against you.“ (23). Ahab to Micaiah 1 Kings 22:16

Messianic Kingdom Micah 4:5 “For all people walk each in the name of his god, but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever and ever.” Albert Barnes on the text: “They who “walk in the Name of the Lord,” shall “walk before Him in, the land of the living, forever and ever” (Psa_116:9). “Such walk on, with quickened steps, lingering not, “in the Name of the Lord our God,” that is, doing all things in His Name, as His great Name requires, conformed to the holiness and all other qualities which His Name expresses.” Messianic Kingdom Micah 4:5

Church Discipline 1 Corinthians 5:4-5 “In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,… with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” Such congregational acts of discipline Have Christ’s authority! Are done with His power! Are done to His glory! Church Discipline 1 Corinthians 5:4-5

Applications Colossians 3:17 Teaching (Doctrine) Worship (Sing, Pray, Give, Preach, L.S.) Work (Evang., Edification, Benevolence) Organization (Government) The authority of Jesus must be recognized! Doesn’t say we can’t, doesn’t cut it! In order to bring glory to God, we must recognize His authority in ALL THINGS! Applications Colossians 3:17

“Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied…, cast out demons…, and done many wonders in Your name?’ ‘…depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:21-23), [Warnings to disciples about FALSE PROPHETS], “Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? ' 23 And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness! ‘” Conclusion Matthew 7:21-23