The Most Powerful Name in History

Jesus Christ—His Only Son, Our Lord

Scripture References

Primary text

• Philippians 2

Other references

• Mark 3:11
• Ephesians 2
• Matthew 7:21

Overview

Today’s message centers on one earth-shaking confession: “Jesus Christ is Lord.” Craig Groeschel unpacks this line of the Apostles’ Creed, showing why the name of Jesus carries unrivaled authority, why culture tries to strip that name of honor, and how our own words and lives reveal whether we truly know Him. The sermon moves from defining Jesus’ identity (fully God, fully man) to examining twelve verbs that summarize His saving work, and ends with a direct call to personal surrender and obedient living.

Main Points

1. The Name Above Every Name

• Philippians 2: Jesus, though God, emptied Himself, served, obeyed to death, and was exalted with the highest name.
• Because the devil cannot erase Jesus’ power, he works to drag the name through the mud—making it a curse word so people will not call on it in faith.

• “At the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”

2. What You Call Someone Shows How Well You Know Them

• Illustration: Craig’s own titles—“Pastor Craig,” “Craig,” “Dad,” “Pops,” and Amy’s private nicknames—demonstrate varying levels of intimacy.

• Likewise, the way we address Jesus (historical figure, teacher, Savior, Lord) exposes our depth of relationship.
• Greek declaration: “Iēsous Christos Kyrios” = “Jesus Christ is Lord.” Christ is a title (the Anointed One), not a last name.

• Declaring this in the Roman Empire was treason against Caesar; today it is still costly in many parts of the world.

3. Fully God and Fully Man

• Early Romans envisioned demigods (half-god, half-human). Scripture presents Jesus as 100 % God and 100 % man.
• Humanity: conceived, born, suffered, crucified, died, buried.
• Divinity: conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin (no inherited sin nature), descended, rose, ascended, seated, will return.

• The Twelve Verbs of the Creed: conceived • born • suffered • crucified • died • buried • descended • rose • ascended • seated • come • judge.

• These verbs outline the entire gospel and prove both natures of Christ.

4. Personal Knowledge vs. Head Knowledge

• Story: Childhood memories of the garage picture of blond-haired, blue-eyed “American” Jesus; teen guilt when “Jesus was watching” dates; college crisis that led Craig to Ephesians 2—saved by grace, not works.

• Jesus didn’t just forgive Craig’s sins; He freed him from addictions and gave him a new identity.
• Titles Jesus bears in Scripture: Light of the World, Living Water, Bread of Life, Good Shepherd, Prince of Peace, Lion of Judah, Lamb of God.

5. A Piercing Question

• Jesus’ words (Matthew 7:21): “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not do what I say?”
• True lordship affects speech, habits, finances, relationships, and mission.
• One day He will judge the living and the dead; on that day every knee will bow—willingly now or unwillingly then.

6. Call to Response

• Public confession matters; early Christians declared the Creed before baptism even under threat of death.
• Today’s invitation: move from knowing about Jesus to knowing Him personally and living under His authority.

Key Truths

• The lordship of Christ is Christianity’s most important and most controversial claim.
• Culture belittles Jesus’ name because darkness fears its power.
• Jesus is not part-God and part-man; He is fully God and fully man.
• What we call Jesus—and how we live—reveals whether we truly know Him.
• Salvation is by grace through faith; genuine faith produces obedience.

Response

• Examine the names you personally use for Jesus and what they reveal about your relationship with Him.
• Surrender hidden areas—speech, sexuality, money, priorities—to His lordship.
• Confess Jesus publicly, beginning with baptism if you have not taken that step.
• Share His name boldly with those who do not yet know Him.
• Worship and study the twelve gospel verbs this week, thanking Him for each phase of His saving work.

Closing

Craig urged every listener to settle the lordship question now, not later. Jesus’ name breaks chains, saves sinners, and will one day silence all opposition. The choice is clear: bow willingly today or inevitably in the end.

“If you really believe He is the Son of God and Lord of all, it will show in how you live.”

Prayer

Craig thanked the Father for sending Jesus, asked the Spirit to convict complacency, deepen intimacy, and embolden witness, and led new believers in a surrender prayer acknowledging Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Resources

• YouVersion Bible Reading Plan: “The Creed”
• “You Said Yes” guide for new Christians (life.church/free)