In the Manner of Jesus

Dream

I’ve had 3 dreams in my life that I believe were real - spiritual realm

1st - time of trial/sin - had forgotten identity - chased by a demon

Full of FEAR

2nd - driving a car, sleepy and couldn’t control my body, vered off and children[demons] were attacking the car

Still afraid but knew the “right” thing to do

prayed from a place of fear

3rd - 2 weeks ago

laying in my house - on top of me

immediately recognized and called it out

authoritative / not at all fearful / matter of fact

Paul spoke on Identity

Chad spoke on honing our skills

I’m talking about responding in the Manner of Jesus

Recently heard a short snippet discussing when we pray “in the name of Jesus”

I tried finding it but couldn’t but it’s had me pondering for quite awhile and rethinking all that I do.

Jesus did not walk around saying “in the name of Jesus” - onoma - “name” or “reputation”

we all know that the NAME of Jesus has power. but how often do we stop to think of whether we are truly praying HOW Jesus would pray. In what manner does he pray? What position does he come from?

John 14:13 “Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

Colossians 2:6–8 “So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him, being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude. Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elements of the world, rather than Christ.”

Key Component - Authority: [disclaimer] - 34 across 12 books and 73 across 20 books. Mentioned most in Luke, Acts, & Other Gospels (which shows how Jesus walked in authority

Luke 10:19 “Look, I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; nothing at all will harm you.”

In my story - dream 1 - response of fear

Because I was afraid, my response was to run. It was sin and fear that made this a possibility. I lacked in identity. I had forgotten the truth of who I was.

The truth of FEAR is that we should only Fear just one:

Fear: Luke 12:5 “But I will show you the one to fear: Fear him who has authority to throw people into hell after death. Yes, I say to you, this is the one to fear!”

All other fear is to be bound, dismissed, commanded, etc. because all other fear comes from the enemy and is not a manner of Jesus

Dream 2 - knowledge but not “manner”

In the “name” of Jesus vs. in the “manner” of Jesus

Acts 19:11–16 “God was performing extraordinary miracles by Paul’s hands, so that even facecloths or aprons that had touched his skin were brought to the sick, and the diseases left them, and the evil spirits came out of them. Now some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists also attempted to pronounce the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I command you by the Jesus that Paul preaches!” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish high priest, were doing this. The evil spirit answered them, “I know Jesus, and I recognize Paul—but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them, overpowered them all, and prevailed against them, so that they ran out of that house naked and wounded.”

The outcome of dream 2 was that the vehicle was still overtaken. I was trapped so to speak

Dream 3: authority

Authority 1st comes by knowing your identity

Romans 8:14–17 “For all those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear. Instead, you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father!” The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.”

Once you know your identity in Christ, you understand the authority you have been given. You no longer have to Fear.

Dream 3: Authority & Outcome

Let us all

understand our identity

respond in the manner of Jesus in all things

to a demon

to a drug adict

to a scared child

to someone in need

in prayer and over our own lives and families

in petition for our city, nation, and world

Let’s not squander the authority that has been granted to us for the purpose of advancing the kingdom!

End praying Jeremiah

33:9 And this city shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and a glory before all the nations of the earth who shall hear of all the good that I do for them. They shall fear and tremble because of all the good and all the prosperity I provide for it.