ZadokWCI: Sunday Recap Pt3

"Put Some Respect On His Name Pt3 I Jan 11 2025 I Sermon Series

Alright, let’s talk! Parts 1 and 2 checked our posture. Part 3 checked our heart. This wasn’t just a series, it was a reset. A call back to honoring God without filters, shortcuts, or cultural edits.

Not the version that fits the moment. The version that carries weight.

So before we move on, there’s one question left hanging in the air:

Do we really respect His name?

The message opened by reminding us that we live in a generation where names are treated lightly. People become famous overnight. Titles are handed out without substance. Influence rises fast and fades just as quickly.

But Scripture tells us there is one Name that didn’t trend.It was validated.

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name.”Philippians 2:9 (NKJV)

Why is the name of Jesus worthy of respect? Because it is greater than every other name. It was not self-appointed or crowd-given. God Himself exalted it. And if the Father calls His name exalted, then we have no authority to treat it casually.

Jesus did not receive His name through popularity, but through humility, obedience, and sacrifice. Heaven watched Him earn every letter.

The message then turned inward, helping us see our connection to His name. Even spelled out, the name Jesus carries something personal. The last two letters spell “us.” When His name is honored, those connected to it are helped, covered, and aligned.

“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth.”Philippians 2:10 (NKJV)

The power of His name is undeniable. Even those who can no longer speak it must bow to it. Creation responds instinctively when His name is spoken. That led to a sobering realization.

The question is not if we will respect His name, but when.

It is always better to confess Him now than to be forced later. And when we return to honoring the One who is worthy of honor, we begin to see our lives through a different lens.

From there, the message moved into John 1, which reads like the résumé of Jesus. The text unfolds Him progressively. First, He is introduced as the Word. Then the Word is shown to have identity. Then the Word is revealed as a person. And finally, the Word is revealed as Light. Darkness does not negotiate with light. It doesn’t analyze it. It simply loses.

“And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”John 1:5 (NKJV)

“His name has the ability to shine through your darkness and your darkness not know what hit it.”– MGLewisJr

To bring that truth closer to home, Apostle Michael Lewis shared a story from his own childhood. Faced with a bully, he went home expecting instructions on how to fight. Instead, his father reminded him of something more powerful. He reminded him of his name. They shared the same name.

Sometimes before we’re postured to fight, we first have to be reminded of who we are.

The next day, when young Michael encountered the bully again, fear took over. He closed his eyes, bracing for impact. When nothing happened, he opened them to see the bully staring upward. Confused. Frozen. Michael turned around and saw his father standing behind him.

“The enemy is about to look in the direction of the One who’s defending you.”– MGLewisJr

Sometimes God allows moments where it feels like He hasn’t shown up yet, but because we carry His name, He always does. Often, it’s the enemy’s reaction that reveals who is really present. And sometimes God allows pressure just long enough to push us into His presence.

Returning to John’s Gospel, the message highlighted a painful truth. Though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. Even His own did not receive Him. This reality still reflects much of the modern church.

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”John 1:12 (NKJV

“Salvation deals with sin; respect is what qualifies you to become a son.”– MGLewisJr

Respect changes how we live. If nothing about our life has been altered, then respect has not yet taken root. Scripture is clear. No one encounters Him and remains the same.

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us… full of grace and truth.”John 1:14 (NKJV)

John doesn’t introduce Jesus as a teacher, prophet, or influencer. He introduces Him as the Word.

The Word represents authority.Becoming flesh reveals humility.Dwelling among us establishes relationship.Grace and truth reveal leadership and balance.

“Before Jesus did any miracles, He was a message.”– MGLewisJr

That is why we put respect on His name. Respect follows authority, not applause. Jesus came as a servant, and that posture did not diminish Him. It revealed Him.

“If serving Him feels beneath you, then living for Him will break you.”– MGLewisJr

The message then turned toward the call to follow.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”Romans 5:8 (NKJV)

“Grace meets you where you are, but truth calls you higher.”– MGLewisJr

Jesus never watered down truth to prove love. Love confronts what misrepresents God. Silence is not respect when truth is violated.

“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”Matthew 4:19 (NKJV)

Following Him changes you. You cannot become who He has called you to be while insisting on your own way. Jesus did not build crowds. He built disciples. Crowds admire. Disciples represent.

The message closed by addressing integrity and spiritual weight.

“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet… I have given you an example.”John 13:14–15 (NKJV)

You cannot claim to respect Jesus while being repelled by His example. Integrity gives weight to words. Our lives either add weight to His name or subtract from it.

“When you don’t honor His name, you’re leaving gains on the table.”– MGLewisJr

If you want to become weighty in God, that weight is gained through respect. In this season, don’t leave any gains on the table.

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”Proverbs 18:10 (NKJV)

His name is a strong foundation, unshaken and immutable. Names have always carried weight. And when you respect His name, you will experience the difference in your life.