1. Sermon Context and Introduction

The speaker introduces this message as a continuation of the “Mistaken Identity” series. Despite physical exhaustion, the speaker emphasizes that the message is a divine impression intended to encourage the “people of God.” The central question posed to the congregation is: “What’s in a name?”

The goal of the sermon is to provide believers with “personal ammunition”—spiritual truths they can use to rebut the negative labels or internal thoughts that contradict their true identity in Christ.

2. Scriptural Foundation of Identity

The speaker utilizes several key scriptures to define the believer’s “new name” and the authority that comes with it.

• Deuteronomy 28:13 (The Head, not the Tail): This verse establishes that believers are positioned by God for leadership, victory, and being “above only,” rather than being beneath their circumstances.
• Matthew 5:13-14 (Salt and Light): Believers are described as the “salt of the earth” (providing flavor and preservation) and the “light of the world” (a city on a hill that cannot be hidden).
• Romans 8:16-17 (Children and Joint-Heirs): The Spirit bears witness that believers are God’s children. As children, they are heirs of God and “joint-heirs with Christ,” sharing in His glory.
• 1 Peter 2:9 (Royal Priesthood): Believers are identified as a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation, called out of darkness into “marvellous light.”
• Isaiah 62:1-4 (Hephzibah and Beulah): This text promises that the believer will no longer be termed “Forsaken” or “Desolate.” Instead, they are named Hephzibah (meaning “My delight is in her”) and their land Beulah (meaning “Married”), signifying God’s delight and covenant.
• Romans 8:33 (God’s Elect): Using the Greek term eklectos, the speaker explains that believers are “chosen, selected, and picked out.”
• John 15:15 (Friend of God): This scripture marks a transition in status from “servant” to “friend,” implying a higher level of intimacy and shared knowledge with God.

3. Key Analogies and Theological Concepts

The Tag Team Illustration

Using a professional wrestling analogy (WWF/WWE), the speaker describes the spiritual battle. When a believer is in the “ring” of life, being pushed and rocked by the enemy (finances, neighborhood, mind, or relationships), they do not have to fight alone. By “touching” or reaching out to God, He “tags in,” takes their place, and fights the battle on their behalf.

Authority in a Name

The speaker argues that a name is synonymous with a title of authority. Just as a neurosurgeon has the authority to operate or a pilot has the authority to fly based on their title, the names “Child of God” and “Joint-Heir” grant the believer the spiritual authority to function according to God’s design.

The “Everything” Principle

The speaker contrasts human effort with divine provision. While a parent might do “everything” for their child, God’s capacity is described as “exceedingly and abundantly above.”

If we consider $E$ to be the “everything” a human parent can provide, the speaker suggests God’s provision follows this logic:
$$Provision = (E \times \text{Abundance}) + \text{Above all we ask or think}$$
God does not just provide “enough”; He provides an overflow that exceeds human understanding.

4. Practical Application: The Barberton Incident

The speaker shares a personal story of being racially insulted and verbally attacked while driving in Barberton, Ohio. This story serves as a practical demonstration of the sermon’s theme:

1. The Provocation: The enemy used a stranger to call the speaker “stupid” and use racial slurs.
2. The Realization: The speaker felt initial anger but quickly realized, “I am not any of those three words he called me.”
3. The Rebuttal: Because the speaker knew his “new name,” the insults lost their power. He chose to pray for the attacker, recognizing that “hurting people hurt people.”
4. The Lesson: When the past or current struggles call you by “old names,” you must remember and proclaim your “new names.”

5. Conclusion: Romans 7 vs. Romans 8

The sermon concludes by contrasting the two “versions” of the Apostle Paul found in the book of Romans.

• The Romans 7 Experience: This is the person struggling with the flesh, feeling like a “wretched man,” and being called by names like “depressed,” “angry,” or “addict.”
• The Romans 8 Experience: This is the transformed person who knows there is “no condemnation.” They walk in the Spirit and understand that the “joy of the Lord is their strength.”

The speaker issues a final challenge: Believers should search the Word from Genesis to Revelation to find every beautiful thing God says about them. This creates a “rebuttal” for any time the world, the past, or inner thoughts attempt to impose a “mistaken identity.”

Summary of Identity Rebuttals

Based on the sermon, here is how a believer should respond to negative labels:

• If the world calls you Forsaken or Alone: Remind yourself you are Hephzibah (God’s Delight).
• If circumstances call you Defeated or “The Tail”: Proclaim that you are The Head and “above only.”
• If your past calls you Stupid or Worthless: Declare that you are God’s Elect (Chosen and Selected).
• If you feel like a Slave to sin or fear: Remember you are a Friend of God and a Joint-Heir with Christ.
• If you feel Condemned by your mistakes: Stand on the truth that you are Transformed and in Christ Jesus.