NO LONGER THAT
TEXT: Ephesians 5:8 – “For you were once darkness, but now
you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”
The real miracle here is that God has taken us, with all of our stuff
and baggage, and determined that He could use us. The transformational
power of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit is absolutely
amazing. That He is able to take us in such a condition and turn us into
heaven’s messengers is incredible.
Yet, with all the change that takes place and progress that can be made
in an individual’s life, there is a downside to it all. It’s
hard to shake the labels of a previous way of living. Some cannot get
over the change and some will not get over the change in our lives, so
we will always be to them whatever we were. Others say you have to confess
what you are, even though you are “NO LONGER THAT,” to keep
a present reality and humility about your situation. Then, there’s
the devil, who wants to keep you in bondage and guilt, so he bombards
your minds with accusations of failure.
What is the answer? Listen very carefully. Proverbs 23:7 says, “For
as he thinks in his heart, so is he…” You are who you think
you are. We have to change the image we have of ourselves. You cannot
get your identity from what others have told you. You certainly do not
want to get it from the devil. He is a liar. You must get your identity
from the Word of God. What does the Bible have to say about you? Let’s
go back to where things began: the book of Genesis. Chapters 1-11 tell
us about the world and how it came to be. The scope of things changes
in chapter 12. We begin to follow a family, which is the beginning of
a nation. The father of this family/nation is Abram. Abram leaves his
homeland and all that entails to follow the word of the Lord. God promises
to bless him, to make his name great, and to cause nations to come from
his descendants, before Abram has any children. Then, something of significance
transpires in Genesis chapter 17 verse 5. God tells Abraham, “No
longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be called
Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations.” Names had
great significance in biblical times. They often identified a memorable
event or a change of circumstance. In this instance, Abram (meaning “exalted
father”) is being changed to Abraham (“father of a multitude”).
Please notice God’s word to him, “No longer shall your name
be called Abram…” No longer are you to be referred to what
you were before I got hold of you. You’re different; your circumstances
are going to change, and your name is going to reflect that.
Abraham had a grandson named Jacob. Jacob didn’t always do things
right. His life was tainted by some decisions he made early on. Yet God
had a plan for him. God promised Abraham that he was going to do something
through his descendants and he wasn’t about to let Jacob sabotage
His Word. So He decided to pay him a visit and straighten him out. In
order to straighten him out He had to hurt him and cripple him. Jacob
would never walk the same again. In Genesis 32:24 we have the narrative:
“Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the
breaking of day. Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him,
He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip
was out of joint as He wrestled with him. And He said, ‘Let Me go,
for the day breaks.’ But he said, ‘I will not let you go unless
You bless me!’ So He said to him, ‘What is your name?’
He said, ‘Jacob.’ And He said, ‘Your name shall no longer
be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with
men, and have prevailed.’”
Again, notice the name change. This came as a result of the angel asking
Jacob what his name was. In order for us to live in the realm of “no
longer that” we must confess what that was. So, I have a question
for you: what is your name? Are you ready to be called “no longer
that,” but something entirely new and fresh? Are you tired of the
old label? You say, “Pastor, that’s good for Abraham and Israel,
but there is no Bible reference that provides a name change for me?”
Is that right? Let me call your attention to the Book of Revelation chapter
2:17, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the
churches (tell your neighbor to listen up). To him who overcomes I will
give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone,
and on the stone, a new name written which no one knows except him who
receives it.”
Now, please listen closely. What is the significance of receiving a white
stone? Those reading this letter in Bible times would understand it. Today,
we have lost the meaning. In Bible times juries voted “not guilty”
by using the white stone as a representation of the acquittal of someone
accused or condemned. A white stone was also used as a ticket for admission.
The phrase “new name” literally means “a fresh authority
and character.” Friend, Jesus has given you a white stone to signify
that you were once accused and condemned but heaven’s courts have
declared you not guilty. You also have that stone as a ticket of admission
into heaven and the family of God. On that stone you have a name that
gives you fresh authority and character. In other words, what you once
were, you are no longer, and when the devil comes along to harass you,
simply say, “read the stone.”
Here are some scriptures that will help to cement this
truth in your life:
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Washed Sanctified Justified
Titus 3:3-7
Justified Heirs
1 Peter 2:9,10,25
Chosen Generation Royal Priesthood Holy Nation Peculiar People
People of God Sheep
Ephesians 2:1-22
Romans 6:17-23
2 Corinthians 5:17
