The Names of God. glasgowelim

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1 The Names of God glasgowelim

2 The Names of God The God of the Bible is not just a God in some theoretical sense. Believing in the God of the Bible is not the same as believing in God or believing in a god. Or believing that God exists. The God of the Bible has a name. In fact He has a number of different names. These names reveal His identity. They tell us about who He really is and what He is really like. In the ancient world your name revealed your character. God s names reveal His character. God s greatest revelation is found in the name Yahweh or Jehovah, translated The LORD. It is found 6519 times in the Old Testament. The divine name I AM (see Exodus 3.14) is one that Jesus applies to Himself in John s gospel. It was why the Pharisees were so upset with Him. When He said that He was I AM He made Himself equal with God (John ; ). All that the Bible reveals to us about God, is of course fulfilled in Jesus (Colossians 1.19). The names we will look at in these studies are all connected with the name Yahweh/Jehovah. God reveals Himself to us because He wants us to know Him. As you study and meditate on what the Bible says about God, your faith will grow as well as your knowledge. Prepare to be amazed as you discover more about the God who loves you and who came into this world in the person of Jesus to save you. I hope that studying just eight of the names of God will give you a hunger to search the Bible for all those other names of God. And I pray that what you discover will have a profound impact on your faith. 2 P a g e

3 The LORD Our Righteousness Yahweh-Tsidkenu The Names of God 2017 In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Saviour. Jeremiah 23.6 Background The prophet Jeremiah spoke these words to the people of Judah at a time when they were in rebellion against God and some had already been taken into exile by the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar. But Jeremiah begins to look forward to a time when God would restore His people and ultimately to the coming of Jesus the Messiah. God He says, will be their righteousness or their righteous Saviour. God will deliver them. They don t have to make it happen. They won t have to make up for their own sins and failures. God Himself will do it. This promise is not only for the people of Judah. It is a promise for us. Jesus is our righteous Saviour. He is our righteousness. Throughout the Bible God is presented as righteous (e.g. Psalms 4.1,7.11, 9.4). But He is also presented as righteous for us. In Romans 3 & 4, Paul talks about us being justified by faith (Romans ). Justified means being declared righteous by God. Because of what Jesus has done for us. We have received this righteousness as a gift (Romans 3.22) Paul uses the example of Abraham to illustrate his message: Abraham could see no way of God s promise being fulfilled but he believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15.6; Romans 4.1-3). 3 P a g e

4 What does that mean for us? God sets right our relationship with Himself Our sin is exchanged for God s righteousness. In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul says that through Christ we have exchanged our sin for the righteousness of God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.2 Corinthians 5.21 Warfare Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place Ephesians 6.14 We have been given the breastplate of righteousness to guard our hearts. It s not our righteousness, it s His righteousness! We are therefore able to stand confidently when Satan attacks us. Prevailing in prayer The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5.16 When we are confident in our relationship with God, we can have confidence in prayer. Promises for the righteous In His word, God gives the righteous promises. Many of them are in Psalms and Proverbs. Here are a few to start with: For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous Psalm 1.6 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry Psalm Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm P a g e

5 The Lord s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous Proverbs 3.33 The righteous person is rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead. Proverbs 11.8 Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. Proverbs Questions for reflection 1. Why is it so important that we understand that God is our righteousness? 2. What does God s righteousness do to the condemnation that Satan tries to put on us? 3. In what ways are we sometimes tempted to rely on our own righteousness? 4. How might this teaching help you when you pray? 5 P a g e

6 5. How does it make you feel about what Christ has done for you? 6. How can God s righteousness help us in spiritual warfare? Prayer Thank God that He is your righteousness and that you don t have to rely on your own best efforts. Your notes 6 P a g e

7 The LORD My Shepherd The Names of God 2017 Yahweh-Raah (sometimes Rohi or Ro eh) The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. Psalm 23.1 Psalm 23 is probably one of the best known passages in the whole of the Bible. Perhaps because of its popularity and because we are so familiar with it, we can lose its impact. Shepeherds were commonplace in ancient Israel. In fact the nation of Israel came from a family of shepherds (Genesis 47.3). Sometimes the picture of the shepherd was used to describe the role of leaders. For example, Psalm says David shepherded Israel. Sometimes, when the leaders of Israel left a lot to be desired, they were described as bad shepherds (Jeremiah 23, Ezekiel 34). Of course, the greatest shepherd of all is Jesus. He is the good shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10.11,14). God reveals Himself as a shepherd. So what is the LORD my shepherd like? What does that mean for us? The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing our Shepherd meets our every need 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters He leads us to places that where we can find nourishment and rest. 3 he refreshes my soul. He refreshes our souls. He guides me along the right paths for his name s sake He provides direction and guidance. 7 P a g e

8 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley - we can rely on Him to bring us through dark and difficult situations I will fear no evil, for you are with me He has promised to be with us, therefore we don t need to be afraid your rod and your staff, they comfort me just like shepherds in those days used their rod as a weapon against wild animals and their staff to keep the sheep close, so our Shepherd fights our battles and keeps us from straying. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies even when the enemy comes after us, our Shepherd makes sure we are provided for. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows the anointing oil shepherds used kept the sheep safe from harmful insects. Our Shepherd protects our minds through the oil of His Spirit. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life Our backs are protected by God s goodness and mercy. and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever and when this life is over, our Shepherd will welcome us into our heavenly home. Questions for reflection 1. How does God as your Shepherd change the way you think about God? 2. What impact does this have on your life? 3. What parts of Psalm 23 have you seen proven in your life? 8 P a g e

9 4. What parts of Psalm 23 mean the most to you? 5. If someone asked you What is your God like? what would you say on the basis of Psalm 23? Your notes 9 P a g e

10 The LORD Our Healer Yahweh-Rapha (or Rophecha or Rophe) The Names of God 2017 He said, If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you. Exodus Health and healing was as great a concern for the people of Israel as it is for us today. It was perhaps an even greater concern as they did not have the kind of advances in medical science that we often take for granted. God revealed Himself to Israel as their healer. He gave them this revelation during their exodus from Egypt. They had reached a place called Marah. The only water available in Marah was bitter water. When the people complained about the water, God instructed Moses to take a piece of wood and throw it into the water. The water instantly became sweet. God healed the waters of Marah through a piece of wood. For us, the wood speaks of the cross. God has applied the work of Jesus on the cross to our lives and turned our bitterness into sweetness. Throughout the Old Testament, God is revealed as a healer: But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord, because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares. Jeremiah The moon will shine like the sun, and the sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days, when the Lord binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds he inflicted. Isaiah P a g e

11 11 P a g e The Names of God 2017 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives Isaiah 61.1 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases Psalm And of course God reveals Himself as a healer when He reveals Himself in Christ: When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all who were ill. 17 This was to fulfil what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases. Matthew (quoting Isaiah 53.4). The apostle Peter also takes up the theme of healing from Isaiah 53.5: He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2.24 God is our healer. He heals body, mind and spirit. The promise of healing God is revealed as our healer. We can approach Him expecting healing. Healing of body, mind and Spirit is part of the gospel. Jesus even refers to Himself as a doctor (Luke , 4.18). The problem of the unhealed What about those who don t get healed? Some people have not received healing yet. Sometimes we have to contend for healing. And there are some mysteries. We simply do not know why some people do not receive their healing in this life. Paul had a thorn in his

12 flesh. Whatever that was, it was ultimately one area of his life that was unhealed (2 Corinthians ). And oddly, some people don t really want to be healed for whatever reason. But it s not for us to make or pronounce that judgment! Ultimately everyone is healed in heaven. It is the greatest healing of all. Appropriating healing When we read about Jesus healing those who were sick a number of things were evident: He often laid his hands on them (e.g. Matthew 8.3,15) He spoke words of command (Matthew 9.6) He was moved by compassion (Mark 1.41) He looked for faith (Luke 8.48; 18.42) Laying on of hands and prayer When we are seeking healing, having people lay hands on us is one way of receiving. Gifts of healing Some people have a specific healing gift. Believing and confessing the promises of God Believing and confessing what God has already said is important. Keeping perspective: focus on the Healer rather than on healing Staying focused on the Healer and not on healing is very important. Even our most difficult times in life are an opportunity to know God better. 12 P a g e

13 Questions for reflection 1. Why do you think the revelation of God as our Healer is so important? 2. What has been your experience of God as your Healer? 3. How can we keep our faith strong, even when we have the experience of people not receiving their healing? 4. How can we make sure our focus is on the Healer and not on healing? Why do you think this is important? Your notes 13 P a g e

14 The LORD Our Provider The Names of God 2017 Yahweh-Yireh (in the older translations Jehovah Jireh ) So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided. Genesis The story of Abraham taking his son Isaac up Mount Moriah in order to sacrifice him, is well known. It is also well known that the Angel of the Lord intervened just as Abraham was about to plunge his knife into his son. On their way up the mountain, Isaac asked his father where the lamb was for the sacrifice. Abraham answered: The LORD will provide. A literal translation is the LORD will see to it. In the event, Abraham was not required to sacrifice Isaac, instead the LORD provided a ram that happened to have got trapped in a thicket. The whole story points forward to God s provision of Jesus as our sacrifice. At Calvary, where Jesus died, God saw to it that provision was made for our every need. Jesus, the lamb of God is the greatest provision God has made for us (John 1.29). We have been blessed with every spiritual blessing because of Him (Ephesians 1.3) The story of Abraham and Isaac is one that reminds us that God is a God who meets our every need. He is our provider. He is the One who sees to it. Promises of provision So do not worry, saying, What shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or What shall we wear? 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your 14 P a g e

15 heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9.8 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4.19 Let us then approach God s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4.16 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. 6 So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? Hebrews The principle of sowing and reaping The way we access God s provision is through faith. We saw in our first study that God s provision of salvation His righteousness - is accessed through faith. His material provision is accessed through faith expressed in sowing and reaping: Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 2 Corinthians 9.6 Questions for reflection 1. Why do you think that God s provision of Christ as our sacrifice the greatest provision He has ever made? 15 P a g e

16 2. In what ways might Abraham s experience apply to our lives today? 3. How does knowing God as Yahweh-Yireh the Lord will see to it - change the way you think about God? How does it change your expectation of God? 4. What have been your experiences of God s provision? 5. Which of the promises above mean the most to you? Your notes 16 P a g e

17 The LORD Our Banner Yahweh-Nissi The Names of God 2017 Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. 16 He said, Because hands were lifted up against the throne of the Lord, the Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation. Exodus Shortly after the people of Israel had left Egypt, they found themselves confronted by the nation of Amalek. They had no option but to go into battle against them. They had a two-fold strategy. Firstly, Joshua led the troops into battle against Amalek in a valley. Secondly, Moses, assisted by Aaron and Hur, stood and then sat on a mountain above, holding up the rod of God as He interceded for Joshua and the Israelite army. The Israelites won the battle and Moses built an altar. He called it the LORD is my banner. The banner referred to is rather like a flag. It was a rallying point for the troops. They all fought under the banner. It was a reminder of whose side they were on, a reminder of their cause. The banner was also the object of enemy attack. Defending the banner was a priority for any army. Psalm 60.4 declares that God raises up a banner for those who fear Him: But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow. The LORD is my banner reminds us that God s people are in a battle with an enemy who wants to destroy them. That battle is not a physical battle but a spiritual battle. It is a battle that Satan has waged against God since before creation: 17 P a g e

18 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds (2 Corinthians ). It reminds us too that we fight for each other not with each other. We re on the same side. Unity is crucial in spiritual conflict (Psalm 133). In this battle prayer and action are both necessary. Moses raised the rod of God on the mountain, while Joshua and the army fought in the valley. And we can t effectively fight this battle alone. Aaron and Hur lifted up Moses hands when he grew tired. We need to encourage one another and pray for one another (1 Thessalonians 5.11, Hebrews 3.13). Finally, because it is the LORD who is our banner, means that we are always on the winning side. Victory is assured. God s banner will never fall into enemy hands. Not only do we fight for Him, He fights for us! Jesus won the final victory at Calvary and He will reign until He puts all His enemies under His feet (1 Corinthians 15.25). Colossians 2.15 states: And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. God s kingdom can never be shaken: Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews ) Questions for reflection 1. In what ways does the LORD is my banner encourage us? 18 P a g e

19 2. Why is it important to remember that we are in a spiritual battle? 3. How can we lift up each other s hands in battle, like Aaron and Hur did with Moses? 4. Why is it so crucial to remember that Jesus has already won the battle for us? 5. List areas of your life where you need to declare the LORD is my banner. If you want to, share them with the group and ask people to hold up your hands in prayer. Your notes 19 P a g e

20 The LORD Our Peace Yahweh Shalom But the Lord said to him, Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die. So Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord Is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. Judges This verse is part of the story of Gideon s call to lead Israel. He has an encounter with the Angel of the Lord and he is terrified. But the Lord speaks peace to Gideon and Gideon responds by building an altar and naming it The LORD is peace. Shalom Peace is a very important concept in the Bible. It is more than just the absence of conflict and strife. The Hebrew shalom, that we translate peace, comes from the word shalem that means wholeness or completeness. The LORD our peace, is a God who is not just interested in making sure that we have no strife in our lives. He wants us to live lives that are whole and complete. The God of peace God is specifically referred to in the New Testament as the God of peace six times (Romans 15.33, 16.20; 2 Corinthians 13.11; Philippians 4.9; 1 Thessalonians 5.23; Hebrews 13.20). God has always wanted to be at peace with us and to bring His peace into our lives. In Leviticus 3 we find regulations for the peace offering. This ancient sacrifice is finally fulfilled in Christ: For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Colossians P a g e

21 There are different ways in which we experience God as our peace. Peace with God Because of what Christ has done for us, we have peace with God: Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. Romans We have received God s righteousness as a gift. That means we can stand in His presence. We are in a right relationship with Him. There is no hostility between God and us. He is our loving Father. We can have confidence in our relationship with God because He is at peace with us. God is not angry or upset with you! The peace of God The peace of God, however, is different to peace with God: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians The peace of God is God s answer to our anxiety. It is the answer to the things that worry and concern us. The verses above show us how we can receive the peace of God. Don t be anxious. Pray. Give thanks. And God s peace will guard our hearts and minds. We have to co-operate with the God of peace to experience the peace of God! 21 P a g e

22 The promise of peace Jesus promised His disciples peace: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John That promise is still good for us today. Questions for reflection 1. Why is it important to know that God is not upset with us? 2. Why do you think some Christians believe that God is still angry with them? 3. How does the divine name the LORD our peace affect the way you think about your relationship with God? 4. How can understanding the peace of God help us to handle difficulty and worry? How can it encourage us to pray? 22 P a g e

23 5. In what areas of your life do you need to declare that the God of peace is in charge? Your notes 23 P a g e

24 The LORD Is There Yahweh-Shammah And the name of the city from that time on will be: the Lord is there. Ezekiel These words are the very last words found in the book of Ezekiel. Ezekiel s prophecies are often complicated. And some of the imagery is very hard to understand. One part of his message, however, that was very clear was his pronouncement that God s presence had left the temple. God was now not at home in His temple. But because God loved His people and promised to restore them to their land He also promised to return to His temple. And to the city of Jerusalem. And the city would be so filled with God s presence that it would be known as The LORD Is There. The LORD is there is a promise of the presence of God. At the beginning and the end God is present with His people at the beginning, in the book of Genesis and at the end (Genesis 3.8; Revelation 21.3) God s presence is what makes God s people God s people. In Exodus 33, Moses asks the Lord that he might continue to find favour with Him and that God might remember that Israel is His people. God responded with the promise of His presence: The Lord replied, My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. Exodus In the New Testament, Paul says the same about the church: 24 P a g e

25 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people. 2 Corinthians 5.16 Encouragement and unity God is present in an atmosphere of encouragement and unity: Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians Dark and difficult times We can rely on His presence at the darkest and most difficult times. God promises to be with us when we feel fearful and we go through very difficult circumstances Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23.4 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. Isaiah 43.2 The Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is the guarantee that God s presence is always with us. Because the Holy Spirit is a person, God s presence is personal, it is not just a force or a thing. Jesus promised His disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit the Helper with a promise of His permanent presence: I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever John Winning over worry The promise of His presence helps us to win over worry: 25 P a g e

26 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? Hebrews Questions for reflection 1. How does the divine name the LORD who is there encourage you? 2. What difference does knowing that God is present make to our lives? 3. Why do you think an atmosphere of encouragement and unity is important in the church? How do encouragement and unity affect our corporate experience of God s presence? 4. How does having the Holy Spirit living within us change the way we think about God s presence? 26 P a g e

27 5. What has been your experience of God s presence in difficult times? Your notes 27 P a g e

28 28 P a g e The Names of God 2017 The LORD of Hosts or The LORD Almighty Yahweh-Sabaoth And David became more and more powerful, because the Lord Almighty was with him. 1 Chronicles 11.9 This divine name is one of the most common in the Bible, occurring two hundred and eighty-five times. The word translated hosts or almighty, literally means army. He is the LORD of the armies. The Message uses the term God-of-angel-armies. The term denotes God s sovereign power and might. There is no god like the LORD almighty. Confidence and courage Knowing that we serve the LORD Almighty gives us confidence and courage. When David confronted Goliath, he did so in the name of the LORD Almighty: David said to the Philistine, You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 1 Samuel Growing influence Knowing that the LORD Almighty is with us enables us to grow in influence. David grew in influence because the LORD Almighty was with him: And he became more and more powerful, because the Lord God Almighty was with him. 2 Samuel 5.10

29 Our protector The LORD Almighty is our protector and defender. He is the one who keeps us safe: The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46.7,11 Blessing Those who trust in the LORD Almighty are blessed. O Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you. Psalm Don t be afraid of others fear the LORD Almighty! We can be tempted to fear people, but the LORD Almighty is the one we should fear: The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread. Isaiah 8.13 His purpose prevails The purpose of the LORD Almighty always prevails: For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back? Isaiah Our Redeemer The LORD Almighty is our redeemer: Our Redeemer the Lord Almighty is his name is the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 47.4 Strength Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, The people of Jerusalem are strong, because the Lord Almighty is their God. Zechariah P a g e

30 Jesus is the LORD Almighty I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1.8 Questions for reflection 1. How does knowing the LORD Almighty help us conquer fear? 2. What sort of things can we expect to happen in our worlds because the LORD Almighty is with us? 3. Why does knowing that our God is the LORD Almighty give us a right to be confident about the future? 4. How does knowing that Jesus is the LORD Almighty affect the way you think about God? 5. What do you think will change in your life because of this revelation of God as the LORD Almighty? 30 P a g e

31 Your notes 31 P a g e

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