The Majestic Name Of God Series

Series: Knowing God [#1]

THE MAJESTIC NAME OF GOD

Psalm 8:1-9

Introduction:

Names are important. This is how we identify one another. Now days, most people don’t name their children based upon what the name means. They name them based on family names, originality, or because they heard it on the radio, (but I’m not bitter or anything). I don’t think anybody here has a child named Hitler or Satan. I don’t think anybody would name their kids those names because they represent something so negative that you wouldn’t want to make that association. Names do matter. My dad can attest to the importance of names. When dad asked mom on their 1st date, she told him no. The reason she told him no was he called her Lillie. While that is mom’s 1st name, she does not go by that name. Once dad finally figured out to call her Irene, she went out with him.

In Scripture there are more than 80 compound names for God. Why? So, we can understand the character and attributes of God. When it comes to God, 1 name doesn’t fully contain who He is. Since God wants you to know Him intimately and to live in relationship with Him, He identifies Himself by many names. God wants us to see who He is so that we will love Him and trust Him.

In this sermon, I want to introduce you again to God by His name. I want you to understand the nature behind His names because they reveal His attributes and characteristics that you need to become familiar with if you want to live in relationship with Him.

I must…

1. Call on one of God’s names in every situation.

God has revealed His names to show different characteristics and attributes that can help you in your time of need. No matter what situations we face, at least one of God’s awesome names reveals a characteristic we need to cling to.

Psalm 8:1-2 (NIV)

“O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.”

I must…

2. Trust in God’s majestic name.

David didn’t just know God’s name; he had learned to trust in God’s character, revealed in His name. David experienced God’s protection and provision for years while he ran from Saul. God allows those who actively depend on Him to experience the power of His name. God reveals His strength through the cries of newborn babies and infants. Jesus explained that God reveals Himself (His name) not to wise and intelligent people but to those who are humble like infants.

When you stop trying to do everything for yourself, you show that you trust God to provide for you. We must become humble and dependent on Him, just like infants who depend on their parents for everything.

I must…

3. Humble myself before God’s Holy name.

God has revealed His names to show different characteristics of His nature that can help you in your specific time of need. In the Lord’s Prayer Jesus taught us to recognize God’s hallowed name, His holy character, when we pray. Jesus also instructed us to set God apart and make Him 1st in our minds, actions, and priorities. God rules over and sustains the entire universe from His throne in Heaven. Everything belongs to God, so we should humbly submit everything we have to Him.

I must…

4. Revere God’s name.

Many people in our society use God’s name in vain- In a way that isn’t consistent with His character, thereby stripping it of its meaning. As Christians, we should never use God’s name in vain and forget that His name reflects His holy, powerful character. God will judge those who misuse His holy name. Satan used God’s name in vain when he tempted Eve. Satan misrepresented God’s command and misused His name to deceive Eve. Many people misuse God’s name and misrepresent His Word to deceive people and draw them away from the truth.

Psalm 8:3-9 (NIV)

“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”