The Name of God
August 26, 2007 Evening Service
Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK
Rick Boyne
Message Point: The Name of God.
Focus Passage: Exodus 20:7
Supplemental Passage: Mat 15:7 "You hypocrites, rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you:
Mat 15:8 'THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME.
Mat 15:9 'BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.'"
1. LORD – When you see this word in the bible, it is the English rendering of the Hebrew word "Jehovah." It describes God as the self-existent, eternal One. It is the Name, "I AM." This is the name God used when He revealed Himself to Moses, Ex. 3:14. This Name is used to declare God’s nature, that is unchanging and eternal – Mal. 3:6; James 1:17. In the Bible, Jehovah is coupled with other words to form compound names for God which reveal more about His nature and His attributes. Some Are:
a. Jehovah-Jireh – "The LORD will provide" – Gen. 22:14.
b. Jehovah-Nissi – "The LORD is my banner." – Ex. 17:15.
c. Jehovah-Shalom – "The LORD is peace" – Judges 6:24.
d. Jehovah-Shammah – "The LORD is there" – Eze. 48:35.
e. Jehovah-Tsebaoth – "The LORD of Hosts" – 1 Sam. 1:3
f. Jehovah-Rohi – "The LORD is my Shepherd" – Psa. 23:1.
2. God – Elohim – Refers to the One Supreme, faithful, triune God. Literally, "The Strong and Faithful One!" This is the common word for God in the bible. It is used over 2,000 times in the Old Testament. In fact, when God stepped out of eternity to reveal Himself to man, this is the Name He chose. A Name depicting Himself as the Strong and Faithful One. The God who can be depended on!
3. There are many Names given to God in the Old Testament. Some are:
a. El – God
b. El-Shadday – God Almighty
c. Adonai – Lord
I. The Name(s) of God, (see above)
II. Profanity
a. Yes, this commandment has to do with cursing, but it is more than that. “Vain” means worthless, fruitless, for nothing, for emptiness.
b. To call yourself by God’s name then to be fruitless.
III. Pretense:
a. Profanity in the Church by pretending is worse than profanity on the street cursing.
One writer lists several songs that some Christian sings in vain.
Some Sing, “ have thine own way”, and they go their own way.
Some Sing,” take my silver and Gold, but they are not willing to pay a penny!
Some Sing” Sweet hour of prayer’, but they fail to pray to God all week.
Some Sing” Onward Christian Soldiers,” and wait to be drafted to service.
Some Sing,” Serve The Lord With Gladness,” and they gripe about all that they do.
Some Sing, “ Were Marching To Zion,” but they fail to march
to Sunday school, or Sunday night service or Wednesday night service.
Some Sing,” I Love To Tell The Story” and never mention it all year.
IV. Punishment Promised:
a. “for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.”
Invitation: Won’t you today decide to only use God’s name for good, fruitful things? Won’t you decide to not laugh at jokes using God’s name in vain? What other ways to you abuse the name of God?
