Series: Knowing God [#5]
ADONAI- HOW TO HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
Genesis 15:2
Introduction:
So far on our study we have come to know God as Elohim, Jehovah, and El Elyon. Through these 3 names we have seen that God not only creates but has a special relationship with human beings. The next name of God that we find is the name Adonai. This name for God is spelled Lord to distinguish it from Jehovah, which is translated LORD (in all caps). At times, the name Adonai in the NIV is translated as Sovereign.
The interpretation of the name Adonai. The name Adonai is 1st found in Genesis 15:2. It had been about 20 years since God made the promise that Abraham’s family was going to be numerous. Abraham was about 85 years old at that time and the promise had not been fulfilled. He needed some reassurance from God.
Genesis 15:1-2 (NIV)
“After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." But Abram said, "O Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?"
The name Adonai tells us…
1. That God is Lord.
We often talk about Jesus being our Lord and Savior; but do we really know what that means? To be Lord, means to be the master- The boss.
1 Corinthians 7:23 (NIV)
“You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.”
To call God your Lord implies…
? That God owns you.
Christian- Not only are you God’s creation; but you are also God’s possession.
James 4:7 (NIV)
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
To call God your Lord implies…
? That you should submit to God.
God is the Master and you are the slave. Now, I know that we do not like to talk about slavery; but that does not change the fact that a Christians belongs to God. Believe it or not, being a slave to God is a wonderful thing. In fact, Jesus tells us that although we are slaves, He calls us friends.
When you submit yourself to God, you are released from worry. If it all belongs to God, then it’s not your problem, it is God’s. You don’t need to worry about things because God will provide for all of your needs. God is the God of doing the impossible.
Psalm 141:8 (NIV)
“But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign LORD; in you I take refuge--do not give me over to death.”
The name Adonai tells us…
2. That God is our refuge.
When everything is falling apart, what do you do? This verse says it all- Fix your eyes on God and find refuge in Him. On your own, you are defenseless; but through Christ, you have shelter and protection.
Conclusion:
It has been 2 months since we studied about being a Church that is going to change its spiritual appetites to be like the Early Church. We listed several things that we desire to see at Bel Aire. In fact, it is listed in our bulletin as Bel Aires’s Spiritual Appetites Requests. The only way that we are going to be a Church that concentrates on prayer, encourages one another, fellowships with one another, focuses on the Word, gets excited about Jesus, gets out of our comfort zone, invites others, lives in abundance, and stops trying to please everyone; is by allowing God to be Adonai in your life.
