The God Who Defends His Name Series

THE GOD WHO DEFENDS HIS NAME

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ezekiel 36:21-23 (KJV)

But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went. Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went. And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.

Supporting Texts: Psalm 23:3, Isaiah 48:9-11, Psalm 106:8, Daniel 9:18-19, 1 Samuel 12:22

INTRODUCTION:

God is deeply concerned about His name because His name represents His character, His glory, and His reputation. Throughout Scripture, we see that God often acts to preserve and defend His holy name when it is challenged or dishonoured. His name is not just a title; it embodies His nature, His promises, and His unchanging truth. When men attempt to discredit His power or when circumstances seem to cast doubt on His faithfulness, He arises to defend the honour of His name.

In Ezekiel 36, God made it clear that His actions towards Israel were not merely because they deserved mercy, but because His name had been profaned among the nations. The defence of His name is an act of divine jealousy — not jealousy born of insecurity, but jealousy born of holiness and covenant faithfulness. He will not allow His name to be dragged in the mud without responding to show His glory.

For the believer, this is both a comfort and a warning. It is a comfort because we know that God’s reputation is tied to His dealings with us, and He will not let His promises fail. It is a warning because our conduct can either honour or dishonour His name before the world. Today, we will explore how God defends His name and why that should build our confidence in Him.

1. GOD DEFENDS HIS NAME TO UPHOLD HIS GLORY

God will never share His glory with anyone or anything. His defence of His name ensures that His majesty remains unmatched.

a) God’s glory is incomparable (Isaiah 42:8)

He declares that He will not give His glory to another, nor His praise to idols.

b) His acts reveal His supremacy (Psalm 115:1)

When God works wonders, it is to magnify His name so that all glory returns to Him.

c) He acts so the nations will know He alone is God (Exodus 9:16)

Even in judgement, His goal is to make His name known across the earth.

d) God’s glory is tied to His covenant (1 Kings 8:56)

He defends His promises so that His faithfulness remains unquestionable.

Biblical Example: The deliverance of Israel from Egypt showed Pharaoh and the nations that God alone is the LORD (Exodus 14:18).

2. GOD DEFENDS HIS NAME FOR THE SAKE OF HIS PEOPLE

God’s name is attached to His covenant with His people; to let them perish would bring dishonour to His name.

a) He saves to protect His reputation (Psalm 106:8)

Israel’s deliverance from the Red Sea was for His name’s sake, not because of their merit.

b) His name is a refuge for His children (Proverbs 18:10)

The righteous run to His name and find safety because His name cannot fail.

c) He acts in mercy for His name’s sake (Isaiah 48:9)

Even when we are unfaithful, He delays judgement for the sake of His name.

d) His name is bound to His promises (1 Samuel 12:22)

He will not forsake His people for His great name’s sake.

Biblical Example: God spared Israel multiple times in the wilderness, not because they deserved it, but to protect His name before the nations (Numbers 14:13-19).

3. GOD DEFENDS HIS NAME AGAINST HIS ENEMIES

God will not allow the enemy to boast against Him or His people.

a) He destroys the plans of the enemy (Isaiah 8:10)

No weapon formed against God’s people can prosper, for His name is at stake.

b) He proves the enemy powerless (Psalm 46:9-10)

He makes wars cease and shows He is God over all nations.

c) He turns the enemy’s schemes into His glory (Genesis 50:20)

What the enemy means for evil, He transforms for the good of His name.

d) He silences mockery against His people (Micah 7:10)

Those who ridicule His children will witness His power in their deliverance.

Biblical Example: When Sennacherib mocked the God of Israel, the LORD struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night (2 Kings 19:32-37).

4. GOD DEFENDS HIS NAME TO ADVANCE HIS KINGDOM