What is God's Name?

This week, we delve into the profound topic of God's name, exploring its significance and what it reveals about His nature. Whether you missed the sermon or want a refresher, this summary will help you grasp the key points and reflect on their application in your life.

A.W. Tozer: "The most important thing about you is what you think about when you think about God." This sets the stage for understanding why knowing God's name is crucial. It shapes our perception of Him and influences our relationship with Him.

In Exodus 3, we find Moses encountering God through the burning bush. God reveals His name to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM" (Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh in Hebrew). This name, often translated as Yahweh, signifies God's eternal, self-sufficient, and unchanging nature. He is the God who was, who is, and who always will be.

Yahweh is eternal, having no beginning and no end. He is infinite, limitless in space, size, value, and worth. This means He is beyond our full comprehension and measurement.

Yahweh is self-sufficient and self-existing. He does not depend on anyone or anything for His existence, but everything and everyone depends on Him.

Yahweh is ever-present, filling all space and time. He is all-powerful, answering to no one but Himself. His power is unmatched and His presence is inescapable.

Yahweh is all-knowing, never needing to learn anything because He already knows everything. He is unchangeable, meaning His nature and attributes remain constant.

Despite His grandeur, Yahweh is personal and relational. He thinks, acts, feels, and desires a relationship with us. He is not a distant deity but a close and caring God.

In the context of ancient Egypt, where many gods (elohims) were worshipped, Yahweh stands out as the one true God. The plagues in Egypt were not just acts of judgment but demonstrations of Yahweh's supremacy over the false gods of Egypt.

When God gave the Ten Commandments, He began by reminding the Israelites of His name and what He had done for them. The first commandment, "You shall have no other gods before me," underscores the importance of recognizing Yahweh as the one true God.

Understanding Yahweh's name and attributes should lead us to a deeper reverence and trust in Him. He is not just a distant creator but a personal and relational God who desires to be known and worshipped.

In our modern context, we may not worship physical idols, but we can still allow other "gods" to take precedence in our lives. These can be anything we place our trust in or derive our identity from, such as money, power, or relationships.

1. What comes to mind when you think about God? How does this shape your relationship with Him?
2. Are there any "little gods" in your life that you have allowed to take precedence over Yahweh?
3. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding and reverence for Yahweh in your daily life?

Yahweh, the great "I AM," is a God who is eternal, infinite, self-sufficient, ever-present, all-powerful, all-knowing, unchangeable, and deeply personal. As we reflect on His name and attributes, let us challenge ourselves to remove any idols from our lives and place our full trust in Him. This week, take time to meditate on who Yahweh is and how you can honor Him in every aspect of your life.

We hope this summary has been enlightening and encourages you to delve deeper into your relationship with Yahweh. Join us next week as we continue our "Good God Almighty" series.