Respecting the Holiness of God's Name

Psalm 145

This is the introductory sermon in a series on the names of God.

Do you remember the struggle to name your children? Did you want to use family names, Biblical names, or names w/ meaning?

Why all the hassle? Because a person’s name is important.

Song: Johnny Cash “cashed” in on this idea in the song “A Boy Named Sue.” In the song an absentee father named his son “Sue” so that he’d learn to defend himself.

Names are important because they identify individuals. A common question when meeting someone new is, “What is your name?” Many people respond to a variety of names.

The title is irrelevant; what matters is the character associated with your name.

Jacob, Isaac's son, deceived his brother for his birthright. Jacob means "deceiver", but after an encounter with the angel of the Lord, his name was changed to Israel, meaning "one who wrestled with God". In biblical times, names represented identity. Names like Nimrod, Jezebel, or Judas invoke different feelings compared to David, Daniel, or Ruth.

In reference to God, His name transcends mere titles; it represents His essence and character, offering a revelation of His being. Throughout the Bible, God employs various names in different contexts to reveal Himself, facilitating our understanding and trust in Him.

This morning we are going to embark on a study of the names of God to discover who He is and who He has promised to be in our lives. Today I want to give you an understanding of why we need to know God’s name.

Psalm 145

I. Three Reasons To Study The Names of God

A. We are Commanded to Honor His Name

Exodus 20:7 (CSB) “7 Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God, because the Lord will not leave anyone unpunished who misuses his name.”

One of the Ten Commandments addresses the use of God's name. This commandment involves more than avoiding profane language; it emphasizes showing reverence, honor, and respect for His name.

Rephrased positively, this command is: Honor God's name. As Christians, we must respect His name in our actions and words because we represent Him.

As God’s children, God has given us His name. Our behavior reflects upon Him. In choosing to honor His name, we’re honoring our own name.

B. We are Compelled to Praise His Name

Psalm 145:1–2 (CSB) “1 I exalt you, my God the King, and bless your name forever and ever. 2 I will bless you every day; I will praise your name forever and ever.”

Knowing God's names and character allows us to praise and worship Him more effectively.

The more you recognize someone's greatness and abilities, the more you admire them.

The greatness of a man cannot be compared to the infinite greatness of God. He is considered worthy of admiration and dedication.

C. We are Challenged to Trust His Name

Proverbs 18:10 (CSB) “10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected.”

God's name offers protection. Each name represents a source of help during our needs. We must trust in His promises, even if outcomes differ from our expectations.

II. Three Foundational Principles on The Names of God

A. God Gave His Name to Reveal His Person

The names attributed to God serve as a divine gift to reveal His nature. These names are not human descriptions or evaluations; rather, they are God's own declarations about Himself.

Do you remember in Exodus 3 when God was calling Moses to go to the Israelites and to Pharaoh to call for the release of His people. Moses asks, “Who should I tell them sent me.” God replies, tell them Yahweh has sent you – tell them the great “I am that I am” has sent you.

Or how about when Abraham was preparing to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice to God – Jehovah Jireh – the God who provides, steps in and provides a ram in place of Isaac because of Abraham’s faith and obedience.

Throughout the Bible we discover many things about God’s name.

1. His Name is Good

Psalm 52:9 (CSB) “9 I will praise you forever for what you have done. In the presence of your faithful people, I will put my hope in your name, for it is good.”

God's nature remains constant in both triumph and tragedy. He is good. Allowing evil to exist temporarily does not lessen His goodness.

He is good all the time, even when bad things happen – God is good. Say: God is good – all the time! And all the time – God is good!

2. His Name of Majestic

Psalm 8:1 (CSB) “1 Lord, our Lord, how magnificent is your name throughout the earth! You have covered the heavens with your majesty.”

Exodus 15:11 (CSB) “11 Lord, who is like you among the gods? Who is like you, glorious in holiness,

revered with praises, performing wonders?”

3. His Name is Glorious

Psalm 115:1 (CSB) GLORY TO GOD ALONE “1 Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory

because of your faithful love, because of your truth.”

The word “glory” means “heavy” referring to the fact that God is awesome.

4. His Name is Holy (It must be set apart)

Isaiah 6:3 (CSB) “3 And one called to another: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Armies; his glory fills the whole earth.”

5. His name is Near

Psalm 75:1 (CSB) “1 We give thanks to you, God; we give thanks to you, for your name is near. People tell about your wondrous works.”

God is a friend who stays closer than a brother and never leaves us. He came near through the cross to save us.

B. God Gave His Name to Relate to His People

By giving us His name, God shows that He wants a relationship with us. He desires to know and be known by us.

While we examine each name, I encourage you to reflect on how it reveals aspects of God's nature, enabling you to develop a deeper connection with Him.

God is neither distant nor detached; He engages actively in your daily life, seeking both understanding and to be understood by you.

God wants more than just our knowledge of Him; He wants to guide our daily lives. As Adonai, He seeks to be our master. As Jehovah Jireh, He asks us to trust Him as our provider.

God has revealed Himself fully to us that we might know Him fully.

C. God Gave His Name to Release His Promises

The name of God does not merely describe who He was, but rather who He is and will be.

God is immutable and beyond a prime. While we peak at different times, God remains constant. He can provide for us today just as He did for Abraham. The same God who guided David desires to guide us as well.

We must trust in His identity and rely on His promise as Jehovah Rapha and El Shaddai (God Almighty).

Therefore, when we engage in prayer and seek divine intervention, it is appropriate to petition for God's presence. If you require healing, request Jehovah Rapha to extend His hand and provide healing.

Often, we do not receive because we fail to ask, and when we do ask, we lack belief. Have faith—trust in God's word and request His guidance. Do any of you need divine intervention in your lives today? We all do.

He’s My Rock, My Sword, My Shield – Who is He to you today?