GOD'S GREAT NAME
We trust today’s message encouraged and guided you in your journey of following Jesus. These notes are meant to help you remember and reflect on the message, help you go deeper into study on the subject, or be used for a sermon group discussion. CLICK HERE to find a discussion group. Enjoy!
Sermon Title: GOD’S GREAT NAME
Main Scripture: Prov 22:1, Isaiah 43:11, Phil 2:8-11
Other scriptures:
Isaiah 48:11-13, Exodus 20:7, Psalm 111:9, 2 Cor 5:21, Heb 9:24-25,, John 17:11-12, Col 1:15-20, Rom 5:1-2, John 10:27-30, John 16:23-24, Eph 2:10, Prov 25:26
If you’re going through this discussion with a community group this week consider taking the time to read the provided scripture to catch everyone up!
Summary:
Pastor Cornelius shared with us that God is zealous for His name. We learned examples of why God’s name is great to include: salvation is achieved through His name, God is Holy and there is power in God’s name and the fullness of God is in Jesus Christ. We heard three applicable takeaways to the message: we have salvation in God’s name, we should ask for things in God’s name and we should proclaim God’s name to others.
Notes:
What’s so important about a name?
Prov 22:1 NIV “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
We are known by our name. People form their opinion of who we are based on our names. The things we do matter for ourselves, for our families, the organizations we are a part of, and where we are employed.
A name carries more than just a label it carries with it the reputation and nature of a person based on past performance or behavior.
In an article by Tim Simcox “For My Name’s Sake”, he shares this statement
God’s name extols His character. His integrity, reputation, holiness, and even His glory are all closely linked to His name. He sites that 15 times God uses the statement “For My Name’s Sake” NKJV
Three examples of why God’s name is Great:
First, there is salvation in God’s great name. God is zealous for His name because people are saved in His Name.
Isaiah 43:11 NLT “I, yes I, am the LORD, and there is no other Savior.”
There is no other savior but God, there is no other answer for life, there is no other help besides the Lord. People are turning to His great name for the help they need, so God is zealous for His name.
People that don’t know God hear about His healing power, they hear about his goodness, they hear about His love for them, and they are drawn to God.
God will not let His name be defiled. He will preserve His Great Name. God will glorify His Name.
“using God’s name in vain involves associating God with purposes and powers that are inconsistent with God’s identity and will. The end result is a misrepresentation of God, a false claim to divine power and endorsement, and a miscommunication of truth.”
Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch, Editors T. Desmond Alexander David W.Baker, Page 176
Isaiah 48:11-13, Exodus 20:7
Second, God’s name is Holy
Psalm 111:9 “He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever holy and awesome is his name.”
Holy in Hebrew means to be “sacred or set apart”.
God is Holy and separate from sin.
Jesus came as the perfect sacrifice. Our sins are not set aside but they are gone. One of the definitions for remission of sin is the offender is treated as though the offense had never been committed.
Jesus is Holy set apart from sin and he came to give his life so we also could be set apart from sin through his sacrifice.
Heb 9:24-25, 2 Cor 5:21
Third, there is power in God’s name. Phil 2:8-11
All things are subject to Jesus! Demons flee in the name of Jesus. Strongholds are broken in the name of Jesus, people are healed in the name of Jesus.
When you don’t know what to say or pray about the things you are going through, say the name Jesus. Watch the situation change.
When Jesus walked the earth he was God incarnate or God in human form. Jesus has all power, and all authority. He willingly laid down His life for us because of His love for us. Jesus told his followers that if they have seen Him they have seen the father.
The fullness of God is in Jesus Christ reconciling the world to Himself.
The disciples were doing the same miracles that Jesus did when he walked the earth. They were laying hands on the sick and they recovered. They prayed for the dead and they were raised. They cast out demons in Jesus' name. It’s all about God’s great name!
As the people of God align themselves with God or set themselves apart for his use, we will see signs and wonders as we do things in Jesus' name.
John 17:11-12, Col 1:15-20
Takeaways:
First, we are saved by God’s Great Name Rom 5:1-2
We have been redeemed and have peace with God, and we are now recipients of His amazing grace. Our sins have been removed as if we never sinned!
We have peace with God because of our relationship with Jesus, knowing we have been set apart through the sacrifice of His love for us. We belong to him.
Salvation in Jesus is as simple as ABC:
Accept that we need forgiveness of sin
Believe that Jesus died for our sin
Confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord
God not only saves us but keeps us. John 10:27-20
Second, we should ask for things in God’s name, John 16:23-24
We should ask God to meet our needs, for healing provision, and growth in our relationship with him. That’s all a part of being in communion with God.
We should also ask for the needs of others. We should be praying for the needs of the people God has placed in our lives and for the things happening in our world. Praying in His great Name.
Third, we should proclaim God’s Great Name to Others! Eph 2:10
We should proclaim what God has done in our life. If God has done something in our life let people know. People will wonder what makes us tick or what’s behind our character. We aren’t just good people; we have been set aside for a purpose. To make God known
People can’t see God but they can see the effects of God working in our life. Which helps them to gain a better understanding of God.
On the contrary, when we live a life that doesn’t reflect our true identity in Christ people can become confused about what a life in Christ is like.
Proverbs 25:26 NLT
If the godly give in to the wicked, it’s like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring.
Discussion:
Have you ever thought about God’s zeal for this great name? How has this message changed your view?
What is your opinion on the importance of a name? How does that shape your view of living a life that honors Christ?
What spoke to you most about the message? How can you apply it to your life?
Haven't decided to call on God’s name for salvation yet?
The most important decision you will ever make!
Are you ready to experience salvation and be transformed? We encourage you to process this decision with a strong believer and when you’re ready say a simple prayer like this from your heart: Dear God, I acknowledge and admit I have sinned. I see my need for Jesus Christ. I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I believe I am forgiven and cleansed of my sin by His death. I also believe I have eternal life because of His resurrection from the dead. I repent, I turn away from my old ways and I choose to live my life to worship you and follow Jesus, amen!
We would love to know if you made the decision to accept this wonderful gift from God. Let us know here.
Pray Together
We hoped you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!