No Strangers Here: God Has a Name
Speaker: Pierre du Plessis
Read: Genesis 1:1, Exodus 3:13, 5:12, 20:1-5. 34:6-8, Deuteronomy 6:4-6, Ephesians 6:12, Colossians 2:14-15, 1 John 3:8
In today’s culture names are generally a label used to identify the bearer of that name. But in Scripture, a name was often the expression of the nature of its bearer, describing his character, position, function or the inner essence or truest thing about him. Like us, God has a name and His name tells us many things about who He is. It is important that we know “who is His name” and not just “what is His name.” This is the essence of the question Moses asked when God appeared to him from the burning bush and commissioned him to deliver His people from Egyptian bondage. The Israelites had experienced 430 years of Egyptian and religious influence and had become accustomed to the idea of many gods and idols. Likewise, Moses had been raised in the Egyptian palace and was thoroughly exposed to the culture of polytheism. It was critical that Moses understand who it was that was speaking to him and how he could represent Him to the people.
We too live in a world of many gods, idols and ideologies. Some people believe that they can mix beliefs and doctrines and have all roads lead to the same end. Scripture tells us that there are indeed many influences in this world, but that we are to love the One true God, and no other. It confirms that Jesus is God who became flesh and dwelt among us. He came to destroy the power of the (elohims) many gods that are dividing us and causing evil and destruction. He nailed them to the cross and brought deliverance to us. We need to know His name, His character and the essence of who He is.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. What resonated with you as you listened to this sermon and reviewed it?
2. It was said that in Genesis 1, the Hebrew word for “God” is “Elohim.” It is used here for the creator of the universe, but in this plural form is not so much a name as a category, and reflects the idea that there are all sorts of spiritual beings in the world. What does this mean to you?
3. An idol was described as a lifeless item that represents a god-being lurking behind it infusing it with power. The idol becomes dangerous when it becomes a gateway to a real spiritual being. What does this mean to you? What experiences, if any, have you had relating to this?
4. C.S. Lewis said that there is no neutral ground in the universe; that every square inch, every split second is claimed by God and counterclaimed by Satan. What does this mean to you?
5. In today’s culture, what evidences do you see that reflect the idea of polytheism (many gods) and/or of idols?
6. Read Ephesians 6:12. How does this Scripture relate to the things we may be experiencing in our lives and world today?
7. Why do you think people worship other gods?
