Wednesday Night Adult Class South Jackson church of Christ Lesson 2 – The Names of God September 14, 2011 [email protected] .

Wednesday Night Adult ClassSouth Jackson church of Christ

Lesson 2 – The Names of God

September 14, [email protected]

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Introductory Thoughts

The Book of Genesis offers insight into the character of God by listing Names used to identify God

Each offers insight into the character of our great God who created all things

As Genesis is studied it will be discovered that seven distinct names are used to refer to this Supreme Being

Each is used deliberately and communicates a critical lesson for mankind

ElohimThe Powerful God

1:1 – 6:18 – 17:7 – 50:24

This is the second common name for God in the Old Testament

It is from the root “El” meaning “mighty,” “strong,” or “powerful”

The suffix (him) is a plural ending in the Hebrew language

This title tells us that God is a creative and governing power and is more powerful than any other

JehovahThe Holy, Absolute God

2:4 – 6:3 – 18:25

This Hebrew title is translated “LORD” in the English Bible

This is the most common name for God in the BibleThis is thus called the “plain name” of God. It speaks of

the real substance of God

This name stresses 3 aspects of God

His constant existenceHis absolute righteousness

His relationship with mankind

El ShaddaiThe Exceeding Abundant Blessing God

17:1-2 – 49:24-25

This name is representative of a God who fulfills His promises

The word Almighty found in 17:1 shows that God has power to do any and every thing at a time of His choosing

It also identifies a God who nourishes, supplies and satisfies

Every good and perfect gift comes from the God who never grows weary in pouring out His blessings

AdonaiThe Owner or Master God

15:2 – 17:10-14

This name communicates a definite relationship between God and man

It stresses that man has an obligation to obey and serve God in the same capacity that a slave would serve his

master

All needs are supplied when we are in submission to the Lord

Jehovah – JirehThe Providing God

22:14

This name occurs in the most significant story in Genesis

It signifies that God will see to our needs

His all knowing, all wise and all powerful nature allow Him to see these needs

Literally Abraham said, “God will see to it”

El – ElyonThe Sovereign Ruling God

14:20 – 45:5, 7-8

The name which describes God’s deliverance of Abraham’s enemies into defeat

Most High God refers to the sovereign position of the rule over all creation

The story of Joseph illustrates this ruling power

An understanding of God as Most High will silence murmuring and stop complaining

El – RoiThe All Seeing God

16:6-13 – 17:20

A name which offers us great comfort

Tells us that we are not alone as we face the struggles of this life

Those who trust in God’s all seeing knowledge will not be forsaken by the heavenly Father

Beneficial Lessons to Be Learned From the Blessed Names of God

God gives comfort

God gives value

God gives absolutes

God give constancy

God gives blessings

God desires relationships

God provides

God brings rejoicing

Some Bold Reminders for Us

God is totally self existent – Man is totally dependent

God is the Master – Man is the servant

God is the Giver – Man is the blessed receiver

Next Week’s Lesson

The Problem with Modifying God’s

Masterpiece