Names Of God

Names of God – Part 3
Text: Exodus 3:14

Introduction:
The name Yahweh is the personal name of God. It means “to be” or “to exist.” When God spoke to Moses from the burning bush, He declared, “I Am Who I Am” (Exodus 3:14). This name reveals God as the eternal, uncaused One—self-existent and everlasting (John 8:54–58). Throughout Scripture, Yahweh is the name God uses when making covenants—with Noah, Abraham, and Moses. Each name associated with Yahweh reveals something profound about His nature, His care, and His covenant relationship with His people.

The Lord Will Provide (Genesis 22:12–14)
Abraham’s faith was tested on Mount Moriah when he was told to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice. Just as Abraham raised the knife, the angel of the Lord stopped him, and a ram was provided as a substitute offering. Abraham named that place “The Lord Will Provide.” The literal meaning is “The Lord will see to it.” The English word provide comes from a Latin word meaning “to see ahead.” God saw Abraham’s need before Abraham did and supplied what was required. This same principle applies to all who trust Him. Philippians 4:19 assures us, “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Yet, obedience remains essential. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Paul echoed this in 2 Corinthians 9:6–8, where God promises to bless the generous giver who trusts in His providence.

The Lord My Banner (Exodus 17:8–15)
After Israel’s victory over Amalek, Moses built an altar and called it “The Lord Is My Banner.” The image is that of a tall pole with a standard or ensign—a flag raised high as a rallying point for God’s people. Looking to the banner inspired hope and unity in battle. In Numbers 21:4–9, Moses raised a bronze serpent on a pole so that those who looked upon it in faith might live. Jesus compared Himself to that serpent in John 3:14–15, saying that He too would be lifted up so that all who believe in Him may have eternal life. The prophet Isaiah used this same imagery when he foretold that the Messiah would be “a banner for the peoples” (Isaiah 11:1–5, 10). Christ is our rallying point, our hope, and our banner of victory over sin and death.

The Lord Is Peace (Judges 6:24–26)
Before leading Israel against the Midianites, Gideon built an altar and named it “The Lord Is Peace.” Though his army was reduced to only three hundred men facing one hundred thirty-five thousand enemies, Gideon trusted in Jehovah-Shalom—“The Lord is peace.” The Midianites were descendants of Abraham through Keturah, yet they had become enemies of Israel. God assured Gideon that peace would come not through numbers or might, but through His presence. The Hebrew word shalom means peace, wholeness, and harmony—unimpaired relationships and spiritual fulfillment. This peace is described in Numbers 6:22–26, where the Lord’s face shines upon His people. Psalm 4:6–8 also speaks of resting peacefully in God’s care. Ultimately, Jesus is called the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Through Him, we enjoy the peace of reconciliation with God (Ephesians 2:14–18) and the peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Names of God – Part 3 Sermon Outline:

I. Introduction

• Yahweh means “to be” or “to exist.” (Exodus 3:14; John 8:54–58)

• God reveals His covenant nature through His name.

• Each name tied to Yahweh expresses a unique aspect of His character.

II. The Lord Will Provide (Genesis 22:12–14)

• Abraham’s faith tested; God provided a ram in Isaac’s place.

• Literal meaning: “The Lord will see to it.”

• God foresees our needs and provides (Philippians 4:19).

• Obedience and faith ensure God’s blessings (Matthew 6:33; 2 Corinthians 9:6–8).

III. The Lord My Banner (Exodus 17:8–15)

• A banner signifies victory, unity, and hope.

• God was Israel’s rallying point in battle.

• Jesus is our banner lifted up for salvation (John 3:14–15).

• The Messiah gathers all nations under His banner (Isaiah 11:1–5, 10).

IV. The Lord Is Peace (Judges 6:24–26)

• Gideon trusted Jehovah-Shalom amid impossible odds.

• Shalom means peace, wholeness, and blessing.

• God’s peace is rooted in His favor (Numbers 6:22–26; Psalm 4:6–8).

• Jesus, the Prince of Peace, reconciles us to God (Isaiah 9:6; Ephesians 2:14–18; Philippians 4:7).

V. Conclusion and Invitation (Ephesians 2:14–18)

• The Lord provides for His people, rallies them under His banner, and gives true peace.

• Jesus embodies all these divine names and invites all to share in His covenant blessings.

• Come to the Prince of Peace today, who brings salvation to all who obey Him.

Call to Action:
God has revealed Himself through His names so we can know Him personally. He is our Provider, our Banner, and our Peace. Let His name be your strength and confidence. Seek the Lord through faith, obedience, and surrender, and allow His peace to reign in your heart through Christ Jesus.

Key Takeaways:

• Yahweh reveals God’s eternal and covenantal nature (Exodus 3:14).

• The Lord provides for His people’s needs (Genesis 22:12–14; Philippians 4:19).

• The Lord is our banner of hope and victory (Exodus 17:8–15; John 3:14–15).

• The Lord gives true peace through Christ (Judges 6:24–26; Ephesians 2:14–18; Philippians 4:7).

Scripture Reference List:

• Exodus 3:14 – God’s self-revelation as “I Am Who I Am.”

• Genesis 22:12–14 – The Lord provides for Abraham on Mount Moriah.

• Philippians 4:19 – God supplies all needs through Christ.

• Matthew 6:33; 2 Corinthians 9:6–8 – Blessings come through obedience and generosity.

• Exodus 17:8–15 – The Lord is our banner in battle.

• John 3:14–15 – Jesus lifted up for salvation.

• Isaiah 11:1–5, 10 – The Messiah gathers nations under His banner.

• Judges 6:24–26 – The Lord is peace.

• Numbers 6:22–26; Psalm 4:6–8 – Peace through God’s favor.

• Isaiah 9:6; Ephesians 2:14–18; Philippians 4:7 – Christ, the Prince of Peace.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

August 18, 2024