If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 2 Cor 5:17
Comments, questions or discussion can happen on Facebook
Go to the source! Discover what the Bible says about …
These pages are designed to aid study or investigation for Christian discipleship through individual Bible study, Cell groups, Home groups, or meeting one to one. The questions could be used alone allowing each person to use their own Bible.
Introduction
The Lord asks us to honour His name, to treat it as Holy. Our use of the names Jesus, Lord, God and the like say much about our attitude towards God. From God’s perspective It is a painful experience to have your name abused and used as a swear word.
Note:, in the Hebrew scriptures or Old Testament the word LORD - usually with the ORD in a smaller letter size is used to translate YHWH. This is a shortened form of ‘Yahweh’ or ‘Jehovah’, the name of the Lord. In the Greek Scriptures of the New Testament and the Greek translations of the Old Testament these are all written, Lord.
Bible Zone
- A special name - The Lord considers his name highly.
- Value the Name - The Lord’s name is valued by a Psalm writer.
- Prayer in Name - Jesus teaches us to pray in His name.
- Dishonour Name - Our lifestyle can effect the honour of the Lord’s name.
Names in the Bible are more than labels, they are the identity of the one named. The implications of this are that the name in of itself is important. Romans 10:12-13
- What is the significance of God’s name here?
- What distinction does God make between Himself and His name?
Romans 10:12 They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him.13 For "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved."*"
In Psalm 20:1-8 references to the name of the Lord, bracket most of the Psalm.
- What in the Psalm follows from trusting in the name of the Lord?
- How did the Psalm writer value God’s name?
Psalm 20 1 1 In times of trouble, may the LORD answer your cry.
May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm.
2 May he send you help from his sanctuary and strengthen you from Jerusalem.*
3 May he remember all your gifts and look favorably on your burnt offerings.
4 May he grant your heart's desires and make all your plans succeed.
5 May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the LORD answer all your prayers.
6 Now I know that the LORD rescues his anointed king. He will answer him from his holy heaven and rescue him by his great power.
7 Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the LORD our God.
8 Those nations will fall down and collapse, but we will rise up and stand firm.
In John 16:23-24 Jesus instructs us to pray in His name.
- What does Jesus teach about prayer in His name?
- What does it mean to ask something in the name of another person?
- When do you have the right to ask in someone’s name?
23 At that time you won't need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name.24 You haven't done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.
Dishonouring Jesus’ name encompasses how we use His name among people, how we live as people who are called Christians. This is how Paul puts it in his letter to the Romans 2:23-24
- How do those who are not followers of Jesus perceive those who are?
- What is the view of Jesus as a result of His followers’ lifestyles?
23 You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it.24 No wonder the Scriptures say, "The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you."
How I did not want my obedience to God on display, and what the Lord did about it!
HONOUR HIS NAME
