THE NAMES OF GOD (Part 1)

BIBLE STUDY: THE NAMES OF GOD AND ITS IMPACT ON BELIEVERS (Part 1)

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Exodus 3:13-15
“Then Moses said to God, 'If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, "The God of your fathers has sent me to you," and they ask me, "What is his name?" what shall I say to them?' God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM.' And he said, 'Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.'"

Supporting Texts:
Genesis 22:14; Exodus 6:2-3; Judges 6:24; Psalm 23:1; Ezekiel 48:35; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:23; Revelation 1:8; John 10:11; Psalm 91:14; Philippians 2:9-10

INTRODUCTION:

The names of God reveal His character, nature, and relationship with His people. Each name used for God in Scripture highlights a different aspect of who He is and what He does for His children. As believers, knowing and understanding these names deepens our faith, strengthens our relationship with God, and assures us of His promises. This study explores the various names of God, their meanings, and how they impact the lives of believers.

1. JEHOVAH – THE SELF-EXISTENT ONE

The name Jehovah (Yahweh) is God’s personal and covenant name, revealing Him as the eternal, self-existent One who desires a relationship with His people.

a) Meaning of Jehovah: Derived from the Hebrew word "Havah," meaning "to be" or "to exist," it signifies God as eternal and unchanging (Exodus 3:14-15).

b) The Covenant-Keeping God: Jehovah reveals God’s commitment to His promises and His people (Exodus 6:2-3).

c) God’s Presence: As Jehovah, He is actively present in our lives, guiding and sustaining us (Psalm 46:1).

d) God’s Self-Sufficiency: Jehovah is not dependent on anyone or anything but is fully sufficient in Himself (Acts 17:24-25).

e) God’s Holiness and Justice: His name speaks of His holiness, and His expectations for His people to live in righteousness (Leviticus 19:2).

Biblical Example:
When God appeared to Moses at the burning bush, He revealed Himself as Jehovah (I AM), showing that He is everything His people need, regardless of the situation they face (Exodus 3:14-15).

2. JEHOVAH-JIREH – THE LORD WILL PROVIDE

Jehovah-Jireh reveals God as our provider, the One who sees our needs and makes provision in His perfect timing.

a) Meaning of Jehovah-Jireh: This name means “The Lord will see to it” or “The Lord will provide” (Genesis 22:14).

b) God’s Provision for Our Needs: Just as God provided a ram in place of Isaac, He provides for all our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs (Philippians 4:19).

c) Trust in God’s Faithfulness: Believers are called to trust that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory (Matthew 6:31-33).

d) Ultimate Provision in Christ: God’s greatest provision for humanity is Jesus Christ, who gave His life as a ransom for our sins (John 3:16).

e) Dependence on God’s Timing: God's provision often comes at the perfect moment, teaching us patience and dependence on Him (Genesis 22:13-14).

Biblical Example:
When Abraham obeyed God’s command to sacrifice Isaac, God provided a ram as a substitute, demonstrating that He is Jehovah-Jireh, the God who provides (Genesis 22:14).

3. JEHOVAH-RAPHA – THE LORD WHO HEALS

Jehovah-Rapha reveals God as our healer, the One who restores us physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

a) Meaning of Jehovah-Rapha: This name means “The Lord who heals” (Exodus 15:26).

b) Healing in All Areas: God offers healing not just for physical ailments but also for emotional wounds, broken hearts, and spiritual sickness (Psalm 147:3).

c) Faith in God’s Healing Power: Believers are encouraged to pray in faith, trusting in God’s ability to heal (James 5:15).

d) Jesus, the Healer: Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry, revealed God as Jehovah-Rapha by healing the sick, raising the dead, and restoring the broken (Matthew 4:23-24).

e) Healing through the Cross: By His stripes, we are healed (Isaiah 53:5), and through His sacrifice, we experience spiritual healing and reconciliation with God (1 Peter 2:24).

Biblical Example:
When the Israelites faced bitter water at Marah, God revealed Himself as Jehovah-Rapha by turning the water sweet and declaring that He is the Lord who heals (Exodus 15:25-26).

4. JEHOVAH-SHALOM – THE LORD IS PEACE

Jehovah-Shalom reveals God as our peace, bringing us wholeness and calm in the midst of life’s storms.

a) Meaning of Jehovah-Shalom: This name means “The Lord is peace” (Judges 6:24).

b) God’s Peace in Trials: Even in the midst of difficulties, God provides peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).

c) Wholeness and Well-Being: Shalom signifies more than just the absence of conflict; it refers to completeness, safety, and well-being (Isaiah 26:3).

d) Peace through Christ: Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), and through His sacrifice, we have peace with God (Romans 5:1).

e) Living in God’s Peace: Believers are called to let God’s peace rule in their hearts and to walk in peace with others (Colossians 3:15, Matthew 5:9).

Biblical Example:
In a time of fear and uncertainty, God revealed Himself as Jehovah-Shalom to Gideon, assuring him of peace and victory (Judges 6:23-24).

5. EL SHADDAI – GOD ALMIGHTY

El Shaddai emphasizes God’s all-sufficiency and power to bless, nourish, and provide for His people.

a) Meaning of El Shaddai: This name means “God Almighty” or “The All-Sufficient One” (Genesis 17:1).

b) God’s Sufficiency: As El Shaddai, God is more than capable of meeting every need and fulfilling His promises (2 Corinthians 9:8).

c) God’s Power to Bless: God’s blessings flow abundantly from His almighty power, and nothing is too difficult for Him (Genesis 17:1-2).

d) Strength in Weakness: Believers can rest in God's sufficiency, knowing that His power is made perfect in their weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

e) Provision and Protection: El Shaddai is the source of provision, blessing, and protection for His children (Psalm 91:1).

Biblical Example:
God appeared to Abraham as El Shaddai, confirming His promise to make Abraham the father of many nations and assuring him of His all-sufficient power (Genesis 17:1-2).

6. EMMANUEL – GOD WITH US

The name Emmanuel signifies God’s presence with His people, particularly through the incarnation of Jesus Christ.

a) Meaning of Emmanuel: This name means “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23).

b) God’s Presence Among Us: Emmanuel is a reminder that God desires to dwell with His people and be intimately involved in their lives (John 1:14).

c) Jesus, the Fulfillment of Emmanuel: In Jesus Christ, God came to live among humanity, bringing salvation and redemption (John 1:1-3, 14).

d) Comfort in God’s Presence: Believers find comfort and strength in the knowledge that God is always with them, even in difficult times (Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5).

e) A Call to Faith: Emmanuel calls us to trust that God is ever-present and actively working in our lives (Psalm 46:1).

Biblical Example:
The birth of Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of the prophecy of Emmanuel, God coming to live among His people, bringing salvation (Matthew 1:22-23).

CONCLUSION:
The names of God reveal His nature, character, and promises to His people. Each name is a reminder of God's faithfulness, power, love, and commitment to His covenant with humanity. As believers, knowing these names deepens our relationship with God, strengthens our faith, and helps us rely on Him in every aspect of life. From Jehovah-Jireh our Provider to Jehovah-Rapha our Healer, and Emmanuel our God who is with us, these names invite us to trust and experience God more fully in our daily lives.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, reveal Yourself to me through Your names and help me understand Your nature in a deeper way.

2. Father, I trust in You as Jehovah-Jireh, my provider; meet all my needs according to Your riches in glory.

3. O God, manifest Your power as Jehovah-Rapha in every area of my life that needs healing.

4. Heavenly Father, let Your peace, as Jehovah-Shalom, guard my heart and mind through Christ Jesus.

5. Lord, I rely on You, El Shaddai, for Your sufficiency in every area of my life.

6. O God, let Your presence, Emmanuel, fill my life and bring comfort in times of need.

7. Almighty God, help me walk in the revelation of Your power and might as El Shaddai.

8. Lord, help me live in the peace and wholeness that You provide as Jehovah-Shalom.

9. Father, strengthen my faith to trust in You completely as Jehovah the self-existent, eternal God.

10. O Lord, teach me to rest in Your presence, knowing You are always with me as Emmanuel.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. I declare that Jehovah-Jireh will provide abundantly for every need in your life.

2. May Jehovah-Rapha heal every sickness, brokenness, and wound in your body, mind, and soul.

3. I declare that Jehovah-Shalom will fill your life with peace beyond understanding, even in the midst of storms.

4. May El Shaddai, the all-sufficient God, manifest His power and might in your life.

5. You will experience the abiding presence of Emmanuel—God with you—everywhere you go.

6. I declare that the names of God will become real to you in every situation you face.

7. The Lord will be your shield and fortress, as Jehovah-Nissi leads you to victory.

8. As you call upon the names of God, His divine power will manifest in your life.

9. The covenant-keeping God will remember you and honour His promises over your life.

10. I declare that you will walk in the revelation of God's names and experience His fullness.

This study encourages believers to reflect on the profound meaning of God's names and what they signify for our faith journey. Understanding and calling on the names of God helps us experience His attributes, provision, healing, peace, and presence more deeply in our everyday lives.