My Father’s Name

Written by Elmer Towns (1991)

Adapted by Ron Williams

9 of 12 (1-hr) classes

Ridgecrest Baptist Church

© 2007 Ron Williams© 2007 Ron Williams

How about you?Problem Often Sometimes Never

When fearful, I call for help

When honored, I turn gloryto Him

When struggling, I look toHim

When he speaks, I dowithout question

Our Perception• What do we normally associate with slave

relationships?

• poverty

• defenseless

• hard working conditions

• all of the profit goes to the master

• ownership, lack of freedom

Slaves in the O.T.• In Israel, slaves were typically well cared

for

• Had more privileges than the hired help

• Were typically considered part of the master’s family

• Had privileges of being allowed to worship at the Temple

The 3 Primary Names of GodHebrew English 1st used Root Meaning

ElohimorYahweh

God Gen 1:1 alah-toswearwith anoath

AllpowerfulCreater

Jehovah LORD Gen 2:4 hayah-tobecomeorrevealoneself

Self-existentone

Adonai Lord Gen15:2

to be amaster

Masterof aslave

Adonai• Names and titles are important because

they open doors. Using wrong names and titles shuts the door because it shows we are not worthy of the opportunity (E. Towns)

• When we use the proper name it shows respect- who deserves more respect than our master?

Adonai• Adonai represents the headship

name of God

• Denotes the master/slave relationship

• Adonai comes from adon (master/slave) in the singular form. Adonai is plural implying the Trinity

• Adonai is used 340 times in the O.T.

Adonai• Jewish rabbis began to substitute the name

Adonai in place of Jehovah to show respect.

• The name symbolizes a relationship

• It does not emphasize ownership but a working relationship

Master means relationshipLordship means ownership

Adonai• The relationship begins with the master

not with the slave

• He must provide for the slave (food, clothing, necessities)

• He must give direction, training, accountability for the work of the slave

• The term Adonai puts more responsibility on God than on us.

• We should consider this as an act of love and allegiance

Adonai• The name Adonai assures for us:

• God has the resources and abilities to take care of us,

• It implies that resources are available to carry out the slave’s duties to the Master

• Privilege of being able to call out to the Master for help

What Were Their Duties?• Abraham=needed an heir (Gen 15:2, Gen

15:8) and had delayed expectations. He had waited 10 years. He desired an offspring and the promised inheritance. Note that he called up the Master and the covenant- keeping Jehovah

• Moses= had a speech impediment (Exodus 4:10). Remember that the Master must give the slave the resources to meet the task (Joshua)

• Joshua= lacked courage and power (Joshua 7:1-8).

What Were Their Duties?• Gideon= lacked direction and was fearful

(Judges 6:1-15). Note the location of the threshing floor.

• Samson= had lost his strength (Judges 16:28)

• David=lacked direction (2 Sam 7:18,25-29)

• Jeremiah= was weak (Jeremiah 1:6-8, 18,19)

• God showed Jeremiah three things: (1) he encouraged him to rely on Him, (2) He promised his presence in face of critics and (3) He gave Jeremiah a vision of success

Master-Slave• Differences between Christians and the

world are:

• The Christian has a relationship with God

• The world denies such a relationship

Adonai-Application• As servants, our first duty is to submit to

the Master (this is reinforced in the NT) See John 13:13 and Matt 10:24-25.

• We should trust the Master to care for us.

Adonai• Read Acts 10:9-16. Note how Peter

denied the spirit of the name of Adonai when he objected to God’s command.

• Indicates that we are to obey rather than argue with the Master concerning the path he prepares for us

Application• Read Romans 12:2-8. What privileges are

being discussed here. How do they apply to you personally?

Application• What areas of your life do you need

to turn over to HIM as your Master?

• What do you need to start relying upon Him for?

• What duties has he assigned you that you are not doing?