What is Your Name?

What is Your Name?

December 14, 2008

Introduction

(Gen 32:29 NKJV) Then Jacob asked, saying, "Tell me Your name, I pray." And He said, "Why is it that you ask about My name?" And He blessed him there.”

Earlier in the chapter, we have these words, (Gen 32:27-28 NKJV) So He said to him, "What is your name?" He said, "Jacob." {28} And He said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed."

In the New Testament, we have this passage: “Then He asked him, "What is your name?" And he answered, saying, "My name is Legion; for we are many." “ (Mark 5:9 NKJV)

"My name is Legion” What a tragedy. This man had so lived that he was now demon possessed. And not just by one, but by a legion of demons. His life and his name were taken over by demons.

What’s in a name? Does a name really matter? Does it make any difference?

Body

I. Does a name really matter?

(Prov 22:1 NKJV) A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.

What does your name mean?

1. Your name is what you have made it.

2. Your name is your reputation.

What names do you wear?

1. You wear your name. What do you want it to be?

2. You wear your family name. What do you want it to be?

3. You wear the name of Christ – a Christian. Do you make people want to be a Christian, or turn away.

(Rom 2:23-24 NKJV) You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? {24} For "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you," as it is written.

4. You may wear other names.

a. You may where the name of the state in which you live. (Some may categorize you as being something you are not.)

b. You wear the name of your work or profession. (You may be a sailor. You may have a reputation you do not deserve.)

c. Some preachers have given the name of preacher a bad name.

d. You may have the name of your school, and people are shouting, “Go Bulldogs,” or “Go Panthers,” and you get lost in the generality.

II. What do you do with your name?

It isn’t something that you just decide to have, it is determined by how you live..

What about Joses? Do you know much about him?

(Acts 4:36-37 NKJV) And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, {37} having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.

He was a good man! Who would that describe?

(Acts 11:22-24 NKJV) Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. {23} When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. {24} For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.

She was a good woman! Who would that describe?

1. The words, “She was a good woman” are not used, but what did her name mean?

(Acts 9:36-39 NKJV) At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. {37} But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. {38} And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. {39} Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.

2. Dorcas had a good name

III. What does a name mean?

Barnabas had a very special name.
Ichabod had a sad name that he did nothing to deserve.

(1 Sam 4:21-22 NKJV) Then she named the child Ichabod, saying, "The glory has departed from Israel!" because the ark of God had been captured and because of her father-in-law and her husband. {22} And she said, "The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured."

At the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow.

(Phil 2:9-11 NKJV) Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, {10} that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, {11} and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Salvation is in the name of Jesus.

(Acts 4:12 NKJV) "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

A song that is somewhat of a favorite of many of you, says, “Jesus, Jesus, there’s just something about that name”

IV. Some names such as “Texan,” may not apply to you, what do those who know you call you?