Hallowed Be Thy Name: A Bible Study on Revering God's Name

Hallowed Be Thy Name: A Bible Study on Revering God's Name

In Matthew 6:9, Jesus teaches His disciples to pray, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name." This opening line of the Lord's Prayer emphasizes the sanctity and reverence due to God's name. To "hallow" means to set apart as holy, to honor, and to revere. This study delves into the biblical understanding of God's name and how we, as believers, are to honor it in our prayers and lives.

The Significance of God's Name

In biblical times, a name was more than a label; it represented the character, authority, and essence of a person. God's name encapsulates His nature and attributes. Psalm 111:9 declares, "He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name." This verse underscores the holiness and majesty inherent in God's name.

Furthermore, Isaiah 42:8 states, "I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols." God asserts the exclusivity of His name and the glory it commands. He will not share His glory with idols or false gods, emphasizing the importance of honoring His name above all.

Names of God in Scripture

The Bible reveals various names of God, each highlighting different aspects of His character. In Genesis 1:1, God is introduced as "Elohim," denoting His power as the Creator. Genesis 14:19 refers to Him as "El Elyon," meaning "God Most High," acknowledging His supreme authority. In Exodus 15:26, God declares, "I am the LORD who heals you," revealing Himself as "Yahweh-Rapha," the Lord who heals. In Exodus 3:14, God reveals Himself to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM," signifying His eternal, self-existent nature. Each of these names provides insight into God's character and serves as a foundation for worship and reverence.

Honoring God's Name in Prayer and Life

To "hallow" God's name is to recognize and honor His holiness in our prayers and daily conduct. This involves approaching God with the respect and awe due to His holy name, reflecting God's character in our actions, thereby honoring His name through our lives, and sharing the truth of who God is with others, ensuring His name is revered among all nations. By embodying these principles, we fulfill the petition, "Hallowed be your name," not only in words but in deeds.

Conclusion

The Lord's Prayer begins with a call to honor God's name, setting the tone for a life centered on reverence and worship. By understanding the depth and significance of God's various names, we are better equipped to approach Him with the honor He deserves. Let us strive to hallow His name in every aspect of our lives, reflecting His holiness to the world around us.

Sermon Outline: "Hallowed Be Thy Name" (Matthew 6:9)

Introduction

In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus teaches us to begin with, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name" (Matthew 6:9). This opening line is not merely a formality; it sets the tone for our entire approach to God in prayer. To "hallow" God's name means to sanctify, honor, and glorify it. This sermon explores the depth of that phrase and how understanding God's names in Scripture can enrich our prayers and deepen our reverence.

I. Understanding "Hallowed Be Thy Name"

• Definition of "Hallowed": The term "hallowed" comes from the Greek word hagiazō, meaning to make holy or set apart. When we pray "hallowed be your name," we are expressing a desire that God's name be revered and honored above all. This reverence is not only about words but also about how we live our lives, reflecting God's holiness in our actions.
• Biblical Emphasis on God's Holiness: Psalm 111:9 declares, "He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name!" This verse underscores the holiness and majesty inherent in God's name.

II. The Significance of God's Name

• Names Reflect Character: In biblical times, a name was more than a label; it represented the character, authority, and essence of a person. God's name encapsulates His nature and attributes.
• God's Self-Revelation: Isaiah 42:8 states, "I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols." God asserts the exclusivity of His name and the glory it commands. He will not share His glory with idols or false gods, emphasizing the importance of honoring His name above all.

III. Names of God in Scripture

The Bible reveals various names of God, each highlighting different aspects of His character:

• Elohim: Introduced in Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth," Elohim denotes God's power as the Creator.
• El Elyon: Meaning "God Most High," as seen in Genesis 14:19, where Melchizedek blesses Abram, acknowledging God's supreme authority.
• Yahweh-Rapha: "The LORD who heals," found in Exodus 15:26, where God declares, "I am the LORD who heals you," showcasing His power to restore.
• Yahweh: In Exodus 3:14, God reveals Himself to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM," signifying His eternal, self-existent nature.

Each of these names provides insight into God's character and serves as a foundation for worship and reverence.

IV. Honoring God's Name in Prayer and Life

• Reverent Address in Prayer: Approaching God with the respect and awe due to His holy name.
• Obedient Living: Reflecting God's character in our actions, thereby honoring His name through our lives.
• Proclaiming His Name: Sharing the truth of who God is with others, ensuring His name is revered among all nations.

By embodying these principles, we fulfill the petition, "Hallowed be your name," not only in words but in deeds.

V. The Priority of God's Glory

• God-Centered Prayer: The Lord's Prayer begins with a call to honor God's name, setting the tone for a life centered on reverence and worship.
• Alignment with God's Will: By understanding the depth and significance of God's various names, we are better equipped to approach Him with the honor He deserves.
• Reflecting God's Holiness: Let us strive to hallow His name in every aspect of our lives, reflecting His holiness to the world around us.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The phrase "hallowed be your name" is a profound declaration of God's holiness and our commitment to honor Him. By understanding and revering the names of God, we deepen our relationship with Him and align our lives with His will. Let us approach God with the reverence He deserves, both in our prayers and in our daily walk.

Call to Action:

• Daily Reflection: This week, take time each day to meditate on one of God's names revealed in Scripture, allowing it to shape your prayers and actions.
• Holistic Worship: Strive to live in a manner that brings glory to His name, embodying the reverence and honor He deserves.
• Community Engagement: Share the truth of who God is with others, ensuring His name is revered among all nations.

Let us commit to honoring God's name in every aspect of our lives, reflecting His holiness to the world around us.