WHAT IS YOUR REAL NAME? - PROVERBS 22:1

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

A name is a word or term used for identification of a person, place, thing or an abstract idea. For this lesson our main focus will be on the name of a person; the name that we have, as individuals or collectively as a congregation of the Church of Christ.

CHOICE OF NAME
A name is chosen with certain motives and expectations, and it is normally given at birth by the respective parents of the newly-born baby. Naming is done according to the naming system of the customs and traditions of the parents.

Our first parents, Adam and Eve were named by their Creator after they had come into being. Adam means 'earth', because he was made from the dust of the earth; and Eve means 'life' or 'living'. There are some few unusual happenings with the naming of people:

Some people were named before they were born or even conceived.

• Ishmael - God hears; God will listen (Gen 16:11).
• Isaac - Laughter (Gen 17:19).
• Solomon - Peace and quietness (1 Chron 22:9).
• Josiah - The Lord Saves or Healed by the Lord (1 Kings 13:2).
• John the Baptist - The Lord is gracious or merciful (Luke 1:13).
• JESUS - Salvation or He shall save His people (Matt 1:21).

Some people got their names changed or given new names to reflect the new role they had to play.

• Abram to Abraham (father of nations), and Sarai to Sarah (mother of nations) - Gen 17:4-6,15-16.
• Jacob (Supplanter) to Israel (He contended with God or prince of God) - Gen 35:10.
• Simon (He has heard) was named Peter or Cephas (A stone) - John 1:42; Mark 3:16; Matt 16:18,19.

1. What do you observe about these people discussed?
2. Why was it necessary to give specific names?
3. Why was it necessary to change some names?
 

Some names that you may not want to have for yourself or your child:

• Achan son of Carmi - Joshua 7
• King Ahab and Jezebel - 1 Kings 16:28 to 2 Kings 21
• People of recent times: Adolph Hitler, Saddam Hussein etc.

1. What do you observe about these people discussed?
2. Why will you hesitate to adopt any of these names?

THE REAL ISSUES ABOUT A NAME

• A name is important because there is something in it.
• No one is nameless; everyone has a name.
• The specific name you have by which you are called is not the whole deal.
• The most important thing is the reputation or the impression that your name carries.
• What reputation do you have? Is it a good reputation or a bad reputation?
• Your reputation can make or unmake you in the sight of both God and man.
• The reputation you have is by choice and not by chance!
• As Christians, we have a name which demands that we live like Christ.
• Your real name is your reputation!
• If I may ask: What is your real name?

Please you may click here to download a copy of this sermon.

Presenter: Admin Webmaster
Date: 2012-01-10 07:32:30
Viewed: 1958

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Posted Comments

Glad to hear this.

Posted by: Andrew Owiredu (Switzerland)
Status: Member
Date: 2012-07-12 22:54:31

What a great presentation! Good sermon.

Posted by: Michael Alimo (BA Bible/Greek, MBA) Harding Univ. (United States)
Status: Member
Date: 2012-09-21 19:27:25

God bless you for your professional presentation.
You are indeed a blessing to the church

Posted by: Andy Anosu-kwofie (Ghana)
Status: Member
Date: 2018-02-27 11:59:07