Sunday School Lesson December 3, 2023

Subject: The Importance of God’s Name

The Point: God’s name reveals He is the all-powerful God whom we can completely trust.

Scriptures: Exodus 3:1-6,9-15

Study The Bible: Exodus 3:1-6

1). God is a holy God we are to approach with reverential fear.

1. Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.
2. Then the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire within a bush. As Moses looked, he saw that the bush was on fire but was not consumed.
3. So, Moses thought, “I must go over and look at this remarkable sight. Why isn’t the bush burning up?”
4. When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from the bush, “Moses, Moses!” “Here I am,” he answered.
5. “Do not come closer,” he said. “Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”
6. Then he continued, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the Jacob.” Moses hid his face because he was afraid to look at God.

Lasting truths from: Exodus 3:1-6

* God is holy and deserving of our awe and respect.

* God is loving and faithful to His promises.

* God’s disposition toward His people is always gracious.

2). We can trust that God will do what He says He will do.

Exodus 3:9-12

9. So because the Israelites’ cry for help has come to me, and I have also seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them,
10. therefore, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh so that you may lead my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.”
11. But Moses asked God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and that I should bring the Israelites out of Egypt.
12. He answered, “I will certainly be with you, and this will be the sign to you that I am the one who sent you: when you bring the people out of Egypt, you will all worship God at this mountain.”

Lasting truths from: Exodus 3:9-12

*  We can trust that God will do what He says He will do.

* The call of God on our lives should leave us with a sense of dependence upon Him.

* The promise of God’s presence empowers us to live lives of godliness and faith.

3). God’s name reflects this sovereign character that draws us into a trusting relationship with Him.

Exodus 3:13-15

13. Then Moses asked God, “If I go to the Israelites and say to them, “The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what should I tell them?”
14. God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.”
15. God also said to Moses, “Say this to the Israelites: The Lord, the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is my name forever; this is how I am to be remembered in every generation.”

Lasting truths from: Exodus 3:13-15

* God is above and beyond our limitations.

* God is self-sufficient and beyond any exhaustive definition, yet He has chosen to enter into our lives because He is full of love and grace toward His people.

* God’s self-sufficiency and grace are twin encouragements to us as we seek to live lives that are honoring to Him.

Live It Out

As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:

1. How is the presence of the Lord both a frightening and comforting reality?
2. How can you act as the Lord’s representative to someone this week?
3. How is God’s holiness and self-sufficiency good news for you?

Closing Prayer:

“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”