I will write on him My new name
Text: Revelation 3:7-13
30 September 2007
(I) THE IDEA OF NAME GIVING
1. Abram to Abraham
“No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be called Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations.” Genesis 17:5
2. Sarai to Sarah
“Then God said to Abraham, ‘As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name.” Genesis 17:15
3. Jacob to Israel
“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.” Genesis 32:28
(II) THE SIGNIFICANCE OF NAME GIVING
1. To signify a special relationship between God and man
a) Authority of God to give a new name
b) Humble submission to God
2. A special context commemorated
a) A victory won
b) A special blessing obtained
3. To mark a new plane
a) Of relationship
b) Of faith
c) Of life
(III) THE CONCEPT APPLIED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
1. Commendation of the Philadelphian Church
“I know your works…You have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name” Revelation 3:8
2. Commitment of the Lord to Overcomers
“He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God…I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.” Revelation 3:12
a) The name of My God (Cf. 2 Chronicles 7 )
b) The name of the city of My God
c) My new Name
3. Challenge to Overcomers
“…Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” Revelation 3:11
a) Holding fast
b) Guarding our crown