Embracing Yahweh: Joy, Presence, and Unchanging Faith
Summary
Today, we delved into the profound significance of God's name, Yahweh, and its implications for our lives. We began by reflecting on the importance of joy, emphasizing that joy is a choice independent of our circumstances. Joy is rooted in our relationship with God, not in the fleeting moments of happiness that life offers. This set the tone for our exploration of Yahweh, the self-existent, eternal God who is always present with us.
We then transitioned to the story of Moses and the burning bush in Exodus 3, where God reveals His name as "I am who I am." This name, Yahweh, signifies God's eternal existence and His unchanging nature. It is a name that commands reverence and awe, a name that the Israelites held in such high regard that they would not even speak it aloud. This reverence contrasts sharply with our modern casual use of God's name, reminding us to approach God with the respect and honor He deserves.
Next, we examined the attributes of Yahweh. First, Yahweh means that God is. He exists and is present in our lives. This is not just a theological concept but a reality that should transform how we live. Many people claim to believe in God but live as if He doesn't exist, a form of "religious atheism." True belief in Yahweh should be evident in our actions, our worship, and our daily lives.
We also discussed the immutability of God. Yahweh is unchanging, unlike us who are subject to change due to circumstances and poor decisions. God's unchanging nature means He is always faithful, always present, and always powerful. This gives us confidence and security, knowing that we can rely on Him no matter what.
The sermon then moved to the New Testament, where Jesus reveals Himself as the "I am" in various statements throughout the Gospel of John. These declarations—"I am the bread of life," "I am the light of the world," "I am the good shepherd," and others—connect Jesus directly to the Yahweh of the Old Testament. This revelation culminates in the disciples' recognition of Jesus as the Son of God, the great I am, after witnessing His miracles and teachings.
We concluded with a call to faith and a prayer of invitation for those who feel convicted by the message. Recognizing that our sin separates us from God, we are reminded that Jesus, Yahweh in the flesh, came to rescue us. By believing in Him, we can experience His presence and forgiveness in our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Joy is a Choice: Joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is a deliberate choice to find fulfillment in the Lord. This joy is rooted in our relationship with God and is a testament to our faith, regardless of life's ups and downs. Choosing joy is an act of worship and a declaration of trust in God's sovereignty. [05:51]
2. Yahweh Means God is Present: The name Yahweh signifies that God is always present with us. This presence is not just a comforting thought but a transformative reality. God's presence means He is actively involved in our lives, guiding, protecting, and providing for us. This should inspire us to live with a constant awareness of His presence and to trust Him in all circumstances. [45:22]
3. God's Immutability: Yahweh is unchanging, which means He is always faithful and reliable. Unlike humans, who change due to circumstances and poor decisions, God remains constant. This gives us confidence and security, knowing that we can rely on Him no matter what. His unchanging nature assures us that His promises are always true and His love is steadfast. [52:48]
4. Jesus as the Great I Am: Jesus' "I am" statements in the Gospel of John reveal His divine nature and connect Him directly to Yahweh of the Old Testament. These declarations affirm that Jesus is God in the flesh, the eternal, self-existent One who came to rescue humanity. Recognizing Jesus as Yahweh deepens our understanding of His mission and our relationship with Him. [58:07]
5. Faith and Obedience: True belief in Yahweh should be evident in our actions. It's not enough to say we believe; our lives must reflect that belief. This means giving God our mind's attention, our heart's affection, and our life's actions. Living in obedience to God and His word is a testament to our faith and a witness to the world of His reality and power. [40:59]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[05:51] - Joy is a Choice
[06:32] - Introduction to Yahweh
[33:54] - The Significance of Names
[34:59] - Yahweh in the Old Testament
[37:53] - Moses and the Burning Bush
[40:59] - Yahweh Means God is
[45:22] - Yahweh is Present
[52:48] - God's Immutability
[54:57] - From Egypt to Promise
[58:07] - Jesus as the Great I Am
[01:01:05] - Disciples Recognize Jesus
[01:04:40] - Prayer of Invitation
[01:05:15] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 3:13-15 - "Then Moses said to God, 'If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?' God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM.' And he said, 'Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’' God also said to Moses, 'Say this to the people of Israel, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.'"
2. Isaiah 42:8 - "I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols."
3. John 8:58 - "Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What name does God reveal to Moses in Exodus 3:13-15, and what does it signify about God's nature? ([39:06])
2. How did the Israelites treat the name Yahweh, and what practices did they follow to show reverence for it? ([35:59])
3. What are some of the "I am" statements made by Jesus in the Gospel of John, and how do they connect Him to Yahweh? ([57:34])
4. According to the sermon, what does it mean to live as if God doesn't exist, and what term was used to describe this behavior? ([40:59])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that God identifies Himself as "I AM WHO I AM" to Moses, and how does this name reflect His eternal and unchanging nature? ([39:06])
2. How does the reverence the Israelites had for the name Yahweh contrast with modern attitudes towards God's name, and what can we learn from their practices? ([35:59])
3. In what ways do Jesus' "I am" statements in the Gospel of John deepen our understanding of His divine nature and mission? ([57:34])
4. What does the term "religious atheism" mean, and how can believers ensure their lives reflect true belief in Yahweh? ([40:59])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you chose joy despite difficult circumstances. How did this choice impact your relationship with God and others? ([05:51])
2. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence in your daily life, and what practical steps can you take to remind yourself that Yahweh is always with you? ([45:22])
3. Think about a time when you struggled to trust in God's unchanging nature. How did you overcome this challenge, and what scripture or prayer helped you? ([52:48])
4. Jesus' "I am" statements reveal His divine nature. Which of these statements resonates most with you, and how does it influence your understanding of who Jesus is? ([57:34])
5. In what ways can you show greater reverence for God's name in your speech and actions? Consider specific changes you can make to honor His name more fully. ([35:59])
6. How can you ensure that your belief in God is evident in your actions, worship, and daily life? Identify one area where you can improve and make a plan to address it. ([40:59])
7. Reflect on the concept of "religious atheism." Are there areas in your life where you say you believe in God but act as if He doesn't exist? How can you align your actions with your professed beliefs? ([40:59])
Devotional
Day 1: Choosing Joy in All Circumstances
Joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is a deliberate choice to find fulfillment in the Lord. This joy is rooted in our relationship with God and is a testament to our faith, regardless of life's ups and downs. Choosing joy is an act of worship and a declaration of trust in God's sovereignty. When we choose joy, we are making a conscious decision to focus on God's goodness and faithfulness rather than our temporary struggles. This perspective shift can transform our outlook on life and deepen our relationship with God.
Joy is more than a fleeting emotion; it is a state of being that comes from knowing and trusting in Yahweh. By choosing joy, we are acknowledging that God is in control and that His plans for us are good. This choice can be challenging, especially in difficult times, but it is a powerful testimony of our faith and trust in God. Let us strive to choose joy daily, regardless of our circumstances, and let it be a reflection of our unwavering faith in Yahweh. [05:51]
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."
Reflection: Think of a recent challenging situation you faced. How can you choose to find joy in the Lord despite those circumstances today?
Day 2: Yahweh's Ever-Present Reality
The name Yahweh signifies that God is always present with us. This presence is not just a comforting thought but a transformative reality. God's presence means He is actively involved in our lives, guiding, protecting, and providing for us. This should inspire us to live with a constant awareness of His presence and to trust Him in all circumstances. Recognizing Yahweh's presence can change how we approach our daily lives, knowing that we are never alone and that God is always with us.
Living with the awareness of Yahweh's presence means acknowledging His involvement in every aspect of our lives. It means seeking His guidance in our decisions, relying on His protection in times of danger, and trusting in His provision for our needs. This awareness can bring peace and confidence, knowing that the eternal, self-existent God is with us every step of the way. Let us strive to cultivate a deeper awareness of Yahweh's presence in our lives and allow it to transform how we live. [45:22]
Psalm 139:7-10 (ESV): "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me."
Reflection: How can you remind yourself of God's presence throughout your day today? What practical steps can you take to cultivate this awareness?
Day 3: The Unchanging Nature of Yahweh
Yahweh is unchanging, which means He is always faithful and reliable. Unlike humans, who change due to circumstances and poor decisions, God remains constant. This gives us confidence and security, knowing that we can rely on Him no matter what. His unchanging nature assures us that His promises are always true and His love is steadfast. In a world that is constantly changing, Yahweh's immutability is a source of great comfort and stability.
God's unchanging nature means that His character, His promises, and His love for us remain the same throughout all generations. We can trust that He will always be faithful to His word and that His plans for us are good. This assurance allows us to face life's uncertainties with confidence, knowing that Yahweh is our rock and our refuge. Let us hold fast to the truth of God's immutability and find peace in His steadfast love and faithfulness. [52:48]
James 1:17 (ESV): "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness. How does knowing that God is unchanging give you confidence in your current circumstances?
Day 4: Jesus as the Great I Am
Jesus' "I am" statements in the Gospel of John reveal His divine nature and connect Him directly to Yahweh of the Old Testament. These declarations affirm that Jesus is God in the flesh, the eternal, self-existent One who came to rescue humanity. Recognizing Jesus as Yahweh deepens our understanding of His mission and our relationship with Him. It highlights the continuity of God's plan for salvation and the fulfillment of His promises through Jesus.
The "I am" statements of Jesus, such as "I am the bread of life" and "I am the light of the world," reveal His divine identity and His role in our lives. These declarations invite us to trust in Jesus as our source of spiritual nourishment, guidance, and protection. By recognizing Jesus as the Great I Am, we acknowledge His authority and His power to transform our lives. Let us deepen our relationship with Jesus by embracing His divine identity and trusting in His promises. [58:07]
John 8:58 (ESV): "Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.'"
Reflection: How do Jesus' "I am" statements impact your understanding of His identity and mission? How can you apply this understanding to your daily walk with Him?
Day 5: Living Out Our Faith in Yahweh
True belief in Yahweh should be evident in our actions. It's not enough to say we believe; our lives must reflect that belief. This means giving God our mind's attention, our heart's affection, and our life's actions. Living in obedience to God and His word is a testament to our faith and a witness to the world of His reality and power. Our faith should be visible in how we live, how we treat others, and how we respond to God's leading.
Living out our faith in Yahweh involves a holistic commitment to Him. It means aligning our thoughts, emotions, and actions with His will. This requires intentionality and a willingness to surrender our own desires in favor of God's plans. As we live out our faith, we become a testimony of God's transformative power and a light to those around us. Let us strive to live in a way that reflects our belief in Yahweh and brings glory to His name. [40:59]
James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: In what specific ways can you demonstrate your faith in Yahweh through your actions today? How can you be a witness to others of God's reality and power?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Joy is an option. Because joy is not based upon your circumstances. Joy is a choice we make to choose. It's not happiness. It's choosing to find your joy and your fulfillment in the Lord. And so I just kind of said in the first service, you know what? I'm going to be joyful. I'm going to be joyful about all that's going on. I'm going to worship. And so I hope that no matter what you've come here today with, whether it's good, bad, indifferent, that you'll choose to have joy and worship today." [05:51]
2. "God didn't create us to live in Egypt. He created us to live in promise. You ought to write that down. That's really good. He didn't create you to live in Egypt. He created you to live in promise. So why do we settle for Egypt? It was never his intention. But what happens is, despite the fact that they've compromised themselves over and over and over again to the point where they don't even know where God is. They don't even know if they still believe in God. They're just so miserable and so desperate. They cry out for something. But because he is a covenant God. Because he has given them a covenant promise. Which, by the way, if you're a child of God, he's made a covenant with you as well. He shows up. And he hears their cry. And he takes them on a journey from Egypt to promise." [54:57]
3. "What am I gonna put my trust in? Do I truly believe that Yahweh is my God? That he's present, that he's self-existent, that he's personal, that he cares about me? Or do I believe something different? Because it will determine how you live your life. It will determine who you trust in. Am I gonna trust in God? Am I gonna trust in myself? Am I gonna trust in something else? I was reading this week in Isaiah and I stumbled across what is really a famous passage of scripture. I'm sure you've heard it. It's Isaiah 40 and something caught my attention. In it, it says Yahweh is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. And here's what caught my attention. He doesn't faint or grow weary. He doesn't get tired. He doesn't run away. Why? Because he's big. Yahweh is big. He's powerful." [49:50]
4. "So the question is, what are the implications of this? What does it mean that he is Yahweh? What does it mean for us? I think there are four things today that we can pick out. We could spend a lot more time than four things, but due to time and everything else, these are the four big ones, I think. First, Yahweh means God is. It means God is. It means that God exists. Francis Schaeffer said it this way, God is there. So he tells Moses, tell the people that I exist, that I'm present. Now, you might think this is obvious, but it really is not that obvious. In fact, as I think about people, there are people today who say, oh, I believe in God, and yet there's nothing about their life that says they believe." [40:59]
5. "Did you know that Paul warned about this in Romans chapter 1? I want you to listen to Romans 1, starting in verse 18. The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the unbelievers, ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness. Because what may be known about God is present in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world, his invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. Because although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God. Nor were they thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, exchanging the glory of the incorruptible God for the images made like corruptible men, birds and four-footed animals and creeping things." [43:27]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The more miserable you're going to become. God didn't create us to live in Egypt. He created us to live in promise. You ought to write that down. That's really good. He didn't create you to live in Egypt. He created you to live in promise. So why do we settle for Egypt? It was never his intention. But what happens is, despite the fact that they've compromised themselves over and over and over again to the point where they don't even know where God is. They don't even know if they still believe in God. They're just so miserable and so desperate. They cry out for something. But because he is a covenant God. Because he has given them a covenant promise. Which, by the way, if you're a child of God, he's made a covenant with you as well. He shows up. And he hears their cry. And he takes them on a journey from Egypt to promise. Let me tell you why that's so cool. Because when we were in bondage to sin, when we are living in a foreign land, a land that was never intended for us, God provided for us an exodus. He provided a way for us to escape the bondage of sin. And the beauty of it is, it shows up in the person of Jesus. If you fast forward from the exodus to the incarnation, God steps out. Out of heaven and into flesh. And he lives a perfect, sinless life." [54:57]
2. "You know what? I don't know that I wanna be Christian today. I think I wanna be a jerk. I think I wanna give somebody a piece of my mind. I think I wanna show someone what I think they deserve. Don't look at me that way. I know that you do it too. God doesn't wake up and go, I don't wanna be God today. He is immutable. He is unchanging. Malachi 3 says, I, Yahweh, do not change. I do not change. Therefore, O sons of Jacob, you are not consumed. What does this mean? It means that he is all-sufficient. He is self-sufficient. He cannot be determined by forces outside of himself, nor is he subject to change like we are. Whereas we might change our minds because of unforeseen circumstances and poor decision-making, because he is omniscient, knowing all things, foreseeing all circumstances, and because he is omnipotent, having no weakness. Listen to this. This is so good. Nothing in all creation surprises him, catches him off guard, or backs him into a corner. You know what that means? Your God cannot be bullied because he's unchanging and all-powerful." [52:14]
3. "As they're climbing in the boat, do you know what the disciples said? Matthew chapter 14, verse 33. Remember, we're two and a half years into him discipling them. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him. Saying, truly, you are the son of God. Truly, you are the I am. They finally got it. They finally understood. Two and a half years into the journey, they finally recognized that Jesus was the great I am. That he was present with them. That he was for them. And so you think about it. If you look at the whole story of the Bible, back in Genesis chapter 3, Adam and Eve were created. They have a relationship. They fall. God provides a sacrifice in the garden. He's present with them, provides a sacrifice so that he can be with them. Fast forward to the Exodus. The people are away from God again. They're in bondage to the Egyptians. And God comes along and says, I'm present. And I'm here to rescue you. I'm here to be your God. I'm here to be, I'm here to be Yahweh. Fast forward to the cross. And God looks at all of humanity, including you and me. And he says, and when you were dead in your trespasses and sin, when you were in bondage to sin and condemned, I came to rescue you. The great I am. The beauty of the third time, it's not temporary. He doesn't have to come again. And once you believe and receive that, you can have certainty. That God has provided everything that you need to save you, to rescue you, and that he will be present in your life." [01:01:05]
4. "I am the gate. I am the good shepherd. He tells them I am the resurrection and the life. I am the way, the truth, and life. And then the last thing he did on his way to Gethsemane was say I am the true vine and you are the branches. And each one of those discourses was intended to help us help the 12 to know that the God of the Old Testament, the God who showed up at the exodus, the God who told Moses I am who I am, that right there in their presence, physically, Jesus is the I am, the great I am. What's really interesting to me about that story is that two and a half years into the journey, Jesus takes the disciples. He sent them out. They come back. They come back from doing all kinds of incredible miracles. They've literally seen people healed and the dead raised all through the power of God. He brings them together and they show up on a hillside in Gethsemane, excuse me, in Galilee. And a crowd of people gather around. It was estimated the crowd was a minimum of 5,000 men, maybe as big as 20,000 people. And he says, hey guys, feed them. And they were like, if we had a year's wages, we could only give, we could only give, we could only give. he takes a few fish, a couple of loaves of bread, and he feeds them to the point that when the people are done, the disciples are holding baskets full of the glory of God. Why? Because he was trying to reveal to them. At this point, they still had not understood that he is God in the flesh, that he's the I am. And so what happens? He sends them, he puts them on a boat. He goes up to pray. He goes up to pray. He goes up to pray. And all of a sudden, a storm blows up, and he comes walking on the water. You may have missed this, but this is really pretty awesome. In Mark's gospel, it says, he meant to pass them by. Do you know why he meant to pass them by? It actually goes all the way back to Moses. Do you remember when God was revealing to Moses his glory, he told Moses to hide his face in the cleft of the rock, and the glory of God walked by? Jesus was walking by to show that he is the I am. But then they go, it's a ghost. And so he stops, and he engages them. Do you know what he said? This is pretty cool. He looks at them and says, take courage, it is I. Do you know what scholars say that meant? What he really says is take courage because I am. I am the I am. He tells them who he is. And here's where it gets really cool. Peter gets out of the boat. He walks on the water, sinks. Jesus gets back up and takes him back to the boat." [58:07]
5. "What am I gonna put my trust in? Do I truly believe that Yahweh is my God? That he's present, that he's self-existent, that he's personal, that he cares about me? Or do I believe something different? Because it will determine how you live your life. It will determine who you trust in. Am I gonna trust in God? Am I gonna trust in myself? Am I gonna trust in something else? I was reading this week in Isaiah and I stumbled across what is really a famous passage of scripture. I'm sure you've heard it. It's Isaiah 40 and something caught my attention. In it, it says Yahweh is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. And here's what caught my attention. He doesn't faint or grow weary. He doesn't get tired. He doesn't run away. Why? Because he's big. Yahweh is big. He's powerful. One commentator said it this way. He says, if God is the everlasting absolute reality, then he is the creator of the ends of the earth and the universe. And if he's the creator of everything, then all energy, motion, combustion, fusion, and fission originate in him. Somehow all the energy of the universe had to have a beginning and it started with Yahweh, the first and absolute embodiment of the divine and infinite power. So think about it this way. If in the beginning, God, the infinite almighty, also fish one, created the heavens and the earth, he's spoken into existence, then what limitations does he really have? You know what the only limitation he has? The only limitation he has is the limitations you put on him in your unbelief. That's it. Someone said it this way. I thought this was so good. They said their encouragement was, if you put God in a box, let him out. Let the walls fall down. But here was their statement. If the grave couldn't hold him, what makes you think your life, lack of faith can? Isn't that good? If the grave couldn't hold him, what makes you think your lack of faith can hold him back? God is. And God is big. He's also unchanging. Yahweh means that he's unchanging. The big word for there is that he's immutable. He's absolute. And so you never have to worry about whether God's gonna be faithful to his promise, whether God's gonna be God. He's not gonna wake up one morning and go, I don't think I wanna be God today. I don't know about you, but there have been days I've woken up and I've thought," [49:50]
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