My Father’s Name Written by Elmer Towns (1991) Adapted by Ron Williams 9 of 12 (1-hr) classes Ridgecrest Baptist Church © 2007 Ron Williams

How about you?

Our Perception What do we normally associate with slave relationships? poverty defenseless hard working conditions all of the profit goes to the master ownership, lack of freedom

Slaves in the O.T. In Israel, slaves were typically well cared for Had more privileges than the hired help Were typically considered part of the master’s family Had privileges of being allowed to worship at the Temple

The 3 Primary Names of God

Adonai Names and titles are important because they open doors. Using wrong names and titles shuts the door because it shows we are not worthy of the opportunity (E. Towns) When we use the proper name it shows respect- who deserves more respect than our master?

Adonai Adonai represents the headship name of God Denotes the master/slave relationship Adonai comes from adon (master/slave) in the singular form. Adonai is plural implying the Trinity Adonai is used 340 times in the O.T.

Adonai Jewish rabbis began to substitute the name Adonai in place of Jehovah to show respect. The name symbolizes a relationship It does not emphasize ownership but a working relationship Master means relationship Lordship means ownership

Adonai The relationship begins with the master not with the slave He must provide for the slave (food, clothing, necessities) He must give direction, training, accountability for the work of the slave The term Adonai puts more responsibility on God than on us. We should consider this as an act of love and allegiance

Adonai The name Adonai assures for us: God has the resources and abilities to take care of us, It implies that resources are available to carry out the slave’s duties to the Master Privilege of being able to call out to the Master for help

What Were Their Duties? Abraham=needed an heir (Gen 15:2, Gen 15:8) and had delayed expectations. He had waited 10 years. He desired an offspring and the promised inheritance. Note that he called up the Master and the covenant- keeping Jehovah Moses= had a speech impediment (Exodus 4:10). Remember that the Master must give the slave the resources to meet the task (Joshua) Joshua= lacked courage and power (Joshua 7:1-8).

What Were Their Duties? Gideon= lacked direction and was fearful (Judges 6:1-15). Note the location of the threshing floor. Samson= had lost his strength (Judges 16:28) David=lacked direction (2 Sam 7:18,25-29) Jeremiah= was weak (Jeremiah 1:6-8, 18,19) God showed Jeremiah three things: (1) he encouraged him to rely on Him, (2) He promised his presence in face of critics and (3) He gave Jeremiah a vision of success

Master-Slave Differences between Christians and the world are: The Christian has a relationship with God The world denies such a relationship

Adonai-Application As servants, our first duty is to submit to the Master (this is reinforced in the NT) See John 13:13 and Matt 10: We should trust the Master to care for us.

Adonai Read Acts 10:9-16. Note how Peter denied the spirit of the name of Adonai when he objected to God’s command. Indicates that we are to obey rather than argue with the Master concerning the path he prepares for us

Application Read Romans 12:2-8. What privileges are being discussed here. How do they apply to you personally?

Application What areas of your life do you need to turn over to HIM as your Master? What do you need to start relying upon Him for? What duties has he assigned you that you are not doing?