Bible study on a new name
What a fascinating topic! Let's dive into a Bible study on a new name.
Scripture: Genesis 17:1-14, 21:3-4
Topic: God's Promise of a New Name
Background: In the book of Genesis, we find the story of Abraham, a man who was called by God to leave his homeland and start a new life in Canaan. Abraham was a man of great faith, and God made a covenant with him, promising to make him the father of a great nation.
The Promise: In Genesis 17:1-14, God appears to Abraham and says, "I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless. Then I will make my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers." God then changes Abraham's name from Abram (which means "exalted father") to Abraham (which means "father of many").
The Significance: The name change is a significant symbol of God's promise to Abraham. It represents a new identity, a new purpose, and a new relationship with God. Abraham's new name signifies that he is no longer just a man, but a father of many nations.
The New Name: The name "Abraham" is derived from the Hebrew words "av" (father) and "hamon" (many). It means "father of many" or "father of a multitude." This name reflects God's promise to make Abraham the father of a great nation, and it also foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who would be the ultimate "father of many" through his sacrifice on the cross.
Application: As believers, we too can experience a new name, a new identity, and a new purpose in Christ. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are given a new name, written in the book of life (Revelation 3:5). This new name signifies our new relationship with God and our new purpose in life.
Questions for Reflection:
- What does the story of Abraham's name change teach us about God's promises and our identity in Christ?
- How does the name "Abraham" reflect God's promise to make him the father of a great nation?
- What does the name "Abraham" mean to you, and how does it relate to your own faith journey?
- How can we apply the principles of Abraham's name change to our own lives, seeking a deeper relationship with God and a new purpose in Christ?
Prayer: Dear God, we thank you for the promise of a new name, a new identity, and a new purpose in Christ. Help us to understand the significance of Abraham's name change and to apply its principles to our own lives. May we walk in faith, just like Abraham, and may our names be written in the book of life. Amen.