Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for August 31, 2014

“Elohim: God with A Purpose” Gen. 1:1, Isa. 40:28-31 Bible Study 08/31/14

This morning marks the beginning of a new study which will focus on the names of God as we find them in Scripture. Pursuing the knowledge of God is no casual experience. It is to be the consuming agenda of our lives. That being the case, studying the names of God can increase and enhance our knowledge of Him. Our focus this morning is the name Elohim. This name is used at least 35 times in Gen. 1:1-2:4. It is used some 132 times in Genesis and as many as 2700 times in the Old Testament. This name clearly is associated with God’s creative activity and purposeful supervision over that which He has created. In an increasingly man-centered society that undervalues the Almighty and underestimates His work, we need the biblical perspective which reminds us that our sense of purpose is linked directly to our awareness of His purpose. Because the Lord is a God of purpose, we can know that our existence and environment are the result of His creative intention.

I. Recognize His role as creator
-centrality of the doctrine of creation
-He has no beginning
-He creates out of nothing

II. View Him as distinct from His creation
-He has priority over it
-He makes provision for it

III. Personalize the truth God reveals
-elevation of status
-opportunity for stability
-connect creation and redemption

Upcoming studies:

El Elyon: God Most High 9/7
Adonai: God as Lord of All 9/14