clase 1 nombres y atributos de Dios

Introduction to the Names and Attributes of God

The Scene in Athens

• The class begins with a reference to the Apostle Paul in the Areopagus of Athens, surrounded by altars dedicated to various gods, including an altar to an "unknown god" (Acts 17:23).

• The Athenians built this altar out of a desire not to offend any deity, which Paul uses as an opportunity to introduce them to the true God.

Worshiping Without Knowledge

• The speaker questions how often people worship God without truly knowing Him, suggesting that worship can sometimes be vague or abstract.

• Emphasizes that God desires genuine knowledge and relationship rather than ignorance; He has progressively revealed Himself through His names and attributes.

Understanding God's Names

Significance of God's Names

• Each name of God in Scripture is a living revelation of His character and relationship with humanity.

• Examples include:

• Elohim: Represents the powerful Creator, hinting at the Trinity.

• Yahweh: Indicates self-existence ("I Am").

• Yahweh Jireh: Declares God's provision.

Contextual Revelation

• Each name emerges during specific moments of need or worship, often accompanied by acts like building altars or spontaneous praise.

• Invoking these names in prayer affirms eternal truths about God's character and builds trust in His faithfulness.

Attributes of God

Communicable vs. Incommunicable Attributes

• Understanding God's attributes transforms our perception of Him:

• Incommunicable Attributes: Such as eternity and omnipotence highlight God's infinite difference from creation.

• Communicable Attributes: Include holiness, love, justice, mercy, fidelity, and wisdom; they guide how we relate to Him and reflect His qualities in our lives.

Importance of Knowing God

• Knowing God is essential for eternal life (John 17:3), providing peace amid uncertainty and strength during trials.

• A correct view fosters deeper worship; we do not worship a distant deity but a personal Savior who reveals Himself as Father, Shepherd, Provider, Healer, and King.

Course Overview

Journey Through God's Names

• The course will explore over 30 names revealed in the Old Testament and their fulfillment in the New Testament.

• It aims to deepen understanding through studying both communicable and incomunicable attributes while applying insights into daily faith practices.

First Names Explored

• Initial focus on key names includes:

• Elohim: Creator depicted from Genesis 1:1.

• Yahweh: Self-existent "I Am."

• Other significant names such as El Shaddai (Almighty), El Elyon (Most High), Adonai (Lord), etc., will also be discussed.

Understanding the Names of God

Introduction to God's Names

• The names of God are not merely beautiful words; they represent promises and declarations about His character and intentions for His people.

• These names find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who embodies attributes such as healing, provision, and peace.

Objectives of the Class

• The goal is to leave with a deeper awe of God’s nature and learn to invoke His names in daily prayers, especially during challenging times.

• Participants are encouraged to open their Bibles and explore the significance of "Elohim," which appears at the very beginning of Scripture.

Exploring Elohim

• "Elohim" is a plural Hebrew word that signifies not just power but also majesty. It hints at the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—working in unity from creation.

• This name emphasizes God's omnipotence and serves as an introduction to His creative character.

Creation Narrative

• In Genesis 1:1, "Elohim" is used with a singular verb "created," reinforcing the concept of unity within plurality.

• The collaborative act of creation is highlighted when God says, “Let us make man in our image,” showcasing the involvement of all three persons of the Trinity.

Significance in Scripture

• "Elohim" appears 2,341 times in the Old Testament; its frequent mention underscores God's role as creator and sustainer.

• The New Testament reveals Jesus as "the Word" (John 1:1), affirming Him as part of Elohim's creative work alongside God.

Implications for Believers

• Understanding God as Elohim transforms believers by instilling awe, reminding them of their identity made in His image, and providing confidence in prayer.

• Recognizing Elohim invites believers into a personal relationship with a powerful Creator who can restore brokenness.

The Name Yahweh

Transition to Yahweh

• Following Elohim's exploration, attention shifts to Yahweh—a name that conveys God's personal nature and eternal presence.

• Yahweh first appears in Genesis 24 and becomes one of the most frequently used names throughout Hebrew scripture.

This structured approach provides clarity on key concepts discussed regarding God's names while allowing easy navigation through timestamps for further study.

Understanding the Name of God: Yahweh

The Transformation of Worship and Daily Life

• The discussion begins with the premise that understanding God's name can transform worship and daily life, leading from Genesis to Exodus and through the Old Testament to Jesus Christ.

The Revelation of Yahweh

• In Genesis 24, God is introduced as Elohim, but later reveals Himself as Yahweh, indicating a shift from a powerful creator to a personal and eternal God.

• The name Yahweh (also transcribed as Jehovah) originates from the tetragrammaton in Hebrew, signifying "the self-existent one" who exists independently.

Significance of God's Name

• Yahweh embodies timelessness; He is described as "the one who was, is, and will be," emphasizing His unchanging nature.

• A pivotal moment occurs in Exodus 3:14 when God identifies Himself to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM," highlighting His essence over actions.

Historical Context and Cultural Reverence

• The pronunciation of Yahweh has been lost due to Jewish tradition that treats it with reverence; it is often replaced by Adonai or Hashem during readings.

• Many today use "Jehovah," which is incorrect linguistically; scholars suggest "Yahweh" or "Yahve" based on ancient linguistic evidence.

Centrality of Yahweh in Scripture

• Yahweh appears over 5,000 times in the Old Testament, defining God's identity for Israel through covenants and promises made to figures like Abraham and Moses.

• Each mention reinforces His eternal commitment to His people, culminating in significant events such as the Exodus where He declares His intention to deliver them.

Fulfillment in Jesus Christ

• In the New Testament, Jesus boldly claims this name. In John 8:58, He states “Before Abraham was born, I am,” identifying Himself with Yahweh's essence.

• Throughout John’s Gospel, Jesus uses “I am” statements that echo Yahweh’s self-identification—demonstrating His divine nature and redemptive love.

Personal Implications of Knowing Yahweh Today

• Understanding God as Yahweh provides eternal security amidst life's uncertainties; He remains constant while circumstances change around us.

• This relationship invites believers into intimacy with God—He desires closeness with humanity as expressed in Exodus 6:7 where He promises to be their God.

• Believers are called to reflect God's moral attributes such as holiness and faithfulness in their lives.

• Invoking Yahweh in prayer acknowledges Him as the eternal provider and savior while protecting against modern idols shaped by human desires.

Conclusion on Divine Revelation

• Emphasizing reverence for God's name encourages believers not only to worship Him joyfully but also recognize His active presence throughout history.

God's Revelation: Understanding El Shaddai and El Elyon

The Nature of God as El Shaddai

• In Genesis 17:1, God reveals Himself to Abraham at the age of 99, introducing Himself as "El Shaddai," emphasizing His omnipotence and calling Abraham to walk before Him in perfection.

• The name "Shaddai" signifies not only power but also tenderness and abundance, connecting to the Hebrew root that evokes nurturing, akin to a mother's care for her child.

• El Shaddai is portrayed as fully sufficient, providing blessings and meeting all needs with an overflowing love that sustains life amidst human fragility.

• God's call for Abraham to be perfect is not about self-sufficiency but rather relying on El Shaddai for strength and sustenance; He renews His covenant with promises of descendants and land.

• Today, believers are reminded that El Shaddai meets our deepest needs during times of emptiness or delay in promises, inviting us to trust in His sufficiency.

The Supremacy of God as El Elyon

• Transitioning from El Shaddai, the discussion moves to "El Elyon," first mentioned in Genesis 14:18–20 during Abraham's encounter with Melchizedek, highlighting God's supreme authority over all creation.

• The term "El Elyon" translates to "the Most High," indicating God's transcendence above all powers and authorities; He is distinct from creation itself.

• This name emphasizes God's sovereignty—He is the creator who exists beyond the universe, countering philosophies like pantheism that equate God with creation.

• Biblical references affirm God's supremacy (e.g., Psalm 47:2), declaring Him above all earthly powers; this truth culminates in Jesus Christ being recognized as our El Elyon in the New Testament.

• Believers are encouraged to worship El Elyon by recognizing His authority over their lives and circumstances while surrendering their resources (time, talents) in acknowledgment of His greatness.

Acknowledging Adonay

• The next name discussed is "Adonay," found in Genesis 15:2. It translates as “Lord” or “Master,” signifying God's rightful ownership over creation and humanity.

• Calling God Adonay acknowledges Him as our master; it reflects a relationship where He deserves our utmost respect and devotion due to His sovereign nature.

• The plural form suggests a trinitarian aspect within one Godhead—highlighting unity among three persons while maintaining singularity.

Understanding the Concept of "Olam" in Genesis

The Significance of "Olam"

• The term "olam" is introduced as the sixth name found in the Book of Genesis, translated as "eternal God" or "God of ages/generations."

• The first occurrence of "olam" is noted in Genesis 21:33, where Abraham plants a tamarisk tree at Beersheba.

• In this passage, Abraham invokes the name Jehovah Elolam, emphasizing God's eternal nature.

• This invocation signifies a moment of worship and recognition of God's everlasting presence and authority.

• The discussion highlights how understanding names like "olam" deepens one's comprehension of biblical texts and their theological implications.