I.   Introduction
      A. Naming a child is something special for parents
      B. Joseph and Mary were not given the liberty to pick their firstborn son’s name. (Matt. 1:21-25)
           1. His name, “Jesus,” was to have a special meaning
           2. He would also be called by another special name
      C. Jesus was known by many names
           1. As with Isaiah 7:14, He was known by such descriptive names –even before He was born.
           2. Each of these names is revealing, and quite accurate.
II.  The Old Testament foretold what He would be called (Isaiah 9:6)
       A. There are hints of what He would be called in different places
             1. Psalms (110:1; 16:10); Zechariah (6:12); Daniel (7:13); Isaiah (7:14; 52:13)
       B. No place has more descriptive names than Isaiah 9:6
            1. They point to One Who would be nothing less than divine in nature
            2. The speak volumes about that which He will be capable of doing.
            3. They testify to what He will accomplish.
III. The story of His life shows these names are completely fitting.
        A. His life bore out the bold claims made of Him beforehand.
             1. Wonderful Counselor (1 Peter 1:12; John 1:18; 5:19,20; John 14:6)
             2. Mighty God (Mark 4:39; Matt. 14:25, ff; John 11:43,44)
             3. Everlasting Father (Acts 3:15; John 1:12; 5:21)
             4. Prince of Peace (Eph. 2:14-16)
        B. The ways in which Jesus was addressed by those He encountered coincides with these names.
              1. John 1:29; 1:49; 20:16; 20:28
IV. The ability to call Him by some names, however, is restricted.
        A. Every tongue will confess His name (Phil. 2:9-11)
        B. Jesus tells us some names for Him require participation, involvement on our part
             1. He can be called “Friend” – only if we do what He commands of us (John 15:14)
             2. He can be called “Lord” – if we obey Him (Luke 6:46; Matthew 7:21,23)
             3. His names are relationship names that imply our involvement in that relationship.
                  a. “Counselor” implies someone is “advised”
                  b. “Savior” implies someone is “saved”
                  c. “King” implies someone is “subject”
                  d. “Father” implies someone is “child”
V.   What Do You Call Him? 
        A. What title does your life bestow upon Him?
              1. Do you call Him “Savior?” – Has He saved you from sin?
              2. Do you call Him “Friend,” “Lord”?
              3. Do you call Him “Prince of Peace”?
              4. These are empty if our lives aren’t reflecting the relationship we claim.
         B. Calling upon Him requires entering into relationship with Him.
              1. You can begin a life of service, obedience by believing and obeying His gospel.
              2. Are you prepared to begin, or renew that relationship today?

December 20, 2009

Glenn Record