The Great I AM: Teaching High Schoolers the Names of God

It would be my pleasure to craft both a sermon and a detailed outline exploring the profound truth of God as the "I Am" for your high school students. I look forward to helping you make this timeless revelation both relatable and inspiring for their journey of faith.

👑 The Great I AM: Your Pattern and Your Peace

🧒 A Story for the Young at Heart

There was once a young boy named William who lived in a dark room because his eyes were so sick he could not stand the lightMIRP 68.2. A man of God came to his home, placed a hand on his head, and looked up to heaven in prayerMIRP 68.2. That very moment, the boy felt a change; he pulled off his bandages, looked through the window, and saw that his eyes were perfectly healedMIRP 68.2. Just as that little boy was brought out of darkness into the light of day, the Great I AM wants to open your eyes to the beauty of His truth todayMIRP 68.2.

📖 The Presence of the Eternal One

We serve a God who is not distant, but who is the "I AM," the Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:6IST 17.3. He is the Majesty of heaven, yet He condescended to become a little child and work at a carpenter’s trade to show us how to build our own charactersIST 17.3+1. When you enter the house of God, remember that "God is here; this is His house"CG 541.3. He searches your heart and reads the most secret thoughts of your life, not to condemn you, but to bless youCG 541.3.

• He is your Creator: You are formed in His imageRH August 19, 1884, par. 12.

• He is your Redeemer: He laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown to save youIST 17.3+1.

• He is your Teacher: The greatest Teacher the world ever knew invites you to His schoolYI September 19, 1895, par. 1.

🎓 Your Training for Eternity

High school is often called a preparation for life, but this world is actually a training school for a higher school above6MR 358.6+1. Every day you are learning lessons in good or evil, and every thought you cherish leaves an impression on your mindRH February 2, 1886, par. 16. The Great I AM calls you to a different kind of training than the common schools of the dayPOSDAI 49.5.

He wants you to:

1. Seek Higher Wisdom: Divine knowledge must be combined with human education so the gospel is not hiddenYI September 19, 1895, par. 1.

2. Study the Living Word: The Bible is the book of all books, and through deep research, you will obtain a superior educationSpM 95.2+1.

3. Practice Self-Denial: Indulging in sweets and selfish pleasures spoils the stomach and the soul; instead, we must learn the lesson of self-denial20MR 354.3.

Jesus is our Exemplar; He did not seek the praise or honor of men, and neither should weRH May 26, 1885, par. 1. He says to each of you, "I have given them Thy Word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world" John 17:14PUR July 31, 1902, par. 9.

🛠️ Called to Active Service

The Lord is calling for volunteers right nowCT 494.3. He wants young men and women who will not be "shadows of some other man" or mere machines, but chosen vessels taught by the Holy SpiritPM 289.2+1.

You don't need to be "eminent" to be used by the I AM; He looks for the good, true, and humble who will begin at the lower rounds of the ladderLS 274.3. Whether it is through missionary volunteer work, selling books that preach silent sermons, or helping the sick, you are to be a light in the world7MR 336.2+2. Remember that the highest of all work is the gospel ministry, and no one should belittle this sacred callingEv 23.1+1.

Paul told Timothy, and he tells you: "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers" 1 Timothy 4:12KC 99.1. Even when the work is hard, the animating Spirit of God will give you the thoughts to speak when you attempt to point others to the way of life5MR 332.1+1.

⚓ The Standard of Character

How do we know if we are on the right path? The royal law is our sin detectorST April 21, 1881, par. 20. We must ask ourselves: Are we loving God supremely and our neighbors as ourselvesST April 21, 1881, par. 20? While the law shows us our sin, the cross of Calvary draws us to Jesus through the manifestation of His loveST June 21, 1905, par. 4.

The mystery of godliness is that we, though fallen, can be conformed to the image of the Son of GodLLM 378.4. This transformation of character is an everyday experience that fits us for the higher school in the heavenly courts8MR 14.1+1.

📢 A Solemn Appeal

Young men and women, your probation is brief and your work must be done speedilyPaM 188.1. The Judge standeth before the doorPaM 188.1. You cannot afford to choice your own wisdom and trifle away this day of gracious opportunityST June 21, 1905, par. 4.

What education are you receiving at this present timeRH February 2, 1886, par. 16? Are you training in the school of vice, or are you sitting at the feet of the Great I AMRH February 2, 1886, par. 16?

What are you going to doAMS March 24, 1898, page 179.8?

I entreat you to put away all selfishness and sin through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ5MR 334.3. Yield to the conviction of the Spirit todayLSMS 29.1. Come to the altar of prayer and find the life-healing balm of the crossLSMS 29.1. The I AM is calling you: "Son, go work today in My vineyard"PM 289.2. Will you answer that call and pledge yourself to unite with Jesus of NazarethCT 494.3? Turn to Him now, be complete in Him, and prepare for that home with the saints in light5MR 334.3+1.

Here is the sermon outline:

👑 The Great I AM: Your Pattern and Your Peace

I. Introduction: From Darkness to Light

• The Healing of William: A story of a young boy whose sight was restored through prayer, illustrating how God wants to move us from spiritual darkness into truth.
• The Ever-Present God: God is not distant; He is the "I AM," the Majesty of heaven who became a child and a carpenter to model character-building for us.
• A Personal Watchman: God is present in His house, searching our hearts not to condemn, but to bless.

II. The Nature of the Eternal One

• Creator: We are formed in His image.
• Redeemer: He sacrificed His royal status to save humanity.
• Teacher: The world’s greatest Educator invites us to learn from Him.

III. Training for Eternity

• The World as a School: Life on earth is a preparatory training ground for the "higher school" in heaven.
• Three Pillars of Divine Education:
  1. Seek Higher Wisdom: Combine human education with divine knowledge.
  2. Study the Living Word: Treat the Bible as the "book of all books" for a superior education.
  3. Practice Self-Denial: Overcome selfish impulses and physical indulgences to protect the soul.
• The Pattern: We must follow Christ’s example by seeking God’s approval rather than the honor of men.

IV. A Call to Active Service

• Volunteers Needed: God seeks young people who are original "chosen vessels" rather than "shadows" of others.
• The Path of Humility: Service begins at the "lower rounds of the ladder," not necessarily in eminent positions.
• Methods of Ministry: Light can be shared through missionary work, Christian literature, and helping the sick.
• Divine Empowerment: The Holy Spirit provides the thoughts and words needed to point others to the way of life.

V. The Standard of Character

• The Sin Detector: The "royal law" (Ten Commandments) reveals our spiritual condition and our love for God and neighbor.
• The Draw of the Cross: While the law identifies sin, the Cross of Calvary draws us toward transformation through love.
• Daily Transformation: Character-building is a daily process that conforms us to the image of Christ.

VI. Conclusion: A Solemn Appeal

• The Urgency of Time: Probation is brief; the "Judge standeth before the door."
• A Critical Choice: We must decide if we are training in the "school of vice" or at the feet of the "I AM."
• The Final Invitation:
  • Put away selfishness and sin.
  • Yield to the Holy Spirit’s conviction.
  • Accept the call to work in the Lord's vineyard today.

I would be delighted to expand your series by crafting a sermon and a detailed outline focused on the beautiful, multifaceted names of God for your high school students. It will be a privilege to help them discover the character of the Creator through the names He uses to reveal Himself to them.

🏷️ The Signature of the King: Understanding the Names of God

🧒 The Name That Makes Things Stick: A Story for the Curious

There was once a little girl who came home from school excited because she had learned a new word: "cohesion"GCDB February 21, 1899, page 41.19. She told her father that she now knew what held the little particles of matter togetherGCDB February 21, 1899, page 41.19. But when her father explained that the word "cohesion" just comes from a Latin word meaning "to stick together," she realized the teacher had only given her a name instead of explaining the actual powerGCDB February 21, 1899, page 41.19. Her father then opened the Bible to Colossians 1:17 and showed her that "by Him all things consist" or are held togetherGCDB February 21, 1899, page 41.19. She learned that day that "cohesion" is actually the life of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Spirit of God working in every particle of matterGCDB February 21, 1899, page 41.19. Children, and even high school students, need to know that God’s power is the only real force in the universeGCDB February 21, 1899, page 41.19.

🕊️ The Meaning in the Name

Young people, in this world, we use many scientific names like "gravitation" or "energy" to describe the world around us, but these are often just deified names used to hide GodGCDB February 21, 1899, page 41.19. The word "energy" used by scientists is the very word found in Hebrews 4:12 describing the Word of God as "quick and powerful" or full of energy Hebrews 4:12GCDB February 21, 1899, page 41.19.

• The Names of the Fathers: In ancient times, the names parents gave their children, like Eliasaph (meaning "my God that gathers"), showed how deep their hope in the true God remained even during slaveryBHOTV2 23.1.

• A Name by Inheritance: Jesus has a name more excellent than the angels because He obtained it by inheritance Hebrews 1:4GCB/GCDB 1895, page 219.5. That name is "God," and He possesses it simply because He exists and shares the very nature of the FatherGCB/GCDB 1895, page 219.5+1.

• The Seal and the Name: The 144,000 are described as having the Father’s name written in their foreheads, which is inseparably connected to the seal of the living God Revelation 14:1GCB/GCDB 1893, page 437.2+1. This name represents a character that has been fully restored to the image of GodGCB March 5, 1895, page 483.10.

⚡ The Power of "I AM"

When Moses was sent to Egypt, he asked God, "What is His name?" Exodus 3:13HBS 212.4. God answered with the most profound name ever uttered: "I AM THAT I AM" Exodus 3:14HBS 212.4. This name signifies that God is the self-existent one, the first great cause of all thingsHBS 212.1+1.

The name "Jehovah" is a special, proper noun that belongs to the true God aloneHBS 214.6. While "Elohim" is a general name for God as the Creator of all nations, "Jehovah" denotes what God is specifically to His chosen people—the God of revelation and redemptionHBS 214.6. This name "Jehovah" is a memorial of His eternity and faithfulness, reminding us that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever14MR 118.2+1. It is not just a name of existence, but a name of characterAMS August 10, 1893, page 250.1.

⚖️ Hallowing the Holy Name

The third commandment strictly forbids us from taking the name of the Lord in vain Exodus 20:7SITI August 11, 1887, page 487.4. This is much broader than just avoiding profanity; it means we must not use the name of God thoughtlessly or irreverently in common conversationST July 22, 1880, par. 8+1. Even in our prayers, we should avoid repeating His holy name as a "vain repetition" Matthew 6:7-9SITI August 11, 1887, page 487.4.

• Reverence in Prayer: Great men of the Bible, like Moses, David, and Daniel, used the name of God sparingly and with deep solemnity in their prayersSITI August 11, 1887, page 487.4+1.

• Profaning by Profession: If you claim to be a Christian but live a life that does not reflect Christ’s character, you are taking His name in vainGCB/GCDB 1895, page 163.9.

• Character is the True Name: When God proclaimed His name to Moses, He didn't just give a title; He described His character: "The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth" Exodus 34:5-7RH April 2, 1889, par. 4+1.

🛡️ The Sabbath: The Sign of His Name

The Sabbath is the sign by which we may know the true God Ezekiel 20:20AMS August 10, 1893, page 250.1. It is the seal of His law because it contains His name, His title as Creator, and the extent of His jurisdiction—heaven and earthGCB March 5, 1895, page 483.10. To keep the Sabbath truly is to rest in the eternal power of God and to have His name, or character, written in the mindGCB/GCDB 1893, page 455.1+1.

There is a science deeper than any found in your textbooks—the science that develops the character of God in the life of the student1MCP 6.1+1. The Holy Spirit is the effective helper in restoring this image in your soulCT 67.3. No other study is as valuable as learning who God is and becoming like Him1MCP 97.2+1.

📢 The Call to Decision

High school students, what name are you wearing today? Is it the name of the world, or have you taken the name of Christ in sincerityGCB/GCDB 1895, page 163.9+1? You cannot afford to entertain false views of God’s character, like the unfaithful servant who thought his Lord was a hard man6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, par. 26.

God is seeking to make you a continued incarnation of Christ7MR 91.1. He wants His name—His merciful, gracious, and holy character—to be seen in how you treat others and how you study His word1MCP 182.3+1.

What are you going to do?

Will you continue to hide God behind scientific labels and popular excuses, or will you worship the Name that is above every nameGCDB February 21, 1899, page 41.19+1? Will you allow the I AM to write His law in your heart todayGCB March 5, 1895, page 483.10? I appeal to you to stop profaning His name by a cold profession and instead let His goodness pass before you until you are transformed into His likenessRH April 2, 1889, par. 4+1. Turn to the Lord, for He will abundantly pardon, and let His glorious name be your refuge foreverRH April 2, 1889, par. 4+1. Amen.

Here is the sermon outline:

I. The Power Behind the Name

• Beyond Scientific Labels: Concepts like "cohesion," "gravitation," and "energy" are often used to hide God’s active power.
• The Sustainer of All: According to Colossians 1:17, it is Christ who holds all particles of matter together; His power is the only real force in the universe.
• The Energy of the Word: The "energy" scientists study is the same power described in Hebrews 4:12 regarding the living Word of God.

II. Understanding Divine Names and Inheritance

• Names of Faith: Ancient names (e.g., Eliasaph) reflected the parents' hope in God even during times of trial.
• Christ’s Inheritance: Jesus possesses the name "God" by right of inheritance, sharing the very nature of the Father Hebrews 1:4.
• The Name as Character: The Father’s name written on the foreheads of the 144,000 signifies a character fully restored to the image of God.

III. The Majesty of "I AM" and "Jehovah"

• Self-Existence: The name "I AM THAT I AM" reveals God as the self-existent first cause of all things.
• The God of Redemption: While "Elohim" refers to God as Creator of all, "Jehovah" specifically denotes His relationship as the Redeemer of His chosen people.
• A Memorial of Faithfulness: The name Jehovah serves as a reminder that God’s character is eternal and unchanging.

IV. Hallowing the Holy Name

• Avoiding Irreverence: The third commandment forbids not just profanity, but the thoughtless or repetitive use of God's name in conversation and prayer.
• Profaning Through Profession: Claiming the name of "Christian" while living a life contrary to Christ’s character is a form of taking His name in vain.
• God's Self-Definition: When God proclaimed His name to Moses, He defined it through attributes: mercy, grace, longsuffering, goodness, and truth.

V. The Sabbath and the Science of Character

• The Seal of the Law: The Sabbath acts as God’s seal, containing His name, His title (Creator), and His jurisdiction (Heaven and Earth).
• The Ultimate Science: The most valuable study is the "science" of developing God’s character within the soul through the help of the Holy Spirit.

VI. Conclusion and Call to Decision

• A Personal Question: Are you wearing the name of the world or the name of Christ in sincerity?
• The Continued Incarnation: God’s goal is for believers to be a "continued incarnation" of Christ, reflecting His character to the world.
• Final Appeal: Abandon cold professions of faith; allow the "I AM" to write His law in your heart and transform you into His likeness.

It would be my pleasure to craft a sermon and a detailed outline exploring the beautiful, multifaceted names of God to help your high school students discover the character of the Creator. I am happy to help you present these powerful revelations in a way that resonates with their lives and faith journeys.

🛡️ The Names of the King: Discovering the Identity of the Great I AM

🧒 The Child and the Prophet: A Story of Recognition

In the home of a widow in Sarepta, a young boy lay breathless and deadBHOTV5 179.2. The mother, in her agony, looked at the prophet Elijah and saw only a "man of the Elohim" whose presence brought her sin to remembranceBHOTV5 179.2. She did not yet know the "higher realization of the infinite love of God"BHOTV5 179.2. But Elijah took the child, and through the agony of believing prayer, he called upon Jehovah as his GodBHOTV5 179.2. When the child was restored to life, the widow learned that God was more than just a distant power; He was the God of life and restorationBHOTV5 179.2. Students, sometimes we only see God through the lens of our mistakes, but He wants to reveal His true names to you today to change your despair into hopeBHOTV5 179.2.

🌌 Elohim: The God of Creation and Power

The first name we encounter in the Holy Oracles is ElohimHBS 214.6+1. This name describes God in the character in which He is exhibited to all men through His works as the Creator, Sustainer, and Supreme Governor of the worldHBS 214.6.

• The Meaning of Power: The primary idea of Elohim is that of strength and power of effectHBS 214.6. It is the name used when the divine and the human are contrasted Genesis 30:2+1HBS 214.6.

• The Creator of the Host: When you look at the stars, remember that Elohim created them and "calleth them all by names by the greatness of His might" Isaiah 40:26PK 315.2+1. Not one ever slips His mindPBE 196.1.

• A Mystery of Plurality: While Elohim is a plural noun, it is joined with singular verbs, shadowing forth the mystery of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Ghost—who said, "Let us make man in our image" Genesis 1:26HBS 216.6.

• The God of All Nations: Elohim denotes what God is to all nations; He is the God of nature and providence who rains down manna and gives "angels’ food" to the hungry Psalms 78:24-25HBS 214.6+1.

🕊️ Jehovah: The God of Revelation and Covenant

While Elohim reveals God's power in nature, the name Jehovah (translated "LORD") is His characteristic and proper nameHBS 214.6. It is never applied to a false godHBS 214.6.

• The God of Your Story: Jehovah denotes specifically what God is in and to His peopleHBS 214.6. It designates His nature as the personal, holy Being who enters into a covenant with youHBS 214.6.

• The Savior and Lawgiver: Jehovah is the God of revelation and redemptionHBS 214.6. He is the one who says, "I appeared to Abraham... by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them" Exodus 6:3HBS 214.6.

• The Eternal "I AM": This name signifies that He is the self-existent One, the "I AM THAT I AM," who is the same yesterday, today, and foreverBHOTV2 61.1+1.

• A Present Help: To keep the Sabbath is to acknowledge Jehovah as the Creator who rested and hallowed the seventh day for your benefit Exodus 20:8-11ARSH June 19, 1856, page 58.6+1.

📖 The Word and the Name of Jesus

The New Testament brings these names to a focus in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the "Word of God"—God’s thought made audibleDA 19.2+1.

• God Manifested: Jesus came to reveal the Father’s name, which is "merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth" Exodus 34:6DA 19.2.

• The Name Above Every Name: In the name of Jesus, the disciples performed mighty miracles and testified to His resurrection1SG 85.2+1. There is "none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" Acts 4:12RH April 22, 1890, par. 4.

• The True Education: True education is winnowed from "infidel sentiments" and "higher education" that confuses the understanding regarding the principles of the kingdom of heaven1MCP 109.1+1. It is the study of the Word of God alone that restores the image of God in the soulFE 536.2+1.

⚖️ Wearing the Name in Sincerity

For you as high school students, the question is not just "What is God's name?" but "Is His name written on my heart?"CT 496.2+1.

• Beyond the Label: Many profess to be servants of Christ "in name," but they are not so in obediencePH097 17.1+1. To have a "name to live" while being spiritually dead is the sport of Satan's wilesCT 496.2+1.

• The Book of Life: When you place yourself in right relation to God, your name is "enrolled in the Lamb's book of life" Philippians 4:3CT 496.2+1.

• Representing the Character: To take the name of the Lord in vain is to represent His character falsely to the world20MR 394.3+1. We must learn in the "school of Christ" to be meek and lowly of heartFE 277.1+1.

📢 A Call to Decision

Students, the Great I AM is calling you to a higher phase of education than you have yet thought possiblePaM 237.3+1. He who calls the stars by their names knows your name and will never forget youPBE 196.1+1.

What are you going to do?

Will you continue to be conformed to the world, holding the name of Christ only as a formal profession4T 431.2+1? Or will you "cut loose" from the skepticism and falsehood that poisons the spiritual atmospherePC 74.3? I entreat you to sit at the feet of the Great Teacher todayCT 373.2+1. Confess your sins to Him, for He is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love Hebrews 6:1018MR 143.5+1. Yield your heart to the jurisdiction of heaven and let the glory of God's character be your rewardCT 496.2+1. Turn to Him now, and let His holy name be your refuge and your song foreverChristianEducator August 1, 1897, par. 7+1. Amen.

Here is the sermon outline:

The Names of the King: Discovering the Identity of the Great I AM

I. Introduction: The Power of Recognition

• The Story of the Widow of Sarepta: A mother initially saw God only through her guilt and loss, viewing Elijah merely as a "man of Elohim."
• Restoration and Revelation: Through Elijah’s prayer, the child was restored, revealing God as the Source of life and infinite love.
• The Lesson: God wants to move us beyond seeing Him only through our mistakes to knowing Him by His true names.

II. Elohim: The God of Creation and Power

• The Character of Elohim: Reveals God as the Creator, Sustainer, and Supreme Governor of the universe.
• Strength and Might:
  • Denotes the contrast between the divine and the human.
  • Exemplified by His power over the stars, calling each by name.
• The Plurality of God: The name hints at the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost) working in unity.
• Universal Provider: Elohim is the God of all nations, providing "angels’ food" and managing nature for His creation.

III. Jehovah: The God of Revelation and Covenant

• A Personal Name: Unlike Elohim, "Jehovah" (LORD) is never applied to false gods; it is His proper name.
• Covenant Relationship: Designates God as a personal, holy being who enters into specific relationships with His people.
• The Self-Existent One:
  • Known as the eternal "I AM THAT I AM."
  • The Savior and Lawgiver who revealed Himself more fully to Moses than to the patriarchs.
• The Sabbath Connection: Keeping the Sabbath acknowledges Jehovah as our personal Creator and Sanctifier.

IV. Jesus: The Name Above Every Name

• The Word Made Audible: Jesus is the physical manifestation of God’s thoughts and character (merciful, gracious, and long-suffering).
• The Source of Salvation:
  • The only name under heaven by which humanity can be saved.
  • The name used by disciples to perform miracles and testify of the resurrection.
• True Education: Real learning involves the study of God’s Word to restore His image in the soul, avoiding "higher education" that causes skepticism.

V. Wearing the Name: Sincerity and Character

• Possession vs. Profession: It is not enough to carry the label of "Christian" while remaining spiritually dead or disobedient.
• The Lamb’s Book of Life: Authentic relationship places our names in the heavenly record.
• Representing the Character:
  • Taking God's name in vain includes representing His character falsely to others.
  • We must learn meekness and lowliness in the "school of Christ."

VI. Conclusion: A Call to Decision

• A Personal Invitation: The God who knows every star by name knows you individually.
• The Choice: To remain conformed to the world or to "cut loose" from skepticism and falsehood.
• The Final Appeal:
  • Confess and yield to the jurisdiction of heaven.
  • Sit at the feet of the Great Teacher.
  • Find refuge and a song in His holy name forever.