Knowing God by Name: EL ELYON

Discussion Guide for Sunday, March 15, 2020

EL ELYON: GOD MOST HIGH

Series: Knowing God by Name: The Power of God’s Names

Big Idea

God reveals Himself when we need Him most. This is the underlying truth of Pastor Mickles’ new series. Psalm 9:10 tells us why: “those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.” In moments of crisis, when our faith is tested, God shows us who He is by what He does, and He gives us a new name to remember it by. That’s the case in Genesis 14. Abram and his 318 trained men traveled over 100 miles to rescue his nephew, Lot. They divided into companies and successfully rescued Lot and claimed all of the spoils in battle. On the journey home, Abram met two kings: the king of Salem and the king of Sodom. This was a defining moment in his walk with God.

When Abram met the king of Salem, Melchizedek, he was introduced to a new name for God – El Elyon, the God Most High. Melchizedek was introduced as the priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram in the name of God Most High. Even when Abram responded to the king of Sodom, he did so acknowledging his sworn oath to the Lord God Most High. It was an acknowledgement that nothing is above God in any realm of life. He is the highest in every respect. This means that God is Sovereign (Genesis 14:19). He is in full and absolute control of everything that happens in our lives. God is also our shield (Genesis 14:20). In the battles of life, He surrounds us as a defense against our enemies, and by His right of His authority, He gives us the victory as a gift of His faithfulness to us. From his experience with El Elyon, Abram learned that God is our source (Genesis 14:20, 22-24). Everything that we have comes from Him. We have no need to compromise with the world; God will provide all that we need. (Special Note: Melchizedek is an Old Testament picture of Christ.)

Discussion Questions

• What situation in your life seems like it is out of control? Have you considered God’s involvement in the situation? Can you identify God’s protective hand at work?
• Have you been tempted to seek alternatives to God’s provision for your life? What did you do?

Prayer Focus

Lord, You are the greatest of all. None compares to You in all the earth. You created me by the power of Your Word and redeemed me by the power of Your blood. You always protect me. You always provide for me. For this, I give You all the glory that’s due Your name.

Next Steps

One way we acknowledge the sovereignty of God is by acknowledging that we are not self-made. We are God-made. Make a decision this week not to compromise your trust in God for your everyday needs. Ban anxiety by resting in the truth of who God is. Settle yourself in the fact that you do not need to be self-sufficient because God is all sufficient for you.

Want to Get Ahead?

Read and meditate on Genesis 17:1-8 in your devotional time this week.