MISUSING GOD’S NAME

THE THIRD COMMANDMENT

(Exodus 20:7)

…Today, language has become increasingly vulgar and irreverent both to man and God because each has been __devalued__.

…The profaning of God’s name is so commonplace that it attracts __little__ notice, especially if the profanity is witty or cute.

…Yet, God’s Word still stands: “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.”

THREE CONSIDERATIONS REMINDING US TO ALWAYS

REVERENCE THE HOLY NAME OF GOD.

I. THE PROHIBITION: YOU ARE __NEVER__ TO USE GOD’S NAME INSINCERELY ON IN AN EMPTY WAY (v 7)

A. When the Bible uses a “name” it means more than a designation, it is also a description of __character__.

1. YHWH, “THE LORD,” is God’s personal name. This is God’s covenantal name and reveals God as the One who __always__ keeps his word.

He is __faithful__. His name is sacred.

2. The ancient scribes who copied the Old Testament, thought God’s name so __Holy__ that when they came to it, they would stop copying, go ceremonially bathe all over, and return to the scroll with an unused pen and copy God’s name.

B. The word “misuse” means, “empty, frivolous and insincere.” The KJV, “to take in vain”

Some common ways God’s name is misused:

1. __Oaths__: The swearing of oaths or promises is the __primary__ application of this command.

a. When a believer swore by God that such-and-such was true, or made a promise by God’s name to do a thing, it was to be done.

b. Breaking your __promise__ is a flagrant misuse of God’s name. By Jesus day – gross abuse.

c. Oath taking is okay, but must be kept. (Courts, wedding vows, parental dedication)

2. IRREVERENCE: This is the __common__ irreverence uttered by those saying: “God” and the Lord’s name in a disrespectful way. It is __mindless__ and wrong.

3. CURSING: The ultimate depth of misusing God’s name is to curse others.

…To damn someone in __God’s__ __Name__ is a monstrous misuse of God’s name.

II. THE __EFFECTS__ PRODUCED BY THE MISUSE OF GOD’S NAME.

A. GOD: It does __not__ hurt God. Puny men cannot harm Him.

B. TO US: The proper use of His name will elevate and substantiate our __love__. But, the misuse of His name (thru insincere promises, irreverent words, and cursing) will __stunt__ our capacity for fellowship with Him.

C. TO OTHERS: It has dire effects upon others, especially those closest to us.

1. Our __children__. “Too many children have been damned by their church attending parent’s abuse of God’s name.”

2. So, “You shall always properly use and reverence the name of the Lord your God.”

III. PUNISHMENT IS PROMISED FOR THE MISUSING OF GOD’S NAME. (7b)

…God, Himself, will deal with __abusers__ - “for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His name.”

A. Punishment in __this__ life.

1. The misuse of God’s name can curse the lives of those we love most.

2. More, such abuse __stops__ and deflects the showers of grace God desires to give to us.

B. Punishment in the life to come.

1. Our lives will be evaluated, even our __words__. Matt. 12:36-37 “Every careless word…”

2. We will suffer __loss__ at the judgment seat of Christ

LESSONS FOR OUR LIVES:

1. True usage of God’s name is confined to prayer, praise, thanksgiving, and teaching/preaching.

2. Make every effort to uplift and reverence God’s Holy name.

3. Teach your loved ones to reverence God’s Holy name

4. If you have never been born again, we are all lost, but God has provided man’s only solution, the Lord Jesus Christ.