Exodus 20:7

“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.”

 

The first commandment reminds us to give God first place in our lives. The second commandment encourages us to worship the real God, not to set up false idols, but to worship the true and living God, and worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Today, we are warned concerning the misuse of the name of the Lord. Most people think the third commandment is a simple prohibition against bad language. That is true, but in reality, the scope of this commandment is much broader.

 

The Misuse of God’s Name: Titus 1:16

“They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.”

1. The sin of profanity . I Samuel 2:30

2. The sin of hypocrisy . Matthew 23:33

Some of the worst slander, some of the toughest battles, some of the rudest conversations, some of the worst treatment I have ever seen, have taken place in the church and in the name of the Lord.

3. The sin of perjury . Hebrews 6:16

4. The sin of blasphemy . Isaiah 5:25

 

“Do not swear falsely by my name and so profane the name of your God. I am the Lord.

Leviticus 19:12

 

The Use of God’s Name Indicates a Two-fold Relationship: Psalm 29:2

“Here my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place.”

1. A spiritual relationship. Matthew 6:7

2. A personal relationship. Psalm 33:21

 

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Acts 412

 

Giving Honor to the Name of the Lord: Colossians 3:17

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

1. Be sincere when you worship. Isaiah 29:13

2. Be selective with your words. Matthew 12:36

3. Be steadfast in your walk. II Timothy 2:19

 

 

Take the name of Jesus with you,

not in insincerity, but in worthiness,

living the life every day,

bringing honor to His holy name.