DON’T TAKE GOD’S NAME IN VAIN (4 OF 11)
by Scott Maze
Scripture: Exodus 20:7
This content is part of a series.
Don’t Take God’s Name in Vain (4 of 11)
Series: The Ten Commandments
Scott Maze
Exodus 20:7
This Memorial Day we continue our series on the Ten Commandments. How are you progressing on memorizing the Ten Commandments?
Two weeks ago we saw the “Who” of worship when we examined the first commandment – “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:2). God has always been a monotheist. Then last week we saw the “how” of worship – “You shall not make for yourself a carved image…” (Exodus 20:4a). God is the God who is seen and not heard. He is not to be worshiped by anything that represents Him. And now we return once again to the “Who” of worship.
Most of us simply think of today’s commandment as God saying not to cuss. Yet, you are about to discover this commandment is much broader than you previously thought.
Today’ Scripture
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain” (Exodus 20:7).
In this commandment, God jealously guards His name. I want to ask three questions of this text: 1) How Do I Misuse God’s Name? 2) Why is God’s Name So Important? 3) What is the Penalty for My Misuse?
1. How Do I Misuse God’s Name?
Our understanding of this verse is far too simplistic. Our grasp of this verse is too superficial. We think, “It’s as if God has compiled a list of words I am not to say, and if we avoid this list, we will do well.” Yet, there are numerous ways in which both those outside the church and inside the church violate this command daily.
To take God’s name in vain is to malign God’s name. It’s to misrepresent Him. The word “vain” in verse seven is a synonym for futility. We are not to use God’s name in a futile manner or in a trivial manner.
God’s name is sacred. It’s not that His name is magical. It’s not that the three letters of His name to be used for incantations. It’s because His name represents His essence. “The name of the Lord is a stro ...
Series: The Ten Commandments
Scott Maze
Exodus 20:7
This Memorial Day we continue our series on the Ten Commandments. How are you progressing on memorizing the Ten Commandments?
Two weeks ago we saw the “Who” of worship when we examined the first commandment – “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:2). God has always been a monotheist. Then last week we saw the “how” of worship – “You shall not make for yourself a carved image…” (Exodus 20:4a). God is the God who is seen and not heard. He is not to be worshiped by anything that represents Him. And now we return once again to the “Who” of worship.
Most of us simply think of today’s commandment as God saying not to cuss. Yet, you are about to discover this commandment is much broader than you previously thought.
Today’ Scripture
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain” (Exodus 20:7).
In this commandment, God jealously guards His name. I want to ask three questions of this text: 1) How Do I Misuse God’s Name? 2) Why is God’s Name So Important? 3) What is the Penalty for My Misuse?
1. How Do I Misuse God’s Name?
Our understanding of this verse is far too simplistic. Our grasp of this verse is too superficial. We think, “It’s as if God has compiled a list of words I am not to say, and if we avoid this list, we will do well.” Yet, there are numerous ways in which both those outside the church and inside the church violate this command daily.
To take God’s name in vain is to malign God’s name. It’s to misrepresent Him. The word “vain” in verse seven is a synonym for futility. We are not to use God’s name in a futile manner or in a trivial manner.
God’s name is sacred. It’s not that His name is magical. It’s not that the three letters of His name to be used for incantations. It’s because His name represents His essence. “The name of the Lord is a stro ...
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