“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God”
SERMON Title: You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God
SCRIPTURE: Exodus 20:7; Isaiah 6:1-7 (ESV)
Introduction:
We look at the significance behind the Lord’s Name for us and in our daily lives. What is the meaning when we call upon the Name of the Lord? Why is there reverence attached to the use of God’s Name? We will look into these questions today in the third commandment (Exodus 20:7).
Overview:
The Israelites revered the Name of the Lord
The Lord’s Name was revered back then, and the Third Commandment is similar to the red velvet rope in front of important paintings - it reminds us to not mishandle or misuse the Lord’s Name in vain.
There is even the writing of the Lord’s Name as “G-D”, so that there is little chance of mishandling it.
We as followers of Jesus Christ have entered into a new covenant, and no longer subjected under the Law like the religious Jewish community. We have the freedom to say and write God’s Name in its fullest form. Yet the attitude and posture of reverence and awe for the name of the Lord is something we need to learn.
How we misuse God’s Name
Whether we use it in times of frustration or contempt, the significance of God’s Name was meant to be preserved. His Name is meant to be used in a manner that is consistent with who God is.
We can think about: when we use the Lord’s Name, what is our agenda? Is it to further our own gain?
When we choose to use His Name not for what it is meant for (worship or prayer), we say something incorrect about who He is.
The last and most subtle form of breaking the third commandment is committed by the man who says, “Lord, Lord,” and does not do the things that the Lord says. Prayer without practice is blasphemy; praise without adoration violates the third commandment; giving without disinterestedness robs the benevolence of God of its lustre and beauty. Let these thoughts be stated in other words. The profanity of the church is infinitely worse than the profanity of the street; the blasphemy of the sanctuary is a far more insidious form of evil than the blasphemy of the slum. (G. Campbell Morgan)
Application:
We will forever be guilty of the sin that is inevitable in our lives, yet like it is written in Isaiah 6:1-8, it is God’s mercy and grace that cleanses us from our sins so that we may come before God.
Jesus is our live coal which takes away our guilt. He was innocent yet He went to the cross to bear our sins, to bear our guilt, and to liberate us so that we may live as free people.
We are different from those who only revered and gazed upon the Lord, unable to utter and call upon Him. Through Jesus’ work on the cross (Philippians 2:6-11), the reconciliation between our Father and us enables us to enter into a loving relationship with Him.
Sermon reflection questions:
How have you chosen to use the Lord’s Name in your life? Does it come from a loving and genuine place, or is it with other motives?
Where have you misrepresented the character of God in the way you speak and act as people bearing the Holy Name of Jesus?
