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Title You shall not take the Name of the Lord your God in vain

Text: Text : Exodus 20
9 September 2007

(I) THE CONCERN OF GOD WITH REGARDS TO HIS NAME

“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain…” Exodus 20:7

1. God’s concern for His name

a) He has a truly lofty name

“For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity Whose name is Holy…” Isaiah 57:15

b) It is a holy name

c) The sanctity of His name to be maintained

d) His honor to be upheld

2. God’s concern when His name is taken in vain

What does it mean for the Lord’s name to be taken in vain?

a) When there is abuse of His name

b) When it is regarded in an irreverent and improper manner

c) When it is despised

“A son honors his father, And a servant his master. If then I am the Father, Where is My honor? And if I am a Master, Where is My reverence? Says the LORD of hosts To you priests who despise My name. Yet you say, ‘In what way have we despised Your name?’ ” Malachi 1:6

d) When it is blasphemed

” ‘Now therefore, what have I here,’ says the LORD, ‘That My people are taken away for nothing? Those who rule over them Make them wail,’ says the LORD, ‘And My name is blasphemed continually every day.’ ” Isaiah 52:5

(II) THE COMMANDMENT NOT TO TAKE GOD’S NAME IN VAIN

“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain…” Exodus 20:7

1. Demonstrates the seriousness of the matter…not to be taken lightly

2. Determines how we should relate to the Lord and His name…to love and to treat it well

3. Demands our highest consciousness and efforts

(III) The Consequences of taking the Lord’s name in vain

“…for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” Exodus 20:7

1. He would have sinned against the Lord

2. He would have to face up to the Lord

3. He would not be guiltless

(IV) COMMITMENT TO NEVER TAKE THE LORD’S NAME IN VAIN

1. A proper love and regard for the Lord’s name is to be established

2. Personal obedience to be undertaken

3. Practise maintaining the sanctity of the Lord’s name