A Sure Way To A Real Reward: Series

We like it when we get a pat on the back, a warm handshake of congratulations, a thank you note for a job well-done. We like to be rewarded.

But don’t you think that the greatest reward possible is one that comes from God? When new members join CVCC, I often pray this way, “Help us live and serve together in such a way that we will receive a “well-done” from Jesus one day.”

How we keep or fail to keep this third commandment will make a big difference on the day we stand before God.

A sure way to a real reward:

How to guard God’s reputation

Text – Exodus 20:7, p. 56

Series – God’s Top Ten: 10 Timeless Truths for Life

Each week, we’re considering some overall Truths about the Ten. Over the last two weeks, we’ve learned that…

1. The Ten do not restrict our freedom; they restore our freedom.

2. The Ten are not to be isolated; they are to be integrated. A 3rd truth for us to consider today is…

3. The Ten are not as much about rules as they are about relationships.

Rules without relationship leads to rebellion.

35One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, 36“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37And He said to him, “ ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ 38This is the great and foremost commandment. 39The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ 40On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

Matthew 22:35-40

Rule #1: Love God.

Rule #2: Love people.

Rule #3: See Rules #1 and #2!

Commandments 1-4 tell us how to love God.

Commandments 5-10 tell us how to love people.

Commandment #3:

7 You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.

Exodus 20:7

The first command says who we worship; the LORD our God must be number one – no rivals on the thrones of our lives. The second command says how we worship – in spirit and in truth. The third command speaks to why we worship – that God’s name be known and revered, that His reputation be protected, that He be honored.

This is a command that some of you immediately know you need to deal with. You know that your language needs to be cleaned up. Others of you are shutting down because you know you have a pretty clean mouth. You don’t think you have a much of a problem with this command. But stay with me this morning. I think that by the time we think through this command, we’ll see that this command impacts more than just our cussing. And I hope that you will also see that we all have some work to do.

What’s in God’s name?

It’s impossible for us to separate a person’s name from their character. I’m going to mention some names and you tell me what comes to mind.

Ready?

Mother Theresa…

OK what are you thinking?

Abraham Lincoln…

Now try it again.

Winona Ryder…

Michael Jackson…

When, as a young boxer Cassius Clay converted to Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali, he made an important statement. He was saying that his name should reveal his inner essence, stand for his true identity.

Most people really work hard making sure their name is something to be proud of. The name represents the person. Many of us when we were kids were told about how important it was for us not to tarnish the family name by doing something really stupid. God says the same.

31 So you shall keep My commandments, and do them; I am the LORD.

32 You shall not profane My holy name, but I will be sanctified among the sons of Israel; I am the LORD who sanctifies you,

Leviticus 22:31-32

God wants us to understand how important it is for us to take His name seriously!

Names are a big deal in the Bible. A name was practically the same thing as a person’s identity. God takes pleasure in being known for who He really is. His name is a description of His character.

Over and over the Scripture says that God does things “for his name’s sake.” God’s commitment to the salvation and growth of His people is grounded not in His people but in Himself.

When Jesus teaches us to pray “Hallowed by Thy name,.” He’s teaching us that the glory of God’s name is the goal of everything we pray.

Let’s start digging in by asking two questions right up front.

What is God’s name?