God's Name Handle With Care Series

Acts 3:1-10

One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer--at three in the afternoon. [2] Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. [3] When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. [4] Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" [5] So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

[6] Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." [7] Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. [8] He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. [9] When all the people saw him walking and praising God, [10] they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

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.

Psalm 61:5

For you have heard my vows, O God;

you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

Introduction: It might seem odd to have this command included in a series of messages on building strong families. After all, how can not misusing the Lord’s name affect our families? Think about it. The most common swear words today include God’s name. This language does nothing to build the family and everything to destroy it. Despite the old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never harm me.” Words do hurt, and the misuse of God’s name presents some of the most hurtful words.

While we often don’t think much about the names we give our children, in the OT names were very important. They were a reflection of what the person was to become

What’s in a name? Let’s take just a few for example. (Comes from a book about names)

Phil Dirt – Excavating

Wilburn Fizzle – Executed in the Electric chair

Dan Druff – Barber

O. Neil Pray – Seller of church pews

P. P. Peterson – Urologist

Will Crumble – Plaster contractor

What does a name represent?

1. A reputation

Proverbs 3:4

Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

Proverbs 22:1

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

Eccles. 7:1

A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth.

Adolph Hitler

Billy Graham

Abraham Lincoln

George Washington

2. Character

3. Authority

If our families are to be strong, we must learn to use God’s name correctly.

Principle: Handle God’s name correctly

The first question that we must address is how is God’s name misused?

1. Insult – Swear or cuss

2. Indulge – Escape mechanism

God get the blame for many things that are not a part of his plan.

Divorce

Quitting job

Purchases

Mother teaching little girl to pray and listen to God. Go change those socks. God told me to wear these socks

3. Intimidate – beat people up with it

4. Impress – Name dropping

5. Impulse – Without thinking

Promise: I will bless you

So how do you use God’s name correctly?

1. Reverence God’s Name Correctly

Psalm 29:2

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.

There are over 100 names for God, a few of which are listed at the end of your outline. Each name represented a different characteristic or trait of God.

In fact the Jewish culture takes names so seriously that they would not even write the name of God for the fear of misusing it.

Matthew 6:9

"This, then, is how you should pray: " ’Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

Ancient cultures believed that there was power in a name and by pronouncing the name you could control people and things.

2. Represent God’s name clearly

Col. 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.

How can you tell if someone is a Christian?

James 3:9-10

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. [10] Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.