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?
Don’t forget how this passage is introduced. The preamble to all ten commands is found in verses one and two.
1 Then God spoke all these words, saying, 2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.”
Exodus 20:1-2
Two weeks ago, we thought about the three words that God uses to describe His name.
· God’s name says that He is preeminent.
I am the LORD…
Remember that when you see the word “LORD” in your Bible in all capital letters, that translates God’s Hebrew name. The Hebrew letters transcribed into English are… YHWH…
It’s from the verb “to be.” God calls Himself “I am.” “I am self-existent. I am self-determining. I am eternal. I am the One.” We better treat His name with dignity because He’s a God who is preeminent!
The name YHWH is so vital that it forms the basis for some compound names of God that display His preeminence.
YHWH-Jireh – “The LORD will provide” – Genesis 22:14
YHWH-Nissi – “The LORD is my banner” – Exodus 17:15
YHWH-Shalom – “The LORD is peace” – Judges 6:24
YHWH-Shammah – “The LORD is there” – Ezekiel 48:35
YHWH-Tsebaoth – “The LORD of Hosts” – 1 Samuel 1:3
YHWH-Rohi – “The LORD is my Shepherd” – Psalm 23:1
There’s more, of course. God is absolutely Supreme. Who wouldn’t want to respect and revere the God who is all this an infinitely more?
Holy and awesome is His name.
Psalm 111:9b
· God’s name says that He is personal.
I am the LORD your…
God is personal. He cares about you… and me. We matter to Him. He’s a God who is personal.
· Gods’ name says that He is powerful.
I am the LORD your God…
The Hebrew word for God is Elohim. Two weeks ago, we talked about how “El” means mighty or strong and how “Him” is a plural ending. In the Hebrew language, this is not a plural in terms of numbers; it’s a plural of intensity. “Elohim” means an intense might, a majestic power.
Now, think with me. How dare we misuse the name of Someone who infinite in His power, who is preeminent in the universe, and who takes such a personal interest in me that He gives me any good thing that I have? If I misuse His name, He will not leave me unpunished. But if I use His name well, the flip side is true. I am rewarded.
There are two commitments to make today.
To get a sure reward…
1. I will not misuse God’s name with my lips
– with what I say.
Doing something in vain means we are doing something useless. When we use the Lord’s name in vain we are using it in a pointless, meaningless, worthless way. God doesn’t like that because it diminishes His reputation. So, we need to think through how we are using God’s name.
I hope you will ask yourself five questions today. Put an “X” on the continuum in a place that best describes you.
a. Do I use God’s name…
… in profanity? … or with sanctity?
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The word “profane” comes from two Latin words: pro, meaning before, and fanum, meaning temple. To profane means to drag out holy things from the temple and to degrade them. Profanely using God’s name reduces to filth the most lofty, sacred name in any language.
It’s a sad commentary on our culture that the words “God” and “Jesus” are used so profanely. When we’re disgusted, we shouldn’t say “Jesus Christ!” When we’re angry, we shouldn’t be asking God to damn anyone or anything. Listen, “damn” is not God’s last name.
I don’t think many people really consider what they are saying when they do this. They don’t understand just how disrespectful it is to God. God doesn’t want us to use His name in profanity. Someone said, “Profanity is the use of strong words by weak people.”
For they speak against You wickedly, and Your enemies take Your name in vain.
Psalm 139:20
Have you ever wondered why when people are angry, they use God’s name in vain, but not Buddha’s? Have you ever heard anyone say “Hare Krishna” in disgust? When some people smash a finger in with a hammer, they use Christ’s name inappropriately, but not Mohammed’s. Why is that? I believe it’s because the devil hates God – hates Jesus – and tempts people to drag His name down.
“But I don’t mean anything by it; they’re just idle words!” That’s what some people say. But God, who hears every word, has this to say in Matthew 12:35-37: “The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil. But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Jesus said that the words we use expose what’s on the inside of us – for better or worse. I read this past week that a person who freely uses “hell” and “damn” in his conversation may well be reminding himself of his own destination. God’s word is clear:
Let no corrupt communication proceed from out of your mouth…
Ephesians 4:29
Put off all filthy communication out of your mouth…
Colossians 3:8
Do I use God’s name in profanity or with sanctity?
Taking the Lord’s name in vain is more than just cussing when we hit a bad golf shot or smash our thumb with the hammer. There are other ways to cast a bad reflection on the name of God.
b. Do I use God’s name…
… as a promise-breaker? … or as a promise-keeper?
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This command prohibits needless swearing. You hear people saying “I swear to God” or “As God is my witness.” This use of God’s name generates a moral schizophrenia: “I know you think I’m lying, but I’ll bring God into the mix here to convince you that I’m telling the truth.” But God says, “Don’t do that!”
But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment.
James 5:12
James is not prohibiting swearing in a legal case. However, James is telling us that in our everyday conversations, we should be people of integrity so we do not have to swear. If we make a promise, we don’t need to swear to make it valid. We are to be trustworthy.
Every promise we make is made in the presence of God; we don’t need to drag Him into it by using His name as a guarantee. As Christians we are to be truthful, conscientious people who do what we say we will do. We must be people who keep our word.
Not only does this command prohibit needless swearing, it also forbids false swearing. This is the issue the scriptures speak of the most.
You shall not swear falsely by My name, so as to profane the name of your God; I am the Lord.
Leviticus19:12
I think back to our wedding day – October 2, 1976. Maryanne and I stood in the presence of God, before two pastors, with family and friends as witnesses, and promised to be faithful to each other for the rest of our lives. If I walked away from Maryanne, I’d be breaking my marriage vow and taking God’s name in vain. How’s that? When I perform a wedding ceremony, I ask the couples to give and receive rings in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Sacred vows that use God’s name demand we uphold the promises we’ve made.
Do I use God’s name as a promise-breaker or a promise-keeper?
c. Do I use God’s name…
… selfishly? … or selflessly?
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The 3rd Command forbids using God’s name as a magical formula, a kind of good-luck charm. Sometimes, people think that by appealing to God’s name, they can somehow get God to do what they want.
Every time a politician uses the name of God in such a way to get votes, he breaks this commandment. Some would say that former president Richard Nixon courted evangelist Billy Graham’s personal friendship for political advantage. I’ve read that when Billy Graham read the Watergate transcripts for the first time, transcripts that were full of Nixon’s profanity, manipulation, cover-ups, and power plays, he became so upset that he went into the bathroom and threw up. Politicians need to ask themselves why they are saying, “God bless America” at the end of a speech. They’d better mean it.
Every time we pray in Jesus’ name with a demanding spirit for our own agenda – things that may very well be outside the will of God, we break this commandment. We can struggle financially and then pray for wealth in the name of Jesus, assuming He’s as frantic about our finances as we are. We’d better be on guard against using Jesus’ name as if it was a magical “open sesame” tool to use to gain our own desires. That’s taking God’s name in vain.
Every time a pastor uses God’s name to secure power and prestige and wealth in a church, he breaks this commandment. Using God’s name in a way to manipulate people to fulfill our own agenda is religious exploitation.
Do I use God’s name selfishly or selflessly?
d. Do I use God’s name…
… thoughtlessly? … or thoughtfully?
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Anyone can talk about God. We can come here Sunday after Sunday and sing the songs of praise to the Lord. When someone sneezes, you can say, “God bless you,” as quickly as the next person. But this third commandment says that we are not to treat God’s name thoughtlessly. He’s not just “background noise” in our lives. When we talk about God, we need to mean what we say.
When someone hears news that catches them off guard and they blurt out, “Oh my God,” they are not praying, asking God to intervene. They’re just saying it without any thought, without any meaning, without any reverence or significance. “God” and “Jesus” can become mere words — just noise to indicate an emotion of anger or shock.
I was talking to my son, Alan, last night about this and he reminded me of another way our culture thoughtlessly uses God’s name. Something good happens on a sitcom. The music kicks in: “Hallelujah…” It’s Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.” So what? You need to know that “Jah” is the shortened version of YHWH, God’s name. And “hallelu” is the word for praise. It means “praise YHWH.” So, every time some primetime comedy throws in the “Hallelujah Chorus” for a cheap laugh, this third command is thoughtlessly being violated.
Even passionate followers of Christ can become immune to the awe of God! We can become numb to His majesty – to the glory that is due His name.
We can misuse God’s name by saying over and over again, “Praise the Lord, hallelujah, praise God” as a Christian equivalent of “That’s great!” I read about a pastor who has a friend who says “praise God” whenever he hears anything remotely positive. One time the pastor told his friend about his sister’s brain surgery. The friend promptly spouted “praise God.” Suddenly he realized his mistake and quickly apologized. Well-meaning Christians can use God’s name thoughtlessly.
Sunday after Sunday, we use the name of God in songs and prayers and testimonies, but is there a sincerity and genuine reverence for the Name? Is it from the heart? It makes us sound spiritual, so we use it. But, when we call out the name of God, we are to sing and pray and share with meaning and significance. Whenever God’s name is used, it must be used reverently, respectfully, and from a heart filled with adoration and worship.
God is holy. He deserves our reverence and our worship — not just our words, but our genuine, sincere faith and worship. When we talk about God, we need to mean what we say.
Do I use God’s name thoughtlessly or thoughtfully?
e. Do I use God’s name…
… falsely? … or biblically?
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We need to make sure that when we use God’s name in teaching people about how to live here and how to prepare for the life to come, that we are as accurate as we can be about the nature and character of God.
History is marred with episodes of torture, murder, rape, and plundering in the “name of God.” God’s name has been called on to authorize all sorts of evils such as the Crusades during the Middle Ages, slavery in America, the Nazi agenda in Germany, segregation in the South. Now, people are invoking God’s name to justify their position whether they are for or against this impending war with Iraq. We better be careful about how we use God’s name.
As a young man, I served on staff at a church where the pastor didn’t like the idea of a God who could leave anyone in hell forever. So, he felt that hell would be depopulated over time – that the Hitler’s of this world would eventually be redeemed by God’s love. Even Satan himself would be won back to God.
Problem. It’s not a biblical view of God. God is reshaped into a finite, benevolent servant who has no plan of redemption and no sure word to guide his people. Holy Scripture is aborted in favor of eccentric interpretations of reformulated biblical teachings. The end result is a careless misuse of God’s name.
Do I use God’s name falsely or biblically?
To get a sure reward, I will not misuse God’s name with my lips – with what I say.
2. I will not misuse God’s name with my life
– with how I live.
In Acts 11:26 we read that the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. “Christian” means “Christ-ones.” As Christians, we carry around the name of Christ wherever we go. I Peter 4:16 tells us we have the responsibility to live in such a way that others will praise God because of our lives. We are the people of God. Wherever we go and whatever we do reflects back on God and how the world thinks of Him.
For some people to be a Christian – to bear the name of Christ – means no more than being a member of the Boy Scouts, the Kiwanis Club, or having membership card at Giant Eagle! If the name meant to us what it is supposed to, then we wouldn’t cheat on our taxes or allow pornography into our homes through the internet.
Pastor Greg Laurie says, “The hypocrisy of the church is far worse than the profanity of the street.”
How do we treat the title “Christian”? Do we act like that all it means is that we will go to heaven when we die, but it has nothing to do with how we live?
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.
Colossians 3:17
If you’ve given your life over to Jesus, you bear His name. When you call yourself a “Christian,” you’re saying that you are His representative. Your actions are a reflection on His reputation.
Alexander the Great was one of the world’s most powerful warriors. He was an incredible leader and fearless in battle. Alexander would hold court on the battlefield. Men who fought fearlessly were honored. Those who ran were punished.
A young man was brought before him. He was barely out of childhood. Alexander asked the boy’s name. The officer nearby said, “His name is Alexander, sir.” Instantly the general’s face softened. He seemed flattered that the young soldier had his name. The officers assumed that Alexander would show leniency to the young man. “What charges are brought against this boy?” “He is guilty of cowardice, sir. In the heat of battle, he fled.”
Alexander’s face changed again. He asked, “What is your name?” “Alexander, sir.” The general asked again, “What did you say was your name?” And again the lad replied, “Alexander, sir.” Then the emperor leapt off his throne and grabbed the terrified soldier, and shouted in his face, “Then either change your behavior or change your name!”
If you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you do it? You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. No wonder the Scriptures say, “The world blasphemes the name of God because of you.”
Romans 2:21-24 (NLT)
What God is saying to His children is the same thing we say to our children: “Do not ruin my good name.”
If the God you claim to believe in is merciful, be merciful. If the God you claim to believe in is love, be a loving person. If the God you claim to believe in gave himself to service and sacrifice, make sure you’re following in his footsteps. If the God you claim to follow is holy and pure, strive for righteousness in your own life.
To get a sure reward, I will not misuse God’s name with my lips – with what I say- and with my life – with how I live.
Now, look again at the 3rd Command. Do you see something in this commandment that you do not see in the others? It’s an immediate threat of punishment.
If I use God’s name wrongly, what happens to me?
The LORD will not leave me unpunished.
To not be left unpunished is to be condemned, judged, imprisoned, found guilty. God looks upon the person who misuses His name as a criminal.
If you are not careful to observe all the words of this law which are written in this book, to fear this honored and awesome name, the LORD your God, then the LORD will bring extraordinary plagues on you and your descendants.
Deuteronomy 28:58, 59
What’s the big deal with God’s name? Why must we take it so seriously? This commandment is important to God because the name of God cuts right to the character of God!
I have a Coke here this morning. As I look at this bottle and the name that is on it, I see a little “c” inside a circle near the name. You know what that stands for: copyright. It means that the name of this soft drink is the sole property of the company. They own the name and all rights to its use. What would happen if I took a cup of water, added some caramel coloring to it and some sugar and then slapped a Coca-cola label on it and tried to sell it to the public? If I sold enough bottles, I would probably get stopped. Maybe sued. The reason that I would get sued is because I had put the same name on my product that was on their product. What’s the problem with that? What’s so important about a name? The name stands for who you are as a company. Everything that you are as a company – your entire reputation – is wrapped up in that name. Therefore, you get angry when someone uses the name in an inappropriate way.
God retains legal control over His name and threatens serious penalties against the unauthorized misuse of this supremely valuable property.
Giving God a “bad name” might diminish or demolish people’s belief, respect, and awe for God, a tragedy for a world that needs holiness.
If I use God’s name rightly, what happens to me?
The LORD will not leave me unrewarded.
1. Know God’s names.
If you really want to make sure that you are using God’s name properly get know God on a first-name basis. That’s going to take a while, because no single name can totally represent the Lord.
· Prince of Peace
· Gentle Shepherd
· Lion of Judah
· Rock
· King of Kings
We can spend a lifetime getting to know God by each of his many names.
No one is like You, O LORD; You are great, and Your name is mighty in power.
Jeremiah 10:6
2. Praise God’s name.
Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his holy name.
Psalm 30:4
3. Defend God’s name.
Suppose you have a co-worker or neighbor who consistently misuses God’s name. Do you think that it would be appropriate for you to say something to them about it? Let me throw a wrinkle into that one. Would you say something to a man who was misusing the name of your wife, girlfriend, or daughter?
What should be our response to books, television shows, music and movies where God’s name is repeatedly misused? How many times is too many? Does it have any effect on our spiritual lives if we choose to read these books and view these shows?
4. Trust God’s name.
Are we guilty? You bet! As I study through these commands, I am confronted over and over again with my guilt. I don’t measure up. I deserve punishment. Everybody does. The Bible says, “The wages of sin in death.” I need salvation. Where does it comes from?
Save me, O God, by Your name.
Psalm 54:1
And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.
Acts 4:12
Salvation is not for good people. It’s for guilty people. Jesus takes away guilt.
See, the truly guilty can go unpunished and can have a new power in life to use God’s name in meaningful ways by trusting in the name of Jesus. If you haven’t already, start a real relationship with Christ. If you have trusted Him, keep on trusting Him more and more fully. Call on the name of the Lord – call on all of who He is – all of what His hame means - in repentance and for forgiveness. Begin following Him.
This is the way to a real reward.
