The Third Commandment: Honor God’s Name!

What this episode covers

I was soundly converted in Jr. High. I went to Hume Lake Christian Camp and distinctly remember recognizing the heinousness of my sin against God. I had heard the gospel several times, but something clicked on that occasion and I knew that I needed to repent and confess my faith in Jesus Christ as my Savior. One of the first obvious changes that occurred in my life was a strong desire to clean up my language and that of those around me. Whenever I heard someone using curse words I would correct them. I remember even asking permission from my closest friends to punch them in the arm whenever they cussed. Yes, I realize this was an immature response. I was brand new to my faith. Plus, I was in Jr. High, so cut me some slack! Things were a lot less complicated in those days. I can assure you I’m no longer quite so easily offended by cursing. However, I do think the instinct to correct someone’s language is telling. And maybe I should be more offended than I am. It probably isn’t a sign of maturity that I so readily tolerate foul language today. As we consider the third commandment this morning, it is related to our language, but it goes much deeper than using curse or swear words. The third commandment calls us to think, speak, and act in ways that are consistent with our profession of faith. It is a broad topic, but it is specifically related to our relationship with God, which is expressed through our use of His name. This is not so much condemning coarse language as it is condemning an improper approach to God. Read Exodus 20:7 The Serious Nature of the Third Commandment The third commandment is every bit as serious as the first two commandments. In the first commandment, we are forbidden from worshiping false gods. In the second commandment, we are forbidden from worshiping the one true God in a false manner. In the third commandment, we are forbidden from devising false ways of speaking about God. All three commandments are equally offensive and deserving of God’s just judgment. Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him. The sojourner as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.Leviticus 24:16 I’m not suggesting we should operate under the same civil law of Israel’s theocracy, but at the very least, this passage reveals the significance of breaking the third commandment. Even outsiders who were visiting Israel had to abide by it. The third commandment is not merely encouraging us to clean up our language. It demands more than watching our mouths, it should impact the way we speak, think, and feel about God. Like the first two commandments, it is about worship. It is about how we approach God. What is your attitude when you come before God? What is your posture as you speak to God in prayer? What fills your mind and your speech when you actively and passively worship God? The Name of God Matters Names matter to everyone. Names reflect a man’s character. It is for this reason we protect our name from being misrepresented. We do not want a poor reputation to be attached to our name. We take pride in the preservation of our name. Thankfully, my name was fairly simple. I never had any embarrassing nicknames given to me. But I know some people who were so disturbed by the drama and trauma represented by their first name that they had it legally changed. It feels like starting over. So much about who we are is wrapped up in our name. And, if our own name is such a big deal, then God’s name matters all the more. God’s name represents the respect He is owed because of who He is and what He has done. The multitude of names for God that we find in Scripture reveals different aspects of His character. They are set forth in their relation to mankind. Since His name reveals what He has done, we can see that any aspect of revelation is relevant to our keeping of this commandment. We must come before G

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