The third sermon in our Ten Commandments series was about God’s name and all the ways—obvious and not—that we use his name too lightly. Some of the things Pastor Mark points out may surprise you.
The Social Media Recap
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Naming someone is an act of leadership. We don’t get to call God by a label or name we choose. He names himself.
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The third commandment doesn't merely forbid bad words. God’s name deserves glory. It's in vain when we use it lightly.
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How to take God’s name in vain: “omg”
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How to take God’s name in vain: “We prayed about it” (to make something ungodly sound godly).
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How to take God’s name in vain: Live for the fame of your name rather than his name.
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How to take God’s name in vain: “With God as my witness…”
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Ways we can obey the third commandment: Celebrate Jesus, sing to Jesus, talk about Jesus in ways that bring him glory
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Will you bow your knee to Jesus today for salvation, or when you face him for damnation? Philippians 2:10
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The #10Commandments: 1) Only one God. 2) Worship him alone. 3) Our worship of God starts with how we speak of him.
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The key to our joy is God’s glory. We were made to worship the one God.
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Recommended resources
James MacDonald, “Say the Name”
In this article, James MacDonald encourages us with ways to use the name of Jesus in a manner that is positive and God glorifying, and to not be afraid to say Jesus’ name.
Pray like Jesus
This may sound like a stretch, but this sermon from 2008 on how Jesus prayed has a lot to teach us about how to be glorifying with God’s name. Jesus prayed “hallowed be your name,” which is the opposite of talking the Lord’s name in vain.
John Piper on the third commandment
This is a short sound clip accompanied by an article on Piper’s take on what it means to take God’s name in vain. His answer is succinct and insightful.