This series of Bible study continues with the Ten Commandments number 3. It’s told in Exodus 20:7 and I hope the lesson helps you understand the true meaning of this command. It helped me as I was mistaken on this one too!
The name of God is His identity. And, it should be used only to praise or worship Him. It’s not meant as a swear word or amusing anecdote. The 3rd commandment is about using the Lord’s name in vain. It’s meaning is sometimes confusing.
Let’s take a look at number three of the ten commandments and examine how we can use it in our lives.
The 10 Commandments of God – The 3rd Commandment
“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 NASB
Does Profanity Break the 3rd Commandment?
First, I’m not going to condone the use of cursing. I’ve always felt that educated people should have enough words in their vocabulary without using profanity.
Second, the 3rd commandment is not so much about using God’s name in a curse word as it is about misuse. God’s name was used for the wrong reasons.
Not the Way to Use God’s Name
The Israelites believed that using the name of God would give them some sort of power over others. So, many times they misused God’s name in order to curse others who had wronged them. In other words, they used His name for hurtful reasons or for revenge.
What is God’s Name?
[easyazon_image align=”left” height=”160″ identifier=”0718079906″ locale=”US” src=”https://makingchristknown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/51AUd5xRu9L.SL160-1.jpg” tag=”bobpardphot-20″ width=”107″]The name of God has been stricken from Scripture and the word “LORD” in all caps is used as a placeholder. I know, He is known by many names such as Jehovah or Yahweh. But, most scholars argue that this is not the true name of the All Mighty.
For now, we’ll have to settle for calling Him Almighty Father.
Honoring God as He Instructed in the 3rd Commandment
God did not make up these commandments on the spur of the moment. Most of them were a reflection of wrongful acts He saw His people committing.
Let’s be very cautious in how we use God’s name. He is LORD, He is the ALMIGHTY and should always be treated with reverence and respect.
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to know more about the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to read John 3:16.