HOW CAN WE TAKE THE LORD’S NAME IN VAIN?
Exodus 20:7
INTRODUCTION
There are sixteen Hebrew words in the Old Testament for “vain.” Among the meanings are:
denied
empty
failed
false (Exodus 20:7)
for no purpose
a lie
a shadow
words of wind
It is important to know how to avoid vanity in our relationship with God. When we are out of proper fellowship with Him we are taking His name with us in vain.
THEME: HOW CAN WE TAKE THE LORD’S NAME IN VAIN?
I. WE CAN TAKE THE LORD’S NAME IN VAIN BY OUR WORDS
A. Thoughts Come From The Heart
1. For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh Matthew 12:34
2. The vain thing is that which seemed to promise something and failed to fulfill the promise
3. For they speak with great swelling words of vanity … II Peter 2:18
B. The Saved Person Can Be Saved From The Abundance Of The Evil Heart
1. ye know ye were not redeemed from corruptible things … from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers I Peter 1:18
2. Let no man deceive you with vain words Ephesians 5:6 cf. John 15:21
C. Paul Taught Timothy About Vain Profanity
1. … avoiding profane and vain babblings I Timothy 6:20
2. Shun profane and vain babblings II Timothy 2:16
NOTE: “Profane” contempt for sacred things
NOTE: In Scripture the name of God is confined to:
a. Prayer
b. Praise
c. Thanksgiving
T.S. HOW CAN WE TAKE THE LORD’S NAME IN VAIN?
I. WE CAN TAKE THE LORD’S NAME IN VAIN BY OUR WORDS
II. WE CAN TAKE THE LORD’S NAME IN VAIN BY OUR THOUGHTS
NOTE: It is quite possible to keep above all coarseness and vulgarity of speech and yet in God’s sight be far worse than a habitual swearer
A. Thoughts Of Self Exaltation
1. Let us not be desirous of vain glory Galatians 5:26
2. … that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind … to work all uncleanness with greediness Ephesians 4:17-19
B. Thoughts That Exclude God
1. Turn away thine eye from beholding vanity Psalm 119:37
2. For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he … Proverbs 23:7
3. … why do the heathen rage and the people imagine vain things? Acts 4:25
NOTE: vs. 26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against His Christ
T.S. HOW CAN WE TAKE THE LORD’S NAME IN VAIN?
I. WE CAN TAKE THE LORD’S NAME IN VAIN BY OUR WORDS
II. WE CAN TAKE THE LORD’S NAME IN VAIN BY OUR THOUGHTS
III. WE CAN TAKE THE LORD’S NAME IN VAIN BY OUR ACTIONS
NOTE: “Take” – Hebrew
To take up
To lift up
To raise up
NOTE: We take the name of God in vain in the service of:
a. Untruth
b. Lying
c. Witchcraft
A. Actions Of Worship
1. But in vain do they worship me Matthew 15:9
2. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men (Pharisaism) Mark 7:7
B. Actions of Service
1. It is vain to serve God Malachi 3:1
2. … for vain is the help of men Psalm 60:11
C. Actions of faithlessness
1. But avoid foolish questions, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain Titus 3:9
2. Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory … Philippians 3:2
CONCLUSION
The sin of the First Commandment banishes the name of Jehovah by means of idol worship.
The sin of the Second Commandment obscures and disfigures Jehovah.
The sin of the Third Commandment abuses the name of God.
NOTE: Misuses, used rudely, not reverently
The only time the word “reverend” is found in the Bible is Psalm 111:9; ” … holy and reverend is His name.”
The Lord’s Prayer begins: “Hallowed by Thy name … “
Sermons And Lessons From The Old Testament 