Following the Maker’s Instructions

Studies in the Ten Commandments

The Third Commandment

 

"You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name” (Exodus 20:7).

 

"Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not  break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.' But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. (36)And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one” (Matt 5:33-37).

 

We are considering the third of the Ten Commandments: “Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God”.

[See the note on Law and Grace for a summary of how the law fits in with the gospel of grace.]

What’s in a Name?

• Distinguishes an individual from all others

– “Hi Mum, this is Jane”

• Describes qualities, title and position

– “Please welcome Professor the Lord Hyan D’Mighty”

• Involves reputation and honour

– “Don’t drag my name through the dust”

• Carries authority

– “Sign here please”

God’s Name

• Distinguishes Him from all others

The word “god” (elohim) can apply to many. The name “Lord God” (Yahweh Elohim) uniquely identifies the one true God (Gen 20:1).

• Describes His attributes – His being and His ways

“El-Shadday” – the God who is lifted up and all-sufficient, and also who carries you and supplies all your needs (Gen 17:1).

• Involves His reputation – His honour and His glory

“I am Yahweh; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another” (Isa 42:8).

“Hallowed be Your name” (Matt 6:9).

• Carries His authority – as if He himself were in our place

“Help us, O Yahweh-Eloheenu, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army” (2 Chron 14:11).

“My Father will give you whatever you ask in my name” (John 16:23)

We Use God’s Name

• To call upon Him

v     Our prayers and worship are directed to the one we address by name

v     The name we use may reflect what is on our heart

o       “Our Father in heaven” (Matt 6:9)

o       “Sovereign Lord” (Acts 4:24)

o       “God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph 1:3)

• To gain access to Him

v     We must have the right to be heard

v     “Through Him (Jesus) we both have access to the Father by one Spirit” (Eph 2:18)

• To represent Him

v     His name carries His authority

v     “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts:3:6)

v     It is not so much the words we use but the possession of the authority of His name that counts (Matt 7:22,23; Acts: 19:13-16)

o       Abide in Jesus (Jn 15:4,7,9)

o       Attend to His voice (Jn 15:3,7)

o       Act on what He says (Matt 7:21; Jn 15:8,10,14)

o       Ask whatever you wish (Jn 15:7,16)

We Misuse God’s Name

• When we have a diminished view of His being and His ways (Heb 3:10)

v     Then we associate His name with a false image of who He is

v     In effect we worship a false god

v     Remedy: spend time in His presence and in His word getting to know Him

• When we use His name without His authority

v     Acting as though we belong to Him when we don’t

v     Saying God has spoken when He hasn’t

v     Remedy: learn to hear His voice (Jn 10:25-27)

• When we are not passionate for the Honour of His name

v     Seeking our own glory and advantage

v     Acting in a way that brings dishonour to Him

v     Remedy: do everything for the glory of Jesus (Col 3:17)

• When we use inappropriate language

v     Using His name as a swear word

v     Any other inappropriate use of language for emphasis (Matt 5:33-37)

v     All this comes from the evil one (Matt 5:37)

v     Remedy: submit your lips to the Holy Spirit’s control (Ps 141:3; Ps 51:15)

 

 

 

 

 

Steve Townsend 26 Sep 2004

http://www.jennysteve.net/Bible/

Appendix – Some of the Names of God

Name	English	Hebrew	Significance	References
EL	God	)L	Signifies “strong” or “first”	About 250, e.g. Gen 14:18
ELOAH	God	)LWH	Derived from the word for worship	About 50, e.g. Deut 32:15
ELOHIM	God	)LHYM	Plural of Eloah, but may use singular verb. So God (plural) created (singular)	About 2500, e.g. Gen 1:1
YAHWEH	Lord	YHWH	Derived from Hebrew words meaning “He was”, “being” and “He will continue to be”	About 7000, e.g Gen 2:4
YAH	Lord	YH	Shortened form of Yahweh	About 50, e.g. Ex 15:2
SHADDAY	Almighty God	SDY	Combines words for “raise” and “sufficiency”, meaning both “God who is lifted up and all-sufficient” and “God who carries you and supplies all your needs”. Note that SDY is also the word for “breasts”, strengthening the second of these meanings.	Combined with EL 7 times and alone about 40 times, e.g. Gen 17:1
EHYAH	I am	)HWH	Means “I am and will continue to be” – the Ever-existing One.	Ex 3:14. Jesus claimed this title.