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Taking God's Name in Vain
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe third commandment, "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain," prohibits the careless speaking of God's name in an oath or profanity. It forbids using God's name in a cavalier or degrading manner. However, the commandment has a deeper meaning for those in covenant with God, covering a broad array of words and behaviors that reflect negatively upon Him. It is among the most significant commandments, bridging those forbidding idolatry and those proscribing unrighteous behaviors. Understanding the commandment involves grasping the significance of the words "take," "name," and "vain." The Hebrew verb for "take" (nāśā') means to lift, carry, take away, raise high, or bear. This suggests that God is concerned about how we carry or bear His name in all our everyday activities, not just in moments of temper or casual conversations. The Hebrew word for "name" (shem) means name, reputation, memory, or renown. When referring to God's names, it elevates to a revelation of His character and behavior, reflecting His essential Being. Bearing God's name in daily life is about making a righteous witness to others. The Hebrew word for "vain" (šāw') in the commandment means deceit, lie, or falsehood, implying emptiness, worthlessness, and vanity. God forbids His people from speaking or acting in a way that deceives others about or devalues Him or His righteous character. Instead, He wants His people to express the truth about Him and His way in every thought, word, and behavior. The third commandment requires Christians to bear God's name in a worthy manner, one that speaks and models the truth about God and His righteousness. While it covers spewing profanities, it binds God's people to a high standard of conduct in which their every activity brings glory and honor to God.
Where God Places His Name (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause we would die from exposure to God's glory, the name of God, reflecting His characteristics, is the only way we can approach God.
Extremes of Idolatry: Graven Images and Sacred Names
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSome stretch the second commandment to condemn the use of all paintings, photographs, and sculptures. Others claim only Hebrew names for God can be used.
Principled Living (Part Five): Witnessing of God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur best witness is often through our unspoken behavior; what we do speaks volumes. God gives us a charge to bear His name with dignity in all our actions.
The Third Commandment
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe third commandment may be the most misunderstood of all. This commandment covers the quality of our worship — how we bear God's name before others.
The Third Commandment
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMany think the Third Commandment merely prohibits profane speech. In reality, it regulates the purity and quality of our worship of the great God.
Flavorless Salt
Sermonette by Hunter D. SwansonThe metaphor of properly flavoring our speech with salt applies to how we speak to those who have not yet been called, which reflects on the family name of God.
Swear Not!
'Ready Answer' by John O. ReidThe New Testament strictly forbids oaths of any kind, as our word should always be honest and trustworthy.
The Third Commandment (1997)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMany think the third commandment deals only with euphemisms and swearing, but it goes much deeper. It regulates the quality of our worship and glorifying God.
The Third Commandment: Idolatry
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the the Third Commandment, God's name describes His character, attributes, and nature. If we bear God's name, we must reflect His image and His character.
The Commandments (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe prohibition against taking God's name in vain is the least understood commandment. When we bear God's name, we are to bear His character and nature.
Holiness (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTo appropriate the name of God means to represent His attributes, character and nature. Our behavior must imitate Christ just as Christ revealed God the Father.
Flavorless Salt
'Ready Answer' by Hunter D. SwansonThe apostle Paul advises Christians to speak graciously, our speech 'seasoned with salt.' We must control what we say because it exposes our hearts.
Profanity (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughProfane living is equally, if not more significant, than profane words or speech. W bear the name of God; how we act and behave reflects on God.
Matthew (Part Seven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus, showing the spirit of the law, warns against rash divorces, taking oaths, invoking God's name frivolously, realizing that a covenant is binding.
The Conquering Offensive!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsOur Christian warfare cannot merely consist in maintaining a defensive holding pattern, but instead we must go on the conquering offensive, using the sword.
Pure Language Restored
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhen we repeat negative expressions, they become reinforced, and we develop a negative disposition. Our spoken words reinforce our thoughts.
Contentment
Sermon by John O. ReidMany people live in a state of discontent. Tragically, what they set their hearts upon often displaces the love for family and a relationship with God.
Vanity (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughVanity has many nuances, including transitoriness, futility, profitlessness, confusion, falseness, conceit, vainglory, denial, and idolatry.