Hope Community Church
A casual, topical bible study to help "fill up your tank" in the middle of the week. Come as you are and dig deeper into the Word!
• Hope's Coffee Café - coffee/tea bar in the foyer from 6:30-6:55 PM
• Child Care (ages 6wks-5yrs) & Kids "Mid-Week Mania" (grades K-5th) provided
Week 4
Commandment #3:
Don’t Misuse God’s Name
(Exodus 20:7)
Most people adopt and/or adapt their vocabulary from 5 primary sources:
1. Home (parents, siblings)
2. Culture (news, movies, music)
3. Educators (teachers, authors, bloggers)
4. Peers (influential people)
5. Religion
6. Almighty God (Christians are to adopt and/or adapt their vocabulary based upon divine revelation.)
General thoughts about our influences:
• The closer we are to a source of influence the more influential they become.
• The closer we get to a person the more their name and character become inseparable.
• The people who are close to God are far less likely to misuse His name.
I. The Command Defined
Exodus 20:7 NKJV
I. The Command Defined
"in vain” shav' (shawv) = to desolate, ruin, or make useless
A. This includes using His name in ways that:
• Diminish His character.
• Down play His authority.
• Detract from His attributes.
B. This includes using slang words instead of His name.
II. The Command Restored
Key questions to consider:
Why is His name being invoked and not someone else's?
invoke =
(1) to cite or appeal to someone/something for help or support (prayer)
(2) to call as a witness or for inspiration (praise)
When is it appropriate or inappropriate to speak His name?
A. Inappropriate use of His name
• When it is used Irreverently
• When it is used Flippantly
B. Appropriate use of His name
• When it is used Formally (In a suitable, official manner)
Matthew 6:9 NKJV
II. The Command Restored
Key questions to consider:
Why is His name being invoked and not someone else's?
invoke =
(1) to cite or appeal to someone/something for help or support (prayer)
(2) to call as a witness or for inspiration (praise)
When is it appropriate or inappropriate to speak His name?
A. Inappropriate use of His name
• When it is used Irreverently
• When it is used Flippantly
B. Appropriate use of His name
• When it is used Formally (In a suitable, official manner)
"Hallowed" = hagiazo (hag-ee-ad'-zo) to make holy, to separate, consecrate
• When it is used Informally (In a relaxed, friendly manner)
I Peter 3:15 NKJV
II. The Command Restored
Key questions to consider:
Why is His name being invoked and not someone else's?
invoke =
(1) to cite or appeal to someone/something for help or support (prayer)
(2) to call as a witness or for inspiration (praise)
When is it appropriate or inappropriate to speak His name?
A. Inappropriate use of His name
• When it is used Irreverently
• When it is used Flippantly
B. Appropriate use of His name
• When it is used Formally (In a suitable, official manner)
"Hallowed" = hagiazo (hag-ee-ad'-zo) to make holy, to separate, consecrate
• When it is used Informally (In a relaxed, friendly manner)
"sanctify" = hagiazo (hag-ee-ad'-zo) to make holy, to separate, consecrate
Verses to read/meditate on regarding His Name:
» Psalm 29:2, 61:8, 148:13
» Proverbs 18:10
» Acts 4:12
» Philippians 2:10-11
Psalms 29:2 NKJV
Psalms 61:8 NKJV
Psalms 148:13 NKJV
Proverbs 18:10 NKJV
Acts 4:12 NKJV
Philippians 2:10-11 NKJV
In Conclusion:
God's name is never disassociated from His character in the scriptures and therefore shouldn't be by His children.