Honoring God’s Name

Minister:
Date: AM
Text: Leviticus 24; Lord's Day 36
Psalters: 415, 2, 294, 206
  1. His holy name.
    1. God’s “name” is His revelation of Himself to man.
      1. It is God Himself as He reveals Himself, which is to be loved and honored as we would Him: Ps. 5:11; 7:17; 116:13).
      2. The tabernacle and temple were where God’s name is: Deut. 16:2; I Kings 5:5).
      3. Jesus is God's best revelation, graciously saving a people from sin.
    2. Through His Name (revelations) God shows Himself so that man is able to know Him.
  2. The use of God’s names.
    1. Obviously are we to handle God's names with awe and praise befitting His awesome holiness, greatness and majesty!
    2. We are forbidden using His name in “vain,” i.e., emptying of the name of honor.
      1. It is any use of God’s name which makes Him common and obliterates the distinction between God and man.
      2. Any neglect or casual use of God's name is prohibited because it lowers our sensitivity to His tremendous worthiness.
      3. Profanity is to use God's name with total disregard to the honor and holiness due to Him.
      4. Also all thoughtless use of His name in prayers (vain repetitions) and any inappropriate use of His Word.
    3. Instead we are to use God's name with great reverence, honoring Him.
  3. God adds incentive to this commandment: “not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain.”
    1. The penalty is nothing less than death (Leviticus 24:15).
    2. Let this lead us to great care to use His name with fear and reverence.