August 7 2016 Taking God Seriously
/Taking God Seriously
Memory Verse: "You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God" Exodus 20:7
What's in a Name?
- Reputation
- Character
- Authority
I. WAYS GOD'S NAME CAN BE MISUSED
- Using God's name to INSULT
- Using God's name to INDULGE
Leviticus 19:12 (GN) "Do not make a promise in my name if you do not intend to keep it. That brings disgrace on my name."
- Using God's name to INTIMIDATE
- Using God's name to IMPRESS
Titus 1:16"They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny Him."
- Using God's name to IMPULSIVELY
Isaiah 29:13"These people worship me with their lips ... but their hearts are far from me."
Matthew 6:7 (GN)"When you pray, don't use a lot of meaningless words..."
Exodus 20:7b"...I the Lord will punish anyone who misuses my name!"
II. HOW CAN I USE GOD'S NAME CORRECTLY?
1. REVERENCE GOD'S NAME CONTINUALLY.
Psalm 29:2 "Give to the Lord the glory due his name."
Psalm 9:10 "Those who know your name will trust in you..."
Psalm 61:5 (LB) "You (God) have given me the blessings you reserve for those who reverence your name."
2. REPRESENT GOD'S NAME CLEARLY.
2 Timothy 2:19 (LB)"A person who calls himself a Christian should not be doing things that are wrong."
Colossians 3:17 "Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus."
3. RELY GOD'S NAME COMPLETELY.
Psalm 33:21 (LB)"No wonder we are happy in the Lord! ... We trust his holy name."
Acts 4:12 "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven ... by which we must be saved."
John 20:31"... Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in His name."
Luke 6:45 (GN) "The mouth speaks what the heart is fullof."