January 13 2013 Taking God Seriously

TAKING GOD SERIOUSLY

Exodus 20:7 - You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.

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 - 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 impulsively.
Isaiah 29:23 - Those people Worship Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.

Matthew 6:7 - When you pray, don’t use a lot of meaningless words.

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 - 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 - 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 on God’s Name Completely.
Psalm 33:21 - 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 - The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.