Deuteronomy 5:11 December 27, 2009
Pastor Marcus J. Serven
Covenant Family Church (RPCGA)
Bible Text:
“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.” Deuteronomy 5:11
Introduction:
Many Christians are exposed to blasphemous remarks directed against our Lord on a daily basis. Whether it may be at work with the cursing of a co-worker, at a family celebration with an uncouth relative, or in your own home with a movie or book containing some profanity, people wrongly pepper their language with expletives taking the name of our Lord in vain and many Christians simply put-up with it. The sad reality is that even some Christians struggle in this area of sin, either by accepting a bad habit or from a lack of self-control. The key questions that surround the 3rd Commandment are these: (1) What is the meaning behind a name, and especially the Lord’s name? (2) What does the Bible mean when it forbids taking the Lord’s name in vain? (3) What is the result when the Lord’s name is taken in vain? The always instructive Westminster Confession of Faith gives us the following practical advice:
The name of God only is that by which men ought to swear, and therein it is to be used with all holy fear and reverence. Therefore, to swear vainly, or rashly, by that glorious and dreadful Name; or, to swear at all by any other thing, is sinful, and to be abhorred. Yet, as in matter of weight and moment, an oath is warranted by the Word of God, under the New Testament as well as under the Old; so a lawful oath, being imposed by lawful authority in such matters ought to be taken. (WCF, Chapter XXII Of Lawful Oaths and Vows, Art. 2)
The Main Point of this Sermon:
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:6
1. What is the Meaning behind a Name, and Especially the Lord’s name?
2. What does the Bible Mean when it Forbids taking the Lord’s Name in Vain?
3. What is the Result when the Lord’s Name is taken in Vain?
[podcast]http://www.download.covenantfamilychurch.net/2009/mp3/2009_12_27_honor_gods_name.mp3[/podcast]
Covenant Family Church is a conservative, Bible-believing, and elder-governed congregation located in Wentzville, MO which seeks to evangelize the lost and equip those who have been converted to walk worthy of their calling in Christ. 
The Orthodox Presbyterian Church continues to be vigorous in its defense and propagation of the historic Christian faith, particularly as it was articulated by the Protestant Reformers of the 16-17th centuries. 
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