Exodus 20:7 Do Not Take God’s Name in Vain

Biblical Church Worship: A Study of the Ten Commandments 
Exodus 20:3-17

Exodus 20:7 Do Not Take God’s Name in Vain[1]
Reading: Matthew 5:33-37; Matthew 7:21-23

I. Do Not Take God’s Name in Vain (v7) (Dt. 5:11).
  A. God’s name:
    1. God’s name is inseparable from God Himself.
      1a. Calling upon God’s name is calling upon God (Gen. 4:26; I Ki. 5:5; Rom. 10:13).
      2a. God’s name is holy for He is holy (Lev. 22:32: I Chron. 16:10; II Tim. 2:19).
      3a. God’s name is good (Lev. 24:16).  
      4a. God’s name is true (Dt. 18:22).
      5a. God’s name is blessed (Job. 1:21; Ps. 7:17; Ps. 112:4; Ps. 135:1).
      6a. God’s name is powerful (Ps. 20:1; Ps. 102:15; Prov. 18:10; Zeph. 3:12).
  B. Vain (Heb. “shav”: falsely) (Gr. “mah-tey-os”: empty)
    1. A prohibition of irreverent and non-serious worship of God[2]
      1a. Example: Hypocrisy (Is. 1:11, 13; Mt. 15:7-9; Jas. 1:26)
    2. A prohibition of using God’s name frivolously or insincerely[3]
      1a. Example: False swearing (Lev. 19:12; Hos. 10:4)
II. Implication: Worship is Giving Honor to God’s Name.
  A. Obey the Lord in word and in deed.
  B. Do not use God for low purposes:
    1. To peddle untruth
    2. For half-hearted service
III. Challenge
  A. Take God’s warning of punishment seriously (Ex. 20:7).
  B. Treat God’s name as you would God Himself.

[1] January 26, 2025 Hall Church and Renewal Bible Fellowship
[2] (Henry, 1714)
[3] (Perowne, 1921)