Do Not Take God's Name in Vain

Biblical Church Worship: A Study of the Ten Commandments 
Exodus 20:7

The Third Commandment: Do Not Take God’s Name in Vain
Reading: Matthew 5:33-37; Matthew 7:21-23

Do Not Take God’s Name in Vain
God and the name of God cannot be separated. They are one. Scripture testifies to this truth. Calling upon God’s name is the same as calling upon God Himself (Genesis. 4:26; I Ki. 5:5; Rom. 10:13). God’s name is holy because God Himself is holy (Lev. 22:32: I Chron. 16:10; II Tim. 2:19). God is good and true therefore His name is no less good and true (Lev. 24:16; Dt. 18:22). Since the name of God is the same as the person of God, it deserves the same reverence as God.  

The third commandment is broken when God’s name is used irreverently, without the weighty value worthy of the Divine. The Bible gives examples of misusing the Lord’s name. When we use the Almighty’s name as collateral to make oaths or promises, we take His name in vain (Leviticus 19:12; Hosea. 10:4). We break this command when we proclaim unbiblical doctrine as truth. The Lord’s name is taken in vain when we say that we love Him, but do not obey Him (Isaiah. 1:11, 13; Matthew. 15:7-9; James. 1:26). Any time God’s name is used for purposes other than Biblical purposes, His name, and His person, are taken in emptiness (in vain).

Be careful how you use God's name. Make sure it is only for holy purposes. To use it otherwise invites the Lord's punishment.

Implication
True worship begins with a reverence for God’s high and holy name. We must never invoke the Lord in an insincere or half-hearted manner. God must never be used to peddle falsehood. God’s name must only be used to share His truth which is only found in Scripture.
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Questions to Ask Yourself
1. Do I use God’s name to justify unbiblical doctrine or practices?
2. Do I only use God’s name with reverence and seriousness?