Introduction:
A. Words are important (Mt. 12:34, 36-37).
B. George Washington (August 3, 1776)
C. We cannot expect His blessing if our speech insults Him (Eph. 4:29; Ex. 20:7;
Mt. 6:9).
I. We Must Not Take the Name of the Lord Our God in Vain (Ex. 20:7).
A. What is a name?
1. “A word or words by which any entity is designated and distinguished from others” (Amer. Her. Dict.).
2. Does the church have a name? (Rm. 16:16).
B. What is the name of the Lord?
1. It is the name by which He is designated and distinguished from others.
a. Yahweh (Ex. 3:14)
b. God (Elohim)
2. More to it than the name—the reputation (Prov. 22:1; Gen. 11:4; 12:2;
2 Sam. 7:23)
C. Ways in which the name of the Lord might be taken in vain:
1. Profane swearing (Eph. 4:29; Col. 3:8; Prov. 17:20)
2. Carelessly using His name without due consideration of its reverence
(cf. 2 Chr. 6:40)
a. OMG
b. Other euphemisms
3. False vows (Mt. 5:33-37; 2 Cor. 1:23; Gal. 1:20; Ps. 15:4)
II. We Must Hallow His Name (Mt. 6:9).
A. “Hallow” means “To make or set apart as holy; sanctify, consecrate” (Amer. Her.
Dict.).
B. Three requests taking place “on earth as it is in heaven”:
1. Let Your name be hallowed.
2. Let Your kingdom come.
3. Let Your will be done.
C. How do we hallow His name on earth?
1. Proclaim the greatness of His name (Ex. 9:16; 1 Pet. 1:9).
2. Glorify Him in the assembly (Ps. 96:8; 113:2-3; 8:1, 9).
3. Live as He has commanded (1 Tim. 6:1; 2 Tim. 3:5).