2001-09-02 - Taking God's Name in Vain

Passages about The Ten Commandments, Part 2

In Part 1 of this series, we actually covered both the first and second commandments (not to make graven images and not to have other godsbefore God). So this week, we will move on to the Third commandment. Some people limit this commandment to simply not using God's name in a curse, which is done rather routinely now in movies and even on television. But some scholars and commentators have enlightened us that we are taking God's name in vain" when we misuse His authority (e.g. during the Crusades),when we proudly wear His name as a Christian while not living up to the holy responsibilities of that name, when we laugh at dirty jokes etc. Today we will look at passages related to the Third Commandment:

Exodus 20:7 (RSV) You shall not take the name of the LORDyour God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his namein vain.

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) Do not let any unwholesome talk comeout of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up accordingto their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 5:4 (NIV) Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

Matthew 5:33-37 (RSV) Again you have heard that it was saidto the men of old,You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lordwhat you have sworn. But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven,for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or byJerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head,for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let what you say be simply Yes or No; anything more than this comes from evil.

Ephesians 5:1 (RSV) Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.

Jan

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