Unit 2 Study 9

                                        February 1, 2015

Study Scriptures for this week's Lesson: Ex. 20:7; 22:28; Lev. 19:12; 24:10-16; Num. 15:30-31; 2 Sam. 12:14; Proverbs 14:31; Matthew 5:33-37; Romans 2:17-24; 2 Corinthians 9:12-13

Key Verse: Exodus 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain (KJV).

Central Truth: God's name is to be honored by our speech and actions.

Our Focus: To consider what it means to honor God's name and revere His name by how we live. .

                                            Honor God's Name

Introducing the study

As a child, you may have faced the prospect of having your mouth washed out with soap by your parents if you used God's name in vain. At the time, did you ever wonder why you were expected to control your speech when so many people around you did otherwise? This study explores what it means to honor God's name. The honor--or lack of honor--we give to God's name is reflected in how we use His name as well as the respect we give to Him. Misusing the name of the Lord can take the form of ungodly attitudes and actions as well. And the dangers of ignoring this command involve more than our standing with the Lord. The  way we speak of God, and the way we act as people who identify Him as Savior, will make a difference in the way others view Him. At the end of this study, you will be able to: 1. Explain what it means to misuse God's name. 2. Recognize how a Christian's words and behavior affect God's reputation. 3. Commit to preserving integrity and respect when using the name of God.

Do Not Misuse God's Name

Some might wonder what constitutes "misusing God's name." Exodus 20:7 defines it as taking His name "in vain" or "misusing" His name. God's name is more than a verbal designation of Him. It reflects His character and His being. Thus, misusing God's name is a serious offense. It  includes using His name in ways that are not in keeping with His nature and majesty. To speak of God in a casual, inappropriate, or self-serving manner dishonors the name of God. In addition to not using God's name in vain, we must avoid using language that shows disrespect to those He has place in authority over us (Exodus 22:28). Why? Because the role of human authority in our lives is ultimately established by God. So even if the authority is misguided or perhaps antagonistic toward us, we are wrong to speak of that person in a disrespectful manner. One  common way people misuse God's name is when they use it to convince people that they arte telling the truth "in God's name" to somehow strengthen their claim. We see such pledges in practice when someone takes an oath of office on a Bible or is sworn in during a court trial. The consequences of being convicted of perjury in court can be severe, but it does not compare to the consequences of being a blasphemer of God's name. Blasphemy refers to words that diminish, dishonor, or defy God. During the Old Testament period, a person who blasphemed God was guilty of a crime that warranted the death penalty (Leviticus 24:10-16). Today blasphemy is often taken lightly by society. Christians must not be taken in by such an attitude. Such actions reflect poorly on God's reputation. The best response is repentance, finding forgiveness through His mercy.

[For Personal Reflection] How can you ensure that you do not misuse God's name?

Sin Dishonors God

Sinful actions also bring such dishonor to God. Numbers 15:30-31 offers a particularly vivid illustration of this principle these verses speak specifically of deliberate actions that defy God. But it is not only overt sinful actions that bring dishonor to God's name. Failure to perform acts of love and kindness also give a poor reflection of God to society. Materialistic attitudes, pride, greed, anger, and even gossip deliver the wrong message to the world. God loves people and desires to meet their needs. Selfish Christians mar the image of God. Failure to love God and love others dishonors God's name because such actions fail to affirm the majesty and holiness of His name. Your decisions regarding life choices are important to the kingdom of God. Satan and all the forces of evil will tempt us to disregard the commands of God. Satan's goal is to use you to dishonor God and belittle Him in the sight of those seeking spiritual answers for their lives. It is critical that we make God-honoring decisions, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide our actions and attitudes as well as our words.

[For Personal Reflection] In what sense can your actions reflect upon God's reputation?

Integrity Honors God

Whereas this sinful world defies God and dishonor His name, believers are to live with integrity bringing honor to Him. When people who do not know God see Christians act with integrity, whether in their speech or actions, they discover an accurate depiction of our holy God  at work in humans lives. To see someone keep their promises because of their relationship with God is a powerful testimony. That's why Christians should never appeal to personal vows in affirming  their integrity. This principle is put forth by Christ in Matthew 5:33-37. Similarly, hypocrisy is caustic to our walk with God and our testimony to the world. Integrity still enriches the relationships believers have with one another, drawing them together in fellowship and praise (2 Corinthians 9:12-130. Conversely, hypocrisy can determine the Church and its standing in the community. Let us therefore commit to honor God in every area of our lives.

[For Personal reflection] In what ways might you need to renew your commitment to integrity ?

 Discipleship in Action

It is dangerous to become casual in your Christianity. Perhaps without realizing it, you can become guilty of dishonoring God by misusing His name and living in sin. It takes a conscious effort to keep the majesty of God in focus. Choose instead, then to revere Him and submit yourself to His plans for your life. This week spend some time evaluating how you treat God's name. Assess how this view is affecting your daily decisions. If you discover that you are misusing God's name in any way, make a commitment to realign yourself under His authority. Determine to make your life one that glorifies God.
  

                                                                         RESPECT GOD'S NAME!                                                   

Tuesday              Ways of the Wicked.                              Psalm 10:2-11

Wednesday        Actions Can Profane God's Name.       Leviticus 20:1-7             

Thursday           Power in Jesus Name.                               Mark 16:14-20                 

Friday                 May God's Name Be Glorified.              2 Thessalonians 1:3-12              

Saturday             Bring Honor to God.                                1 Timothy 6:12-16