Well, we're approaching the 3rd commandment of the first 4, which give some direct structure and definition to our relationship with God.  Quite simply, it enjoins us from misusing God's name.  

In a time when God's name is bantered about so casually, irreverently, you might ask, what's all the fuss?  What is this commandment all about?  And well we should!  We should be reminded of its gravitas. In the OT, some instances of the misuse of Yahweh's name invoked the death sentence.  Ouch! 

Your name is special to you, isn't it?  And what's behind your name?  You are!  Your life, the years under your belt, all your experiences, your wisdom, your very being, is all wrapped up and stands behind your name.  You wouldn't want your kids or others talking smack about you!  You have your good name to protect.  You want to protect your reputation at all cost.  Your name is so valuable, that we have civil causes of action to protect you against malicious falsehoods:  claims for libel and slander.  When you're libelled or slandered, it's not only your name that's under attack but all that your good name represents: you're very being.  

We not only misuse God's name in speech by "cussing and swearing," (that's only the surface), but more importantly when we misuse his name as leverage, using the name of God for our own selfish gain.  How easily people swear "on a bible" and then lie.  Or, have you known anyone to claim they're committed "Christians" who love the Lord, only for you to discover that they're frauds who have infiltrated a Christian commuity to scam and deceive and steal?  What does such misuse of God's name say about the person's respect for God's being?   

There are myriad other ways people misuse God's name in practice.  I hope they will surface in your small group discussion because the stakes are high.  Most of know the first clause of the commandment: "You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God ...." Exod. 20:7a.   But it's the second clause that gives us cause to pause:  "... for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name." Exod. 20:7b.  When God enjoins us against misusing his name, he means it!  There are consequences.  

Keeping God's name holy and sacred is the result of our respect for his majesty, our love for  our Creator, our spiritual transformation that results from the indwelling of the Spirit of God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.  When you're in the King's presence, you don't misuse his name but rather revere it because you know the One standing behind that most sacred of all names.  

When we call on the name of God, let us turn our attention to our Creator in utmost respect and wonder and awe, in profound gratitude and appreciation for our new life, in humility and with a heart to worship, praise and please him with all that we have and all that we are. 

Hallelujah!  Praise God! 

Have a great Life Group, and,

Blessings,

Michael  

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