Do Not Take the Lord's Name in Vain and we will
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Do Not Take the Lord's Name in Vain and we will

Mercy Culture Church | Pastor Les Cody

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Acts 19:11-20
English Standard Version
And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them. Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily. Read full chapter Footnotes Acts 19:16 Or both
English Standard Version
Matthew 22:37
New King James Version
Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ Read full chapter Cross references Matthew 22:37 : Deut. 6:5; 10:12; 30:6
New King James Version
The Greatest Commandment is the key to keeping all Ten—and that’s Radical Love!
God revealed who He is before He gave the commandments.

“I am the God Who brought you out of Egypt.”
The first commandment for the Jews reveals His name and His power—because you can’t separate the two!
The pagan gods demanded ritual.

Jehovah demanded righteousness.

Exodus 20:7
English Standard Version
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain. Read full chapter Cross references Exodus 20:7 : Lev. 19:12; [Matt. 5:34, 35; James 5:12]
English Standard Version
III. Don’t Misuse God’s Name
Simple Definition = Don’t damage God’s name by using it for your agenda.
Blasphemy:
A) The act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God.
B) The act of claiming the attributes of a deity.
Leviticus 24:10-16 describes the punishment for blasphemy as death.
Leviticus 24:10-16
English Standard Version
Now an Israelite woman's son, whose father was an Egyptian, went out among the people of Israel. And the Israelite woman's son and a man of Israel fought in the camp, and the Israelite woman's son blasphemed the Name, and cursed. Then they brought him to Moses. His mother's name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan. And they put him in custody, till the will of the Lord should be clear to them. Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Bring out of the camp the one who cursed, and let all who heard him lay their hands on his head, and let all the congregation stone him. And speak to the people of Israel, saying, Whoever curses his God shall bear his sin. Whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him. The sojourner as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death. Read full chapter Cross references Leviticus 24:11 : See ver. 16 Leviticus 24:11 : [Ex. 3:14, 15; Phil. 2:9] Leviticus 24:11 : Ex. 18:22, 26 Leviticus 24:12 : [Num. 15:34] Leviticus 24:12 : [Ex. 18:15, 16; Num. 27:5; 36:5, 6] Leviticus 24:14 : [ver. 23] Leviticus 24:14 : [Deut. 13:9; 17:7] Leviticus 24:15 : ch. 5:1; 20:17, 20; 22:9; Num. 9:13; [Ex. 20:7] Leviticus 24:16 : ver. 11; 1 Kgs. 21:10, 13; Matt. 26:65, 66; Mark 14:63, 64; John 10:33
English Standard Version
Blasphemy in the New Testament:

God the Son — Matt 7:21–23
Workers of Iniquity denied entry into heaven because they used Jesus’ name in vain, meaning there was no relationship.

God the Holy Spirit — Matt 12:31–32
Blasphemy is committed when evil is assigned to Holy Spirit. It's the ultimate form of disrespect to continually reject the Holy Spirit’s offer of salvation.

Acts 5:1–11
Ananias and Sapphira commit blasphemy when, for the sake of appearances, they lie to the Holy Spirit.

Acts 12:20–24
Herod commits blasphemy and the angel of the Lord smites him; he gets eaten by worms and dies.
Exodus 20:7
King James Version
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. Read full chapter
King James Version
“Take”—Hebrew: נָשָׂא (Nasa) = A verb; meaning to lift, to carry, to take away.

“Vain”—Hebrew: שָׁוְא (Shav) = emptiness, vanity, evil, ruin, uselessness, deception, worthless, without result, fraud, deceit.

“Will not hold him guiltless”— Hebrew: חִלּוּלהַשֵׁם (Chillul HaShem) = Literally, “desecration of the [Divine] Name.”
“Unhappy, let alone angry, religious people provide more persuasive arguments for atheism and secularism than do all the arguments of atheists.” — Dennis Prager
I like to put it like this…

“There is no greater evangelist for atheism than a powerless, weak, unhappy Christian.”
Scammers exploit the strength of someone else’s name, as their own carries no authority. They imitate another’s character to achieve what their own cannot.
Caution:

Using God’s Name without living God’s character is spiritual identity theft.
Simply put: Don’t Damage God’s Name!

Don’t speak God’s Name without reverence, or use God’s Name for your own agenda.
Carrying God’s Name in vain means to use His Name without acknowledging His holiness.
Caution:

You can’t honor the name of the Lord without the fear of the Lord.
Yahweh = “Himself revealed.”
Hebrews 12:28-29
English Standard Version
Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. Read full chapter Cross references Hebrews 12:28 : Dan. 2:44 Hebrews 12:28 : ch. 13:15 Hebrews 12:29 : Cited from Deut. 4:24; See 2 Thess. 1:8
English Standard Version
Psalm 25:14 (ISV)
“The intimate counsel of the LORD is for those who fear Him so they may know His covenant.”
We are called to carry the name of the Lord.
Exodus 19:5-6
King James Version
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. Read full chapter
King James Version
“Peculiar” — Hebrew: סְגֻלָּה (Segullah) = Personal possession; a special possession; property.
1 Peter 2:9 quotes Exodus 19:5, applying it to the church.
1 Peter 2:9
King James Version
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; Read full chapter
King James Version
Christians are set apart from everything and everyone that God has created. Human beings bear God’s image, Imago Dei, but only those in covenant with Him in Christ bear (carry) His Name.
God doesn’t want to be represented by a carved image; He wants to be represented by you!
How do we carry His Name in vain?
We carry His Name in Vain by:
1. Complacency (Inaction)
It’s a sin to carry God’s Name for nothing!
“All that it takes for evil to triumph, is for good men to do nothing.”
-Edmund Burke
Sometimes the enemy’s greatest victory isn’t convincing you to sin—it’s convincing you to do nothing at all.
We carry His name in vain when…
1.We don’t speak out against injustice.
2.We don’t speak up or defend the weak. (abortion, sex trafficking, transgenderism being forced on children, etc.)
3.We don’t love what God loves, or hate what He hates, we carry His Name in vain.
We carry His Name in Vain by:
1. Complacency (Inaction)
2. Compromise (Inaccuracy)
Matthew 15:8-9
English Standard Version
“‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”
English Standard Version
"God invites us to partner with His commands, but demonic forces just make demands!"
The 10 Demands of Culture

1. Thou Shall Coexist — All beliefs are equally true, except the one that claims exclusive truth.

2. Thou Shall Worship Your Feelings — Feelings are the highest authority; reality must submit.

3. Thou Shall Use My Pronouns — To misgender me is to commit blasphemy.

4. Thou Shall Protect My “Peace” — Silence anyone who disturbs my self-care.

5. Thou Shall Go No-Contact with “Toxic” Parents — Translation: parents who disagree with me politically, morally, or biblically.

6. Thou Shall Honor the Sacrament of Abortion — “My body, my choice” is holy writ.

7. Thou Shall Celebrate My Sexuality — Affirm me or be canceled.

8. Thou Shall Dismantle Authority — Police, pastors, parents, patriarchy; tear it all down.

9. Thou Shall Reject the Truth and Embrace “My Truth” — Truth that contradicts "my truth" is oppression.

10. Thou Shall Seek Equity, Not Equality — Fairness isn’t enough; outcomes must be controlled “for the greater good.”
When you have religion instead of relationship, you will carry God’s Name in vain without carrying God’s heart, and exchange God’s commands for demonic demands.
We carry His Name in Vain by:
1. Complacency (Inaction)
2. Compromise (Inaccuracy)
3. Mixture (Holy + Profane)
We carry His Name in Vain by:
1. Complacency (Inaction)
2. Compromise (Inaccuracy)
3. Mixture (Holy + Profane)
4. Hypocrisy (Contradiction)
Your hypocrisy can damage someone for an eternity.
We carry His Name in Vain by:
1. Complacency (Inaction)
2. Compromise (Inaccuracy)
3. Mixture (Holy + Profane)
4. Hypocrisy (Contradiction)
5. Powerlessness (Authority Abandoned)
Jesus died to give us the right to steward His name!
Mark 15:37-38
English Standard Version
And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Read full chapter Cross references Mark 15:37 : ver. 34 Mark 15:37 : [John 10:18] Mark 15:38 : Ex. 26:31-33; 2 Chr. 3:14
English Standard Version
Hebrews 10:19-20
English Standard Version
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, Read full chapter Footnotes Hebrews 10:19 Or brothers and sisters
English Standard Version
In His Name we are SAVED!
Acts 4:12
English Standard Version
And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Read full chapter Footnotes Acts 4:12 The Greek word anthropoi refers here to both men and women
English Standard Version
In His Name we have AUTHORITY over the enemy!
Luke 10:17
English Standard Version
The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” Read full chapter Cross references Luke 10:17 : ver. 1 Luke 10:17 : See Mark 16:17
English Standard Version
Mark 16:17
English Standard Version
And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; Read full chapter Cross references Mark 16:17 : [ch. 11:23] Mark 16:17 : Acts 5:16; 8:7; 16:18; 19:12; See ch. 9:38 Mark 16:17 : Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6; 1 Cor. 12:10, 28, 30; 13:1; 14:2, 4
English Standard Version
In His Name we can see the sick HEALED!
Acts 3:6
English Standard Version
But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” Read full chapter Cross references Acts 3:6 : 2 Cor. 6:10 Acts 3:6 : [ch. 9:34]
English Standard Version
In His Name He has given us VICTORY!
John 14:13-14
English Standard Version
Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. Read full chapter Footnotes John 14:14 Some manuscripts omit me
English Standard Version
Question:

Are you carrying the Lord’s Name in vain?
The Names of God

1. Yahweh (I Am Who I Am)
2. Jehovah-Jireh (The Lord Will Provide)
3. Jehovah-Shalom (The Lord Is Peace)
4. Jehovah-Tsidkenu (The Lord Our Righteousness)
5. El Qanna (The Jealous God)
6. Jehovah-Rohi (The Lord My Shepherd)
7. Jehovah-Nissi (The Lord Our Banner)
8. Abba (Father)
9. Yeshua, Jesus (Name Above All Names)
Stop using the name of Jesus and begin stewarding the name of Jesus!
Acts 19:11-20
English Standard Version
And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them. Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily. Read full chapter Footnotes Acts 19:16 Or both
English Standard Version
Mark 16:17-18
BSB
17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
18 they will pick up snakes with their hands, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be made well.”
BSB
Matthew 28:19-20
BSB
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
20 and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
BSB

Reflect on the Names of God and what they reveal about His character. How does knowing His names impact your faith today?

Acts 3:16
BSB
16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know has been made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through Him that has given him this complete healing in your presence.
BSB
Proverbs 18:10
BSB
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
BSB
Matthew 6:9-13
BSB
9 So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ’
BSB
Exodus 20:7
BSB
7 You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain.
BSB

Consider including a practical application or reflection prompt that encourages the audience to meditate on how they can honor God's name in daily life. This will help deepen understanding and personal connection.

Exodus 3:13-15
BSB
13 Then Moses asked God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is His name?’ What should I tell them?”
14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
15 God also told Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ This is My name forever, and this is how I am to be remembered in every generation.
BSB

Close with a call to action: Commit to using God's name with reverence and integrity. Encourage the audience to reflect on their speech and attitudes towards God's name throughout the week.

Psalm 103:1-5
BSB
BSB
Exodus 34:5-7
BSB
5 And the LORD descended in a cloud, stood with him there, and proclaimed His name, the LORD.
6 Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: “The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness,
7 maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished; He will visit the iniquity of the fathers on their children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”
BSB

End with a call to action: Encourage the audience to meditate on one of God's names each day and reflect on how it can influence their daily life and interactions.

John 14:13-14
BSB
13 And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14 If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it.
BSB
Isaiah 9:6-7
BSB
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.
BSB

Consider including a personal testimony or story that illustrates how meditating on God's names has impacted your faith journey. This can help connect the audience emotionally and practically to the topic.

Philippians 4:6-7
BSB
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
BSB
Isaiah 9:6
BSB
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
BSB
Exodus 34:14
BSB
14 For you must not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.
BSB

End with a final encouragement: Invite the audience to choose one name of God to meditate on throughout the week, and journal their insights and experiences. This solidifies the practice as a personal commitment.

Provide a brief prayer or meditation prompt inviting the audience to seek God's guidance in choosing a name to focus on for the week. Encourage reflection and intentionality in their spiritual practice.

Exodus 3:14-15
BSB
14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
15 God also told Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ This is My name forever, and this is how I am to be remembered in every generation.
BSB

End with a prayer or meditation prompt asking God to reveal His name that He wants you to focus on this week. Invite the audience to seek His guidance and openness to His presence in their lives.

Isaiah 9:6-7
BSB
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.
BSB
John 14:13-14
BSB
13 And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14 If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it.
BSB

**Practical Steps to Honor God's Name**: Explore actionable ways to show reverence in daily life, such as mindful speech, intentional prayer, and respectful worship. Encourage the audience to implement these practices to deepen their relationship with God.

End with a **motivational challenge**: Encourage your audience to consciously choose one way to honor God's name this week, and share their experiences or reflections in a community setting or journal.

Explore the significance of God's name **Yahweh** and its meaning in our relationship with Him. Reflect on how understanding His covenant name deepens your trust and reverence.

Exodus 3:14-15
BSB
14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
15 God also told Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ This is My name forever, and this is how I am to be remembered in every generation.
BSB

End your session with a personal commitment: Choose one name of God today, and meditate on its meaning and how you can reflect that attribute in your life.

To deepen your understanding, reflect on the significance of God's different names and how each reveals His character. Consider journaling your thoughts or sharing with a small group to solidify your insights.

Practical Ways to Respect God's Name Daily

  • Speak with integrity in your conversations
  • Refrain from using God's name in vain
  • Incorporate God's name in prayer and worship intentionally

Reflect on how small daily acts can honor God's sacred name and reinforce your commitment to reverence.

Reflection Question: How can meditating on God's different names deepen your relationship with Him and influence your daily conduct?

Practical Tips for Honoring God's Name in Daily Life

  • Speak with honesty and integrity
  • Refrain from using God's name in vain
  • Reflect on God's attributes before speaking about Him

Understanding the Power of God's Name: Explore how God's names reveal His character and promises. Consider how meditating on His names can deepen your trust and relationship with Him.

Exodus 3:14-15
BSB
14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
15 God also told Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ This is My name forever, and this is how I am to be remembered in every generation.
BSB

Final Reflection and Commitment

Conclude the session by encouraging the audience to choose one name of God to meditate on throughout the week. Invite them to reflect on how this name reveals His character and how honoring it can transform their daily walk with Him.

Consider exploring the significance of God's name Yahweh and how understanding its meaning deepens our reverence and relationship with Him. Reflect on how unawareness of His name's significance can diminish our appreciation of His character and promises.

Understanding the Names of God

Explore the significance of different names of God such as Elohim, El Shaddai, and Adonai. Reflect on how each name reveals His character and promises, encouraging deeper reverence and trust.

Final Reflection: Take a moment to choose one name of God that resonates with you today. Meditate on its meaning and how it can influence your daily walk with Him. Commit to honoring this name in your actions and thoughts this week.

End with a final challenge: Commit to meditating on one of God's names this week and observe how it influences your daily walk and understanding of His character.

Reflection Question: How can meditating on the various names of God influence your daily life and your perception of His love and power?

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