Lord’s Day 36

Q99. What does God want from us in the third commandment?

That we never misuse God's name by cursing, lying under oath, or swearing when we don't need to, and that we don't stay quiet when others do these things. We should use God's holy name only with respect and awe, so that we honor him, pray to him, and praise him in everything we do and say.

Scripture Proofs — King James Version

Leviticus 24:10–17

Leviticus 19:12

“And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.”

Matthew 5:37

James 5:12

“But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.”

Leviticus 5:1

Proverbs 29:24

Psalm 99:1–5

Isaiah 45:23

Jeremiah 4:2

Matthew 10:32–33

Romans 10:9–10

Psalm 50:14–15

1 Timothy 2:8

Colossians 3:17

Romans 2:24

Parent Guide

Discuss this question together

Discussion Questions

1
What does the third commandment say we should never do with God's name?
2
Why do you think God cares so much about how people use his name?
3
Have you ever heard someone use God's name carelessly, and how did it make you feel?

Illustration

Think about your own name. If someone at school used your name as a joke or a swear word, you would feel disrespected. God's name stands for who he is. Using it carelessly treats the holy God as if he does not matter.

Application

This week, pay attention to how you use God's name. Each time you say it, ask yourself whether you are using it to honor him. Because God gave us his name so we could call on him, practice using it in prayer instead of carelessly.