Q54. What does the third commandment require?
The third commandment requires us to use God’s names, titles, qualities, worship, Word, and works with holiness and respect.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Matthew 6:9
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.”
Psalm 68:4
“Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.”
Revelation 15:3–4
“And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.”
Malachi 1:11, 14
“For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts. … But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the LORD a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen.”
Psalm 138:1–2
“I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.”
Job 36:24
“Remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What does the third commandment require?
- 2
What does it look like to use God's name "with holiness and respect"?
- 3
When is a time during your day when you could speak about God more carefully?
Illustration
When you write your name on a school assignment, you are putting your name on your work. God's name is on everything he has said and done. His names, his titles, his Word, his works. All of it should be handled with care, the way you would handle something that belongs to a king.
Application
Because God's name is holy, practice using it with reverence. When you pray this week, slow down and think about who you are speaking to. Ask God to make his name precious to you.