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| Section: Walking In The Faith |
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| Category: Biblical Teaching / Lesson |
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| FOR CHRIST’S SAKE! |
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As a Christian, I hear many offensive words; but hearing the Lord’s name taken in vain is the worst! The unbeliever usually doesn’t even know they are doing this. Even so, being troubled by the flippant use of Jesus’ name, the Holy Spirit reminded me of scripture’s approach to this. So, let’s see what the Bible has to say about using the Lord’s name in vain.
In Exodus 20 we find what is commonly called the Ten Commandments. In verse 7 we are shown that it is forbidden to take the Lord’s name in vain. No one will be held guiltless that disobeys this command. Remember: the Bible was written for believers so, as Christians, we embrace the Ten Commandments as our own. Therefore, we willingly place ourselves under God’s command. Now, let’s look more closely at the word “vain”.
In 1 Timothy 1:6 we find the words “idle talk” (NKJV). This could be translated “vain talk” and is found among those who once believed but have now strayed from the commandments. This is repeated in chapter 6 verse 20, as well as Titus 1:10. In 2 Timothy 2:15, 16 we are exhorted to be diligently dividing the truth from error, avoiding vain talk that will only lead to increased ungodliness. This can be applied when it comes to taking the Lord’s name in vain. Again, these examples are warnings to believers! In fact, if we are not diligent to guard our hearts against this vanity, we could find ourselves fulfilling Titus 1:11; doing this for dishonest gain! Seeing this, I propose that we change our thinking whenever someone uses the Lord’s name in vain. Consider one phrase in light of the scriptures: “for Christ’s sake”.
In 1 Corinthians 4:10 we are to be fools “for Christ’s sake”. In 2 Corinthians 12:10 we are shown to take pleasure in all of our persecutions “for Christ’s sake”. Also, in Ephesians 4:32 we are shown to be kind and loving “for Christ’s sake”. The point being that, even though the world uses this phrase as an expression of frustration or vanity, we are clearly shown in scripture that we can “hear” the phrase in its proper context! Surely we can “overcome” the way in which the world vainly attempts to apply this phrase in vain and, instead of being offended, we can pray for them. At any rate, consider what Philippians 1:12-18 has to say regarding this issue:
Paul is bound in prison and Christ’s name is used both ways; out of selfish ambition and out of love. He sums it up in verse 18: “What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.” Then, in verse 19 he “knows that this will turn out for (his) deliverance”!! Let this be an encouragement to all who struggle when hearing the Lord’s name taken in vain. Let us rejoice that, either way, His name is preached! Also, from now on, whenever we hear the world using God or Jesus’ name in vain, may we consider ourselves duly warned lest we also fall into the same mindset (1 Corinthians 10:12). God will not hold us guiltless who know the truth and fail to hold to the truth, even when it comes to speaking words contrary to His word. |
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| Date of Submission: 2007-12-17 11:12:33 |
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