Deuteronomy 5:11 • Beyond The Name

HOOK

Imagine someone gets hold of your signature and starts using it however they want—signing contracts, making false promises, or even writing checks in your name.

Wouldn’t you be angry? Because your name represents you—your identity, authority, and reputation.

Review & Overview

1. Previous Study’s Review

You know, we are going through the 10 commandments one commandment at a time.

And we started of with the Foundation of the Ten Commandments by looking at Deuteronomy 5:6, where God reminded Israel who He is and what He has done before giving them any commands:

"I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery."

We established that God's commandments are not just rules but a relational covenant, calling His people to obedience rooted in gratitude rather than duty.

The heart of the commandments is not legalism but a response to His rescue. True obedience flows from understanding His love and responding with devotion.

That understanding led us into Deuteronomy 5:7, where we unpacked the first commandment—the call to exclusive worship of God:

"You shall have no other gods before Me."

We saw that this command demands total loyalty—no rivals, no idols, no divided devotion.

Then Vs. 8-10 we looked at the 2nd commandment:

Deuteronomy 5:8 “8 ‘You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth;”

We learned that our relationship with God is both exclusive and all-inclusive—He is not just first place, but the only one worthy of our worship.

Idolatry isn’t just bowing to statues; it’s allowing anything—success, relationships, comfort—to compete for the devotion that belongs to God alone.

3. Current Study’s Overview

That brings us to Verses 11 and commandment #3 as Moses gives His second message

Let’s begin our reading in vs. 6 for context. Read…

The Title of Today’s Message is: Beyond The Name

Because as you saw in our quick reading of today’s scripture Names carry weight—they represent identity, authority, and reputation.

If misusing a person’s name is serious, how much more the name of God?

This third commandment isn’t just about avoiding certain phrases; it’s about treating God’s name with the honor it deserves.

His name reflects His power, presence, and holiness. Misusing it—whether through words, false representation, or careless living—diminishes who He is.

So as we get into this 3rd commandment, I want us to examine our hearts: Are we honoring God’s name in how we speak and live?

Also, as a reminder, when we look at this portion of scripture, it makes sense to first focus on the commandments that deal with loving God our vertical relationship (Deut 5:6–15) and then those about loving others our horizontal relationship (Deut 5:16–21). That’s the heart of what the Ten Commandments are all about.

1. Honoring God’s Name Vs. 11

1.1 Profaning God’s Name Vs. 11a

Now, this third commandment, is rooted in God’s unique and exclusive nature, just like the first and second commandments.

But the second commandment focuses on not making physical idols or images of God, this commandment deals with how we use His name, which represents who He is.

Back during this time people would name their children based on their character of events that surround their life and birth which ultimately describe their nature.

In the same way, in the Bible, God’s name is closely tied to His presence and character.

And to misuse His name is to treat Him as less than holy, almost like trying to manipulate Him for our own purposes.

Back in ancient times, people believed that knowing or using a god’s name could give them control over that god.

This commandment makes it clear: God is not someone you can manipulate or treat lightly.

ILLUSTRATION: Imagine if someone were to misuse the signature of a president, a CEO, or even your own name—to sign a fraudulent check, or using it to make false claims, or slandering it.

A name holds weight, and misusing it carries serious consequences.

APPLICATION: How much more serious is it when we misuse the name of the Almighty God, whose name represents His sovereignty, holiness, and power?

Using His name inappropriately—whether as a magic word, for selfish gain, a curse word, or without respect—is a form of idolatry because it diminishes who He truly is.

The literal wording in Hebrew says, “You shall not lift up the name of Yahweh your God without reason.”

This means we shouldn’t use God’s name carelessly or for unworthy purposes, like trying to swear by it to get our way or using it in a way that disrespects Him.

In ancient cultures, people often invoked the names of their gods in sorcery or rituals, but God’s name is not a tool to wield—it’s holy.

Taking God’s name in vain is more than just saying “Oh my God” flippantly. It also includes:

False teaching – claiming to speak for God when He has not spoken (Jeremiah 23:25-27).

Jeremiah 23:25–27 NKJV

25 “I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in My name, saying, ‘I have dreamed, I have dreamed!’ 26 How long will this be in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies? Indeed they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart, 27 who try to make My people forget My name by their dreams which everyone tells his neighbor, as their fathers forgot My name for Baal.

Hypocrisy – calling ourselves Christians but living in a way that dishonors Him (Titus 1:16).

Titus 1:16 NKJV

16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.

Misusing prayer – using God’s name in manipulative ways (“God told me to tell you…” when it’s really just your opinion).

1.2 Punishment for Profaning God’s Name Vs. 11b

God takes this very seriously. The command warns that anyone who misuses His name will not go unpunished.

It’s a reminder of how sacred God’s name—and, by extension, God Himself—is.

We should approach Him with respect and reverence, understanding that His name is a reflection of His power, presence, and character.

Matthew 6:9 “…Hallowed be Your name.”

ILLUSTRATION: Imagine a policeman entering a building and saying, “Open up in the name of the law!” That phrase carries authority because it represents an entire system of justice.

But what if someone falsely claimed to be a police officer and misused that phrase? It would be a serious crime.

Transition: In the same way, when we misuse God’s name, we misrepresent who He is, and He takes that seriously.

Philippians 2:9 NKJV

9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,

Acts 4:12 NKJV

12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

APPLICATION: How many times have we heard someone use God’s name in vain?

OMGEEE…

How many times have we heard someone use God’s name as a curse word?

would you use your mom’ name as a curse word?

Question for Reflection:

If we say we love and honor God, do our words reflect that?

Challenge for the Week:

Every time you hear God’s name being used in vain this week, stop and say a quick prayer to honor His name instead.

Example: When you hear “Oh my God,” in your heart, counter it by saying, “Lord, You are holy.”

In conclusion, God’s name is not just a word—it carries the weight of His presence, His power, and His character.

When we misuse His name, we diminish His holiness in our hearts and before others. But the beauty of the Gospel is that even when we fall short, God is full of grace and mercy.

If we realize today that we’ve been careless with His name—whether through our words, our actions, or how we represent Him—let’s not stay in guilt.

Instead, let’s turn to Him with repentance and a renewed desire to honor His name.

Psalm 103:8 says, "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy."

This week, let’s speak His name with reverence, represent Him with integrity, and glorify Him in all we do.

And if we stumble, let’s run back to the One whose name is above every name—Jesus, our Savior, and Redeemer.

ENDING…