Hallowed be thy Name

God’s Name is to be held in honor and respect ()

Explanation: The third commandment deals with honor and reverence that is due the Name of God. While the command is set forth in a negative prohibition (Thou shalt not …), the content of the command is actually geared to focus the people’s attention on honor & reverence. The Jews took this command seriously and would not even speak the covenant Name of God for fear of mispronouncing it. This is why the Tetragrammaton has no vowel points, only the consonants Y H W H. Through the German language is where the name Jehovah derives.

Illustrate: Jewish scribes had a unique way of reverencing the Name of God. Whenever they came across God’s Name in the text, they stopped and laid down their quill, got up & washed & changed into fresh clothes before siting back down and penning the holy name.

Argument: When we speak of God to others we should always be careful to present Him as the High and Holy One that He is.

Application: We would do well to heed the words of the Model Prayer: “Our Father who art in Heaven; Hallowed by thy Name.” ()

God’s judgment will fall on those who disregard the honor of His Name ()

Explanation: Because God is Holy, when a person willfully violates the 3rd commandment, he or she will experience consequences. Not all of consequences are immediate, but that should not fool us into thinking that we will escape when we violate God’s command

Examples: The Israelite’s son who blasphemed the Name was stoned to death (), and Ananias & Sapphira were struck dead for lying to the Holy Spirit ()

Argument: God in His mercy does not bring immediate judgment on each and every one of our sins, both for the believer and the unbeliever. For the unbeliever, God’s mercy and delay is a time for repentance; for the believer, the sin has been covered at the Cross, but we may still suffer temporal consequences (lessening of our witness, being a stumbling block, etc.)

Application: The Preacher’s words as found in are instructive

Ways in which we dishonor the Lord’s Name

We speak of God disrespectfully. The LORD God is not “The Big Guy” or “The Man Upstairs”

We act in ways that do not reflect the character and quality of God

When we make a vow to God and then do not follow through. (This most often occurs in times of distress: “God, if you get me through this, I promise I will go to church, be a better person, quit drinking, etc. )

When we unconsciously throw out His Name as a matter of habit. Such as OMG, well Jesus, etc

When we partner God’s name with profanity or when we use God’s name as a cuss word. It is surprising to think of how Satan has influenced us to derive euphemisms to replace the explicit terms like GD. Instead we say “Dad Gummit” or “Gosh Darn it” along with “dang” and “darn”

When we alter or intentionally change the meaning of the Word of God. Mostly, this is done by unbelievers and apostates (Bart Erhman)