It is very important that we be careful not to dishonor the Name of the Lord, or to use His name lightly in any way. In Old Testament times God ordered that anyone who blasphemed His name should surely be put to death. Those who lightly esteem God’s honor might think it unfair to judge a man an offender for a word; but God lets them know that they must not make light of words which come from malice against God in the heart of him that speaks.

QUESTIONS

1. In realizing the importance of keeping the Lord’s name holy, we should try to understand just who God is. Give a short definition of your concept of God.
2. Using the following Scriptures, find some of the names which refer to God. Beside each of these, write what facet of God’s greatness we find exhibited.
   Genesis 17:1
   Exodus 3:14
   Deuteronomy 32:8
   Joshua 3:10
   Isaiah 43:15
3. Taking the Lord’s name in vain can include not only using His name as a swear word, but also using it lightly in slang terms or euphemisms derived from swear words. Give the dictionary definitions for the following common slang terms.
   Gee
   Darn
   Gosh
   Golly
   Doggone
   Heck
4. The Bible teaches us that, as the Son of God, Jesus is entitled to be equal with God (John 5:18; Philippians 2:5-6). The Prophet Isaiah gives to Christ some of the same names attributed to God (Isaiah 9:6). How, then, do you feel the Commandment given in Exodus 20:7 applies in relation to Jesus?
5. The Holy Ghost, the Third Person of the Trinity, is entitled to all the honor and respect given to God the Father and God the Son. In fact, Jesus gives us to understand that sin against the Holy Ghost is the most serious offense of all (Mark 3:22,28-30). Explain this.
6. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs us that we are not to swear at all, but that our communication should be yes or no. What do you feel is the meaning of this statement of Christ’s? See Matthew 5:33-37.
7. It is dishonoring to God’s name to say or do anything that would cast doubt on His power, or put Him on the same plane as a man. During Hezekiah’s time, King Sennacherib dishonored God and suffered His wrath because of this. Read 2 Kings 18:28-35 and 19:35-37, then describe what happened to this king.
8. Using Mark 12:30-31 as a basis, think of the ones you love the most. Name some ways you show honor and respect for them, and compare this to the respect we owe God, our greatest Friend.
9. Our love for the Lord and His name is to be taught diligently to our children. Using Deuteronomy 6:4-7, how can parents teach their children this respect for the Lord’s name?
10. How is it possible to dishonor the Lord’s name, even though we may never swear or use any questionable slang terms?
11. The Bible shows that in the end everyone is going to bow to God and every tongue will confess to Him (Romans 14:11-12; Philippians 2:9-11). What comparison can be made between those who are forced to do so then, and those who do so willingly from their hearts now?