The Good Life Study: Lord's Name In Vain

The third week of "The Good Life" revolves around the Third Commandment: "You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain." When God revealed His name in Exodus 3, He was telling us something about who He is. He is “I AM,” the God who always is, always was, and always will be. Whenever we say His name, we proclaim His nature. Whether in our words or in our deeds, we should always revere both God and His name. Failing to do so hollows out the most hallowed name we know.

As those who bear the name of God (Revelation 14:1), we need to be aware that we carry His name wherever we go. Are we misrepresenting Him by the things we do? Are the things we do throughout the week betraying the allegiance we proclaim on Sundays? Our lifestyle will ultimately reveal whether we’re taking God’s name or faking His name.

GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. What was your biggest takeaway from the video teaching time? If someone asked you to explain the third commandment, what would you say it is all about? What does this commandment teach us about God’s name and the ways we use it?

2. Read Exodus 20:7 and Deuteronomy 5:11. What comes to mind when you think of this commandment? What penalty does God attach to this command? Why do you think He takes this issue so seriously? How would you feel if someone used or invoked your name in a way that went against your character?

3. In the personal reflection time, you were asked to think of some ways you’ve seen people misuse God’s name. How did they mishandle God’s name – either in words or in actions? What were some of the consequences of violating this command? How did their actions/words miscommunicate who God is and what He is like?

4. Read Exodus 3:13-15. Here, God reveals His name – “I AM” (Yahweh) – to Moses. What does this name reveal to us about who God is? What does it say about His power and His permanence? How does knowing God’s name change our relationship to Him? How does knowing that He shares His name with us change the way we see ourselves?

5. As Christians, we carry Christ’s name with us (Rev. 14:1). How should this change the way we speak/live? What are some right ways that we can use/carry God’s name? How does the way we live affect other people’s perception of who God is? What’s one practical change you can make this week to change how you use/carry God’s name?

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