The Law of Christ Part 3: “Hold High the Name of the Lord” - 11.2.25

Jordon Gilmore

In this message, we continue the Law of Christ series, using the Ten Commandments as a framework to explore how Jesus fulfilled the law and how we live that out today. This week focuses on the Third Commandment — “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain” (Exodus 20:7).

1. The Meaning Behind God’s Name

In ancient Israel, the name of the Lord — Yahweh — was treated with such reverence that people refused to even say it aloud. They used titles like Adonai or Jehovah out of fear of misusing His name. Scripture shows how serious this command was: in Leviticus 24:16, blasphemy against the name of God was punishable by death.

But Jordon reminds us the deeper issue wasn’t just speech — it was heart posture. The Pharisees honored God outwardly but lived in contradiction to His character. The command not to take God’s name in vain calls us to live lives that reflect His holiness and integrity.

2. Reverence Beyond Words

To “take the Lord’s name in vain” isn’t only about avoiding curse words or false oaths — it’s about how we carry His name in daily life. When we call ourselves Christians, we bear His name. Every word, action, and attitude represents Him.

• James 5:12 echoes Jesus’ teaching: let your yes be yes and your no be no — live honestly without needing oaths.
• The goal: a life of integrity that upholds God’s name rather than misuses it.

3. Why God’s Name Matters

Two truths anchor our reverence:

1. His name is holy and worthy to be praised.
   • “O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth.” (Psalm 8:1)
   • Jesus taught us to begin prayer with “Hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9).
2. His name carries power.
   • “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10)
   • Salvation and answered prayer come through His name (John 14:14; Romans 10:13).

4. Living Under His Name

We are marked by His name — children of God, Christ-followers. Like a jersey with the team’s name on the front, our lives should represent the One we belong to. Every interaction should reflect His character.

5. Guarding Against Casualness

We can misuse God’s name by becoming too casual or irreverent — treating prayer or worship lightly, joking in holy moments, or trivializing what is sacred. Jordon challenges us to recover a sense of awe — remembering that we approach a holy God only through grace.

6. The Fulfillment in Christ

Jesus perfectly honored the Father’s name.

• “I have come in My Father’s name.” (John 5:43)
• God exalted Him and gave Him “the name above every name” (Philippians 2:9–11).
  At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow — the ultimate fulfillment of the Third Commandment.

Key Takeaway:
Honoring God’s name is not just about speech — it’s about living in a way that reflects His holiness, truth, and power. When we bear His name, let our lives declare His worth.