Ilagan Christian Church

The Third Commandment

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Video 1 of 2

Summary

This two-part series opens the Third Commandment – “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain” – grounding it first in what it means to fear God and to bear His name well as a believer. Drawing on Jeremiah 7, the message warns against trusting in outward religion (“this is the temple of the Lord”) while living carelessly with God’s name and character.

Part 2 continues into what it looks like to bear God’s name faithfully in everyday life, closing the series with 1 Peter’s call to “conduct yourselves … in fear” since God judges impartially, and moving into a season of Holy Communion as the church renews its commitment to honor the name it bears.

Essential truths

  1. God's name is holy, and the third commandment forbids using it carelessly, falsely, or hypocritically.
  2. Outward religious activity does not excuse a life that dishonors God's name and character.
  3. Believers who call themselves by God's name are called to "conduct themselves in fear," knowing God judges impartially.
  4. Fearing God rightly is what it means to bear His name as a believer.

Encouragement and challenge

Examine whether your everyday words and conduct honor the name of the Lord you claim, and let a right fear of God shape how you live, not just what you say.

Reference verses

  • Exodus 20:7
  • Jeremiah 7:9-10
  • 1 Peter 1:17

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