Question 60: What is required in the third commandment?

Answer: The third commandment requires the holy and reverent use of God's name, titles, attributes, ordinances, words, and works.

DAY 1:

In our previous lesson we saw that God’s name is tied intimately with His character. We also made mention of keeping holy God’s titles that are associated with His name. Today we’ll look at the attributes and titles of God and how we should be careful to accurately represent them and thereby keep ourselves from taking His name in vain.

We’ll begin in Psalm 138. This Psalm was apparently written by David after his ascension to the throne. Actually David is one that exalts God in many ways in this Psalm. For instance in verse one he says that his whole heart is given to God in praise and that this whole hearted worship is directed away from “the gods”. The gods here can refer to pagan idols or other pagan rulers (cf. Ps 119:46). In this way exalts God as the God of gods. When we studied some time back about there being only One living and true God, we made reference to that. Here becomes some of the practical application of the doctrine of only one God. This application is in whole hearted worship directed towards Him in a fashion that is pleasing to Him.

In verse two, which is our focus, we see that the David’s attention is directed toward God’s holy temple. Since the temple would not actually be constructed until David’s son became king (1 Chron. 28:5). This word used here for temple is heykal (hay-kawl). It can also mean sanctuary. This is probably a reference to the tabernacle where there was a manifestation of the presence of God. So we see that David acknowledged a place God had set aside for worship, though he was quite aware from Psalm 139:7-18 that God was in every place and there was no where that David could go where he would be apart from his God.

He also says that he will praise God’s name. The word for name here is shem (shame). It refers to someone’s name but even more importantly to the fame or reputation of that name. This is why it is so important that we speak of God and live in a manner that is consistent with what God has revealed to us. For when we don’t do this, we take His name in vain and we cause others to blaspheme Him (cf. 2 Sam. 12:14; Titus 2:5). But what does David praise about God? He praises God for His loving kindness and His truth. God has been faithful to David. He has brought him to the throne just as He said He would. He has shown great love for David in protecting him from Saul, who wanted to take his life because of the jealousy which was stirred up within him. God chose David from among all the people of Israel and from among his own brothers. David was protected by the hand of the Lord even while he was but a shepherd boy (1 Sam. 17:34-36). So God had demonstrated His love for David. He even expressed His pleasure with David by stating that David was a man after His own heart (1 Sam 13:14; Acts 13:22). David was a man who desired to honor God for who He is and for what He had done.

Not only did David praise God for His loving kindness, but He praised Him for His truth. David tied that truth with God’s word. God’s word is truth (John 17:17). Specifically, it seems that David is praising the Lord for His faithfulness to His word. This is why he utters the phrase “For you have magnified Your word above all Your name.” It does not mean that God’s word is somehow greater than His name. What is being said is that God’s word has a strong reputation because of His name. Just as God told David through the prophet Samuel. Now David praises God for the truth of His word.

David continues to praise God in the same chapter by praising Him for His mercy (vs. 8). He sees the Lord as His Protector (vs. 7). David is supremely delighted to speak of God and His attributes in a way that honors Him and brings glory to His name.

In Psalm 111:9 the Psalmist is in the finale of this particular Psalm and has spoken highly of who God is and what He has done. He tells us that His works are great (vs. 2), honorable and glorious (vs. 3). He says that the Lord is gracious and full of compassion (vs. 4). He is a covenant keeper to His people (vs. 5). God speaks truth and He is lawful in what He does (vs. 7). Finally, we see that as the writer is closing he reminds us that God is our Redeemer and the Covenant Maker (vs. 9). All these things point to the work that god had established with Abraham in the covenant He made with him. However, as we read through the verses we also see the same God that Abraham served is the same God that we serve today. Holy and Awesome is His name! The Lord’s name is Sacred qadowsh (kaw-doshe') and revered yare' (yaw-ray').

With some of the things that we have mentioned today, as well as, in the past few weeks, let’s give thought today about coming and bringing the sacrifice of praise to God in our time of worship this Sunday. As Psalm 29:2 reminds us, “Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.” When David speaks of this he means, “cause the LORD’s name to carry weight”. Don’t treat the name of the LORD lightly. Speak from experience of the holiness of God. Exalt His righteousness that was imparted to you because of the Lord Jesus Christ. Speak of the wonderful love with which God has loved you and the grace He has bestowed upon you and count it a joy to do so.

DISCUSSION: When we come together, have some things in mind that we can share together that will exalt the name of God, whether in His attributes, titles, words or works. Have your family make a list of these things and be prepared to share them openly.

DAY 2: Deuteronomy 32:1-4; Revelation 15:3,4

In the closing chapters of the book of Deuteronomy, or as Mr. Davis likes to call it, Deut., Moses gives instruction as to the book of the law and warning of the rebelliousness of the peoples hearts (31:26-29). He then launches into a song which extols God and speaks of His wonderful care and steadfast compassion, provision and counsel for the people of Israel. However, it also tells how wicked the people were. Many of them became apostates. They turned away from God to serve other gods, even sacrificing to demons (32:15-17).

Moses, in calling for heaven and earth to listen (vs. 1), was indeed calling them to witness the words of his song. Since the creation is part of the work of the Creator they will be a constant reminder to the people of the truth of theses words. Moses desires that his words will drop as the rain and distill as the dew. Rather than fiery judgment, Moses wanted his words to be refreshing to the people. As the rain falls upon a parched and dry land and is used to produce life in plants and provided satisfaction for the thirsty, so was Moses’ desire that his teaching would be to the people. However, even in the midst of this song which he desired to be refreshing there was prophecy of their judgment to come. However, there would be those who would take heed and obey these words.

Notice how Moses begins. He does not start, as many modern day preachers would start, with man’s felt needs. Nor does he begin by trying to be practical. He starts with the exaltation and attributes of God. First, he proclaims the name of the LORD. Again, this is Jehovah, the self existing one. So we see that his words are about the one true God. This also emphasizes that the God he speaks of is the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and the One who brought the people out of Egypt. He also commands the people to ascribe greatness to Him. They are not to be ashamed of God, nor are they to think little of Him. Because they have seen His hand at work in their midst, they should be filled with adoration of Him and praise Him.

In verse four Moses gives reason for this greatness of God. He is the Rock and His work is perfect. Some have said that this title of Rock speaks of God’s unchangeable nature. While this is surely true, it seems that when the Apostle Paul wrote in the New Testament that he spoke of Christ as the Rock, the One imparting the life giving water (1 Cor. 10:4). Therefore, we can see that the God of Israel is also the Christ of the New Testament. He is unchanging and His work is perfect. I believe in the context we see that this work is not speaking to the work of creation, but to the work of redemption and salvation. The reason is that Moses then goes on to say that His ways are justice. The word here for justice is mishpat (mish-pawt'). It refers to God being lawful and without partiality in the administration of His law. God is a God of truth, as we have seen before, and He is without injustice. In other words, God is not one who will “bend the law”. He is not capable of being bribed, nor can He be flattered by the words of His creatures so that He will not impart justice as it is deserved. Paul asks the very question, “Is there unrighteousness with God?” in Romans 9. The term there could probably be best understood as injustice. Is God unjust is the salvation of some and not of others? Paul declares emphatically, “God forbid”. On the contrary, Moses says that God is righteous and upright. Unlike judges, who are fallen sinful men, whose minds and discernment can become clouded by uncertainty and the smooth words of a lawyer, God knows all and sees all, even the intents of the heart. Therefore his judgments are accurate and they are right. There is nothing hidden from Him and no one can pull the wool over His eyes.

It is amazing that this song of Moses is not forgotten. When we look to Revelation 15:3,4, which we sang a number of weeks ago, there we see that those who overcome the beast, his worship, image and mark sing the song of Moses again. Just as the people of Israel praised God in song after their deliverance from the Egyptians (Ex. 15:1-21), so too will the redeemed sing unto the Lord. Notice that the song is much shorter. We don’t know if the song would be sung in its fullness, but the idea of the song of Moses really speaks to the content of what is in the song. Remember that this worship in singing is in heaven. Therefore, it is perfect worship and perfect doctrine contained in it. This is exactly the kind of singing we should strive for in our own worship: that which contains proper doctrine and right worship.

Notice here that the same things are being exalted about God. His works are exalted. Of course, we know that He is working all things after the counsel of His will (Eph. 1:11). However, it does seem that the great and marvelous works identify God as the King of the saints. How do sinners become saints? They are made to become saints through the great and marvelous works of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The song then speaks again to God being just and true in His ways. We have already seen that God is perfect in His evaluation of people and events. However, the adjective here “true” is alethinos (al-ay-thee-nos'). It doesn’t speak so much to words or ideas as much as it speaks to the very nature and character of God. God is truth. Jesus said so of Himself (Jn. 14:6). He is the very essence of truth and there is no deceitfulness to be found in Him.

God is then exalted as the King of the saints. His title is borne by Him because He is their Sovereign. He is the reason they are in His kingdom. He is their master and their Lord. Believers are not autonomous. They are under the lordship of their King. So we see that Christ is our King and that we are His because of God’s justice being satisfied in the death of the Lord Jesus Christ on our behalf. May our lips and lives reflect the holiness of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and God the Father because of His marvelous deeds.

One last thing from verse four I would like to point out. “For you alone are holy” is the cry from the redeemed. In contrast to the antichrist, Christ is alone holy. The question might come to mind, “Haven’t Christians been made holy?” and “Aren’t holy angels holy?” The answer is yes. But the issue is not about who has been MADE holy. The issue is about who IS holy. We speak of the very nature of God. While both angels and men were created in holiness, they were still CREATED IN HOLINESS. God is holy because it is His nature. His state of being has always been and will always be holiness. And we see at the end of the song in verse four that the reason we are made holy is because His “judgments have been manifested”. When Christ bore our sins in His own body on the cross, this was the manifestation of the righteous judgment of God. God could not remain holy and just and allow people into His kingdom in which there was no atonement for their sin. Therefore, Christ’s righteousness, God’s righteousness, had to be given to us. This comes by way of the gospel (Rom. 1:16, 17).

What practical application does this give to us in not taking the name of God in vain? I would submit to you exactly what are forefathers of the faith said. Spurgeon said very clearly that Calvinism is the Gospel. When we seek to honor God by presenting the gospel clearly and ACCURATELY, we exalt the name of God and when we don’t we take His name in vain. I understand that many would disagree with me. But in light of what we see of the final outcome of the work of Christ and the perfect words of redeemed men in Revelation 15 can we come to another conclusion concerning the hallowing of the name of God in His great and marvelous work of redemption?

DISCUSSION: It may be time, if you haven’t done it to accurately and clearly present the biblical gospel to your family. This means that you address the condition of men (Rom. 1-3), what is required (Rom. 4) and that you speak the truth of what Christ came to do, why, and how he accomplished it (Rom 5-6) and what it produces in the life of the believer (Rom. 7-8).

Scripture: Psalm 29:2; 111:9; 138:2; Deuteronomy 32:1-4; 28:58-59; Matthew 6:9; Ecclesiastes 5:1; Job 36:24; Revelation 4:8; 15:3,4.