When we come to understand that in the Bible the “name” of someone or something is NOT primarily the means of calling to them BUT a statement of their character of who or what they are that is an entirely different matter. Thus to take refuge in the name of the Lord is to take refuge in His character.
We say that God
• Is loving— so depend upon that love. • Is in charge of all things— so trust Him. • Has your best in mind— so wait upon Him.
This is what is behind the Third Commandment. When on Mount Sinai God through Moses said, “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain” (Exodus 20:7). That means far more than simply saying we are not to use God’s name when we curse. It means that we are NOT to take His character lightly RATHER, we are to live in light of who He is.
For a transcript of this sermon in .DOC format follow the outside web link.
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Greg Thurston
Philemon 1 The Book of Philemon Bethel Presbyterian Church
