Lowercase G
“What’s In A Name?”
Exodus 20:7

Rules are never the starting point for a relationship with God

Ten Commandments = 10 Words 

Exodus 20:1-21
First
Worship

Words matter 

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” –Proverbs 18:21

Names matter
Express reality 
Express who God is

“Thus says the One … who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy.” –Isaiah 57:15

“To us a child is born, to us a son is given; … his name shall be Wonder Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” –Isaiah 9:6

“You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” –Matthew 1:21

“The name by which he is called is The Word of God. … On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” –Revelation 19:13, 16

Because words and names matter …
Swearing 
Using God’s name carelessly

Vain
To empty or trivialize the character of God

Ways we take the Lord’s name in vain
Don’t keep our promises or vows - James 5:12
Manipulate God’s will  - Jeremiah 14:13-14
When our lives don’t match our lips - Matthew 15:8-9; Isaiah 29:13
Say you love God but you don’t know Him - Matthew 7:21-23
	
God takes this very seriously - Exodus 20:7b

Trivializing
Flippant, indifferent, unconcerned, belittling

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” –Proverbs 18:10