Live by the Spirit: The Third Commandment

Bible Text: Joshua 7:1-26 | Preacher: Pastor Mark Verbruggen | Series: Live By The Spirit | It’s easy to say, “Don’t take the Lord’s name in vain.” It’s better to live it out. Today we have
heard the story of a man named Achan from Joshua 7:1-26. This is not simple text to hear and
the conclusion is rather disturbing. However, in this text we can see a dramatic depiction of the
positive side of the Third Commandment which says, “You shall not misuse the name of the
LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.” A more
literal translation says, “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD
will not hold anyone guiltless who takes his name in vain.”
To “live by the Spirit” is to bring glory to God’s Holy Name. We do this by living faithfully for
God in the Kingdom of God. All of us who are baptized into the name of God the Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit, carry with us this Holy Name of God into every area of life. The Holy Name of
God is a name to be used with reverence and awe so that God’s people may confess him, pray
to him, and praise him in everything they do and say.