Study Bible 83: The Name of the Lord

As the children of Israel continued their journey, they came to Mt. Sinai where the Lord summoned Moses to the top of the mountain and gave Him what we know as the Ten Commandments. The Third Commandment is as follows:

“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name" (Exodus 20:7).

We have typically taken this to mean that we are not to use certain terms of profanity with God's name in it. While that is inappropriate, that is not what the commandment intended. It means we are not to call ourselves the people of God and do nothing with the name that we use to identify ourselves. That fits in nicely with what James wrote, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." (James 2:17, Berean). If you wear God's name, if you use God's name, then you should do something in the power or authority of that name. Otherwise, you take that name in vain. Jesus said this about His name and prayer

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it" (John 14:12-14).

In John 15, Jesus had this to say about fruit: "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you" (John 15:7). Since your purpose and creativity are what you will use to bear fruit, then you can ask for whatever you need to bear fruit and God will answer that prayer. This is using the Lord's name appropriately and treating it with reverence and respect.

Is your prayer life working in that you are asking for what you need to fulfill God's will and you are receiving it? Are you using the name of the Lord in a way that pleases Him by helping you bear fruit? What changes do you need to make to your prayer life and your expectations from your prayer life as a result of this truth?