Blasphemy

"You shall not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain" (Exodus 20:7). Blasphemy is one of the sins named in the Ten Words that Yahweh gave to Moses on the mountain. God's name is not a casual word. It stands for Who He is, and treating it lightly shows how we regard Him. Paul reminds us that the Law was made not for the righteous but for the lawless, the ungodly and the profane (1 Timothy 1:9), so seeing this sin clearly helps us understand both God's holiness and our need for Him. This section looks at blasphemy and the irreverence that leads to it. The study "Irreverence" shows how a careless attitude toward God draws us away from Him and His truth, and why His people should shun it. The goal is not fear of punishment, but a heart that honors Yahweh's name because we have come to know Him and love Him. Read on to see what Scripture says, and ask Him to give you a reverent heart toward His holy name.