1. God's Name - Exodus 20:7
In Hebrew usage a name is always descriptive. God's name stands for everything that He has revealed about Himself. This includes His names, titles, attributes, authority, word, and worship. To trust God's name is to trust in His power, love, and wisdom (Proverbs 18:10, Psalm 20:1). To know God's name is to know about Him (John 17:6). To preach God's name is to make Him known (Acts 9:15). To act in God's name is to act by His authority (Matthew 28:19, II Thessalonians 3:6). The place where God has put His name is the institution where there is authority for service (Matthew 18:20, I Kings 8:29).

2. The Duty Explained - Exodus 20:7
Having grasped the full meaning of "God's Name" we may now understand the full import of the third commandment. It demands reverence and a proper respect not just for God's names and titles but for all that concerns Him or His work. We are forbidden to lightly or wrongly worship God (Psalm 111:9). His name is to be "hallowed" or set apart (Matthew 6:9). Things of sacred association like God's house or His word must be rightly respected. Duties toward God's name which are implied here are as follows:
a. Love -- Love fulfills this law as well as all others (Romans 13:10). Only those who truly love God keep this commandment (Psalm 5:11, Isaiah 26:8). Matthew 6:9 teaches us that properly focused prayer only comes from those who love God's name and desire to see it glorified.
b. Fear -- A due reverence for God is demanded (Deuteronomy 28:58).
c. Trust -- Nothing honors God like our confidence in Him (Psalm 33:21).
c. Glorify -- We should think, speak, and act to the glory of God (Isaiah 25:1, Psalm 113:1).

3. Things Forbidden By The Third Commandment
Men break the law when they use God's names or titles, pray, worship, or speak of things associated with the Lord for any reason other than a desire to honor Him. This may be done in many ways:
a. Divine things should never be spoken of in an idle or empty way. How much less should they be used in joke or jest.
b. The Lord should never be spoken of, worshipped, or invoked without proper reverence. Majesty is an attribute of God. Irreverence seems to be a trait of modern worship.
c. God's name should never be used in an empty or sinful curse (Jeremiah 23:10). There is such a thing as a righteous curse (Galatians 1:8, I Corinthians 16:22).
d. God's name should not be used in needless swearing when a "yes" or "no" will do (James 5:12).
e. How frightful the thought that some go so far as to blaspheme or insult the Lord. One type of blasphemy is unpardonable (Matthew 12:31-32).
f. Euphemisms should be avoided. A euphemism is a mild way of saying something. Let us beware of expressions that mimic or sound similar to God's names and titles. Note how many common slang expressions begin with the letter "G." Even His attributes are used in empty expressions (Holy Cow, Holy Mackerel).
g. Men take God’s name in vain when they use it to justify evil. This would include all false worship or false doctrine taught as God’s truth. Men who preach a false gospel take God’s name in vain. h. God's name is used vainly when men use it for personal gain. This would condemn those who enter the ministry or even sing Christian music for mere material profit. Think of others who join churches for political or business reasons.
i. All cold or formal worship is a transgression of the third commandment. This law is broken more often in church than in worldly places. Let us remember to have our hearts in tune before we come to worship the Lord (Matthew 15:8).
j. People who falsely claim to be God’s children are taking His name in vain. To profess Christ as Saviour is to take His name (Acts 11:26). Let us be certain that His is truly our God (Deuteronomy 28:58).
k. When we confess Christ as Saviour and dishonor Him with our lives we are taking His name in vain (Romans 2:24).

4. The Penalty - Exodus 20:7
All laws carry a penalty for those who disobey. This commandment carries a specific warning of that. Doubtless this is mentioned because men tend to think so lightly of this sin. Most do not even recognize it as sin. They think false or formal worship is good. Even those who curse and swear and defend it as "only words" (Matthew 12:36-37).
Remember that even in society men can be sued for libel or copyright infringement. Many will fight over a word spoken about self or family. Judges penalize those who fail to show the court proper respect. How much more will men be found guilty for the abuse or misuse of His name and a lack of reverence toward His person and word.

5. The Use Of This Law
a. God's law brings men to a conviction of sin (Romans 3:19-20). This third commandment has often brought men to see their guilt before God and their need of a Saviour. Without a new birth men will never reverence God.
b. This command teaches us as Christians the duty of keeping our hearts in tune to worship and serve God (Proverbs 4:23). The glory of God should be our first concern (Matthew 6:9). c. May we as a church learn well our responsibility to praise and honor God in public worship (Psalm 89:7).