The Small Catechism – part 35
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Romans 12:14
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Click for a recording of today's lesson.
From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, The Second Commandment
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain (for the Lord will not hold guiltless those who take his name in vain).
What does this mean?
Answer: We should fear and love God so that we do not use his name superstitiously or to curse, swear, lie, or deceive, but call upon him in every time of need, and worship him with prayer, praise, and thanksgiving.
Pulling It Together: The Second Commandment deals with far more than using a specific word or words. If you are a Christian, then all you say and do is said and done in the name of God. You take (or bear) the name of the Lord everywhere you go, and in everything you do. Therefore, you should be careful that your words are gracious and seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6) in a way that commends the message of the gospel. Your speech should be kind, not enraged, forgiving, not wrathful, complimentary, not slanderous, pure, not obscene (Colossians 3:8). Because you carry the name of the Lord everywhere, you should not do so in vain. Your words should be his blessing to all you encounter.
Prayer: Lord, keep watch over my mouth. Amen.
Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.
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Author
Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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