August 20, 2023 - "Simple and Sincere Speech"

Scripture Passage:  Isaiah 57:15; Matthew 12:34

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10 Commandments
1, 2, 3...10

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1. Worship only God
2. Worship God directly
3. Speak God's name worshipfully

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The actual command
Exodus 20:7 “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name

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What does #3 cover?
a. misuse, use in vain, blasphemy
b. swear falsehood, oath
c. cursing / cussing

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The "punishment"
for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name

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The core issue: a Holy God...
15 For this is what the high and exalted One says—
he who lives forever, whose name is holy:  “I live in a high and holy place, Slide 8

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... and regular people
I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.

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Forgive or Forget?
16 I will not accuse them forever,
    nor will I always be angry....
21 “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”

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This is Jesus:
34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

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Before which he had said:
31 And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.

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1. The Law-Story is complicated
2. Words are worship-level important.

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3. The tongue serves the heart.
4. Love God with all your heart... and your words will let you know where you need work yet.

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#4 can you do a day only talking about/with God?
#5 do you speak lovingly of all authority?
#6 do your words hurt or heal?