“Besides this you must also know how to use the name [of God] aright… For it has been revealed and given to us for the very purpose that it may be of constant use and profit.” ― Large Catechism
You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not curse, swear, use satanic arts, lie, or deceive by His name, but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks.
The Second Commandment
In this Joy:Fully Catechized series, we’re going to walk step by step through Luther’s Small Catechism providing you with resources to give you a fuller understanding of each of the 6 chief parts.
YOU SHALL NOT MISUSE THE NAME OF THE LORD YOUR GOD.
What does this mean? All Lutherans know this question well, and if you’ve been confirmed, you likely know the answer, too.
We should fear and love God so that we do not curse, swear, use satanic arts, lie, or deceive by His name, but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks.
But as you might also recall from catechesis, God’s Word is much richer and deeper, not only telling us what we should and should not do, but also outlining for us His many gifts and the ways in which He protects those gifts for us with His holy law.
Consider the following resources as you study God’s Word, reflecting especially on this second of His Ten Commandments:
TEXTUAL RESOURCES
The Small Catechism | Martin Luther
The 10 Commandments
The Large Catechism | Martin Luther
The Second Commandment
AUDIO RESOURCES
Sing the Faith: The Small Catechism Set to Music | Concordia Publishing House
The Second Commandment
VIDEO RESOURCES
Higher Things Video Catechism
Pastor Mark Buetow
The Second Commandment
Higher Things: The Largely Catechized Life
Pastor Harrison Goodman
- Your dining room is stupid
- Lying by God’s Name
- The Second Commandment
- Driving Away the Devil
- God’s Word Actually Works
Grappling with the Text
Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller
Teaching Christian Basics
Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller
The Second Commandment
Small Catechism Tuesday
Pastor Jacob Ehrhard
The Second Commandment
The Catechized Life | Pastor Matt Richard
The 10 Commandments – Protecting God’s Gifts to You