Comprehending Pink’s Commandments Part 24

Comprehending Pink’s Commandments Part 24

Foreword:

The following exerpt is taken from The Ten Commandments  by Arthur W. Pink

(BAKER BOOK HOUSE, 1994 GRAND RAPIDS, MI)

In this blog series I will work through this very important article a paragraph at a time – asking my reader comprehension style questions at the end. I have been much convicted by the writings of Pink and I pray your walk will also be strengthened meditating on his teaching of scripture …

THE THIRD COMMANDMENT PART IV

It has become almost impossible to walk the streets or to enter mixed company without hearing the sacred Name of God treated with blasphemous contempt. The novels of the day, the stage, and even radio (and more lately television, the cinema, and the press) are terrible offenders, and without doubt this is one of the fearful sins against Himself for which God is now pouring out His judgments upon us. Of old He said unto Israel, "Because of swearing (cursing) the land mourneth; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil" (Jer. 23:10). And He is still the same: "The Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His Name in vain." Sore punishment shall be his portion, if not in this life, then most assuredly so, eternally so, in the life to come.

1) In fact it is now unavoidable that we should hear the names of God being used in vain. We cannot cloister ourselves as Christians in holy huddles or monastries to avoid the world’s dishonouring of God's name.

a)      What practical steps can we take however in terms of “the novels of the day, the stage, and even radio (and more lately television, the cinema, and the press)”?

b)      How do we handle the blasphemy when it is performed in front of our children?  It takes discernment and prayer to know when to boldly confront the blasphemer and when to quietly take your child aside and point out the error. Consider how any sin can be turned into a teaching opportunity for children. How can we do this without turning our children into judgemental legalists?

c)      How can a blasphemous utterance be turned into an evangelistic opportunity?

2) Finally let us consider not just the names and titles of God, but other important concepts and how the frequent unthinking use of words can lessen and even distort their meaning and impact. Consider how, through common useage and misdirection, the devil has distorted the meanings of words like:

-         love

-         hate

-         hell

-         heaven

-         faith

-         truth

-         grace

-         saint

-         joy

-         peace

-         tolerance

-         works

-         etc