ROMANS 2:24

“For “THE NAME OF GOD IS BLASPHEMED AMONG THE GENTILES BECAUSE OF YOU,” just as it is written.”

Blasphemy is a harsh term, isn’t it? I know many Christians who worry about committing that sin. Let me tell you something. If you are worried about that, chances are you will never fall prey to it. Blasphemy is more than just a one-time thing or one word spoken. It’s a heart attitude.

Paul possibly refers back to two Old Testament passages. Ezekiel 36:23 reads, “‘And I will vindicate the holiness of My great name which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD,’ declares the Lord GOD, ‘when I show Myself holy among you in their sight.’” The idea of being profaned was blasphemy to God. And in Isaiah 52:5 it says, “‘And now what do I have here?’ declares the LORD. ‘For my people have been taken away for nothing, and those who rule them mock,’ declares the LORD. ‘And all day long my name is constantly blasphemed.’”

APPLICATION

The Topical Lexicon gives a really good description of blasphemy. “In Scripture the sin of blasphemy is speech that dishonors, slanders, or demeans the divine character, titles, or works of God. The Old Testament treats it with the utmost gravity (Leviticus 24:10-16), establishing the foundation upon which New Testament writers build their understanding. By the first century, Jewish tradition viewed any direct insult to the divine name, the misattribution of God’s works, or the presumptive claiming of divine prerogatives as blasphemous.”

Blasphemy isn’t just spitting in God’s eye. It’s the flagrant disavowing attitude toward Him. It’s thinking and saying He is not God and has no power in your life. This same attitude was found in Lucifer before he rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven. Now, he continually blasphemes and tries to entrap us into doing the same.

But Carl, I don’t want to blaspheme. As I said, if you truly have the desire to not blaspheme, chances are you will never do that. How do you prevent blasphemous thoughts from entering your head? The same way you prevent any sin from creeping in – you spend time in His Word, meditating on and memorizing it. Fill your thoughts with so much Scripture that there is no room for evil thoughts. Don’t get fooled by the evil one. Stay connected to Jesus in every word and deed.

Father, guard my heart and protect my spirit as I seek to live a life that honors and glorifies You.

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