YEA Lesson Library
What’s in a Name?
About This Lesson
This lesson teaches the student the Third Commandment and practical ways to honor God’s name rather than taking it in vain.
Scriptures
Exodus 20:7
Leviticus 24:15
Deuteronomy 5:11
Psalm 8:1-2
Psalm 34:3
Psalm 148:13
Proverbs 18:10
Acts 2:21
Words to Know
FAMOUS - someone who is well known
MISUSE - to use in a bad way
PRAISE - to honor with our words or songs
The Lesson
What is your name? Mommy and Daddy thought a lot about what to name you. Maybe you have the same name as your daddy. Or maybe you were named after someone famous. Your parents wanted your name to be special because you are special.
But, what if people shouted your name every time they got mad? What if your daddy hit his thumb with a hammer and he yelled your name Wouldn’t you feel badly? You might even think they were blaming you! God must feel that way at times. That’s how people treat His name.
God’s third commandment says we should not misuse God’s name. His name is very special. We should treat it very carefully. God even says that He will punish people who use His name in the wrong way.
The right way to use God’s name is when we pray. He wants us to talk to Him and call Him by name. Singing songs about God is another good way to use His name. God likes to hear us say good things about Him. These things make God happy.
Telling others about God is also a good way to use His name. Some people do not know who God is. They don’t know about His Son, Jesus. It is good to tell them God loves them. He sent Jesus to die for the bad things people do. God wants us to believe Him, trust Him, and pray in the name of Jesus. He will forgive the bad things we do. God wants everyone to live with Him forever in His Kingdom.
Activity
Teaching the Lesson:
Legacy Lesson: Student book/Teacher book - Teaching Time: 15 mins.
Lesson Prep - Teacher book - Time: 45 mins.
Teacher-Directed Activity: Dog Puppet - Time: 20 mins.
Song: “Jesus Loves Me” - page 6 and “God Is So Good” - page 87 of the Kids Classics Collection - Time: 10 mins.
Activity in Student Text: Identify and Circle Coloring Page - Time: 10 mins.
Alternate Ways to Present Lesson (YEAH):
Extending the Lesson - Additional Activities - REACH:
Daily Teaching Suggestions for each lesson -
Daily Time: 15-20 mins.
Daily Devotions
Sunday - Psalm 148:13
Monday - Acts 2:21
Tuesday - Deuteronomy 5:11
Wednesday - Psalm 8:1-2
Thursday - Leviticus 24:15
Friday - Psalm 34:3
Saturday - Proverbs 18:10
Objectives
At the end of this lesson, the children will be able to:
1. State that God’s name is very special
2. Recite the third commandment (Deuteronomy 5:11).
3. Name some right ways to use God’s name.
Topics & Themes
Taking God’s Name in Vain
Ten Commandments
Taking God’s Name in Vain
Preparation
“Children in the concrete stage of thinking need lots of help . . . to become acquainted with what is right to do and what is wrong to do” (Teaching Kindergartners by Ruth Beechick). Learning and teaching what is right is much harder than teaching the negative. Children can often give you a list of things they shouldn’t do. We often think of sin in terms of doing things that God doesn’t want us to do. But it is much more. Therefore we need to do more teaching about what is good to do.
Before you come to class, enlarge (and cut out) enough dog patterns for each child to have one.
Review Questions
1. How does God feel when people use His name in the wrong way?
2. Is using God’s name in prayer the right or wrong way to use His name?
3. What are some other good ways to use God’s name?
4. What will God do to people who misuse His name?
Teacher-Directed Activity
Give each child a paper bag and a Dudley-Do-Right pattern. Have the children color Dudley. Cut out the dog head. (You may want to do this ahead of time for young children.) Glue the dog head onto the flap of the paper bag. Have the children use their puppet to answer the Review Questions.
REACH Activity
Letter: N
Words: name, now, nothing, night, never, no, noon
Sentence: PRAY AT NIGHT USING GOD’S NAME.
Song
“Jesus Loves Me” is on page 6 and “God Is So Good” is on page 87 of the Kids Classics Collection.
Closing Prayer
Lead the children in prayer asking God to help them always use His name in the right way.
Printable Pages
