The Ten Commandments

 Honor Gods Laws

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished." Matthew 5:17-18

 

The Ten Commandments is considered "The Moral Law" and is a wonderful compass for us to live by today.  Jesus died to fulfill the Old Testament Laws not abolish them.  Romans 8:1, "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.  Because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death". This means, if you believe in Christ you won't lose your salvation if you fail to keep the commandments. But you must go before God and repent when you do. You may reap the consequences of your sin but your soul will still be saved because of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

God established the Ten Commandments because he wants his people to live moral, holy lives full of love and respect for one another.  It's not enough to hear God's word and read it; we need to live it to the best of our ability.  Let's look at the Ten Commandments in Deuteronomy Chapter 5.

The Ten Commandments:

1. “You must not have any other god but me."

God is the one and only true living God.  Not Buddha, Muhammad or Mary.  The Lord is the only God we are to serve and worship.

2. “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected-even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me.  But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands”.

God does not want us to create images or statues of anything to worship, not even Him.  We can’t limit God of the universe to a statue or a little pocket image.  He’s bigger and greater than that.  It’s ok  to wear a cross that symbolizes what Jesus did or to have a portrait of Jesus or angels for décor in your home,  but we are not to bow down and worship these things.   Yes, God gets jealous but only when we worship other gods or created things.  He’s entitled to be jealous because the created thing will NEVER be greater than the Creator.  Nothing and no one should be greater than God in your life. Not family, friends, work, material possessions, fame or money. When you consistently concentrate on or trust in anything other than God, you are in danger of idol worship.

3."You must not misuse the name of the LORD your God.  The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name".

God’s name is above every name.  God and the name of Jesus hold a lot of weight.  Do not use these names as curse words or in coarse joking. When you speak the name of God, it should be in praise and adoration. The name of God is to be honored because there is power in his name.

4. “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.  You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God.  On that day no one in your household may do any work.  This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you.  For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy”.

Sabbath is the seventh day.  God requires you to rest one day out of the week.  It may not be Saturday or Sunday for you and that’s okay.  Whatever day you choose should be dedicated to Him, not work.   Allow yourself to be refreshed by resting and communing with your heavenly Father in some capacity.  Attend a church service, read your bible or make time to pray.  Isn't it wonderful that God wants to provide a day of rest for you?

5. “Honor your father and your mother.  Then you will live a long, full life in the land your God is giving you”.

There is a promise attached to this commandment! You can live a long life in this world if you honor (respect) your parents.  It doesn't matter how old you are. If your parents are still alive, you need to honor them. They may not have been the greatest parents in the world, but God will bless you for obeying his command.  We all have to give an account for the things we’ve said and done in the earth, parents do too!

6."You must not murder”.

You are not the author or the finisher of life, God is.  Murder is when you deliberately and purposely take someone’s life.  To kill someone in self-defense is a different story and so is capital punishment.   Capital punishment is a law in certain states.  In bible days punishment for murder was death.  God commands us not to murder.

7."You must not commit adultery".

Adultery is sexual infidelity to one's spouse.  A person can commit adultery in their heart and in their mind.  Try to remove yourself from situations that are tempting.  Protect your eyes from viewing things that may cause you to stumble.   1 Corinthians 10:13 But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

8. You must not steal”.

Do not take or keep what does not belong to you!

9."You must not give false testimony against your neighbor”.

This was the sin that sent Jesus to the cross.  Don't slander and lie to one another.   Don't tell half-truths. Be honest in all your dealings.  The lies will eventually catch up with you.

10. “You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor”.

Don't let jealousy or envy consume you. Be happy for those that are blessed. Don't obsess over the possessions they have. What God has for you is for you and no one else. Material things come and go but true happiness is only found in God.

 

Blessings,

Tytenisha