The 10 Commandments: Part 5 – 1.31.08

When Jesus was asked to name the greatest commandment in all the law, He answered (Matthew 22:37-39), Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

Then in the 40th verse, He makes this statement: On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Elsewhere in the New Testament, Romans 13:10 says, Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. And Galatians 5:14, For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

The point I'd like for us to consider today is that commandment keeping (which we should strive to do) is all about one thing. And it's not self-discipline, it's not self-control, it's not will power, it's not hard work – though all those things are great and helpful. Adherence to the holy commands of God is all about love.

Think about it, Jesus summarized every command available to the people he addressed in Matthew 22 with one two-part command: LOVE God and LOVE your neighbor.

First of all, let's explain what this does NOT mean. Love does not trump other commandments. We are not clear to ignore certain commandments because we think doing so would be unloving. For example, Jesus commanded go and preach the gospel to every creature. The majority of people in this nation and around the world have been blinded by the devil and have this misconception that a Christian's obedience to that commandment is an expression of hatred. Quite to the contrary, Jesus preached hard (see Mark 9 and Luke 16 on hell, or see Luke 13 on the consequences for not repenting), but nobody would question that He was motivated by love.

At any rate, what the Bible is saying to us is that if we love God and love others, keeping God's commandments would be a whole lot more simple…because it would become almost natural. If I love God with all my heart, there is no way I am going to worship some other God, or set up an idol, or curse His name, or forsake the assembly of His people (commandments 1-4). And if I love others as much as I love myself, there's not a chance I am going to dishonor my parents, or kill somebody, or take another man's wife, or lie about him, or covet his property.

Our problem is that we love ourselves way too much. And that's the number 1 characteristic of the perilous times God said would come in the last days (2 Timothy 3:1-2).

Now, let's think about it. Is God not worthy of our love? Of course He is! Jesus Christ bled and died for our sins. He has given us forgiveness and eternal life as a free gift. He has sealed us and indwelt us with His Spirit. He has reserved a mansion for us in heaven. He gives us life and life more abundant…He gives us all things pertaining to life and godliness…He gives us all things richly to enjoy. And we ought to love Him for it. Jesus said the best and the only way to prove that love is to keep His commandments (John 14:15).

In considering the command to love our neighbors, the objection that could be raised is the fact that they are not worthy of our love. The counter argument is three-fold:

1. We don't deserve the love we give to ourselves, and yet we love "us" anyway O

2. Others show us love we do not deserve
   

3. Jesus Christ set the example by expressing the fullest measure of His love – when we were yet sinners! (Romans 5:8)

So how's your love life? Love God. Love others. Die to self. Keep His commandments, and be blessed.

The 10 Commandments: Part 4 – 1.29.08

We left off with a look at the first 4 of the 10 commandments. These are referred to as the "vertical" commandments, as they deal with man's relationship to God. The next 6 are the "horizontal" commandments, dealing with man's relationship to his fellow man. That's where we'll pick up today.

5. Honor thy father and thy mother…

Jesus Christ quoted this commandment in Matthew 15:4, Matthew 19:19, and Mark 7:10. It is also repeated in Ephesians 6:1-3 and Colossians 3:20. Focusing on the NT passage in Ephesians 6, there are 3 things we need to notice:

• There is no "if." It does not say "if" you agree with your parents, or "if" they're right. It says to obey – period.
• There is a dual command – to honor and to obey. As long as you are in your parents home or under your parents care or living off their income, you are to obey. Once you have your own home and you have established your own family, you are no longer required to obey, but you are still under obligation to respect your parents, remember how they raised you, conduct yourselves in an honorable manner, and be careful not to do anything that would cast reproach on your parents' name. REMEMBER THIS IF/WHEN YOU GO AWAY TO COLLEGE!!!
• There is a promised blessing. Ephesians validates the promise given in Exodus – long and blessed life on the earth. (For an interesting study, look up Ecclesiastes 7:17; Proverbs 10:27; Psalm 55:23; Proverbs 9:11.)
  

6. Thou shalt not kill.

• 1 John 3:15 says that a man who hates his brother in his heart is a murderer. How many times have you verbalized such hatred, perhaps toward a sibling? How many times have you harbored such hatred?
• Here's an interesting thought. 1 Peter 2:24 says that Christ bare our sins in his body on the tree. 1 Corinthians 15:3 says Christ died for our sins. That makes us guilty of manslaughter. Jesus Christ died because of our sin. Now, no wonder God has such a hatred for sin; it is the very thing that nailed His Son to the cross. So why would we tolerate sin our own lives? May God make us all like Job, men/women who fear God and eschew evil.
  

7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.

It is my earnest hope and prayer that each one of you has committed to God and to yourself that you will keep yourself pure for the day you get married. But remember that God sees and judges the thoughts and intents of the heart. He knows what you look at; He knows what you listen to.

Jesus said adultery was a sin of the heart (Matthew 5:21-22; Mark 7:20-23). Peter said the act could be committed with the eyes (2 Peter 2:14). Purity is more than a promise to keep yourself for your spouse. It is a pattern of life. It is a manner of conduct. Thou shalt not commit adultery!

8. Thou shalt not steal.

Ephesians 4:28 says, Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

As Americans, we have this idea that somebody – the government, our parents, society – "owes" us something. But, let's be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1) and establish in our hearts that nobody owes us anything. The Bible teaches that we are to work hard for what we have; that we are not to take ANYTHING that does not belong to us. 1 Timothy 5:8; 1 Timothy 6:6-10; 2 Thessalonians 3:10; Hebrews 6:12

9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

This mandate is repeated in Romans 13:9, Ephesians 4:25, and Colossians 3:9. Notice the command is not to bear false witness AGAINST thy neighbor. If you think about it, I think it would be correct that a lie is always told for the benefit of one party (most often self) and at the expense of another.

Proverbs 26:24 says, He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him. Look at that word "dissembleth." I think of that as "dis-assemble." How many times has a rumor or a lie or a story you or I have told torn down or broken down the reputation or good name or confidence of another?

And here are some New Testament exhortations regarding honesty: Romans 12:17; 13:13; 2 Corinthians 8:21; 13:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:12; Hebrews 13:18; 1 Peter 2:12.

10. Thou shalt not covet.

Arguably the most ignored of the 10 in America today. Hebrews 13:5 is the most comprehensive NT reference to this command. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Covetousness springs from a lack of contentment. The thought here is that why would anybody who has the abiding presence of Jesus Christ ever fail to be content? Is He not all that we need?

So we are not "under law," but we have not escaped all obligation to live in accordance with some specific commands from God – including these 10. Let's HONESTLY search our hearts and ask God how many of these things are part of our lives. Let's pray Job's prayer, cause me to understand wherein I have erred. And let's get those things right.

The 10 Commandments: Part 3 – 1.15.08

The 10 commandments are listed in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. These commandments are generally broken down into 2 categories. The first 4 commandments are said to be "vertical" in that they deal with man's relationship to God. The last 6 commandments are said to be "horizontal" in that they deal with men's relationships one with another.

Let's take a closer look at the first 4 and their application to us as New Testament believers.

1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Any act of sin we commit is evidence that we regard someone or something more than God. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

Proverbs 24:9 says, The thought of foolishness is sin… Any sinful thought or deed is said to be foolish in the sense that it fails to take God into account (see Psalm 14:1). How often do we speak or act or make a choice or ponder a thought without being mindful of the fact that there is a God in heaven whose eyes behold the evil and the good (Proverbs 15:3) and who will render to every man according to his deeds (Jeremiah 17:10)?

2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image…Thou shalt not bow down to them or serve them.

This commandment is similar enough to the 1st that the Catholic Church tries to cover itself by combining these 2 and splitting the 10th (one about coveting your neighbor's wife and another about coveting your neighbor's goods).

Ezekiel 14:3 sheds some light on this commandment. According to that passage, men can set up idols in their hearts. What person means more to you than God does? What celebrity, what athlete, what politician, what boy, what girl, what preacher do you idolize? It's a sad reflection of our nation's spiritual condition when one of the most popular TV shows around is American Idol.

Matthew 6:22 says that no man can serve 2 masters. What master are you serving? Money, popularity, sports, fashion, education, success? Or the living God?

3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.

Everybody realizes that it's rude to dial somebody's number then hang up when they answer the phone. So many people today call on God and never want to talk to Him. "Oh, my God" isn't just a slang phrase used to express surprise or fear or excitement, it's blasphemy.

The very fact that people use the name of God or the name of Jesus Christ to curse and to swear is simply proof that down deep in their hearts they know He is greater than all. Why don't they swear by Buddha or Mohammed or Ghandi or Allah or Hillary or George or…? Hebrews 6:16 answers that question: For men verily swear by the greater…

Now, do you bear the name Christian (Acts 17:26)? Do you take the name of Christ upon yourself? Then don't do it in vain. Don't call yourself a Christian and ignore Jesus' commands.

4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

We don't have time right now to go into all the reasons the Sabbath law is not binding upon the New Testament Christian, but here are some references for you to check when you get a chance – Ezekiel 20:12, 20; Colossians 2;16-17; Matthew 28:1. With that, here are 2 more considerations: (1) 6 days of work is just as much a part of the Sabbath law as 1 day of rest, and (2) no one was to kindle a fire on the Sabbath day (Exodus 35:3)…which means nobody can drive to church for Saturday worship because you ignite a flame every time you start your vehicle and rev the engine.

The New Testament version of this commandment is found in Hebrews 10:25, Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more as ye see the day approaching.

Let's pray as David did in Psalm 119:35, Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.

The 10 Commandments: Part 2 – 1.11.08

The devotional/study today is only loosely connected to the 10 commandments, but I think it's an important matter for us to think about.

We have mentioned previously the fact that one violation of "the law" makes one guilty of breaking it in its entirety. That one sin makes a man a sinner of need of God's salvation. The basis for this statement is found in James 2:10 and Galatians 3:10.

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. (James 2:10)

For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. (Galatians 3:10)

The cross reference for the Galatians passage is Deuteronomy 27:26, Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Today, I'd like us to draw two different applications from these verses and others.

1. one sin is often equal to another
   

2. one sin (un-confessed and un-forsaken) always leads to another

As to the first point, there are a couple of passages that clearly point out the fact that one sinful act violates multiple commandments.

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry. (Colossians 3:5)

Remove me far from vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? Or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. (Proverbs 30:9)

[let me know if you can come up with any more that equate committing one sin with committing another]

God equates covetousness with idolatry. He equates theft with blasphemy. Why? Because their root is the same. I think that so many times we think we're OK because "well I do that, but I'd never do THAT." And we don't realize that the fact we commit that sin is proof that the root of THAT sin is down in our hearts.

Faithfulness to certain commandments does not give us an excuse to break any others. You're not free to have a heart full of pride just because you don't deceive your parents like your friend does. You're not free to entertain and indulge your ungodly thoughts just because you're not as immoral as some other people you know. You're not cleared from your responsibility to witness for Jesus Christ just because you don't drink and party. You're not free to covet just because you haven't stolen anything (yet). You get the point?

Building on this principle, we can find an example of the fact that one sin leads to another in the story of David and Bathsheeba in 2 Samuel 11. If you read the chapter carefully, David broke at least 8 of the 10 commandments (some of which are capital offenses) in the matter of one chapter. He coveted what did not belong to him. That led him to commit adultery with Bathsheeba, after which he dealt dishonestly with Urijah and had him killed so he could steal his wife. It is obvious that throughout this course of events, he failed to put God first, dishonored his parents, and cast reproach upon the name of God.

Where did it all start? What sin caused David to take such a great fall (and if you read about the rest of his life, he paid dearly for his actions)? It all started with yielding to a simple temptation. It all started with the decision to take a second glance at what he knew he shouldn't look at. "Oh, be careful little eyes what you see!"

Now, though we are not "under the law" and though we are governed by the indwelling Christ and not by rules and regulations, we are given specific commandments in the New Testament (very close to the same 10 in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5). And we are not at liberty to pick and choose which we keep and which we ignore.

God wants us to keep them all…only because He wants our lives to be blessed in so doing. Ask God to pluck out whatever root of sin is in your heart because if you don't, that plant will grow…and it will be ugly.

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)

The 10 Commandments: Part 1 – 1.8.08

Greetings to all in the name of our wonderful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Hope you're having a great day enjoying the benefits He loads upon us daily (Psalm 68:19).

Today I'd like to address this matter: Is the law binding upon the New Testament Christian? Are the 10 commandments binding upon the New Testament believer? Of course, there is no short answer to those questions.

Before we look at any scripture verses, let's remember that the law was given as an amendment to God's covenant with the Hebrew people for the purpose of governing their life as a nation in the promised land. Since probably none of us are of Jewish descent and none of us will probably ever visit – let alone occupy – any land in Palestine, the answer to the question is no, the law in its entirety is not, has never been, will never be "binding" upon you and me.

Next, let's look to the book of Romans.

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. (6:14)

¹There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. ²For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. ³For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: ⁴That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. ⁵For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. ⁶For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. ⁷Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. ⁸So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. ⁹But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (8:1-9)

The point of the above passages is that the law had a dominating and controlling influence in the lives of men in the Old Testament. It governed and directed their lives. But they couldn't keep it. That law was said to be "weak through the flesh." And what God has given the New Testament believer is so much better. We are led and controlled, not by a law we can't keep, but by the indwelling Holy Spirit. We are governed and directed by One who indwells us and enables us to do what is pleasing to God.

A man under the law had no power to keep the law imposed upon him. But those under grace are given the ability to do those things that are pleasing in God's sight (because we are indwelt by One who always does what pleases the Father – John 8:29; Hebrews 13:20-21). Note, however, that freedom from the law does not release a man from any type of obligation to keep God's commandments. Rather, freedom from the law grants that man the opportunity to do so. "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid" (6:1). "Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness" (6:18).

With that in mind, we could not conclude without pointing out the fact that each mandate contained in the Decalogue (fancy word for the 10 commandments) is repeated in the New Testament epistles…with the slight exception of #4. We'll list the references now and perhaps take a closer look at them later.

1. Thou shalt have no other Gods before me (Philippians 3:8; Hebrews 12:1-2)

2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image (Acts 17:29; 1 Thessalonians 1:9)

3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain (Ephesians 4:29; 1 Timothy 1:20; Colossians 4:6)

4. Remember the Sabbath (different, but similar command in Hebrews 10:25)

5. Honor thy father and thy mother (Ephesians 6:1; Colossians 3:20)

6. Thou shalt not kill (Romans 13:9; 1 John 3:15)

7. Thou shalt not commit adultery (Romans 13:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7; Hebrews 13:4; Ephesians 5:3)

8. Thou shalt not steal (Romans 13:9; Ephesians 4:28)

9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor (Romans 13:9; Colossians 3:9; Ephesians 4:25)

10. Thou shalt not covet (Romans 13:9; Ephesians 5:3; Colossians 3:5; 1 Timothy 6:10-11; Hebrews 13:5)

In conclusion, then…

1. No part of the law is binding upon any non-Jew, especially a child of God…

2. However, the Christian is empowered by the Holy Spirit to do all that God requires…

3. And each of the 10 commandments is repeated in the New Testament epistles…

So I guess this means that we're not completely off the hook. But let's keep in mind that all of what God commands is for our good (Deuteronomy 10:13). Aren't you glad He loves you?!

Purpose of the Law: the NT – 1.3.08

We mentioned last time that the law points to Jesus Christ by way of typology – the lambs, the offerings, the high priest, the tabernacle, etc. all represent the Lord Jesus Christ in some way or another. The second way in which the law serves as a schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ is to show us our need for the salvation He offers – that we might be justified by faith (Galatians 3:24).

Over and over again, the New Testament states that the purpose of the law is to define sin, and in so doing to point us to the only one who can wash those sins away. Consider the following statements:

• Sin is the transgression of the law (1 John 3:4).
  
• That every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God (Romans 3:19).
  
• For by the law is the knowledge of sin (Romans 3:20).
  
• Moreover the law entered that the offence might abound (Romans 5:20).
  
• I had not known sin but by the law (Romans 7:7).
  
• I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died (Romans 7:9).
  
• Sin, by the commandment, might become exceeding sinful (Romans 7:13).
  
• The strength of sin is the law (1 Corinthians 15:56).
  

With this in mind, let's take a look at two passages.

We began this study with a quotation from 1 Timothy 1:8. But we know hat the law is good, if a man use it lawfully. Verse 9 says, Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane…Then verse 15, This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…

So what is the lawful use of the law? It is to show a man his sin. What is the purpose of the law? It is to bring that man to the Savior.

Now, read Titus 3:3-4. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared.

Notice the order in which the Holy Spirit arranges these verses. Verse 3 describes a man's sinful condition. Verse 4 follows with the appearance of the love of God. The point is this: a man who does not understand the fact that he is condemned before God as a sinner is not ready for the message of God's love. The gospel message becomes meaningful and effectual when a man understands that God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Let me illustrate it this way. If I go down to Orlando or Daytona or DeLand on a Friday or Saturday night, and I stand outside the bar, and I hug everyone who comes out and tell those people, "God loves you, God loves you," they are more than likely to agree with my statement. And from that statement they will conclude (1) if God loves me, then I must be okay, don't judge me, and (2) if God loves me, then He wouldn't send me to hell…both of which conclusions are obviously incorrect.

However, if a man comes out of that bar and believes the preaching he hears about the wages of his sin, he is ready to receive the Christ that died for him and rose again. So when you are giving the gospel message, be sure to emphasize the reason that Christ died – for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3).

Aren't you glad that where sin abounded, grace did much more abound (Romans 5:20)!

Purpose of the Law: the Jew – 12.31.07

As we have stated before, the entire body of commandments given by God to Moses on Mt. Sinai for the Israelite nation (the law) is an amendment to the covenant given by God to Abraham for the purpose of governing that nation of people in the promised land.

There are many today who believe and teach that some adherence to the law was required for people in the Old Testament to be "saved." They believe and teach a FAITH plus WORKS system was in place at the time. (Many of these people also believe and teach this system will be put back in place during the tribulation.)

Today, we are going to examine the book of Deuteronomy to find out the stated purpose for which the law was given. The book of Deuteronomy is said to be a second giving or a repeating of the law. It does, in fact, repeat much of the material found in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers…but it does so from God's viewpoint. While Exodus and Numbers contain the historical record of the giving of the law and the wilderness wanderings, Deuteronomy provides a spiritual record of the same material.

Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statues and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers giveth you. (4:1)

Thou shalt keep therefore his statues, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayeset prolong thy days upon the earth, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, for ever. (4:40)

Ye shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess. (5:33)

Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey. (6:3)

And the Lord commanded us to do all these statues, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is this day. (6:24)

All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the Lord sware unto your fathers. (8:1)

Therefore shall ye keep all the commandments which I command you this day, that ye may be strong, and go in and possess the land, whither ye go to possess it; And that ye may prolong your days in the land, which the Lord sware unto your fathers to give unto them and to their seed, a land that floweth with milk and honey. (11:8-9)

And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessing shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God. (28:1-2)

Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do. (29:9)

In that I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. (30:16)

And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it. (32:46-47)

Conclusions:

1. The law was given to the Hebrew nation. No Gentile was ever or has ever been responsible for any of it.

2. The promise given to the nation (not individuals) for keeping the law was prolonged, blessed life in the land of promise on the earth. No mention is ever made of eternal life anywhere.

Summary:

The law was given to a physical people (Israel) with a promise of physical blessings (life, rain, crops, prosperity, victory over other nations) in a physical land (Canaan).