Topic: The relevance of the ten commandments.
Text: Exodus 20:12-17
Discussion: Yesterday, we considered the first part of the ten commandments, and their relevance today, how that, Jesus did not come to destroy them but to fulfill them. Hence they are still relevant till today.
Today we will further the discussion on the ten commandments, and we would be looking at the interpersonal laws, and their relevance in this new testament times.
Commandment 5: Exodus 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
God demands that Honour be given to whom Honour is due, not only our parents but elderly once, and those in place of authority, even when the Pharisees and the people of his time chose to dishonor their parents he rebuked them see Matthew 15:3-6. Jesus said they transgress, and the Bible says Sin is the transgression of the law. 1 John 3:4 this law of God has not changed it stands, and must be kept.
Commandment 6: Exodus 20:13 Thou shalt not kill.
Specifically Jesus had to remphasize this law because it was beginning to loose it's weight, see, Matthew 5:21-22 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Those were the words of Jesus himself, showing how serious this commandment is, anxiety to reemphasize it's reliance, hence don't be deceived, by those that will say the law is not relevant again, you just ensure you, obey, for it is the word of God
Commandment 7: Exodus 20:14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.
This is another area where many youth, and adults, fall victim, the area of fornication and adultery, hear what Jesus said in concerning this and see the gravity take the pain to read it in Matthew 5:27-32
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
And if thy right hand offend thee, cut if off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
Commandment 8: Exodus 20:15 Thou shalt not steal.
Apostle Paul in his letter to the Ephesians, gave a strong counsel, about this he said stealing; is giving place to the Devil, hence as new creatures in Christ, let him that stole before when he was a sinner steal no more, that you may give no place to the Devil. See it in Ephesians 4:27-28
Neither give place to the devil.
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.
Commandment 9: Exodus 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
This valid commandment of God was upheld by Jesus Christ while answering the ruler who asked him what to do to inherit eternal life, this was so important that this was recorded in Matthew, mark, and Luke, look at it in Luke, He said:
Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. Luke 18:20
Commandment 10: Exodus 20:17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.
This commandment of God was also used as an exhortation, and warning in Luke 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
And Apostle Paul reminded the Ephesians, that which they knew already in Ephesians 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. And in his farewell address, he called the people to testify concerning his own life he said in Acts 20:33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. Showing how significant this commandment is.
In conclusion, we have seen the commands of God are unchanging, just a a God is unchanging, and this word of Christ comes to mind in John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
The evidence of our love for God and Christ is in keeping his commandments,
Jesus gave the simple summary of the whole commandments, and what is it Love, if you love God keep his commandments, if you love your neighbor, all the law will be fulfilled.
Challenge: Do you really Love God or you claim to love him?
Prayer: Lord let your love be rooted In me that it may govern my actions and interaction with You and all men.
0 comments:
Post a Comment