Bible Pathways 1/24/2001
January 24
Exodus 20 -- 22
The Ten Commandments are an expression of the perfect moral nature of God. Eight are expressed negatively: Thou shalt not. Six present requirements for our relationship with others. Four reveal the absolute perfection of the Holy, One True Creator-God, who alone is to be worshiped above all.
God spoke all these words, saying, I am the Lord your God. . . . Have no other gods before Me. . . . Make no graven image, or likeness of any thing that is in Heaven . . . or in the earth. . . . I the Lord . . . am a jealous God . . . showing mercy to . . . them that love Me, and keep my Commandments. You shall not take the Name of the Lord your God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that takes His Name in vain. Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy. . . . Honor your father and your mother. . . . You shall not kill . . . commit adultery. . . . steal. . . . bear false witness. . . . covet (Exodus 20:1-17).
Every true Christian desires that his life be an expression of Christ who dwells within, since God has also said to us: Be Holy; for I am Holy (Leviticus 11:44; I Peter 1:16). The Ten Commandments set a high standard which reveals the things that are wrong in one's life. From the beginning of creation, it was wrong to murder. However the sixth commandment was not a prohibition against all killing, only against unauthorized killing. Israelite Law required taking the life of an enemy during warfare (I Samuel 15:3), as well as the execution of anyone who intentionally committed murder. Without exception: Whoever sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God He made man (Genesis 9:6; Numbers 35:16-18).
We are warned that all liars will go to hell. It is wrong to steal -- wrong whether it is done by shoplifting, cheating on our income tax, or failing to give an employer a full day's work. It is wrong to bear false witness against our neighbors, and it is wrong to commit adultery. The . . . unbelieving . . . murderers . . . whoremongers . . . and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone (Revelation 21:8). We are also warned against the practices of witchcraft, sorcery, bestiality, and sacrificing to any god, except the Lord only (Exodus 22:18-20). All who were guilty of these sins were to be put to death immediately. Obedience should come from the heart. If I have love toward my neighbor, I will not steal his property, or commit adultery with his wife, or commit fornication with his daughter. I will protect and respect his loved ones because they are the property of God.
The Apostle Paul said: I had not known sin, but by the Law: for I had not known lust, except the Law had said, You shall not covet (Romans 7:7). The Law is a mirror that reveals what we should be with absolute accuracy; but it cannot change us. It reveals our sins and the need to confess them and repent. The Law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith (Galatians 3:24). Jesus said: He that has my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves me: and he that loves me shall be loved of my Father (John 14:21).
Word Studies:
20:13 kill = murder; 21:14 presumptuously upon = willfully attacks; 21:16 stealeth = kidnaps; 21:19 be quit = go unpunished; 21:22 fruit depart = miscarry; 21:29 were wont = has tried before; 22:2 breaking up = breaking in.
Government Officials: Rep. Bart Gordon (TN) and Sen. Mike Thompson (CA) · Pray for Rick Hash and the Bible Pathway Radio Broadcasts on KVER-FM, El Paso, TX · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio Broadcast in honor of George and Judy Kopchak · Country: Spain (39 million) in southwestern Europe · Major languages: Castilian Spanish and Catalan · Limited religious freedom · 94% Roman Catholic; .5% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion:Sing praises to the Lord; tell others what He has done (Psalms 9:11).
Optional Reading:
Matthew 24
Memory Verse for the Week:
Psalms 12:6
