Why Should I follow the Ten Commandments Exodus 20:1-17
- Somethings are not supposed to change, morph and evolve. Somethings stay the same.
- I really like American football. It changes over time and it should. People shouldn’t die.
- Better equipment. Better rules. More entertainment. But the essence does not change- It’s a game with teams with a ball that scores points to win.
- Christianity does not evolve. What we believe does not change, our methods may change, but what we believe does not change. The ESSENCE of who we are never changes- We are people of YHWH who are set apart to worship him wholeheartedly and live how HE wants us to live.
- This means what we believe and how we live will always been countercultural. We will not fit in.
- You have got to decide that you are going to believe what God tells you to believe and not care.
- The Church cannot change on means of Salvation, Gathering, Tithing, Sexuality, Immorality etc
- The Church is the barrier to total acceptance of all immorality- we are the last line of defense.
- Some things have changed- The biggest changes in the people of YHWH has been change from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. This portion of Scripture is the Old Covenant and we are under the New Covenant. But it wasn’t really a “change” it was always the plan
- When Jesus returns it will ‘change’ but its already decided and was already prophesied.
- Get in your head- God does not change. Eden, Noah, Abraham, David, Israel, Jesus, NT SAME
- Mal 3:6 For I am the Lord, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.
- Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
- James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
- Psalm 102:27 But You are the same, and Your years will have no end.
- Rev 1:8 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come”, the Almighty.
- Today I want to use the backdrop of the ten commandments to prove this point to you- God had already established all the moral commands BEFORE Ex 20. This just codified them.
- BTW- The term “Ten commandments” comes from bible EX 34:28. Deut 4:13, 10:4
- What does codified mean? term “codified” refers to the process of arranging and systematizing laws or rules into a comprehensive and organized code or collection. Makes it clearer.
- Systematization: Codification organizes laws or rules systematically, often by subject matter, to create a clear and structured legal code. (the first five to God, second 5 to man)
- Consolidation: It involves consolidating scattered laws, regulations, and principles into one unified document or code. (These laws were established, this put them concisely)
- Clarity and Accessibility: Codified laws are typically more accessible and easier to understand, as they are written clearly and logically arranged. (Now you have a list- no excuses)
- Authority: A codified law or code often has a higher authority and is more formalized than uncodified or common law. (God went so far as to directly talk and write them on stone)
WHY ARE They so important?
- Foundational Nature: These are the ethical and moral principles for the covenant between God and His people. core values and behaviors expected in the covenant relationship
- Direct Revelation: Unlike other laws in the Torah, They were directly spoken by God to the entire assembly of Israel at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19-20). Straight from God himself.
- Universal Moral Principles: that are relevant to all people and all times, such as prohibitions against murder, theft, and adultery, and mandates to honor parents and worship only one God. These principles transcend cultural and historical contexts, providing a timeless ethical foundation. These truths have been true for all of eternity and always will be. Forever.
- Symbolic Representation: inscribed on two stone tablets by the finger of God (Exodus 31:18; Deuteronomy 9:10), symbolizing their enduring and unchangeable nature. These tablets were placed in the Ark of the Covenant, signifying their central role in the religious life of Israel (Exodus 25:16, 21). Some say the thousands of laws we have just support the 10
- Covenantal Identity: define the identity and distinctiveness of the people of Israel as God’s chosen people. guide their conduct in accordance with God’s will.
- Theological Emphasis: exclusive worship of God (monotheism), the rejection of idolatry, the sanctity of God’s name, and the importance of rest and worship (Sabbath). central to the relationship between God- people. form the core of biblical theology.
- Basis for Further Laws: Many of the other commandments and laws in the Torah are expansions or applications of the principles found in the Ten Commandments.
Lets get through these today- Pretty basic stuff. (show you how they were BEFORE exodus)
- First Commandment: “You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:3)
- foundational principle of monotheism, exclusive worship and recognition of one God.
- We are to worship God only. no provision for any other diety at. YHWH only. No co-worship
- This means Allah, The Mormons, the JWs, Buddhists, Sikhs, Astrologies, etc.
- In Genesis 35:2-3 Jacob commands his household to rid themselves of foreign gods, Jacob knew there was only ONE God- He refused to allow his family to worship ANYTHING else
- Today- People don’t Go worship foreign Gods by name. Baal- Weather (attendance) Ashoreth- Sexuality (Immorality) Molech- Child sacrifice Dagon- Agriculture Ishtar- Love Mammon-Money
- There are people who worship these foreign Gods every day and don’t realize it. YHWH not first
- What takes priority in your life? What and WHO is number one no matter what?
- Second Commandment: “You shall not make for yourself a carved image…” (Exodus 20:4-6)
- worship God in spirit and truth. You shouldn’t need to see tangible evidence to worship God
- Genesis 31:34-35 Rachel’s Father was Laban. Laban was a deceitful, thieving, accuser
- Also an Idolater with many Idols. His Daughter hid these idols from him. She knew it was wrong! She didn’t want to dishonor God- She only wanted to worship God alone!
- Modern idols could be material possessions, careers, or even relationships?
- What do you really value above God? Tithing doesn’t happen bc people want items and stuff.
- Cars, toys, tvs, vacations, etc. You tell yourself and kids, they wont serve God w/o this
- Third Commandment: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.”
- reverence and respect due to God’s name, sacredness of how we speak of and address God.
- Genesis 24:3 Abraham takes a serious oath between him and his servant. It was SERIOUS
- When someone said the name of God it meant something. People come into a covenant relationship with his church, take public vows in his name and lie with their mouths and actions
- Develop a deeper respect for God’s name in speech and actions. Don’t take it lightly.
- Fourth Commandment: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8-11)
- a day of rest and worship, this commandment emphasizes the importance of spiritual reflection and physical rest, acknowledging God’s creation and His provision. HE OWNS THE DAY
- Genesis 2:2-3 God rest ons the seventh day sets a divine example of rest and sanctity.
- rest in a culture that glorifies busyness and productivity. You set yourself apart for GOD
- Prioritize Sabbath rest and WORSHIP in your weekly routine to recharge physically and spiritually.
- Fifth Commandment: “Honor your father and your mother.” (Exodus 20:12)
- transitions from duties to God to duties toward fellow humans, starting with the family.
- importance of respecting and valuing parental authority and family relationships. (man-woman)
- Genesis 27:8-13 Jacob was obedient to his Mother Rebekah even though it was deceptive.
- honoring parents in contemporary family dynamics is complex. Kids- DO IT. Adults- careful
- Find ways to show respect and care for your parents, regardless of past conflicts.
- Sixth Commandment: “You shall not murder.” (Exodus 20:13)
- protects the sanctity of human life, life is sacred and must be respected. Murder never OK
- Genesis 4:8-10 Cain kills his brother Abel and God punishes him for it. Murder is not OK
- Much violence in relationships today is murderous. Maybe not blood, but people want to destroy other people. Matt 5:22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother
- Society is full of anger today. People so angry about so much nonsense. For what?
- Practice forgiveness and reconciliation to avoid the destructive path of Cain.
- You don’t want to miss heaven because of your murderous heart. BE CHANGED BY THE GOSPEL
- Seventh Commandment: “You shall not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14)
- Significance: It underscores the sanctity of marriage and fidelity, promoting trust and faithfulness in intimate relationships. Not just the act. Porn, Lust, Affairs, etc. Only way is monogamy.
- Scripture Reference: Genesis 39:7-9
- Extrapolation: Joseph’s refusal of Potiphar’s wife exemplifies sexual integrity and faithfulness.
- Many lives, ministries and people have been destroyed by sexual immorality.
- Commit to live God’s way. Bulletproof your marriage against immorality. Do what you need to do
- Commit to faithfulness in your relationship. Seek accountability if you need it.
- Eighth Commandment: “You shall not steal.” (Exodus 20:15)
- Upholds the rights to personal property and promotes respect for others’ possessions.
- Genesis 3 God told Adam and Eve “You shall not eat”. This does not belong to you. All is not yours
- Some say pride is the original sin, but the first original commandment broken?- Thievery.
- You may not rob and steal, but do you take? Not go back into store? Take whats not yours?
- What I’m surprised is the thievery within the church- Stuff gone all the time.
- I’ve been on a tithing thing. Some of ya’ll rob God every month. Don’t even pay tithe.
- Don’t be a thief. Not with God or others. Its’ wrong. God doesn’t like it.
- Ninth Commandment: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”
- honesty and integrity, particularly in legal and personal matters, fostering trust and justice in the community. Gossip and slander and second hand info is bearing false witness.
- Scripture Reference: Genesis 12:11-20 Abram’s lie about Sarai introduces the chaos and harm of falsehoods. Said he was his sister not his wife. God plagued Pharoah bc of Sarah’s deception
- Much of the destruction in churches is from Gossip and slander. And people lying about where they are at spiritually. There’s wolves in this church. They hide among you.
- Commit to truthfulness in all communications, building trust and unity
- Tenth Commandment: “You shall not covet…” (Exodus 20:17)
- internal attitudes and desires, the importance of contentment and the dangers of envy and greed.
- People care far too much about what other people have and what they are doing.
- Then you break other commandments to try and keep up.
- Scripture Reference: Genesis 3:6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate.
- The thievery of Even was conceived in her eyes of wanting that which was not hers.
- People look at other peoples spouses, vehicles, houses, jobs, kids, bodies, gifts etc.
- End up comparing themselves into hell. Don’t do it. Don’t want what isn’t yours. Honor God
- Cultivate contentment and gratitude for what God has provided, avoiding the trap of envy.
- THE END- God does not Change the ten were before the ten, during the ten, after the ten for all eternity. God does not change. He is always the same. Yesterday, today and forever. Come to hIM
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