Sermon Transcript
Reader's Version
The Ten Commandments: God’s Law, Our Hearts.Sermon By Gene SimcoReader’s Version
I heard a story about a Sunday school teacher giving a lesson on the Ten Commandments. After explaining the commandment to honor your father and mother, she asked, "Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?" Without missing a beat, one little boy answered, "Thou shalt not murder."
We continue our series, "The Reset," where we ask the question: Christianity—are we doing it wrong? This series is perfect for beginners, as it offers a great look at the basics. It's also valuable for those who have been Christians for a long time. In fact, many believers have found themselves asking the same question throughout this series: Are we doing it wrong? If so, this is a great opportunity for a reset.
We discussed what gets us into heaven, and the answer to that was faith. Faith grants us access to heaven, and obedience to Jesus' commands is part of that journey. We examined John 14, where Jesus speaks on this.
John 14:21 Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” 22 Judas (not Judas Iscariot, but the other disciple with that name) said to him, “Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?” 23 Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.
We see obedience here as one of the keys to our eternal home. Today, we’ll explore the origins of those commands in the Ten Commandments. What are they? When we look at the first five books of the Bible—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—we find them. In Exodus 20, the law begins, though the narrative continues through Deuteronomy. Altogether, there are 613 different laws. A helpful, though imperfect, way of understanding this is that the Ten Commandments act as a table of contents for the rest of the laws.
For example, consider the command, You shall not murder. Naturally, questions arise: What exactly constitutes murder? There’s an example of a man whose axe head flies off and accidentally kills someone. Is that murder or manslaughter? This question leads into the establishment of cities of refuge, where those who commit unintentional killings can flee. Furthermore, there are priestly laws, especially in Leviticus. If someone commits a sin, how can they atone for it? What sacrifice is required? These laws go into great detail.
However, a crucial point to make is that we are no longer under the law of Moses in its entirety. This is made clear throughout the New Testament. In the book of Acts, the early church faced this question. Jesus and all of His initial followers were Jewish, so when Gentiles began coming to faith, there was confusion: Do they need to follow the law? Acts 10 recounts Peter’s vision, which had to be given to him three times before he understood that Gentiles could be included in the faith.
This issue culminates in Acts 15 at the first council of the church. Some Pharisees who had become believers insisted that Gentile converts must follow the law of Moses. Peter, however, argues against this, stating that the law was a burden neither they nor their ancestors could bear. The decision was made: Gentiles do not need to follow the law. We are under Christ, who has fulfilled the law.
This theme is reiterated throughout the New Testament. In Galatians, Paul reflects on this decision, and much of the book deals with this issue. Romans also addresses it extensively, as do 2 Corinthians, Hebrews, and other writings. Let’s revisit the book of Romans, as we’ve looked at it in previous chapters.
Romans 3:20 For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. 21 But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. 22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.
Here we see the purpose of the law and the prediction that it ends - very important scriptures. And if we keep reading, we see some of those requirements for getting into heaven that we examined in the past. But before that, Romans 10 says this:
Romans 10:4 For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given [Christ is the end of the law]. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God. 5 For Moses writes that the law’s way of making a person right with God requires obedience to all of its commands. 6 But faith’s way of getting right with God says, “Don’t say in your heart, ‘Who will go up to heaven?’ (to bring Christ down to earth). 7 And don’t say, ‘Who will go down to the place of the dead?’ (to bring Christ back to life again).” 8 In fact, it says, “The message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart.” And that message is the very message about faith that we preach: 9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Last week, we looked at the foundational steps for salvation. If we examine the Greek version of Romans 10:4 closely, we see it clearly states, "Christ is the end of the law." It doesn’t get much clearer than that. Notice how much of this centers on the heart. The message is close to us—it’s on our lips and in our hearts: "If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart..." We’ll keep coming back to this issue of the heart.
The law was once the way, but now, as we saw, Jesus is the Way. This brings us to John 14:6, where Jesus says, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me." Christ is the end of the law, and now He is the only way.
That being said, the Ten Commandments have always been foundational in Christianity—not the entirety of the law of Moses, but a lasting basis. If we look at early Christian documents, like the Didache, we see how it clarifies and reinforces Christian practices. The Didache helps address questions about the Lord’s Supper, baptism, and early church liturgy. This document is remarkable; some scholars believe it was written around the same time as the New Testament or shortly afterward, between 50 to 100 years later. It offers insights into early Christian thought and teaching.
The Didache presents "The Lord's Teaching through the Twelve Apostles to the Nations," and in chapter one, it describes two ways: one leading to life and the other to death. It begins with the fundamental commandments: "First, you shall love God who made you. Second, love your neighbor as yourself, and do not do to another what you would not want them to do to you." The teachings continue with statements that echo the Sermon on the Mount, like "Bless those who curse you, pray for your enemies, and fast for those who persecute you."
As we continue into chapter two, we see the familiar commandments: "You shall not commit murder, adultery, or fornication. You shall not steal." It even addresses some of the sins we discussed in the last section, like witchcraft and sorcery—similar to modern practices like using a Ouija board, where people put their faith in things other than God. The commandment against such practices is clear: do not commit the sin of Saul.
There’s another commandment in the Didache that is particularly relevant today: "You shall not murder a child by abortion." This teaching resonates strongly in our current context, and we’ll return to this in a moment.
Additionally, the Didache speaks against coveting, hypocrisy, and pride. Chapter three lists other casually committed sins, such as jealousy, quarreling, and having a hot temper. We see that most of the Ten Commandments appear in the Didache, along with some of the more casual sins we've discussed in this series.
What’s fascinating is that the Christian teaching goes beyond the Ten Commandments. Early Christian writings like the Didache offer a fuller list, which reflects the New Testament’s expanded view. In books like Galatians and Ephesians, we see these long lists of sins—many of which people might consider casual or insignificant—but even in the earliest Christian teachings, these "casual" sins were addressed.
Let’s take a close look at the Ten Commandments, but first, I want to give you some background. Starting with the Bible, from Genesis to Joseph, we see the progression of human rejection of God. In Genesis, we begin with the creation and paradise, where humanity rejects God. Then we see this rejection continue. There’s the first murder, when Cain kills Abel, rejecting the image of God that we are made in. The pattern of sin continues throughout Genesis. Even the angels aren’t happy, man is sinning, and it leads to the flood.
This brings us to the family of Noah—Ham, Shem, Japheth, and their wives. From there, we get genealogies that eventually lead to Abraham, or Abram. Abram is the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob becomes Israel, leading us to the twelve tribes of Israel. Joseph is one of Jacob’s sons, and he plays a pivotal role. His brothers try to kill him, then sell him to Ishmaelite or Midianite slave traders. Joseph ends up in Egypt, where he rises from being a prisoner to the second-in-command, just under Pharaoh. He saves the day during a famine, reconciles with his family, and brings them to Egypt, where they settle and become numerous.
When we reach Exodus, many years go by and we learn that the new Pharaoh forgets about what Joseph had done for Egypt. He becomes worried that the Hebrew people have become too populous and might turn against them in a war. Pharaoh enslaves the Hebrews and orders the killing of all male infants. Moses is saved by Pharaoh’s daughter, grows up in Pharaoh’s palace, and gains prominence. However, after killing an Egyptian slave driver, Moses flees to the desert. There, he meets his future wife, Zipporah, and interacts with her father, Jethro (or Reuel, as he’s sometimes called).
Moses is then called back to Egypt by God, appearing in the form of a burning bush. This is where the famous "I AM" declaration comes from, which Jesus later references in the Gospels. In Exodus 3, God calls Moses to help redeem the Israelites from slavery, along with his brother Aaron. Many of you are familiar with the Exodus story and the ten plagues. After the final plague, the Passover is instituted, and the Israelites leave Egypt.
You probably know about the parting of the Red Sea and how the Israelites frequently grumble and complain, even after receiving manna from heaven and water from a rock. We see Joshua battling the Amalekites, and Moses receiving advice from his father-in-law, Jethro.
Then, in Exodus 19, it says: "Exactly two months after the Israelites left Egypt, they arrived in the wilderness of Sinai. After breaking camp at Rephidim, they came to the wilderness of Sinai and set up camp at the base of Mount Sinai." Moses climbs the mountain and appears before God, and the Lord calls to him, saying, "Give these instructions to the family of Jacob. Announce it to the descendants of Israel."
Eventually, Moses returns from the mountain and calls together the elders of the people. He tells them everything the Lord commanded, and the people respond, "We will do everything the Lord has commanded." Moses brings their answer back to the Lord. The Lord then says to Moses, "I will come to you in a thick cloud so the people can hear me when I speak to you. This way, they will always trust you."
The people prepare for this event. Moses goes down to consecrate them for worship, and they wash their clothes. He tells them to get ready for the third day and abstain from sexual relations until then. On the morning of the third day, there is thunder and lightning, and a dense cloud descends on the mountain. A long, loud blast from a ram’s horn sounds, and the people tremble. Mount Sinai is covered in smoke because the Lord has descended upon it in fire. As the sound of the ram’s horn grows louder and louder, Moses speaks, and God replies in thunder. The Lord comes down on the top of Mount Sinai and calls Moses to ascend the mountain.
There is a bit of discussion and confusion about whether the people can approach the mountain. The Lord tells Moses, "Go down and bring Aaron back up with you. Do not let the priests or the people break through to approach the Lord, or He will destroy them." So Moses goes down to the people and tells them what the Lord had said.
When we turn the page to Exodus 20, we see the Ten Commandments.
Exodus 20:1 Then God gave the people all these instructions [words]: 2 “I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery.3 “You must not have any other god but me.4 “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. 5 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. 6 But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.7 “You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.8 “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 You have six days each week for your ordinary work, 10 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. 11 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.12 “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.13 “You must not murder.14 “You must not commit adultery.15 “You must not steal.16 “You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.17 “You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.”18 When the people heard the thunder and the loud blast of the ram’s horn, and when they saw the flashes of lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, they stood at a distance, trembling with fear.19 And they said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen. But don’t let God speak directly to us, or we will die!”20 “Don’t be afraid,” Moses answered them, “for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!”
"Don't be afraid," Moses told them, "for God has come in this way to test you, so that your fear of Him will keep you from sinning."
Here, we see something very interesting about fear. There is a paradox at work, and this is often how the Bible operates. Moses says, "Don't be afraid," yet at the same time, it’s the fear of God that will keep the people from sinning. So, even though they’re told not to fear, that fear still serves a purpose. We’ve seen elsewhere in Scripture that the fear of the Lord is important. This passage brings those ideas together—don’t be afraid, but recognize that a healthy fear of God helps guide us away from sin.
Let's take a closer look at the Ten Commandments and how they apply today.
No Other Gods
This is pretty straightforward, as we saw in our first chapter. John 14:6 states it clearly: "Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life." Jesus is the only way—He is God, and this is the Triune God as we've explored in this series.
No Idols
This one might be a little strange for people today. First, it's important to discuss what idols were. In the ancient world, they were often literal carved images that people would worship. This idea may seem foreign to us today, but it's not as distant as we might think. Remember, some of these idols were even images of family members. That should bring to mind certain Christian denominations where people make a practice of praying to dead relatives. Have you ever seen a shrine with pictures of someone who’s passed away, and someone praying to that person? That’s idolatry. God is the only one we should be praying to or trusting in for anything. When we place our trust in anyone else, whether they're alive or dead, that’s idolatry.
We also see modern forms of idolatry. In our society, we trust in things like money. Think about how much trust we place in our finances over God. A quick note here: while it’s not wrong to go to the doctor when we’re sick, what’s the first thing we do when we face an illness? Do we pray first, or do we trust more in the doctor’s ability to solve our problem than in God? Again, this is not to dismiss doctors. Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke and a companion of Paul, was a doctor. Paul mentions him in his writings. In places like 2 Corinthians 12, Paul prays for healing from a physical ailment, and his prayer isn’t answered the way he hoped. So yes, you should go to a doctor, but it’s important to examine what we’re trusting in first.
1 John 5:21 gives us a clear warning: "Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts." If we look at the original Greek, it says, "Keep away from idols." An idol is anything that takes God’s place in our hearts, and this heart issue comes up often, doesn't it?
Now, let's talk about the generational curse associated with idolatry. Note that this curse is connected to idolatry, not necessarily to the other commands. Some Christians espouse a false teaching of generational curses, as if you can blame your sin or problems on your family members from the past. This is very similar to the false deliverance ministries that are popular in some circles today. But there is no generational curse for Christians—Christ has broken the curse. Galatians 3:13 tells us, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us." It’s crucial to remember that Christ has already freed us from any curse if we are in Him. However, the curse mentioned in Exodus is specifically tied to idolatry.
Do Not Take the Name of the Lord in Vain
What does this mean? The Hebrew term here is “take up, bear, or carry the name of your God” for something that is worthless, false, or empty. The phrase “in vain” can mean empty, worthless, or to no good purpose. This command can be broken in a few ways:1. Blasphemy or cursing – Using profane language or words that are irreverent or contemptuous towards God.2. False oaths – Making promises in God's name and not keeping them, like saying, "I swear to God."3. Hypocrisy – Professing faith in God but not living up to it.4. Casual use of God’s name – Using phrases like "Oh my God" or "Jesus Christ" unintentionally or in anger.I would extend this to include foul language in general. As we’ve seen before, sins like this aren’t casual to God; they’re very serious.
The Sabbath
The Sabbath was a very serious commandment in the Old Testament. It’s the first commandment with a promise, and it was given even before the law was established. In Exodus 16, the people were grumbling about the manna, the bread from heaven, which was God’s provision for them. Jesus alludes to this in the Lord's Prayer, "Give us this day our daily bread." God was providing exactly what they needed each day, but the command of the Sabbath comes in that chapter. God instructs the people to rest on the seventh day. He even provided double portions of manna on the sixth day, so they wouldn't need to gather on the Sabbath. But some still went out to work on the Sabbath, and God was angered by their disobedience.
The Sabbath was God's gift to them, a day of rest and reliance on Him. Breaking the Sabbath was so serious that it carried the penalty of death. However, for Christians today, we’re not commanded to keep the Sabbath in the same way. Romans 14 and Colossians 2 both clarify that Christ fulfilled all the Sabbaths and festivals. Yet, we see a version of the Sabbath kept in the New Testament, with a shift from Saturday to Sunday, which is the Lord’s Day in Christianity. Jesus was resurrected on a Sunday, and we see in Revelation 1:10 that John was worshiping on "the Lord’s Day." This shift is also reflected in early Christian writings like the Didache, which says, "Every Lord's day, gather yourselves together and break bread and give thanks." This echoes what we see in Acts 2, where the early church was devoted to the Word, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer.
Interestingly, despite how important the Sabbath is, it's the one commandment Christians often take pride in breaking. You’ll hear people boast about how long they’ve worked without taking a day off, as if that’s something to be proud of. But that’s pride, and it’s a double sin—pride and breaking the Sabbath. God rested, so why would we think we don’t need to? Are we greater than God? If so, we may have fallen into idolatry again.
I’ve seen pastors, in particular, suffer from this. They work so hard and exhaust themselves to the point where they’re no longer useful to their congregations. I’ve even seen a pastor literally pass out in a parking lot from exhaustion. Personally, this was a lesson I had to learn the hard way. Early on in ministry, I didn’t take enough time off, and I nearly burned out. I’ve seen pastors’ marriages suffer because they were too prideful to take time off, and this affects their mental health, family life, and relationship with God. For pastors who don’t get Sundays off, I recommend choosing another day to rest. For me, that’s Saturday.
Honor Your Father and Mother
While this commandment is often directed at children, I’ve seen many parents misuse and abuse it. Some parents act as though they’re above the law, using this commandment to demand obedience from their children while ignoring their own responsibilities. In the Old Testament, a father or mother who broke the Sabbath, for example, would have been honored by being held accountable—even by death if necessary. This shows that parents are not exempt from accountability.
Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. 2 “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: 3 If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.
Some parents abuse their authority by manipulating or guilting their children, which is wrong. We see here that the New Testament often serves as the best commentary on the Old Testament. It clarifies and expands on key teachings. For instance, in Ephesians 6:4, after the command to "honor your father and mother," the text goes on to instruct fathers specifically not to "provoke your children to anger." This is a significant point that abusive parents often overlook. Yes, children are commanded to honor their parents, but parents are also commanded not to provoke or harm their children.
This shows that while we are to honor and love our parents, it does not mean that we must honor abusive or manipulative behavior. Love is always required, but sometimes that love must take the form of healthy boundaries. In cases where parents are harmful, loving them from a distance may be the wisest course.
You Shall Not Murder
There's an important distinction between killing and murder that we need to understand. Some older Bible translations use the phrase "Thou shalt not kill," but a more accurate translation would be "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13). The difference is critical because, if we examine the rest of the Law of Moses, we see that killing was not universally prohibited. For instance, animal sacrifice and the killing of animals for food were commanded. Additionally, the law prescribed capital punishment for certain offenses, such as murder and violating the Sabbath.
Furthermore, there are provisions in the Old Testament law for warfare. The Israelites were commanded to go to war at times, and this demonstrates that killing in the context of war was not considered the same as murder. However, in the New Testament, Christians are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). There is a significant shift in focus toward peace and reconciliation in Christ. If you're interested in exploring this topic further, I recommend my work, "Fortune Cookie Theology," which includes a detailed study in the Twisted Scripture series under the message titled "Peace or a Sword?" where we examine whether Christians should engage in war or violence.
Is Abortion Murder?
The answer, from a biblical and early Christian perspective, is yes. If we look to early Christian teachings, such as the Didache, it explicitly states, "You shall not murder a child by abortion." The early church saw this practice as murder. While the Bible itself doesn't use the word "abortion" directly, we can glean insights from various passages. For example, in Jeremiah 1:5, God says, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you." Some argue that this implies personhood even before birth. Others might debate the meaning, saying that it suggests predestination and has nothing to do with abortion, but these arguments often come from people who may not be as familiar with the Bible’s broader teachings, or understand the Scriptures on either side of the argument.
A stronger argument comes from the account of John the Baptist’s conception in Luke’s Gospel. Zechariah, John’s father, is visited by an angel to announce John's birth. Later, an angel tells Mary that she will be pregnant with Jesus. She then visits Elizabeth, John's mother, who is already pregnant with John. In this account, John reacts to the presence of Jesus still in Mary's womb (assuming that she is with child after being visited by the angel), demonstrating an awareness and vitality even before birth. If John's reaction is to the very early presence of Jesus in the womb, the life of Jesus was present in Mary shortly after conception. If this is to be argued, then it is still a fact that John was alive and aware in the womb - and filled with the Holy Spirit.
Luke 1:15 For he [John] will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he must never drink wine or beer, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while he is still in his mother’s womb.
Luke 1:39 A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town 40 where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. 41 At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child [John] leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
John the Baptist was a temple of the Holy Spirit, even in the womb. And what does 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 say about God's temple? "Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple". Based on these teachings, abortion, which destroys life in the womb, is murder. Some might say that this is a special circumstance involving Jesus and John, however, you don't know what God's purpose is for each individual life - so to avoid being presumptuous and sinning, we must assume that God has a plan for everyone and every life that Jesus died for is special.
Addressing Abortion
Now, a quick word for those who want to protest outside abortion clinics. Before pointing out others’ sins, you must first examine yourself. Jesus spoke about the log in your own eye before addressing the speck in someone else's (Matthew 7:3-5). Many times, those protesting outside clinics may display sins like anger and divisiveness, which are listed as sins in Galatians 5:20.
Instead of standing with a picket sign, perhaps we should bring a mirror. If you truly care about that unborn life, then "put your money where your mouth is." Rather than inciting anger, why not approach a woman seeking an abortion with kindness? Take her out to lunch. Befriend her. Love her. If financial instability is the reason for her decision, offer to help support the child. This approach reflects true compassion.
Adultery and Sexual Sin
Most Christians are well aware that adultery is wrong—cheating on your spouse is a serious violation of trust and God's law. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:27-28, “You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (NLT). So, while many may claim, "I’ve never committed adultery," Jesus broadens the definition. If you've looked at someone with lust, you've committed adultery in your heart.
In today’s world, this has a direct application to what we consume online. What are you looking at on the internet? What are you viewing on your phone? If you’re looking at someone with lust, Jesus says that’s adultery—even if you think it's private. For married individuals, this is a violation of your covenant. If you’re unmarried, it’s still a form of sexual sin.
Now, let's connect this with a previous discussion on abortion regarding judgment and hypocrisy. If you're engaged in this kind of sin—looking at inappropriate content online—and you then go out and criticize someone for getting an abortion, you need to reflect on your own actions first. Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:3-5 reminds us to deal with the log in our own eye before addressing the speck in someone else’s. Even though looking at inappropriate content online might seem like a private, victimless act, it is still sin, and we need to confront our own hearts before judging others. And for those claiming to be the savior of a victim, again, pornography is not a victimless crime.
Stealing
Many of us have stolen something at some point in our lives, but many others might confidently say, "I’ve never stolen." However, I'd like you to consider this: Have you ever picked up something that didn’t belong to you? For example, imagine you accidentally dropped your phone, and someone else found it but chose to keep it instead of turning it into the Lost and Found. How would you feel?
This principle extends to money as well. Have you ever picked up cash you found on the ground? Perhaps it was just a few dollars, but instead of making an effort to return it—or posting a note about it—you kept it. In moments like these, we might think it’s harmless, but it’s still stealing.
Ephesians 4:28 (NLT) says, "If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need." Stealing, in any form, undermines the trust and honesty that we’re called to uphold as followers of Christ. Even if it’s something small, we are to do what is right in every situation, and that includes making an effort to return lost items or money to their rightful owners.
Lying
The commandment says, "You must not testify falsely against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16, NLT). The word "testify" brings to mind a courtroom setting, but this command extends beyond the legal context and addresses all forms of lying.
Lying is far too common, even among Christians. I’ve witnessed believers lie without apology, treating it as a casual sin. But lying is not casual in God’s eyes. If we look at Revelation, it’s made clear how serious this sin is. Revelation 21:8 (NLT) says, "But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur." Revelation 22:15 (NLT) similarly states, "Outside the city are the dogs—the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idol worshipers, and all who love to live a lie."
These passages show the seriousness of lying and how it’s viewed by God. Christians who engage in lying should reflect on this warning: Liars will not inherit the kingdom of heaven. It’s a sobering thought for anyone claiming to follow Christ, and it should prompt us to repent from dishonesty and live in truth.
Do Not Covet
Coveting, as the commandment highlights, involves desiring something wrongfully, without considering the rights of others. It's more than just general jealousy; it’s a focused and often unhealthy desire for what belongs to someone else. This isn't about protecting what is rightfully yours, such as your spouse or your possessions, but rather an envious desire for what others have. Coveting is deeply rooted in selfishness and dissatisfaction.
This issue becomes especially apparent in affluent communities, where the mindset of "keeping up with the Joneses" is prevalent. Rather than loving our neighbors and seeking their good, coveting leads to competition, envy, and discontent. Jesus' command in Matthew 7:12 (NLT) provides clear guidance: "Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets." Coveting, on the other hand, is far from loving—it breeds division and disrupts the peace we're meant to cultivate with one another.
Moreover, coveting often reveals a deeper issue of idolatry. The question we need to ask ourselves is: what is taking the place of God in our hearts? When we place possessions, status, or material success above our devotion to God, we risk turning these desires into idols. Paul emphasizes this in Ephesians 5:5 (NLT): "You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world."
This is a serious matter. Coveting doesn't just involve one sin; it often leads to greed, discontent, and ultimately, idolatry. When we prioritize material things or compare ourselves to others, we're allowing these desires to take the place of God in our hearts. Coveting is not merely an inner struggle but a violation of the love we're called to show to our neighbors and a reflection of misplaced worship.
Although we are not bound by the Law of Moses in the same way as the Israelites were, the Ten Commandments have continued to serve as a moral foundation throughout Christianity. The New Testament not only reiterates them but also raises the standard by focusing on the heart and intent behind our actions. Hebrews 10 provides a sobering reminder of this heightened responsibility: "Just think how much worse the punishment will be for those who have trampled on the Son of God...and have insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit who brings God’s mercy to us" (Hebrews 10:29, NLT). This points to a higher standard than the Law of Moses because it’s no longer just about external obedience, but about our hearts and relationship with Christ.
Christians are held to a higher standard – a heart standard.
In Jeremiah 31, we see a prophecy about a new covenant, which speaks of a time when God's law would not be written on stone but on the hearts of His people. Jeremiah prophesies, “But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day... I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts" (Jeremiah 31:33, NLT). This sets the stage for the new reality in Christ, where the law is internalized through the Holy Spirit.
The writer of Hebrews explains this beautifully in Hebrews 8, where the superiority of Jesus as the High Priest is discussed. The author quotes Jeremiah 31 directly, showing how the prophecy is fulfilled in Christ.
Hebrews 8:5 They serve in a system of worship that is only a copy, a shadow of the real one in heaven. For when Moses was getting ready to build the Tabernacle, God gave him this warning: “Be sure that you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you here on the mountain.” 6 But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises. 7 If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it. 8 But when God found fault with the people, he said: “The day is coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. 9 This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of the land of Egypt. They did not remain faithful to my covenant, so I turned my back on them, says the Lord. 10 But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 11 And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already. 12 And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.” 13 When God speaks of a “new” covenant, it means he has made the first one obsolete. It is now out of date and will soon disappear.
The higher standard, then, is that our obedience is now about honoring the covenant through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. The old covenant laws, including the Ten Commandments, continue to reflect God's character, but in Christ, we are called to live them out from the inside, with our hearts set on Him.
Jesus fulfills the law and writes it on our hearts, and through baptism, we have the Holy Spirit. He will replace that stone with a heart of flesh. This concept is elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Ezekiel 11:19 And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart [of flesh]. 20 so they will obey my decrees and regulations. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God.
Ezekiel 36:25 “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. 26 And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart [of flesh]. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.
That "heart of stone" is indeed symbolic of the old way of following the Law as written on stone tablets, like the Ten Commandments. It represents a rigid, external form of obedience. But in the new covenant, God writes His commands on our hearts of flesh—this is symbolic of the Holy Spirit’s work in transforming us from the inside out, making us more responsive and sensitive to God's will. This reflects the deep, internal change that occurs through the Spirit.
In 2 Corinthians, Paul deals with issues such as the Corinthians dragging their feet on the collection for the saints in Jerusalem and the presence of false teachers in the church. He contrasts the sincerity and generosity expected of the Corinthians with the deceptive nature of the false teachers. In 2 Corinthians 3, Paul specifically contrasts the old covenant, written on stone, with the new covenant of the Spirit. He writes, "The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life" (2 Corinthians 3:6, NLT). Here, Paul makes a point about the insufficiency of the old Law without the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:1 Are we beginning to praise ourselves again? Are we like others, who need to bring you letters of recommendation, or who ask you to write such letters on their behalf? Surely not! 2 The only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves. Your lives are a letter written in our hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you. 3 Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts. 4 We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. 5 It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. 6 He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life. 7 The old way, with laws etched in stone, led to death, though it began with such glory that the people of Israel could not bear to look at Moses’ face. For his face shone with the glory of God, even though the brightness was already fading away. 8 Shouldn’t we expect far greater glory under the new way, now that the Holy Spirit is giving life? 9 If the old way, which brings condemnation, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new way, which makes us right with God! 10 In fact, that first glory was not glorious at all compared with the overwhelming glory of the new way. 11 So if the old way, which has been replaced, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new, which remains forever! 12 Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold. 13 We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so the people of Israel would not see the glory, even though it was destined to fade away. 14 But the people’s minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. 15 Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand.
Moses would meet with God and his face would glow afterward, but he veiled that glory, which faded over time. That veil represents how people’s hearts were hardened or unable to fully comprehend God's glory. In contrast, the new covenant removes that veil, allowing God's Word to be written directly on hearts of flesh. This brings to mind 2 Corinthians 3:13-16, where it says, “We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so the people of Israel would not see the glory, even though it was destined to fade away. But the people’s minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. Whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.”
Now, this imagery leads to the importance of the heart condition, much like Jesus teaches in the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20, Luke 8:4-15). Jesus explains how the seed, representing the Word of God, falls on different types of soil. Some seed falls on the path, where birds (representing Satan) snatch it away. Other seed falls on rocky soil, where it grows quickly but is scorched by the sun because it has no deep roots – the scorching is symbolic of hell. Some seed lands among thorns, where it’s choked by worries and the lure of wealth. But the seed that falls on good soil grows and produces a plentiful harvest—30, 60, or even 100 times as much.
These soil types symbolize our hearts. A hardened heart, like rocky soil, cannot receive the Word. But a heart of flesh, a heart open and receptive to God's Word, allows the Word to enter and the Spirit to grow and bear fruit. The fruit of the Spirit, as seen in Galatians 5:22-23—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—reflects this heart transformation.
So if you’re not experiencing the fruit of the Spirit, you might ask yourself: What’s the condition of your heart? Are there areas that have become hardened, where the Word isn’t taking root and growing?
Christians are no longer bound by the letter of the law, but the Ten Commandments remain a guide for righteous living. With the new covenant, written on our hearts by the Holy Spirit, obedience is now a matter of the heart. Hebrews 10:16 (NLT) reminds us of this: “This is the new covenant I will make with my people on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.”
While we may not be under the Law of Moses, we’re called to an even higher standard—one of heart-centered obedience motivated by love for God. Jeremiah 31:33 (NLT) predicted this new covenant: "I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people."
So, to align ourselves with God's will and remove any hardened areas of our hearts, here are some practical steps:
1. Examine Your Heart: Reflect on your motivations and actions. Are there areas where you fall short of living out the spirit of the Ten Commandments?2. Seek Forgiveness and Grace: Consider why you might have a hardened heart in certain areas. Take time to reflect on the grace God extends to you despite your own failures, and then extend that same grace to others—and to yourself.3. Study the Word: Deepen your understanding of God's character and His desire for a genuine relationship with you. Psalm 119:11 (NLT) says, “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”4. Connect with Other Believers: Surround yourself with a supportive community of believers. Get involved not only in Sunday services but also in Bible studies. Fellowship helps us grow in our faith and gives us accountability.5. Consider Baptism: If you haven’t been baptized yet, think about making that public declaration of your commitment to follow Christ. Baptism symbolizes the washing away of your old life and stepping into the new life that God calls you to.
By following these steps, you can cultivate a heart that aligns with God's will—a heart that bears fruit and reflects love, grace, and obedience, extending far beyond the limitations of the written law.
©️ Copyright 2024 Gene Simco
Most Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scriptures in brackets reflect the original Biblical languages.
I heard a story about a Sunday school teacher giving a lesson on the Ten Commandments. After explaining the commandment to honor your father and mother, she asked, "Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?" Without missing a beat, one little boy answered, "Thou shalt not murder."
We continue our series, "The Reset," where we ask the question: Christianity—are we doing it wrong? This series is perfect for beginners, as it offers a great look at the basics. It's also valuable for those who have been Christians for a long time. In fact, many believers have found themselves asking the same question throughout this series: Are we doing it wrong? If so, this is a great opportunity for a reset.
We discussed what gets us into heaven, and the answer to that was faith. Faith grants us access to heaven, and obedience to Jesus' commands is part of that journey. We examined John 14, where Jesus speaks on this.
John 14:21 Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” 22 Judas (not Judas Iscariot, but the other disciple with that name) said to him, “Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?” 23 Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.
We see obedience here as one of the keys to our eternal home. Today, we’ll explore the origins of those commands in the Ten Commandments. What are they? When we look at the first five books of the Bible—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—we find them. In Exodus 20, the law begins, though the narrative continues through Deuteronomy. Altogether, there are 613 different laws. A helpful, though imperfect, way of understanding this is that the Ten Commandments act as a table of contents for the rest of the laws.
For example, consider the command, You shall not murder. Naturally, questions arise: What exactly constitutes murder? There’s an example of a man whose axe head flies off and accidentally kills someone. Is that murder or manslaughter? This question leads into the establishment of cities of refuge, where those who commit unintentional killings can flee. Furthermore, there are priestly laws, especially in Leviticus. If someone commits a sin, how can they atone for it? What sacrifice is required? These laws go into great detail.
However, a crucial point to make is that we are no longer under the law of Moses in its entirety. This is made clear throughout the New Testament. In the book of Acts, the early church faced this question. Jesus and all of His initial followers were Jewish, so when Gentiles began coming to faith, there was confusion: Do they need to follow the law? Acts 10 recounts Peter’s vision, which had to be given to him three times before he understood that Gentiles could be included in the faith.
This issue culminates in Acts 15 at the first council of the church. Some Pharisees who had become believers insisted that Gentile converts must follow the law of Moses. Peter, however, argues against this, stating that the law was a burden neither they nor their ancestors could bear. The decision was made: Gentiles do not need to follow the law. We are under Christ, who has fulfilled the law.
This theme is reiterated throughout the New Testament. In Galatians, Paul reflects on this decision, and much of the book deals with this issue. Romans also addresses it extensively, as do 2 Corinthians, Hebrews, and other writings. Let’s revisit the book of Romans, as we’ve looked at it in previous chapters.
Romans 3:20 For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. 21 But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. 22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.
Here we see the purpose of the law and the prediction that it ends - very important scriptures. And if we keep reading, we see some of those requirements for getting into heaven that we examined in the past. But before that, Romans 10 says this:
Romans 10:4 For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given [Christ is the end of the law]. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God. 5 For Moses writes that the law’s way of making a person right with God requires obedience to all of its commands. 6 But faith’s way of getting right with God says, “Don’t say in your heart, ‘Who will go up to heaven?’ (to bring Christ down to earth). 7 And don’t say, ‘Who will go down to the place of the dead?’ (to bring Christ back to life again).” 8 In fact, it says, “The message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart.” And that message is the very message about faith that we preach: 9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Last week, we looked at the foundational steps for salvation. If we examine the Greek version of Romans 10:4 closely, we see it clearly states, "Christ is the end of the law." It doesn’t get much clearer than that. Notice how much of this centers on the heart. The message is close to us—it’s on our lips and in our hearts: "If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart..." We’ll keep coming back to this issue of the heart.
The law was once the way, but now, as we saw, Jesus is the Way. This brings us to John 14:6, where Jesus says, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me." Christ is the end of the law, and now He is the only way.
That being said, the Ten Commandments have always been foundational in Christianity—not the entirety of the law of Moses, but a lasting basis. If we look at early Christian documents, like the Didache, we see how it clarifies and reinforces Christian practices. The Didache helps address questions about the Lord’s Supper, baptism, and early church liturgy. This document is remarkable; some scholars believe it was written around the same time as the New Testament or shortly afterward, between 50 to 100 years later. It offers insights into early Christian thought and teaching.
The Didache presents "The Lord's Teaching through the Twelve Apostles to the Nations," and in chapter one, it describes two ways: one leading to life and the other to death. It begins with the fundamental commandments: "First, you shall love God who made you. Second, love your neighbor as yourself, and do not do to another what you would not want them to do to you." The teachings continue with statements that echo the Sermon on the Mount, like "Bless those who curse you, pray for your enemies, and fast for those who persecute you."
As we continue into chapter two, we see the familiar commandments: "You shall not commit murder, adultery, or fornication. You shall not steal." It even addresses some of the sins we discussed in the last section, like witchcraft and sorcery—similar to modern practices like using a Ouija board, where people put their faith in things other than God. The commandment against such practices is clear: do not commit the sin of Saul.
There’s another commandment in the Didache that is particularly relevant today: "You shall not murder a child by abortion." This teaching resonates strongly in our current context, and we’ll return to this in a moment.
Additionally, the Didache speaks against coveting, hypocrisy, and pride. Chapter three lists other casually committed sins, such as jealousy, quarreling, and having a hot temper. We see that most of the Ten Commandments appear in the Didache, along with some of the more casual sins we've discussed in this series.
What’s fascinating is that the Christian teaching goes beyond the Ten Commandments. Early Christian writings like the Didache offer a fuller list, which reflects the New Testament’s expanded view. In books like Galatians and Ephesians, we see these long lists of sins—many of which people might consider casual or insignificant—but even in the earliest Christian teachings, these "casual" sins were addressed.
Let’s take a close look at the Ten Commandments, but first, I want to give you some background. Starting with the Bible, from Genesis to Joseph, we see the progression of human rejection of God. In Genesis, we begin with the creation and paradise, where humanity rejects God. Then we see this rejection continue. There’s the first murder, when Cain kills Abel, rejecting the image of God that we are made in. The pattern of sin continues throughout Genesis. Even the angels aren’t happy, man is sinning, and it leads to the flood.
This brings us to the family of Noah—Ham, Shem, Japheth, and their wives. From there, we get genealogies that eventually lead to Abraham, or Abram. Abram is the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob becomes Israel, leading us to the twelve tribes of Israel. Joseph is one of Jacob’s sons, and he plays a pivotal role. His brothers try to kill him, then sell him to Ishmaelite or Midianite slave traders. Joseph ends up in Egypt, where he rises from being a prisoner to the second-in-command, just under Pharaoh. He saves the day during a famine, reconciles with his family, and brings them to Egypt, where they settle and become numerous.
When we reach Exodus, many years go by and we learn that the new Pharaoh forgets about what Joseph had done for Egypt. He becomes worried that the Hebrew people have become too populous and might turn against them in a war. Pharaoh enslaves the Hebrews and orders the killing of all male infants. Moses is saved by Pharaoh’s daughter, grows up in Pharaoh’s palace, and gains prominence. However, after killing an Egyptian slave driver, Moses flees to the desert. There, he meets his future wife, Zipporah, and interacts with her father, Jethro (or Reuel, as he’s sometimes called).
Moses is then called back to Egypt by God, appearing in the form of a burning bush. This is where the famous "I AM" declaration comes from, which Jesus later references in the Gospels. In Exodus 3, God calls Moses to help redeem the Israelites from slavery, along with his brother Aaron. Many of you are familiar with the Exodus story and the ten plagues. After the final plague, the Passover is instituted, and the Israelites leave Egypt.
You probably know about the parting of the Red Sea and how the Israelites frequently grumble and complain, even after receiving manna from heaven and water from a rock. We see Joshua battling the Amalekites, and Moses receiving advice from his father-in-law, Jethro.
Then, in Exodus 19, it says: "Exactly two months after the Israelites left Egypt, they arrived in the wilderness of Sinai. After breaking camp at Rephidim, they came to the wilderness of Sinai and set up camp at the base of Mount Sinai." Moses climbs the mountain and appears before God, and the Lord calls to him, saying, "Give these instructions to the family of Jacob. Announce it to the descendants of Israel."
Eventually, Moses returns from the mountain and calls together the elders of the people. He tells them everything the Lord commanded, and the people respond, "We will do everything the Lord has commanded." Moses brings their answer back to the Lord. The Lord then says to Moses, "I will come to you in a thick cloud so the people can hear me when I speak to you. This way, they will always trust you."
The people prepare for this event. Moses goes down to consecrate them for worship, and they wash their clothes. He tells them to get ready for the third day and abstain from sexual relations until then. On the morning of the third day, there is thunder and lightning, and a dense cloud descends on the mountain. A long, loud blast from a ram’s horn sounds, and the people tremble. Mount Sinai is covered in smoke because the Lord has descended upon it in fire. As the sound of the ram’s horn grows louder and louder, Moses speaks, and God replies in thunder. The Lord comes down on the top of Mount Sinai and calls Moses to ascend the mountain.
There is a bit of discussion and confusion about whether the people can approach the mountain. The Lord tells Moses, "Go down and bring Aaron back up with you. Do not let the priests or the people break through to approach the Lord, or He will destroy them." So Moses goes down to the people and tells them what the Lord had said.
When we turn the page to Exodus 20, we see the Ten Commandments.
Exodus 20:1 Then God gave the people all these instructions [words]: 2 “I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery.3 “You must not have any other god but me.4 “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. 5 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. 6 But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.7 “You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.8 “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 You have six days each week for your ordinary work, 10 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. 11 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.12 “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.13 “You must not murder.14 “You must not commit adultery.15 “You must not steal.16 “You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.17 “You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.”18 When the people heard the thunder and the loud blast of the ram’s horn, and when they saw the flashes of lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, they stood at a distance, trembling with fear.19 And they said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen. But don’t let God speak directly to us, or we will die!”20 “Don’t be afraid,” Moses answered them, “for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!”
"Don't be afraid," Moses told them, "for God has come in this way to test you, so that your fear of Him will keep you from sinning."
Here, we see something very interesting about fear. There is a paradox at work, and this is often how the Bible operates. Moses says, "Don't be afraid," yet at the same time, it’s the fear of God that will keep the people from sinning. So, even though they’re told not to fear, that fear still serves a purpose. We’ve seen elsewhere in Scripture that the fear of the Lord is important. This passage brings those ideas together—don’t be afraid, but recognize that a healthy fear of God helps guide us away from sin.
Let's take a closer look at the Ten Commandments and how they apply today.
No Other Gods
This is pretty straightforward, as we saw in our first chapter. John 14:6 states it clearly: "Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life." Jesus is the only way—He is God, and this is the Triune God as we've explored in this series.
No Idols
This one might be a little strange for people today. First, it's important to discuss what idols were. In the ancient world, they were often literal carved images that people would worship. This idea may seem foreign to us today, but it's not as distant as we might think. Remember, some of these idols were even images of family members. That should bring to mind certain Christian denominations where people make a practice of praying to dead relatives. Have you ever seen a shrine with pictures of someone who’s passed away, and someone praying to that person? That’s idolatry. God is the only one we should be praying to or trusting in for anything. When we place our trust in anyone else, whether they're alive or dead, that’s idolatry.
We also see modern forms of idolatry. In our society, we trust in things like money. Think about how much trust we place in our finances over God. A quick note here: while it’s not wrong to go to the doctor when we’re sick, what’s the first thing we do when we face an illness? Do we pray first, or do we trust more in the doctor’s ability to solve our problem than in God? Again, this is not to dismiss doctors. Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke and a companion of Paul, was a doctor. Paul mentions him in his writings. In places like 2 Corinthians 12, Paul prays for healing from a physical ailment, and his prayer isn’t answered the way he hoped. So yes, you should go to a doctor, but it’s important to examine what we’re trusting in first.
1 John 5:21 gives us a clear warning: "Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts." If we look at the original Greek, it says, "Keep away from idols." An idol is anything that takes God’s place in our hearts, and this heart issue comes up often, doesn't it?
Now, let's talk about the generational curse associated with idolatry. Note that this curse is connected to idolatry, not necessarily to the other commands. Some Christians espouse a false teaching of generational curses, as if you can blame your sin or problems on your family members from the past. This is very similar to the false deliverance ministries that are popular in some circles today. But there is no generational curse for Christians—Christ has broken the curse. Galatians 3:13 tells us, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us." It’s crucial to remember that Christ has already freed us from any curse if we are in Him. However, the curse mentioned in Exodus is specifically tied to idolatry.
Do Not Take the Name of the Lord in Vain
What does this mean? The Hebrew term here is “take up, bear, or carry the name of your God” for something that is worthless, false, or empty. The phrase “in vain” can mean empty, worthless, or to no good purpose. This command can be broken in a few ways:1. Blasphemy or cursing – Using profane language or words that are irreverent or contemptuous towards God.2. False oaths – Making promises in God's name and not keeping them, like saying, "I swear to God."3. Hypocrisy – Professing faith in God but not living up to it.4. Casual use of God’s name – Using phrases like "Oh my God" or "Jesus Christ" unintentionally or in anger.I would extend this to include foul language in general. As we’ve seen before, sins like this aren’t casual to God; they’re very serious.
The Sabbath
The Sabbath was a very serious commandment in the Old Testament. It’s the first commandment with a promise, and it was given even before the law was established. In Exodus 16, the people were grumbling about the manna, the bread from heaven, which was God’s provision for them. Jesus alludes to this in the Lord's Prayer, "Give us this day our daily bread." God was providing exactly what they needed each day, but the command of the Sabbath comes in that chapter. God instructs the people to rest on the seventh day. He even provided double portions of manna on the sixth day, so they wouldn't need to gather on the Sabbath. But some still went out to work on the Sabbath, and God was angered by their disobedience.
The Sabbath was God's gift to them, a day of rest and reliance on Him. Breaking the Sabbath was so serious that it carried the penalty of death. However, for Christians today, we’re not commanded to keep the Sabbath in the same way. Romans 14 and Colossians 2 both clarify that Christ fulfilled all the Sabbaths and festivals. Yet, we see a version of the Sabbath kept in the New Testament, with a shift from Saturday to Sunday, which is the Lord’s Day in Christianity. Jesus was resurrected on a Sunday, and we see in Revelation 1:10 that John was worshiping on "the Lord’s Day." This shift is also reflected in early Christian writings like the Didache, which says, "Every Lord's day, gather yourselves together and break bread and give thanks." This echoes what we see in Acts 2, where the early church was devoted to the Word, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer.
Interestingly, despite how important the Sabbath is, it's the one commandment Christians often take pride in breaking. You’ll hear people boast about how long they’ve worked without taking a day off, as if that’s something to be proud of. But that’s pride, and it’s a double sin—pride and breaking the Sabbath. God rested, so why would we think we don’t need to? Are we greater than God? If so, we may have fallen into idolatry again.
I’ve seen pastors, in particular, suffer from this. They work so hard and exhaust themselves to the point where they’re no longer useful to their congregations. I’ve even seen a pastor literally pass out in a parking lot from exhaustion. Personally, this was a lesson I had to learn the hard way. Early on in ministry, I didn’t take enough time off, and I nearly burned out. I’ve seen pastors’ marriages suffer because they were too prideful to take time off, and this affects their mental health, family life, and relationship with God. For pastors who don’t get Sundays off, I recommend choosing another day to rest. For me, that’s Saturday.
Honor Your Father and Mother
While this commandment is often directed at children, I’ve seen many parents misuse and abuse it. Some parents act as though they’re above the law, using this commandment to demand obedience from their children while ignoring their own responsibilities. In the Old Testament, a father or mother who broke the Sabbath, for example, would have been honored by being held accountable—even by death if necessary. This shows that parents are not exempt from accountability.
Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. 2 “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: 3 If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.
Some parents abuse their authority by manipulating or guilting their children, which is wrong. We see here that the New Testament often serves as the best commentary on the Old Testament. It clarifies and expands on key teachings. For instance, in Ephesians 6:4, after the command to "honor your father and mother," the text goes on to instruct fathers specifically not to "provoke your children to anger." This is a significant point that abusive parents often overlook. Yes, children are commanded to honor their parents, but parents are also commanded not to provoke or harm their children.
This shows that while we are to honor and love our parents, it does not mean that we must honor abusive or manipulative behavior. Love is always required, but sometimes that love must take the form of healthy boundaries. In cases where parents are harmful, loving them from a distance may be the wisest course.
You Shall Not Murder
There's an important distinction between killing and murder that we need to understand. Some older Bible translations use the phrase "Thou shalt not kill," but a more accurate translation would be "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13). The difference is critical because, if we examine the rest of the Law of Moses, we see that killing was not universally prohibited. For instance, animal sacrifice and the killing of animals for food were commanded. Additionally, the law prescribed capital punishment for certain offenses, such as murder and violating the Sabbath.
Furthermore, there are provisions in the Old Testament law for warfare. The Israelites were commanded to go to war at times, and this demonstrates that killing in the context of war was not considered the same as murder. However, in the New Testament, Christians are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). There is a significant shift in focus toward peace and reconciliation in Christ. If you're interested in exploring this topic further, I recommend my work, "Fortune Cookie Theology," which includes a detailed study in the Twisted Scripture series under the message titled "Peace or a Sword?" where we examine whether Christians should engage in war or violence.
Is Abortion Murder?
The answer, from a biblical and early Christian perspective, is yes. If we look to early Christian teachings, such as the Didache, it explicitly states, "You shall not murder a child by abortion." The early church saw this practice as murder. While the Bible itself doesn't use the word "abortion" directly, we can glean insights from various passages. For example, in Jeremiah 1:5, God says, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you." Some argue that this implies personhood even before birth. Others might debate the meaning, saying that it suggests predestination and has nothing to do with abortion, but these arguments often come from people who may not be as familiar with the Bible’s broader teachings, or understand the Scriptures on either side of the argument.
A stronger argument comes from the account of John the Baptist’s conception in Luke’s Gospel. Zechariah, John’s father, is visited by an angel to announce John's birth. Later, an angel tells Mary that she will be pregnant with Jesus. She then visits Elizabeth, John's mother, who is already pregnant with John. In this account, John reacts to the presence of Jesus still in Mary's womb (assuming that she is with child after being visited by the angel), demonstrating an awareness and vitality even before birth. If John's reaction is to the very early presence of Jesus in the womb, the life of Jesus was present in Mary shortly after conception. If this is to be argued, then it is still a fact that John was alive and aware in the womb - and filled with the Holy Spirit.
Luke 1:15 For he [John] will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he must never drink wine or beer, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while he is still in his mother’s womb.
Luke 1:39 A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town 40 where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. 41 At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child [John] leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
John the Baptist was a temple of the Holy Spirit, even in the womb. And what does 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 say about God's temple? "Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple". Based on these teachings, abortion, which destroys life in the womb, is murder. Some might say that this is a special circumstance involving Jesus and John, however, you don't know what God's purpose is for each individual life - so to avoid being presumptuous and sinning, we must assume that God has a plan for everyone and every life that Jesus died for is special.
Addressing Abortion
Now, a quick word for those who want to protest outside abortion clinics. Before pointing out others’ sins, you must first examine yourself. Jesus spoke about the log in your own eye before addressing the speck in someone else's (Matthew 7:3-5). Many times, those protesting outside clinics may display sins like anger and divisiveness, which are listed as sins in Galatians 5:20.
Instead of standing with a picket sign, perhaps we should bring a mirror. If you truly care about that unborn life, then "put your money where your mouth is." Rather than inciting anger, why not approach a woman seeking an abortion with kindness? Take her out to lunch. Befriend her. Love her. If financial instability is the reason for her decision, offer to help support the child. This approach reflects true compassion.
Adultery and Sexual Sin
Most Christians are well aware that adultery is wrong—cheating on your spouse is a serious violation of trust and God's law. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:27-28, “You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (NLT). So, while many may claim, "I’ve never committed adultery," Jesus broadens the definition. If you've looked at someone with lust, you've committed adultery in your heart.
In today’s world, this has a direct application to what we consume online. What are you looking at on the internet? What are you viewing on your phone? If you’re looking at someone with lust, Jesus says that’s adultery—even if you think it's private. For married individuals, this is a violation of your covenant. If you’re unmarried, it’s still a form of sexual sin.
Now, let's connect this with a previous discussion on abortion regarding judgment and hypocrisy. If you're engaged in this kind of sin—looking at inappropriate content online—and you then go out and criticize someone for getting an abortion, you need to reflect on your own actions first. Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:3-5 reminds us to deal with the log in our own eye before addressing the speck in someone else’s. Even though looking at inappropriate content online might seem like a private, victimless act, it is still sin, and we need to confront our own hearts before judging others. And for those claiming to be the savior of a victim, again, pornography is not a victimless crime.
Stealing
Many of us have stolen something at some point in our lives, but many others might confidently say, "I’ve never stolen." However, I'd like you to consider this: Have you ever picked up something that didn’t belong to you? For example, imagine you accidentally dropped your phone, and someone else found it but chose to keep it instead of turning it into the Lost and Found. How would you feel?
This principle extends to money as well. Have you ever picked up cash you found on the ground? Perhaps it was just a few dollars, but instead of making an effort to return it—or posting a note about it—you kept it. In moments like these, we might think it’s harmless, but it’s still stealing.
Ephesians 4:28 (NLT) says, "If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need." Stealing, in any form, undermines the trust and honesty that we’re called to uphold as followers of Christ. Even if it’s something small, we are to do what is right in every situation, and that includes making an effort to return lost items or money to their rightful owners.
Lying
The commandment says, "You must not testify falsely against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16, NLT). The word "testify" brings to mind a courtroom setting, but this command extends beyond the legal context and addresses all forms of lying.
Lying is far too common, even among Christians. I’ve witnessed believers lie without apology, treating it as a casual sin. But lying is not casual in God’s eyes. If we look at Revelation, it’s made clear how serious this sin is. Revelation 21:8 (NLT) says, "But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur." Revelation 22:15 (NLT) similarly states, "Outside the city are the dogs—the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idol worshipers, and all who love to live a lie."
These passages show the seriousness of lying and how it’s viewed by God. Christians who engage in lying should reflect on this warning: Liars will not inherit the kingdom of heaven. It’s a sobering thought for anyone claiming to follow Christ, and it should prompt us to repent from dishonesty and live in truth.
Do Not Covet
Coveting, as the commandment highlights, involves desiring something wrongfully, without considering the rights of others. It's more than just general jealousy; it’s a focused and often unhealthy desire for what belongs to someone else. This isn't about protecting what is rightfully yours, such as your spouse or your possessions, but rather an envious desire for what others have. Coveting is deeply rooted in selfishness and dissatisfaction.
This issue becomes especially apparent in affluent communities, where the mindset of "keeping up with the Joneses" is prevalent. Rather than loving our neighbors and seeking their good, coveting leads to competition, envy, and discontent. Jesus' command in Matthew 7:12 (NLT) provides clear guidance: "Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets." Coveting, on the other hand, is far from loving—it breeds division and disrupts the peace we're meant to cultivate with one another.
Moreover, coveting often reveals a deeper issue of idolatry. The question we need to ask ourselves is: what is taking the place of God in our hearts? When we place possessions, status, or material success above our devotion to God, we risk turning these desires into idols. Paul emphasizes this in Ephesians 5:5 (NLT): "You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world."
This is a serious matter. Coveting doesn't just involve one sin; it often leads to greed, discontent, and ultimately, idolatry. When we prioritize material things or compare ourselves to others, we're allowing these desires to take the place of God in our hearts. Coveting is not merely an inner struggle but a violation of the love we're called to show to our neighbors and a reflection of misplaced worship.
Although we are not bound by the Law of Moses in the same way as the Israelites were, the Ten Commandments have continued to serve as a moral foundation throughout Christianity. The New Testament not only reiterates them but also raises the standard by focusing on the heart and intent behind our actions. Hebrews 10 provides a sobering reminder of this heightened responsibility: "Just think how much worse the punishment will be for those who have trampled on the Son of God...and have insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit who brings God’s mercy to us" (Hebrews 10:29, NLT). This points to a higher standard than the Law of Moses because it’s no longer just about external obedience, but about our hearts and relationship with Christ.
Christians are held to a higher standard – a heart standard.
In Jeremiah 31, we see a prophecy about a new covenant, which speaks of a time when God's law would not be written on stone but on the hearts of His people. Jeremiah prophesies, “But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day... I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts" (Jeremiah 31:33, NLT). This sets the stage for the new reality in Christ, where the law is internalized through the Holy Spirit.
The writer of Hebrews explains this beautifully in Hebrews 8, where the superiority of Jesus as the High Priest is discussed. The author quotes Jeremiah 31 directly, showing how the prophecy is fulfilled in Christ.
Hebrews 8:5 They serve in a system of worship that is only a copy, a shadow of the real one in heaven. For when Moses was getting ready to build the Tabernacle, God gave him this warning: “Be sure that you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you here on the mountain.” 6 But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises. 7 If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it. 8 But when God found fault with the people, he said: “The day is coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. 9 This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of the land of Egypt. They did not remain faithful to my covenant, so I turned my back on them, says the Lord. 10 But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 11 And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already. 12 And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.” 13 When God speaks of a “new” covenant, it means he has made the first one obsolete. It is now out of date and will soon disappear.
The higher standard, then, is that our obedience is now about honoring the covenant through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. The old covenant laws, including the Ten Commandments, continue to reflect God's character, but in Christ, we are called to live them out from the inside, with our hearts set on Him.
Jesus fulfills the law and writes it on our hearts, and through baptism, we have the Holy Spirit. He will replace that stone with a heart of flesh. This concept is elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Ezekiel 11:19 And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart [of flesh]. 20 so they will obey my decrees and regulations. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God.
Ezekiel 36:25 “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. 26 And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart [of flesh]. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.
That "heart of stone" is indeed symbolic of the old way of following the Law as written on stone tablets, like the Ten Commandments. It represents a rigid, external form of obedience. But in the new covenant, God writes His commands on our hearts of flesh—this is symbolic of the Holy Spirit’s work in transforming us from the inside out, making us more responsive and sensitive to God's will. This reflects the deep, internal change that occurs through the Spirit.
In 2 Corinthians, Paul deals with issues such as the Corinthians dragging their feet on the collection for the saints in Jerusalem and the presence of false teachers in the church. He contrasts the sincerity and generosity expected of the Corinthians with the deceptive nature of the false teachers. In 2 Corinthians 3, Paul specifically contrasts the old covenant, written on stone, with the new covenant of the Spirit. He writes, "The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life" (2 Corinthians 3:6, NLT). Here, Paul makes a point about the insufficiency of the old Law without the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:1 Are we beginning to praise ourselves again? Are we like others, who need to bring you letters of recommendation, or who ask you to write such letters on their behalf? Surely not! 2 The only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves. Your lives are a letter written in our hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you. 3 Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts. 4 We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. 5 It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. 6 He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life. 7 The old way, with laws etched in stone, led to death, though it began with such glory that the people of Israel could not bear to look at Moses’ face. For his face shone with the glory of God, even though the brightness was already fading away. 8 Shouldn’t we expect far greater glory under the new way, now that the Holy Spirit is giving life? 9 If the old way, which brings condemnation, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new way, which makes us right with God! 10 In fact, that first glory was not glorious at all compared with the overwhelming glory of the new way. 11 So if the old way, which has been replaced, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new, which remains forever! 12 Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold. 13 We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so the people of Israel would not see the glory, even though it was destined to fade away. 14 But the people’s minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. 15 Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand.
Moses would meet with God and his face would glow afterward, but he veiled that glory, which faded over time. That veil represents how people’s hearts were hardened or unable to fully comprehend God's glory. In contrast, the new covenant removes that veil, allowing God's Word to be written directly on hearts of flesh. This brings to mind 2 Corinthians 3:13-16, where it says, “We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so the people of Israel would not see the glory, even though it was destined to fade away. But the people’s minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. Whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.”
Now, this imagery leads to the importance of the heart condition, much like Jesus teaches in the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20, Luke 8:4-15). Jesus explains how the seed, representing the Word of God, falls on different types of soil. Some seed falls on the path, where birds (representing Satan) snatch it away. Other seed falls on rocky soil, where it grows quickly but is scorched by the sun because it has no deep roots – the scorching is symbolic of hell. Some seed lands among thorns, where it’s choked by worries and the lure of wealth. But the seed that falls on good soil grows and produces a plentiful harvest—30, 60, or even 100 times as much.
These soil types symbolize our hearts. A hardened heart, like rocky soil, cannot receive the Word. But a heart of flesh, a heart open and receptive to God's Word, allows the Word to enter and the Spirit to grow and bear fruit. The fruit of the Spirit, as seen in Galatians 5:22-23—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—reflects this heart transformation.
So if you’re not experiencing the fruit of the Spirit, you might ask yourself: What’s the condition of your heart? Are there areas that have become hardened, where the Word isn’t taking root and growing?
Christians are no longer bound by the letter of the law, but the Ten Commandments remain a guide for righteous living. With the new covenant, written on our hearts by the Holy Spirit, obedience is now a matter of the heart. Hebrews 10:16 (NLT) reminds us of this: “This is the new covenant I will make with my people on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.”
While we may not be under the Law of Moses, we’re called to an even higher standard—one of heart-centered obedience motivated by love for God. Jeremiah 31:33 (NLT) predicted this new covenant: "I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people."
So, to align ourselves with God's will and remove any hardened areas of our hearts, here are some practical steps:
1. Examine Your Heart: Reflect on your motivations and actions. Are there areas where you fall short of living out the spirit of the Ten Commandments?2. Seek Forgiveness and Grace: Consider why you might have a hardened heart in certain areas. Take time to reflect on the grace God extends to you despite your own failures, and then extend that same grace to others—and to yourself.3. Study the Word: Deepen your understanding of God's character and His desire for a genuine relationship with you. Psalm 119:11 (NLT) says, “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”4. Connect with Other Believers: Surround yourself with a supportive community of believers. Get involved not only in Sunday services but also in Bible studies. Fellowship helps us grow in our faith and gives us accountability.5. Consider Baptism: If you haven’t been baptized yet, think about making that public declaration of your commitment to follow Christ. Baptism symbolizes the washing away of your old life and stepping into the new life that God calls you to.
By following these steps, you can cultivate a heart that aligns with God's will—a heart that bears fruit and reflects love, grace, and obedience, extending far beyond the limitations of the written law.
©️ Copyright 2024 Gene Simco
Most Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scriptures in brackets reflect the original Biblical languages.