10 Laws that Matter (but not for the reasons you think)
10 Laws that Matter (but not for the reasons you think)
This is an attempt to make the 10 Commandments relevant to modern culture by interpreting them in light of other scripture passages. I think posting the 10 Commandments everywhere is largely misunderstood by most non-Christians (and Christians for that matter) for a couple reasons:
1) Most people don't understand how these rules really apply to them -- like keeping the Sabbath (which -- if you want to be accurate -- is from Friday night to Saturday night NOT Sunday) or worshipping idols.
2) Most people think they have done too much evil already and are "too far gone". The Old Testament law is NOT meant to be "rules to live by", but rather a standard of righteousness set by God to reveal how much we NEED Him to save us (Romans 3:20). So, preaching the law (or other ethical standards) IS NOT preaching the Good News, because this isn't good news at all -- it only means we are left condemned to hell. Trying to "keep the law" is not only impossible, it produces ungodly, self-righteous fruit in people. We are meant to live good, righeous lives, but this comes by trusting in God's provision of a Savior -- both to save us from eternal punishment AND to make us good people.
The Ten Commands - Exodus 20
I am the LORD your God, who saved you out of the land of slavery -- from being slaves.
1 “You shall not seek any "spiritual power", gods, or goddesses (which are really evil spirits) instead of Me. (1 Cor. 10:20)
2 Don't love and serve the things that are created or achieved - the things you have or the things you make. This includes money or valuables -- anything that makes you "rich" (Matt. 6:24; 1 Tim 6:10; Col. 3:5; Heb. 13:5.)
3 “- Don't use "God" or Jesus' name for your own purposes, selfish ambition, or personal gain, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. Don't flipantly use His name in curses. (Phil 1:17)
4 Remember to take time to rest from your normal work. Enter into His spiritual rest, and take on His yoke that is easy and His burden that is light. (Matthew 11:29; Hebrew 4:1-11)
5 Show true respect to your father and your mother -- those who have prepared the way ahead of you -- so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
6 “You shall not take someone else's life, or even hate anyone in your heart -- wishing someone dead. Don't remain angry with anyone in your heart. (Matt. 5:21-24;1 John 3:15)
7 Don't have sex with someone else's husband or wife, or even fantasize or lust after anyone in your heart. (Matt 5:27-29)
8 Don't take anything that isn't yours to take. Instead, be productive. (Eph 4:28)
9 Don't spread gossip or rumors that aren't true or lie to get someone else in trouble. (Luke 6:45)
10 Don't be greedy or long for what someone else has and want it for yourself, which is actually idolatry. (Col. 3:5)
As we peer closer into the righteous standard of God, we understand how much we really NEED Jesus.
The 10 commandments are just PART of a larger set of commands, which all are only a mere reflection of God's character. Sin doesn't just have to do with breaking a rule (even though this is true), it means simply living outside of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Then we understand we cannot live without Him. Trusting God to make us good is key for Christians -- your sanctification comes through faith, not by trying to keep standards of righteousness (like frequent church attendance, witnessing, memorizing the Bible, tithing, etc). -- anything that you use to measure your spirituality against another (see Phil. 1:17; Romans 2:1; 2 Cor. 10:12). Pure love for God and people that comes as an OVERFLOW of sincere gratefulness from God's gracious forgiveness IS "being holy". Anything else is dead works. This even includes attempts to "love God" and "love our neighbor" apart from the presence and leading of the Holy Spirit. True Love fulfills all of the law. (Matthew 22:36-40; Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 5:14)
You can read more about Grace vs. Obeying the Law here (copy and past the link):
https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=2378436948
This is an attempt to make the 10 Commandments relevant to modern culture by interpreting them in light of other scripture passages. I think posting the 10 Commandments everywhere is largely misunderstood by most non-Christians (and Christians for that matter) for a couple reasons:
1) Most people don't understand how these rules really apply to them -- like keeping the Sabbath (which -- if you want to be accurate -- is from Friday night to Saturday night NOT Sunday) or worshipping idols.
2) Most people think they have done too much evil already and are "too far gone". The Old Testament law is NOT meant to be "rules to live by", but rather a standard of righteousness set by God to reveal how much we NEED Him to save us (Romans 3:20). So, preaching the law (or other ethical standards) IS NOT preaching the Good News, because this isn't good news at all -- it only means we are left condemned to hell. Trying to "keep the law" is not only impossible, it produces ungodly, self-righteous fruit in people. We are meant to live good, righeous lives, but this comes by trusting in God's provision of a Savior -- both to save us from eternal punishment AND to make us good people.
The Ten Commands - Exodus 20
I am the LORD your God, who saved you out of the land of slavery -- from being slaves.
1 “You shall not seek any "spiritual power", gods, or goddesses (which are really evil spirits) instead of Me. (1 Cor. 10:20)
2 Don't love and serve the things that are created or achieved - the things you have or the things you make. This includes money or valuables -- anything that makes you "rich" (Matt. 6:24; 1 Tim 6:10; Col. 3:5; Heb. 13:5.)
3 “- Don't use "God" or Jesus' name for your own purposes, selfish ambition, or personal gain, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. Don't flipantly use His name in curses. (Phil 1:17)
4 Remember to take time to rest from your normal work. Enter into His spiritual rest, and take on His yoke that is easy and His burden that is light. (Matthew 11:29; Hebrew 4:1-11)
5 Show true respect to your father and your mother -- those who have prepared the way ahead of you -- so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
6 “You shall not take someone else's life, or even hate anyone in your heart -- wishing someone dead. Don't remain angry with anyone in your heart. (Matt. 5:21-24;1 John 3:15)
7 Don't have sex with someone else's husband or wife, or even fantasize or lust after anyone in your heart. (Matt 5:27-29)
8 Don't take anything that isn't yours to take. Instead, be productive. (Eph 4:28)
9 Don't spread gossip or rumors that aren't true or lie to get someone else in trouble. (Luke 6:45)
10 Don't be greedy or long for what someone else has and want it for yourself, which is actually idolatry. (Col. 3:5)
As we peer closer into the righteous standard of God, we understand how much we really NEED Jesus.
The 10 commandments are just PART of a larger set of commands, which all are only a mere reflection of God's character. Sin doesn't just have to do with breaking a rule (even though this is true), it means simply living outside of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Then we understand we cannot live without Him. Trusting God to make us good is key for Christians -- your sanctification comes through faith, not by trying to keep standards of righteousness (like frequent church attendance, witnessing, memorizing the Bible, tithing, etc). -- anything that you use to measure your spirituality against another (see Phil. 1:17; Romans 2:1; 2 Cor. 10:12). Pure love for God and people that comes as an OVERFLOW of sincere gratefulness from God's gracious forgiveness IS "being holy". Anything else is dead works. This even includes attempts to "love God" and "love our neighbor" apart from the presence and leading of the Holy Spirit. True Love fulfills all of the law. (Matthew 22:36-40; Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 5:14)
You can read more about Grace vs. Obeying the Law here (copy and past the link):
https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=2378436948
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