THE CHRISTIAN AND THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

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THE CHRISTIAN AND THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

1 Peter 4:11

 

INTRODUCTION:

  1. Many in the Protestant world are now promoting the Ten Commandments as a solid defense against immorality.
  2. They are convinced that the Ten Commandments are the answer to all of man’s needs.
  3. If our neighbors are teaching the truth about this matter, surely the Bible would support their claim.
  4. We must heed the warnings found in Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; 5:32; Proverbs 30:6; 1 Peter 4:11; Revelation 22:18.
  5. Likewise, 1 John 4:1-3 commands us to try or test every spirit or teaching.
  6. 2 John 9-11 also instructs us to investigate a man’s doctrine before embracing him fully in fellowship.
  7. Concerning this issue, there are some things we must keep in mind.

 

BODY:

I.  WE MUST RESPECT ALL OF GOD’S WORD AS INSPIRED

  1. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Tim.3:16).
  2. All of God’s Word is profitable for our learning; it is implied that we should study all of God’s Word (Rom.15:4).
  3. All of God’s Word is beneficial for our admonition (1 Cor.10:11).

 

II.  WE MUST RESPECT THE DIVISIONS IN GOD’S WORD

  1. The divisions found in God’s Word serve an important purpose.
  2. They reveal the very mind of God (Eph.3:1-5).
  3. They reveal progression of the Plan of Salvation (Luke 24:44; Eph.3:6; Acts 2:16; 1 Pet.1:10-12).
  4. They reveal the sovereignty of God (Eph.3:8-11).
  5. They reveal the manifold wisdom of God (Eph.3:10-11).

 

III.  WE MUST REFUSE THE MISUSE OF GOD’S WORD

  1. “Whatsoever you do in word (doctrine) or deed (actions), do all in the name of (by the authority) the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father by him” (Col.3:17).
  2. “Study (give diligence; this word translated “endeavoring” in Ephesians 4:3) to show (present) thyself approved unto God, a workman (worker) that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing (handling carefully and correctly) the word of truth” (2 Tim.2:15).
  3. Jesus declares, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).

 

IV.  WE MUST REVEAL THE TRUTH ABOUT THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

  1. The Ten Commandments were never given to Christians to observe (Deu.4:9-14; 5:1-21).
  2. The Ten Commandments were a part of the Old Covenant (Exd.34:27-28; Deu.5:2-3).
  3. The Ten Commandments required the Jews to keep or observe the Sabbath (Exd.12:14; 31:12-14).
  4. The Old Covenant included the Law of Moses, the first five books of the Bible, the psalms (Psa.82:6; John 10:34) and the prophets (1 Cor.14:21; Isa.28:11-12).
  5. The Old Covenant/Testament predicted its replacement (Jer.31:31-34).
  6. The New Testament is the replacement (Heb.8:6-13).

 

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

 

  1. If Christians must observe the Ten Commandments, they first must be circumcised (Lev.12:1-3; Josh.5:2-5; John 7:22; however, Acts 15:1- 24 teaches the very opposite.

 

  1. In fact, Galatians 5:1-4 teaches that such behavior would cause one to lose his relationship with Christ.

 

  1. Colossians 2:11-13 teaches that our circumcision is to be of the heart.

 

  1. The command of Sabbath day observance has ended, according to Colossians 2:14-17.

 

  1. If Christians submit to observing the Law of Moses, it would be spiritual adultery, according to Romans 7:1-4. “The law” is a reference to the Law of Moses. We cannot serve God under two laws at the same time.

 

  1. Romans 7:7 reveals that part of the dead law, the Law of Moses, is the tenth command of the Ten Commandments, “Thou shalt not covet” (Exd.20:17). Therefore, observance of the Ten Commandments is not required of Christians.

 

  1. Galatians 5:4 reveals that submission to one part of the Law of Moses makes one subject to all parts of Moses’ Law, including animal sacrifices, the males going to Jerusalem three times a     year (Lev.23),  observance of the Sabbath, etc.