The Ten Commandments Exodus 20:1-11 I. Introduction. A. The Israelites had been delivered from Egyptian bondage. B. A few became a nation. 1. Seventy souls and Joseph had gone down into Egypt. 2. A nation came forth from the land of Pharaoh(God caused such). C. As is true of mankind, laws to govern were necessary(no nation can exist without such). II. Body. A. The Hebrew nation fled from Egypt toward the promised land. 1. The Lord guided them--they did not always follow. 2. Spent 40 years in wandering before they could enter the promised land. B. No nation can exist without rules and regulations: Proverbs 29:18. C. God provided the basis for their laws and rules by revealing the Ten Commandments(and the rest of the law) to His nation. 1. Comprehensive in nature. 2. Fully covers the basic tenets of the Law of Moses. 3. Following the commandments would make the Israelites a great nation. 4. The Hebrews needed to remember: Exodus 20:1-2. 5. The Lord demonstrated His power to them: Exodus 20:18. 6. God spoke these commandments: Deuteronomy 5:2-3). a. Designed for the Israelite nation. b. Served their purpose under the Old Law. c. These ten became the basis for all other laws and ordinances. D. The first four commandments cover duties to God (indicate love for God). 1. No other gods: Exodus 20:3. a. Jehovah is the only God, there is no other! b. No compromising: only the true God has power. c. Even today: men reject Jehovah. d. May come in different modes: whatever stands between God and a person is their god! 2. Idolatry forbidden: Exodus 20:4-6. a. Brick and mortar do not make gods. b. How foolish: Isaiah 44:14-17. c. Idolatry in many forms: exists in the mind of those who invent such. d. Note: I Corinthians 8:4. 3. Swearing forbidden: Exodus 20:7. a. Using the name of God in a frivolous manner. b. Taking false oaths/making promises not intending to fulfill. c. Perjury in God's sight. d. What about judicial oaths? 4. The Sabbath Law: Exodus 20:8-11 a. Given to the Hebrews: Deuteronomy 5:2. b. Sabbath means "rest." c. No command for Christians. D. Sabbath is not Sunday. E. The last six cover the treatment of others(indicates love for others). 1. Proper respect for parents: Exodus 20:12. a. A natural obligation. b. There is to be a bond between children and parents. c. Note: Ephesians 6:1. d. Beneficial: "...days may be long." 2. Murder forbidden: Exodus 20:13. a. Violates "love thy neighbor." b. Many have little respect for human life. c. One takes what cannot be restored(life). d. The "state of the heart" governs one's act. e. In the New Testament: I John 3:15. 3. Adultery forbidden: Exodus 20:14. a. A sin, violates the sanctity of marriage, destroys "personal purity(result of unbridled lust). b. Drags humans to lowest depravity. c. Jesus pointed out the real source: Matthew 5:28. 4. Stealing forbidden: Exodus 20:15. a. Taking what belongs to another--without a right to claim. b. Dishonesty: steal, rob, deceive, "breach of trust," etc. c. In the New Testament: Ephesians 4:28. 5. False witness forbidden: Exodus 20:16. a. Prohibited all false statements. b. Slander, false accusations, careless speech, etc. covered. c. "..God condemns liars of all grades and kind." d. Note: Colossians 3:9. 6. Do not covet: Exodus 20:17. a. An "inward desire" for something I have no right to obtain. b. Form of greed. c. The New Testament points out: Colossians 3:5. d. A sin of the heart that is often carried out in actions. III. Conclusion. A. The Law of Moses included the 10 commandments--it ended with the death of Christ (none were brought over). B. Similarities exist with the gospel due to the nature of God.-jy