For thousands of years mankind has had God's list of Ten Commandments. Though cultures, languages and lifestyles have changed dramatically since Moses received these words on Mount Sinai, they are surprisingly very applicable to our daily lives in the 21st century.
Skip Heitzig explores in depth each of God's Top Ten and wraps up the series with a discussion on the most famous Eleventh Commandment given by Jesus during His time on earth.
# | SCRIPTURE: | MESSAGE: |
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1 | Exodus 19-20 | God's Top Ten List |
2 | Exodus 20:1-3 | First Things First |
3 | Exodus 20:4-6 | Have You Seen God Lately? – Part 1 |
4 | Exodus 20:4-6 | Have You Seen God Lately? – Part 2 |
5 | Exodus 20:7 | God Is Not a Swear Word |
6 | Exodus 20:8-11 | Relax! - And That's an Order! Part 1 |
7 | Exodus 20:8-11 | Relax! - And That's an Order! Part 2 |
8 | Exodus 20:12 | Because I Said So! - Part 1 |
9 | Exodus 20:12 | Because I Said So! - Part 2 |
10 | Exodus 20:13 | Getting Away With Murder |
11 | Exodus 20:13 | A Time To Kill? |
12 | Exodus 20:14 | Weeds of Unfaithfulness in the Garden of Love |
13 | Exodus 20:15 | Bandits, Beware! |
14 | Exodus 20:16 | The Truth, the Whole Truth & Nothing but the Truth! |
15 | Exodus 20:17 | Affluenza! |
16 | Exodus 20:17 | Affluenza! - Its Cure |
17 | John 13:34-35 | The Eleventh Commandment |
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MESSAGE SUMMARY
Today as we begin a new series of studies on the Ten Commandments - God's Laws which transcend time and culture. Think of it - of all the things that could be considered as the most important precepts for life, these are the ones God picked! These truths were designed to elevate our lives above a mere animal existence and provide a blueprint for a purposeful life.
OUTLINE
I. Their Importance - Why Study Them?
II. Their Substance - What Were They?
III. Their Significance - Why Were They Given?
IV. Their Relevance - What do They Mean to Me?
TAKING IT HOME
1. What Laws of God once held sacred in our society do you see changing before your eyes today? Who seems to be objecting to this?
2. Do you think most people see a "Command" as a loving gesture or an imposing one? Why do you suppose that is? How would you answer their concerns?
3. In one sentence, state your relationship to the Law as a New Testament believer.
Topic: Ten Commandments
Keywords: ten commandments, law, truth, torah,
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MESSAGE SUMMARY
The first four commandments are vertical ones: they define our relationship to God. The second six are horizontal: they define our relationship to others. The first commandment on God's "top ten" is the most basic building block for anyone who would claim or seek any relationship to God at all. Every one of God's requirements for mankind flows from His character and nature as Sovereign God. So why is God so exclusive? And why is this the most important command?
OUTLINE
I. God's Claim: "This Is Who I Am to You"
II. God's Care: "This is What I've Done for You"
III. God's Command: "This is What I Want from You"
A. Historically
B. Pragmatically
C. Personally
MAKE THE CONNECTION
Take a few minutes to analyze your worship. Does God have the ultimate authority in your decisions and direction? What rivals might you have for honoring God?
On a personal level, God can never be greater than your present view of Him. If your idea of God is small, you'll never trust Him for much nor pray to Him often. Is your view of God expanding or shrinking? What would help you to expand your view of God?
Write out and discuss at lunch today the ways God has led you in the past up 'til now.
Topic: God First
Keywords: ten commandments, law, truth, torah, Sovereign,
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MESSAGE SUMMARY
Children ask uncomfortable questions like, "How big is God? Where does He live? Why can’t I see Him? Does He ever come out and play?" We adults hem and haw trying to find answers because we want to know the same things! Unfortunately we don't always have good answers. The first commandment on God’s Top Ten was to ensure that people worship Him exclusively; the second commandment was to ensure that people worship Him correctly.
OUTLINE
I. The Prohibition--What Does It Mean? (Vs4-5a)
A. The Old Testament Understanding
B. The New Testament Understanding
C. The Modern Understanding:
Topic: Idolatry
Keywords: ten commandments, law, truth, torah, Idol, Idols, Idolatry,
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MESSAGE SUMMARY
The second commandment was given so that God's people would worship Him correctly, in the way He directed rather than in the way they wanted to worship. God's uniqueness requires unique devotion. Today we discover how we best leave a legacy for our children and grandchildren—by worshiping the right God in the right way.
OUTLINE
Last Week
I. The Prohibition—What Does It Mean?
II. The Problem—Why Do People Do It?
This Week
III. The Premise—Why Is This So Important? (Vs 4-5a)
A. Images Obscure God's Glory
B. Images Mislead God’s People
IV. The Proclamation—Who Is This True God? (Vs 5b-6)
A. Careful: A Jealous God
B. Corrective: Visiting Iniquity
C. Compassionate: Showing Mercy
APPLY THIS STUFF
1. How has God’s unique character been lessened in our modern Western culture? How do you deal with that? How do you counteract that?
2. What kind of worship environment do your children experience with you at home? How are these experiences (or lack of them) conditioning them for the future?
Topic: Idolatry
Keywords: ten commandments, law, truth, torah, Idol, Idols, Idolatry,
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MESSAGE SUMMARY
Most folks haven't a clue as to what this third commandment: You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, means. Most guesses would make it to say, "Don’t say bad words!" It may infer that in part, but goes to a much deeper level. Notice the progression of emphasis in the commandments so far: 1st, What we believe about God; 2nd, How we worship God, and 3rd, What we say about God. It's sobering to think that the use of our mouth is the concern of the third in God's Top Ten!
OUTLINE
I. Names are Sacred—Don’t Misuse Them
II. Words are Sacred—Don’t Abuse Them
III. Promises are Sacred—Don’t Diffuse Them
APPLY THIS STUFF
1. There’s an old saying, "Whatever is in the well will come up in the bucket." What’s in your well most of the time? What thoughts do you frequent? How could Philippians 4:8 help to change speech patterns?
2. How is the Name of God greater or lesser through your words and works? Meditate on
James 3:1-12 during this week and make Psalm 141:3 one of your daily prayers.
3. As Christians, why should simple answers carry all the weight needed to convince people that we are honest & reliable? Is it true that your “follow-through” is as good as your word?
Topic: God's Name
Keywords: ten commandments, law, truth, torah, name, vain,
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MESSAGE SUMMARY
If ever there was a commandment tailor made for the workaholic, this is it! God gives permission (in fact an order) to take R and R. What a gracious God we serve to write this into the Top Ten. But this fourth commandment is a controversial one. Some have made it a burden rather than a blessing to keep. Is the Sabbath regulation for the modern Christian or just the ancient Jew? Did the Sabbath get changed? Are we breaking the Sabbath if we worship on Sunday? We’ll explore these issues in the next two weeks.
OUTLINE
This Week
I. Remembrance Is Commanded (Vs 8-11)
A. Old Testament History
B. New Testament Irony
II. Responsibility Is Conveyed (Vs9)
A. The Blessing of Work
B. The Balance of Rest
Next Week
III. The Premise—Why Is This So Important? (Vs 4-5a)
A. Images Obscure God's Glory
B. Images Mislead God’s People
IV. The Proclamation—Who Is This True God? (Vs 5b-6)
A. Careful: A Jealous God
B. Corrective: Visiting Iniquity
C. Compassionate: Showing Mercy
APPLY THIS STUFF
1. How is your maintenance as a human being? Do you rest adequately? Do you play frequently? Or do you pride yourself in never taking a break and always being on the go? Which is smarter?
2. Balance out the command to rest with the command to labor. How is your work ethic? How is
your worship ethic? Ask God to help you become both a better employee and a better relaxer.
Topic: Sabbath
Keywords: ten commandments, law, truth, torah, Sabbath, Relax, saturday
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MESSAGE SUMMARY
Has the Sabbath Day been changed? Is Sunday the New Sabbath? Are those who worship on Sunday guilty of compromise and succumbing to paganism? Does it even matter? What about those who whose jobs require them to work on Saturday or Sunday? All these questions and more have become the controversy that surrounds this fourth commandment. The real issue however is much more basic and spiritual: Do you honor God by worshipful rest, expressing thankfulness to Him and becoming refreshed so you can serve Him the rest of the week?
OUTLINE
Last Week
I. Remembrance Is Commanded (Vs 8-11)
A. Old Testament History
B. New Testament Irony
II. Responsibility Is Conveyed (Vs9)
A. The Blessing of Work
B. The Balance of Rest
This Week
III. The Premise—Why Is This So Important? (Vs 4-5a)
A. Images Obscure God's Glory
B. Images Mislead God’s People
IV. The Proclamation—Who Is This True God? (Vs 5b-6)
A. Careful: A Jealous God
B. Corrective: Visiting Iniquity
C. Compassionate: Showing Mercy
NOW WHAT?
1. Take a family drive to the mountains for a picnic. Discuss how this fourth commandment can become a weekly rallying point to strengthen your family and its relationship to God.
2. Jesus said that the Sabbath was a gift God gave to mankind, “The Sabbath was made for man” (Mark 2:27). Ask each family member to come up with one way this gift can be enjoyed each week.
Topic: Sabbath
Keywords: ten commandments, law, truth, torah, Sabbath, Relax, saturday
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MESSAGE SUMMARY
Every child has challenged a parent with the question, "Why," only to hear the response, "Because I said so!" This commandment deals with both authority and submission. But there's something much deeper and more profound than mere compliance to a parent's mandate. The commandment implies the supreme value of a godly and healthy family. Today and next week we will consider this fifth commandment and what it means in a culture that is defiant towards it.
OUTLINE
I. The Sense of the Command Generally
A. Relationships are Precious
B. Relationships are Precarious
1. Unrestrained Pressure
2. Untended Priorities
3. Unsteady Parents
II. The Scope of the Command Specifically
A. Interaction with Two Parents--Father and Mother
B. Repetition in Two Testaments--The Old and New
C. Disintegration in Two Eras--The Ancient and Modern
PRACTICING THE PRINCIPLES
1. Perform an atmosphere check f your home. I'm not referring to the heating/air-conditioning unit but rather the attitudes that revail. How is the atmosphere for learning and rowing?
2. Sit down and have a family talk about roles. Let each person describe (without interruption) his or her perceived role in the home. Then look in the Bible for God-given role descriptions and priorities.
Topic: Family
Keywords: ten commandments, law, truth, torah, relationships, parents,
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MESSAGE SUMMARY
A couple on the way to the hospital to have their second child heard their 6-year old son say, "Be sure and get a receipt, so if it’s a girl, we can return her!" But we know children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). We don’t return them. Nor can we exchange our parents for other ones. The ones we have are the ones we must obey and honor, or we must learn to. A child contributes to the health and happiness of the home by the act of obeying and the attitude of honoring.
OUTLINE
LAST WEEK
I. The Sense of the Command Generally
II. The Scope of the Command Specifically
THIS WEEK
III. The Substance of the Command Practically
A. The Implications of Honoring
B. The Restrictions of Honoring
IV. The Security of the Command Personally
A. Quality Life
B. Clear Conscience
PRACTICING THE PRINCIPLES
1. Think of some ways you can honor your parents as an adult? (Regular communication, an unannounced gift, a letter of appreciation, a special dinner, assemble an album of old photos).
2. How does the attitude of honoring differ from the action of obedience? Why is it important for both to be in place? Are they?
3. Sometimes it’s necessary to limit involvement within a toxic relationship (abusive parents or grandparents). Ask God for wisdom to set proper boundaries so that value is given to parents but that children are protected from harm.
Topic: Family
Keywords: ten commandments, law, truth, torah, relationships, parents,
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MESSAGE SUMMARY
People are getting away with murder every day! I don't just mean the violent, premeditated and vicious slaying of innocent lives but also by deep seated attitudes of hatred and spite. Murder has always been a problem with our race but there's something much deeper and more profound than the act of taking a life. Today and next week we will examine this commandment and it’s ramifications into several areas of society.
OUTLINE
I. The Premise of the Command—Life is Sacred
II. The Problem with the Command—Man is Defiled
III. The Passion opposing the Command—Sinful Anger
A. The Reason For It—Passive Hostility
B. The Remedy For It—Active Forgiveness
APPLY THIS STUFF
1. What is your view of human life? How did it originate and how does that view shape your outlook when you drive, stand in line, sit in a crowd or mingle?
2. Think of the last time you were really angry. What was it regarding? How did you handle it? Was your response similar to Jesus' command to reconcile and settle quickly?
3. In what ways do you settle your emotional accounts? Do you bury your feelings? Do you talk things out with the people involved? Do you go around and gossip about people who’ve offended you?
Topic: Murder
Keywords: ten commandments, law, truth, torah, hatred, spite, angry, anger, murder, sinful,
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MESSAGE SUMMARY
You are alive! You will die! Those two absolutes are as basic as it gets. But since life is a gift from the Creator, what right does anyone ever have in taking it from another? One of the commandments on God’s Top Ten list is, "Thou shalt not kill!" Is there ever a time to kill? Does the justice system of a land or an army ever have the right to kill? How can we as responsible Christians ever come to a balance regarding this very difficult issue?
OUTLINE
I. The Case for Killing
A. The Courtroom
B. The Combat Zone
II. The Concerns for Killing
A. What About the Law of Love?
B. What About Jesus’ Teachings?
C. How Can These be Reconciled?
1. The Greek General Thucydides (460-401 B.C.) observed that, “War is an evil thing; but to submit to the dictation of other states is worse. . . . Freedom, if we hold fast to it, will ultimately restore our losses, but submission will mean permanent loss of all that we value.” What do you think of that statement in light of what we considered today?
2. Whatever stand you might take on both War and Capital punishment, try to understand the other position that may be due to the loss of a loved one in war or by the courts. How could you get involved in helping to rehabilitate or disciple those in prison? (Read Matt 25: 36-40).
Topic: Murder
Keywords: ten commandments, law, truth, torah, hatred, spite, angry, anger, murder, sinful,
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MESSAGE SUMMARY
"You shall not commit adultery," is God's way of putting a protective hedge around marriage. Every married couple needs to tend the garden of their love. That means of course pulling out the weeds that would lead to unfaithful behavior. Many a married couple has been "burned" by the fire of Adultery. The flame of passion must burn only for one's spouse. Let's consider how our marriages can stay "Adultery-proof."
OUTLINE
I. It’s Fashionable Socially
II. It’s Formed Inwardly
III. It’s Fatal Relationally
IV. It’s Forgivable Ultimately
V. It’s Fixable Presently
PONDERING THE PRINCIPLES
1. An Excellent Resource: Let me recommend a book for those struggling with this issue: Everyman's Battle: Everyman’s guide to winning the war on Sexual Temptation One Victory at a Time. By Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker, Water Brook Press.
2. Compare Exodus 20:14 with the words of Jesus in Matt 5:27-30. What does this tell us about how we are to obey God inwardly as well as outwardly?
3. Consider the spiritual surgery that may be necessary in your own life. In what situations would you need to "pluck out an eye" or "cut off a hand"?
Topic: Adultery
Keywords: ten commandments, law, truth, torah, relationships, marriage, adultery, affair,
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MESSAGE SUMMARY
It is estimated that 90% of our total population has shoplifted at some point in their lives. Maybe it was a piece of candy with a school friend or a magazine when no one was looking in our adolescence. But some people never stop and with everyone, it seems the lines of right and wrong are getting fuzzier rather than clearer. Let’s get a fresh look at this age old mandate.
OUTLINE
I. It’s a Primary Commandment
II. It’s a Presumptive Commandment
A. Implies Private Property is Rightful
B. Implies Diligent Labor is Honorable
C. Implies Trading & Investing is Commendable
III. It’s a Prohibitive Commandment
TAKING IT TO HEART
1. Look around at home: on your desk or nightstand. Does anything there look like it may have come from the workplace? Wonder how it migrated?
2. How would you grade yourself when it comes to rationalizing? On a scale of one to ten, how clear cut are the lines of what is legitimately yours and what you feel the liberty to “borrow” for a while?
3. If Jesus were sitting next to you at tax time, would you feel comfortable?
Topic: Stealing
Keywords: ten commandments, law, truth, torah, steal, shoplifting, stole, Stealing,
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MESSAGE SUMMARY
Myron Boyd wrote, "A half-truth is a dangerous thing, especially if you have got hold of the wrong half!" I’d venture to say that we have a whole lot of half-truths bouncing around in our brains that we’ve picked up without ever trying to find out the rest. The ninth commandment is about telling the truth, the whole truth. We’ll find that this mandate infers at least three things.
OUTLINE
I. The Character of God
II. The Credibility of Man
III. The Core Issue of Integrity
PONDERING THE PRINCIPLES
1. Ask a trusted (and confidential) friend to help evaluate your speech: Is your tendency to exaggerate or understate? Are your words typically biting or healing? Do you put down others more than build them up? Consider how destructive these tendencies can become.
2. Now ask your trusted Friend (the Lord) to help keep your tongue in check and to allow your tongue to promote blessing and health. (James 3:2-8)
3. Imagine yourself counseling someone who has been the victim of a false witness. What would you advise them?
Topic: Verbal Integrity
Keywords: ten commandments, law, truth, torah, Falsehood, lie, lies, liar, Slander, Gossip, Tale-bearer, lying,
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MESSAGE SUMMARY
No it's not a typo! Affluenza is a social malady that has reached epic proportions in our country. Its germs infect the very young and its symptoms recur even in old age. Solomon nailed it 3000 years ago when he said, "No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied!" (Ecclesiastes 1:8). This last commandment is a different from the other nine in that it probes the heart and touches on our desires. It deals with what we want, not just what we do. This week and next we'll probe what is perhaps our culture's biggest problem.
OUTLINE
I. The Cause of Affluenza: Covetousness
A. Covetousness Binds us to the temporal
B. Covetousness Blinds us from the eternal
II. The Curse of Affluenza: It's Contagious
A. Coveting Reveals Dissatisfaction with God's Provision
B. Coveting Ruins Relationships with Other People
C. Coveting Ripens Into Other Forms of Sin
PONDERING THE PRINCIPLES
1. What do you need right now that you don't have? How much more money? How many more things? When were you most satisfied in your life? How have things changed?
2. Who in your life is the happiest, most contented person you know? Why?
3. Are you living in your dream house? Are you married to your dream-spouse? Are you driving your dream car? Could it be that the problem is with your dreams?
Topic: Coveting
Keywords: ten commandments, law, truth, torah, Coveting, covet, Dissatisfaction,
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MESSAGE SUMMARY
Affluenza is a highly contagious social and spiritual condition that is result of over-abundance. The cause of this malady of the soul is covetousness, the very thing the tenth commandment forbids. So what is the cure? What is the spiritual antidote to this widespread illness? It is a lifestyle of contentment--the satisfaction that God knows my needs and provides for them.
OUTLINE
I. The Cure Must be Identified (Philippians 4:10-13)
II. The Cure Must be Learned (Philippians 4:11)
Four Things to Learn (1 Tim 6:6-10)
A. Contentment is related to godliness, the more godly you become the more content you become
B. Contentment is rooted in Eternity
C. Contentment rejoices in essentials
D. Contentment is ruined by craving more
III. The Cure Must be Practiced
A. A Single Eye
B. A Loose Grip
C. An Open Heart
APPLY THESE THINGS
1. How good are you at both abasing and abounding? (Philippians 4:12) Which is easier? Why?
2. Are you apt to let other people know your needs before you ask God to provide? In what ways are you learning contentment? Is it working?
3. Look over how the Lord has been providing for you. Has He been taking care of your needs? As you seek to answer that question, evaluate your own generosity towards the Lord’s work. DO you see any parallels?
Topic: Coveting
Keywords: ten commandments, law, truth, torah, Coveting, covet, Dissatisfaction,
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MESSAGE SUMMARY
"Now hold on just one minute! There are only TEN commandments, not eleven!" Correct, but listen as Jesus sums up the commandments of the Old Testament with the New Testament directive of "loving one another." As believers under the New Covenant, our study of God's Top Ten would be incomplete without this authoritative addendum by the Lord Jesus Christ.
OUTLINE
I. A Substantive Commandment
II. A Superlative Commandment
III. A Comparative Commandment
IV. An Indicative Commandment
A. For the Believer: It Indicates New Life
B. To the Unbelievers: It Indicates New Direction
Being "Doers" of the Word:
1. What identifying marks do you notice Christians displaying today? If Christians did love one another in a radical way, how do you think the world would react?
2. What are you best known for? (Evaluate your most frequently displayed traits: love, patience, bad attitude, evasiveness, peace, pessimism, thanksgiving, suspicion).
3. Why doesn't Jesus say, "By doctrine shall all men know you are My disciples"? Or, "by devotion", or "by sincerity", or "by creeds"?
Topic: Love
Keywords: ten commandments, law, truth, love,
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