THE TEN COMMANDMENTS (2)
(Message by Tanny Keng)
0. Introduction
a) The Ten Commandments
(Text: Exodus 20:1-17)
1. What is the text all about?
a) God's name is special it carries his personal identity. Using it frivolously or in a curse is so common today that we may fail to realize how serious it is. The way we use God's name conveys how we really feel about him. We should respect his name and use it appropriately, speaking it in praise and worship rather than in curse of jest. We should not take lightly the abuse or dishonor of his name.
b) The Sabbath was a day set aside for rest and worship. God commanded a Sabbath because human beings need to spend unhurried time in worship and rest each week. A God who is concerned enough to provide a day each week for us to rest is indeed wonderful. To observe a regular time of rest and worship in our fast-paced world demonstrates how important God is to us, and it gives us the extra benefit of refreshing our spirits. Don't neglect God's provision.
c) This is the first commandment with a promise attached. To live in peace for generations in the Promised Land, the Israelites would need to respect authority and build strong families. But what does it mean to "honor" parents? Partly, it means speaking well of them and politely to them. It also means acting in a way that shows them courtesy and respect (but not to obey them if this means disobedience to God). It means following their teaching and example of putting God first. Parents have a special place in God's sight. Even those who find it difficult to get along with their parents are still commanded to honor them.
d) Bearing false witness means lying in court. God knew that Israel could not survive unless its system for justice was incorruptible. We should be honest in our private dealings as well as in our public statements. In either situation, we "bear false witness" by leaving something out of a story, telling a half-truth, twisting the facts, or inventing a falsehood. God warns us against deception. Even though deception is a way of life for many people, God's people must not give in to it!
e) To covet is to wish to have the possessions of others. It goes beyond simply admiring some else's possessions or thinking, I'd like to have one of those. Coveting includes envy - resenting the fact that others have what you don't. God knows, however, that possessions never make anyone happy for long. Since only God can supply all our needs, true contentment is found only in him. When you begin to covet, try to determine if a basic need is leading you to envy. For example, you may covet someone's success, not because you want to take it away from him, but because you would like to feel as appreciated by others as he is. If this is the case, pray that God will help you deal with your resentment and meet your basic needs.
2. Prayer focus
a) Pray that we do not covet things of this world to become our gods but rather allow God to take central place in our lives in whatever we do.
The End ...
0. Introduction a) The Ten Commandments
(Text: Exodus 20:1-17)
1. What is the text all about?
a) God's name is special it carries his personal identity. Using it frivolously or in a curse is so common today that we may fail to realize how serious it is. The way we use God's name conveys how we really feel about him. We should respect his name and use it appropriately, speaking it in praise and worship rather than in curse of jest. We should not take lightly the abuse or dishonor of his name.
b) The Sabbath was a day set aside for rest and worship. God commanded a Sabbath because human beings need to spend unhurried time in worship and rest each week. A God who is concerned enough to provide a day each week for us to rest is indeed wonderful. To observe a regular time of rest and worship in our fast-paced world demonstrates how important God is to us, and it gives us the extra benefit of refreshing our spirits. Don't neglect God's provision.
c) This is the first commandment with a promise attached. To live in peace for generations in the Promised Land, the Israelites would need to respect authority and build strong families. But what does it mean to "honor" parents? Partly, it means speaking well of them and politely to them. It also means acting in a way that shows them courtesy and respect (but not to obey them if this means disobedience to God). It means following their teaching and example of putting God first. Parents have a special place in God's sight. Even those who find it difficult to get along with their parents are still commanded to honor them.
d) Bearing false witness means lying in court. God knew that Israel could not survive unless its system for justice was incorruptible. We should be honest in our private dealings as well as in our public statements. In either situation, we "bear false witness" by leaving something out of a story, telling a half-truth, twisting the facts, or inventing a falsehood. God warns us against deception. Even though deception is a way of life for many people, God's people must not give in to it!
e) To covet is to wish to have the possessions of others. It goes beyond simply admiring some else's possessions or thinking, I'd like to have one of those. Coveting includes envy - resenting the fact that others have what you don't. God knows, however, that possessions never make anyone happy for long. Since only God can supply all our needs, true contentment is found only in him. When you begin to covet, try to determine if a basic need is leading you to envy. For example, you may covet someone's success, not because you want to take it away from him, but because you would like to feel as appreciated by others as he is. If this is the case, pray that God will help you deal with your resentment and meet your basic needs.
2. Prayer focus
a) Pray that we do not covet things of this world to become our gods but rather allow God to take central place in our lives in whatever we do.
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