Let's Do God's Way

Taught from Exodus 20, this is the final message in Stuart's series, "Let's Do It God's Way, " which is a series in the Ten Commandments.

The tenth commandment differs from the other nine in that they deal specifically with actions, while it deals with an attitude—covetousness. But it is clear that actions originate with attitudes. (See Genesis 3:6 and 1 Timothy 6:10)

It is clear from both the prophetic (Jeremiah 5:7-9) and apostolic (1 Corinthians 5:1-5) ministries, not to mention the ministry of Christ Himself (Matthew 5:27-32), that ancient cultures had severe problems with sexual immorality. God’s obvious concern about this is related to His commitment to the sanctity of marriage. God’s Word in this regard needs to be heeded today.

Our judicial system requires witnesses to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Failure to do so is called perjury, which is a crime bearing severe penalties. God, who is far more committed to truth than man, expects us to tell the truth, too.

George Gallup, Jr. said, “It is ironic that while religion in America is growing in popularity, morality is declining.” The Wall Street Journal reported that a poll showed no difference in attitudes between “churched” and “unchurched” with regard to cheating on expense accounts and tax reporting.

“Thou shalt not kill” appears, on the surface, to be an easy-to-understand Commandment, but careful study will show how far reaching it really is.

To honor father and mother presupposes we know them, appreciate their significance and are afforded opportunities of expressing our respect. This requires, of course, a lasting, intimate relationship in a suitable environment—we call it the family.

Work and leisure are integral parts of life. The fourth commandment shows how profoundly important they are.

At first sight the third commandment seems to be banning profanity. But careful study shows that much more is at stake. Juliet asked Romeo, “What’s in a name?” Implying “nothing.” But she was mistaken.

Thomas Watson, preaching in the seventeenth century said, “In the first commandment worshipping a false god is forbidden, in this (the second commandment) worshipping the true God in a false manner.” God’s concern is to protect His people from the repercussions of such error.

The Lord introduced His rules for living with the dramatic statement, "You shall have no other gods before me!" This meant He was placing Himself above and beyond all human speculations about deities and establishing His claim to be No. 1.

Two things stand out in modern western society: a sense of disorientation and confusion, and a distaste for authority. That the two things are connected is not always acknowledged but a study of the Ten Commandments will show this is the case.