Biblical Studies / Ten Commandments

  • Teaching the Law

    Nehemiah 8:1–12

    Matthew Henry comments on today’s passage that “those who tremble at the convictions of the word may triumph in the consolation of it.” We can rejoice in the Lord’s grace and forgiveness only if we first understand our ...Read More

  • Obedience and Delight

    Psalm 1:1-2

    True love for God’s law is not legalism (adding to God’s rules or demanding that we obey the civil and ceremonial laws fulfilled in Christ). Love for the law makes us try to follow it truly without imposing ...Read More

  • Speaking the Truth

    Ephesians 4:25

    Matthew Henry writes, “Truth is a debt we owe to one another; and, if we love one another, we shall not deceive one another.” Christians must be known for their love of the truth and the trustworthiness of their speech ...Read More

  • The Ninth Commandment

    Deuteronomy 5:20

    There are a number of different ways in which we can break this rule against false witness. If we teach or proclaim wrong things about God’s character, we are bearing false witness. If we gossip and backbite to destroy ...Read More

  • The Eighth Commandment

    Deuteronomy 5:19

    As we will see tomorrow, there are a multitude of ways we can steal from others. Many of these are government-sanctioned, which is why it is important for us to understand what God’s Word says about theft. If we ...Read More

  • The Seventh Commandment

    Deuteronomy 5:18

    Just as idolatry led to destructive consequences for the ancient Israelites, the analogous sin of adultery leads to destruction on an earthly level (2 Kings 17:6–23; Matt. 19:1–12). This should be enough to cause us to ...Read More

  • The Scope of the Sixth Commandment

    Matthew 5:21–26

    The sixth commandment does not forbid all anger, for there is a place for righteous anger, as we will discuss next week. But the sixth commandment warns us that what we consider righteous anger may very well be sinful anger ...Read More

  • Capital Crimes and Punishment

    Numbers 35:9–34

    Many people accuse Christians of being inconsistent in our stance against homosexuality because we believe it immoral, like the Old Testament, but, unlike the Old Testament, we do not call for the death of those who commit sexual sin. This ...Read More

  • The Sixth Commandment

    Deuteronomy 5:17

    Some have expressed legitimate concern as to whether capital punishment is always applied in a just manner under our legal system. That is far different, however, from saying that capital punishment is inherently unjust, oppressive, and barbaric. God, in His ...Read More

  • Submitting to Earthly Authorities

    Romans 13:1–7

    Those who are under the authority of others are not allowed to wait for perfect leadership before they honor their supervisors, parents, church elders, and other leaders. Insofar as our leaders do not command us to do something God forbids ...Read More

  • The Fifth Commandment

    Deuteronomy 5:16

    John Calvin writes, “We should look up to those whom God has placed over us, and should treat them with honor, obedience, and gratefulness.” He goes on to say that this entails “that we are forbidden to detract from their ...Read More

  • The Fourth Commandment

    Deuteronomy 5:12–15

    In one sense, all of life is worship (1 Cor. 10:31). At the same time, however, it is fitting that we set aside time to gather with God’s people to remember His salvation and to thank Him for ...Read More

  • Sacred Oaths and Vows

    Numbers 30:1–2

    This quote from William Shakespeare All’s Well That Ends Well captures an important insight: “‘Tis not the many oaths that makes the truth, but the plain single vow that is vow’d true.” Sacred vows are not to be ...Read More

  • The Penalty for Blasphemy

    Leviticus 24:10–16

    The issue of the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is a difficult one, but commentators agree that we have not committed this sin if we feel remorse and want God to forgive us. Only those whose hearts have been completely ...Read More

  • The Third Commandment

    Deuteronomy 5:11

    In a culture such as ours, we easily fall into the trap of speaking of God irreverently. Even preachers can sometimes fail to give the Lord due reverence in their preaching and teaching, which is why they must take care ...Read More