Bible Pathways - Jan. 24, 2007

Exodus 20

In Today's Scripture Reading:

Ten Commandments and other laws and regulations given

The Ten Commandments are of utmost importance since they were given to us by our Creator. It is no surprise that those who hate and reject God also hate to see them displayed. However, they are essential, basic principles for the spiritual and moral conduct of mankind. Without them we have uncontrolled chaos. Eight are expressed negatively: Thou shalt not. Six present requirements for our relationship with others. Four reveal the perfection of the Holy, One True God, who alone is to be worshiped.

God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God. . . . Thou shalt have no other gods before Me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing . . . in heaven above, or . . . the earth . . . for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God . . . shewing mercy unto . . . them that love Me, and keep My Commandments. Thou shalt not take the Name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh His Name in vain. Remember the Sabbath (Rest) day, to keep it holy. . . . Honour thy father and thy mother . . . . Thou shalt not kill. . . . commit adultery. . . . steal. . . . bear false witness against thy neighbour. . . . covet (20:1-17).

We are warned that it is wrong to steal — whether it is done by shoplifting, cheating on income tax, or failing to give an employer a full day's work. It is wrong to bear false witness (to lie, or to wrongly accuse) against a neighbor, and it is wrong to commit adultery. God warns us of the inevitable consequences for those who fail to heed His commands. The . . . unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone (Revelation 21:8; Ephesians 5:5-8). We are also warned against the practices of witchcraft, sorcery, bestiality, and sacrificing unto any god, save unto the LORD only (Exodus 22:18-20). All who were guilty of these sins were to be put to death immediately. Obedience to His Word should come from the heart. If I love my neighbor, I will not steal his property, commit adultery with his wife, or commit fornication with his daughter. I will protect and respect his loved ones because they belong to God.

The Law is a mirror that reveals with absolute accuracy what we should be. The Apostle Paul said: I had not known sin, but by the Law: for I had not known lust (evil desire), except the Law had said, Thou shalt not covet (Romans 7:7).

Christ Revealed:

The perfection of Christ is revealed through the Ten Commandments, for He kept all of them (Exodus 20:1-17). He was perfect and without sin (Hebrews 4:15). He also gave us a new Commandment . . . That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another (John 13:34).

Word Studies:

20:13 kill =b> murder; 21:14 come presumptuously upon =b> willfully attacks; 21:16 stealeth =b> kidnaps; 21:19 be quit =b> go unpunished; 21:22 her fruit depart from her =b> she miscarries; 21:29 were wont =b> has tried before; 22:2 breaking up =reaking in.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mrs. Audrey M. Johnson Staff: Pam Pendergrast Government Officials: Rep. Bart Gordon (TN) and Rep. Mike Thompson (CA) Country: China, Mainland (1.2 billion) in eastern Asia Major languages: Standard Chinese (Putonghua) or Mandarin (based on the Beijing dialect) Renewed persecution of the Church 18% Chinese folk-religionist; 6% Buddhist; 2% Muslim; number of Christians unknown but growing Prayer Suggestion: Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving (Psalm 147:7).

Optional Reading: Matthew 24

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 118:18