The Ten Commandments

         “Now, Israel, listen to the laws and commands I will teach you. Obey them so that you will live and so that you will go over and take the land the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving to you.”       Deuteronomy 4:1  21st KJV

   It is now 3 months since the exodus out of Egypt’s bondage.  Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, has recommended that Moses should institute statutes, laws and helpers for the journey ahead.  Exodus 18:1-24.  God gives to Moses what we know as the ten commandments.  Notice: they are not the 10 suggestions!

Read:  Exodus 20:1-21  ( Deuteronomy 5:6-22 )

I.    Three Types Of Jewish Law

a)  Ceremonial Law:  sacrifices, offerings and methods of purification

b)  Judicial Law: regulations for civil government

c)  Moral Law:  the Ten Commandments,  which are universal for anyone

* although not a means to salvation, never the less good for us too

            Galatians 2:16; 3:11;  Romans 8:1,2  made free in Christ

II.  The Ten Commandments

v. 3-7  the first four deal with our duty to God

v.8-17  the last six deal with our duty to our fellow human beings

            Exodus 24:12,13; Deut. 5:22  written by the finger of God

            Exodus 32:19,20  the first tablets were broken by Moses

            Exodus 34:1,2,27-30  the broken tablets replaced by God

            Deuteronomy 10:1-5  Moses told how to preserve them

III.  Their Purpose

*  they were designed to keep Israel pure and distinct from other heathen nations

*  they are statements of how to live successfully and morally with others

            Romans 7:6,7   they reveal our own sinfulness before God

            1 Timothy 1:8-11  it shows us the need to cleanse ourselves from sin

            1 Corinthians 15:55-57  Jesus gives us the victory over our sin

            Deuteronomy 10:12,13  it is always a blessing to walk in His ways !