Today we're in Exodus 20:17 for the final charge of the Ten Commandments. Let's finish strong and spend some concentrated time in the text and in Chapter 10 of "Ten Words to Live By."
Tag: Bible Study
Truth in a Time of Great Mistrust
We could easily call this season that we’re living in the Time of Great Mistrust. Information dissemination is fraught with falsehoods. Some of it is intentional and some purely because we live in a sin-scarred world where even once-trusted sources can innocently mislead us. Political and religious leaders make poor choices they then attempt to cover up, and when their sin is exposed, we feel violated for placing our confidence in them. As a result, we begin to doubt all the leaders in our lives. We can’t even go to the grocery store without someone looking sideways at us — or us at them. While we might feel that trustworthiness is at an all-time decline, the truth is “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). That’s why God needed to put the ninth commandment on the Tablets of Testimony and why the psalmist David reminds us that the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
The Truth, the Whole Truth
This week we are in Exodus 20:16 as we look at the importance of a truthful testimony. While we find many verses throughout the Bible admonishing us to not lie, especially in Proverbs, this verse from Exodus is a specific command against speaking mistruths about the people in our lives. Let's jump right into reviewing the Ten Commandments and then ponder how we speak about other people.
Acceptable in His Sight
On Wednesdays this summer, we have connected the Ten Commandments with Psalm 19 in which David declared God’s glory and the beauty of His law. He prayed, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer” (19:14).
But I Really Wanted It
Dear Jesus, You have told us that the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy, while You came to earth that all might have life and have it in abundance (John 10:10). As we have seen the enemy steal, kill, and destroy in horrific ways, our hearts have broken, and we admit that at times we've said, "Well, at least I didn't steal that." But we know that we have broken Your eighth command time after time and our sin is just as grievous to You as theirs. As we enter our study this week, open our eyes to see how our own sin has stolen life from others. Guide us in all truth and protect us from the schemes of the enemy, including the distractions that aren't from You. May we be humble as You sanctify us to reflect You in all we think, say, and do. We love You, Lord.