The 10 Commands – Part 3 Series

Sermon Series “Exodus”

Exodus 20:15-17

“The 10 Commands – Part 3”

Pastor John Bright

Exodus 20 “15 “You shall not steal.

16 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”

Struggling to make ends meet on a first-call salary, the pastor was upset when he came home to find a new dress on the bed. He confronted his wife, "How could you do this?!"

"I was outside the store looking at the dress in the window, and then I found myself trying it on," she explained. "It was like Satan was whispering in my ear, 'You look fabulous in that dress. Buy it!'"

"Well," the pastor replied, "You know how I deal with that kind of temptation. I say, 'Get behind me, Satan!'"

"I did," replied his wife, "but then he said, 'It looks fabulous from back here, too!'"

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Satan is one source of temptation to not obey God’s commands. He is a fallen angel – one of many. Here is some good info if you want to learn more.

Who is satan?

Ezekiel 28:12-14 describes Satan as having been created a cherub, apparently the highest created angel. Satan’s pride led to his fall. Notice the many “I will” statements in Isaiah 14:12-15. Because of his sin, God permanently removed Satan from his exalted position and role. Satan became the ruler of this world and the prince of the power of the air (John 12:31; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2). He is an accuser (Revelation 12:10), a tempter (Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5), and a deceiver (Genesis 3; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 20:3). His very name means “adversary” or “one who opposes.” Another of his titles, the devil, means “slanderer.” https://www.gotquestions.org/who-Satan.html

One of the main focuses in Lent is temptation because Jesus was also tempted – Matt. 4:1-11

So – is it ok if I tell a little white lie?

It is wrong for me to take a few supplies from work if everyone else is doing it?

Yes! I want a truck like my buddy or a new fishing boat like my neighbor – so what?

Temptation comes in all kinds of ways… BEWARE!

This week we deal with the final three commands:

COMMAND EIGHT

Exodus 20:15 “You shall not steal.”

The next section of Exodus is known as “The Book of the Covenant.” Lots of laws for that day and time that deal with how they will live together under this command – kidnapping, animals, property. Even Command Seven is connected to this one – adultery is stealing from the spouse. Why so many? Two BIG reasons! When someone in the family or community is stealing it always leads to:

• DISTRUST (opposite of trust)

• STRIFE (opposite of peace)

This is the opposite of what we need to see in the Church – trust and peace:

Colossians 3:15 “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”

1 Peter 3:11 “…seek peace and pursue it.”

There are real consequences for the person who steals – but there are also real consequences in the family, community and church.

COMMAND NINE

Exodus 20:16 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”

The temptation to lie always comes from satan – the “Father of Lies” (John 8:44). Seeking justice in that day depended more on the testimony of witnesses far more than forensic evidence (like we want today). If you are found to be a false witness, you will receive their punishment.

Proverbs 12:22 “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,

But those who deal truthfully are His delight.”

Deceiving others is one form of lying. Even a white lie is an attempt to deceive another. So are exaggerations – my apologies to all the fisherman out there! Others have to call you out on this.

James 1:22 “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

God’s Word calls you out when you are deceiving self. The Bible is our source of truth. If you believe something different – that’s self-deception. So common today for Christians to think of themselves as unworthy. Is that the truth?

Psalm 139 :145 “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Marvelous are Your works,

And that my soul knows very well.”

Ephesians 4:29 “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,…”

COMMAND TEN

Exodus 20:17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”