Donald Fehlauer posted on October 06, 2005 00:00
The Ten Commandments teach us God’s morality (Exodus 20:1-17). The explanations below are drawn from the Small Catechism by Martin Luther.
· The 1st Commandment says we are to have no other God. We are to fear, love, and trust in God above all things (Matt 6:33).
· The 2nd Commandment says that God’s name is not to be misused by cursing, swearing, using satanic arts, lying, or deceiving by His name. Praying to people or dead saints also dishonors God. We properly use God’s name by praying to Him, praising Him, and thanking Him (Psalm 105:1-3).
· The 3rd Commandment urges us to worship and use the Means of Grace. We must not despise preaching or His Word, but hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it (Luke 11:28).
· The 4th Commandment tells us to honor the authorities established by God here on earth. We honor our father and mother and the government. This includes paying taxes, voting, and obeying the laws where they do not force us to disobey God and sin (Eph. 6:1-4; Romans 13:1-7).
· The 5th Commandment tells us not to hurt or harm anyone physically, but to help him in every physical need. (Luke 10:30-37). Abortion and euthanasia are sin because they rebel against this commandment.
· The 6th Commandment tells us to be sexually pure in all our thoughts, words and actions. Husbands and wives are to love and honor each other all their lives and not to divorce. Men and women must not have sexual relations outside of the commitment of marriage. Homosexuality is sin both in orientation and practice (1 Corinthians 6:9-20).
· The 7th Commandment tells us not to take anyone’s money or property or scheme to get them in a dishonest way. We help people keep and protect their property (Ephesians 4:28).
· The 8th Commandment tells us not to lie to or about anyone. We must not slander, spread rumors, gossip, or hurt anyone’s reputation. We defend people and explain everything in the kindest way (Ephesians 4:29-32).
The 9th and 10th commandments tell us not to covet (sinfully desire) anything that belongs to someone else. We must not be greedy, but have holy desires about the things of this world (1 Timothy 6:6-10)