Exodus 20:13 | Sermon Resources | 25 October 2020
Sermon Summary
The sixth commandment — to not murder — contains only two words in the original Hebrew and yet it speaks to numerous issues. We get a glimpse in this commandment of depth of the darkness of the human heart. Jesus expands our understanding of what this commandment is really about when he shows that anger and hate are a form of murder. And yet the gospel is big enough to cover even this sin.
Listen for the following ideas in this week’s sermon:
- The law as a ladder vs. a mirror
- Romans 8:3
- Different words for death
- Reference to Cain & Abel
- Genesis 6:5
- Matthew 5:21-22
- Internal vs. external obedience
- Applications to suicide, abortion, and euthanasia
- A quote from John Calvin: “For the fetus, though enclosed in the womb of its mother, is already a human being, (homo,) and it is almost a monstrous crime to rob it of the life which it has not yet begun to enjoy. If it seems more horrible to kill a man in his own house than in a field, because a man’s house is his place of most secure refuge, it ought surely to be deemed more atrocious to destroy a fetus in the womb before it has come to light.”
- The need to speak with clarity AND gentleness on these issues
- Even murder is forgivable!
Discussion Questions
- What does it mean that the 10 Commandments are not a ladder but a mirror?
- What does this commandment teach us about the darkness of the human heart? Do you believe you are capable of committing murder?
- How did Jesus transform our understanding of this commandment (c.f. Matthew 5:21-26)?
- How does this commandment address issues such as suicide, abortion, and euthanasia? Why is it important to be clear on what the Bible says about these issues? Why is it just as important to be gentle?
- What unique reasons do Christians have for preserving and honoring human life?
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