Question:
“What does God require in the sixth, seventh, and eighth commandments?”
Answer (Kids in bold):
“Sixth, that we do not hurt, or hate, or be hostile to our neighbor, but be patient and peaceful, pursuing even our enemies with love. Seventh, that we abstain from sexual immorality and live purely and faithfully, whether in marriage or in
Memory Verse:
“For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
– Romans 13:9
Commentary:
Question 11 of the New City Catechism summarizes the 6th thru 8th commandments. Each was given to Moses in negative form, forbidding ungodly behaviors that are inconsistent with the character of God and contradictory to the ways of God. By deduction, three biblical values are affirmed by these commandments – the sanctity of human life, the sacredness of marriage, and the stewardship of property.
The 6th commandment declares “You shall not murder” (Ex. 20:13), restraining man’s sinful tendency to destroy other persons whom God created in His own image (Gen. 1:26-28). When we harm others through hatred, hostility, aggression, assault, and even murder, we do violence to God Himself by defacing His image in man (Gen 9:6). Putting on Christ means that all our anger, bitterness, wrath and malice must be put
The 7th commandment says “You shall not commit adultery” (Ex. 20:14). This command to live pure and holy lives is required of us because we serve a God who is Himself pure and holy! He is the covenant-keeping God (Deut. 7:9) and He intends for His creatures to keep covenant with one another (Mal. 2:14). A divinely created bond is formed between a man and a woman who enter into the covenant of marriage, but sexual immorality and marital unfaithfulness violate and break apart that covenant bond. God’s own covenant faithfulness can be most remarkably seen in the work of Christ who redeemed His bride, the church, by laying down His life for her. This pattern of sacrificial love is reflected in His creation when we hold the marriage covenant to be sacred and unbreakable.
The 8th commandment, “You shall not steal “(Ex. 20:15), is necessitated because God is the owner of all things. He provides for mankind and calls us to be stewards of all things entrusted to us so that we would use them for the glory of God and the benefit of mankind. We hold our possessions loosely, knowing that it is God who intended for us to use them for the accomplishment of His purposes (Deut 8:17-18). We also respect the property of others, not coveting it or stealing it from them, because God has given it to them as well. The giving of our tithe demonstrates our acknowledgement of His ultimate claim of ownership on all that we have (Mal 3:8-11).hich are not of him, we break the third commandment. When we lie about God, we break the third commandment. When we lie about the works of God, we break the third commandment. When we are irreverent towards him, we break the third commandment. Therefore, we are commanded to speak of God, his Word and works, truthfully and sincerely always. (Acts 17:23)
Resources:
Prayer:
Faithful Shepherd of Our Souls, you created us to live in love and fellowship on the earth, but we fail in that again and again. May your love rule every relationship so that we walk in purity, putting away lust, covetousness, and greed, for your name’s sake. Amen.