Sermon - 6. You shall not murder - Exodus 20:1-13

Sermon Series: The Ten CommandmentsSermon Title: 6. You Shall Not MurderBible Passage: Exodus 20:1–13Preacher: Robin VonkDate & Time: Sunday, 8 March 2026 | 9:30amThe command “You shall not murder” may seem straightforward, yet it reaches far deeper than the act itself. In Exodus 20:13, God affirms the sacred value of human life—life created in His image and worthy of dignity, protection, and care. This command calls God’s people not only to refrain from violence, but to cultivate hearts that value and preserve life.In this sermon, we will see that this command exposes more than outward behaviour. As Jesus later teaches, anger, hatred, and contempt can also reveal hearts that fall short of God’s intention for human relationships. God’s law shows us how seriously He values life, while also revealing how deeply we need His mercy.The gospel speaks powerfully into this reality. Jesus Christ, the innocent one, was put to death by sinful humanity. Yet through His death and resurrection, God brings forgiveness and new life to those who turn to Him. The cross exposes the depth of human sin while displaying the greater depth of God’s grace. In Christ, we are forgiven for the ways we have harmed others in thought, word, or deed, and we are transformed to become people who seek peace, reconciliation, and the flourishing of life.As part of The Ten Commandments series, this message will help us see that God’s command is not merely a restriction—it is a call to cherish life as He does. Through the power of the gospel, we are invited to move from anger to grace, from destruction to restoration, reflecting the life-giving character of the God who made us.