Ten Words - Week 7: Don't Murder!

Scripture:  Exodus 20:13, Genesis 4, 2 Samuel 11-12, Genesis 9:6, Matthew 5:21-22, 1 John 3:15 Exodus 20:13 "You shall not murder." Many believe they have not broken this commandment - but what we will discover is that we have all broken it. This will be a message that will offend many and we will see our incredible need for a Savior. We will also recognize He is giving us direction for our daily lives. The Ten Commandments were given as a Curb Mirror Guide There are so many stories of murder in the Bible: Cain and Abel - Genesis 4, David and Uriah - 2 Samuel 11-12. In Genesis 9:6 we see that God considers life to be sacred, precious:  "Whoever sheds human blood,
    by humans shall their blood be shed;
for in the image of God
    has God made mankind." Murder is a violation of the very heart of the Living God. Jesus defines murder in greater detail in Matthew 5:21-22 "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment." We are guilty of sinning against this commandment with our hearts and minds - one we thought we were exempt from. Anger, resentment and hatred - destroy us from within.  "All who hate a brother or sister are murderers, and you know that murderers do not have eternal life abiding in them." 1 John 3:15.  God calls us to be slow to anger, quick to forgive and to take seriously the heart of this commandment. Not just our outward actions but our inner thoughts. This command shows us our inner need for a Savior and calls us to Christ, showing we all need a Divine Deliverer. What more is in this command? Specific Issues: PUNISHMENT and WARFARE - Government: death penalty, wars: Romans 13:4 gives authority to government to carry these out. SUICIDE - affects the individual, their families and even communities. We are not to take our own lives. Many think of this is the unforgivable sin - yet the Bible does not say that.  ABORTION - See Jeremiah 1:5, Psalm 139:16 and Luke 1:41-44 where we see that Scriptures do not distinguish between the unborn and born. Responding to this command - do we accept a world view? Here's a common saying today: "If you are against abortion, don't do it.  But don't impose your views on others." With a closer look - try substituting different words in place of "abortion" such as: murder or slavery or sex trafficking. How does that change your view? Response     ⁃    Realize: I may have accepted a worldview that is contrary to God's     ⁃    Repent: ask Him for forgiveness     ⁃    Receive: forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ.     ⁃    Rely: on His Word which is true, on His Holy Spirit who guides and directs and gives revelation and understanding. It is painful to admit our sin, but glorious to receive what God offers: forgiveness and life in Christ. Now What? Learn about God at  https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out the video from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/ten-words Check out the video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AwakeUsNow/streams Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.