The Ten Commandments: God's Blueprint for a Good Life

The Ten Commandments were given by God to Moses thousands of years ago (found in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5). They served as God's original blueprint for how His people should live.

Why the Commandments Still Matter

While they are from the Old Testament, the Commandments are still entirely relevant today.

• A Guide for Life: Following them is designed to make our lives (and the world) better and more prosperous (Deuteronomy 5:33).

• Jesus Reaffirmed Them: Jesus confirmed that every single command remains in force (Matthew 19:18).

• They Show Our Need: They serve a crucial purpose: to show us that no one can live up to them perfectly, emphasizing our need for Christ’s forgiveness and help.

“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Come up to me on the mountain and wait there. I’ll give you the stone tablets with the instructions and the commandments that I’ve written in order to teach them.’ (Exodus 24:12)

Part I: Your Duty to God (Commandments 1-4)

The first four commandments teach us how to put God in the correct place in our lives:

1. You must not have any other gods except me.

   • Meaning: Worship only the one true God. Do not allow anything or anyone else to take His rightful place in your life.

2. Do not make any images or carvings (idols).

   • Meaning: An idol is anything that receives your time, attention, and adoration more than God. Allow nothing to substitute for God.

3. You must not use the name of the Lord your God thoughtlessly.

   • Meaning: Always speak God's name reverently and with honor. Do not take His significance for granted.

4. Remember to keep the Sabbath as a holy day.

   • Meaning: Set aside one day each week for rest, worship, and devotion to the Lord.

Part II: Your Duty to Others (Commandments 5-10)

The last six commandments teach us how to treat the people around us with love, respect, and integrity:

1. Honour your father and your mother.

   • Meaning: Treat your parents with reverence and obedience. Jesus confirmed this command applies today (Matthew 15:4).

2. Do not murder.

   • Meaning: Do not purposely injure any human being. Jesus taught that hatred and anger are the starting points of murder.

3. Do not commit adultery.

   • Meaning: Honor your marriage commitment. Sexual contact is reserved only for your spouse.

4. Do not steal.

   • Meaning: Do not take anything that does not belong to you without permission.

5. Do not tell lies.

   • Meaning: Never make a false claim against another person. Always speak the truth.

6. Do not want what others have (Coveting).

   • Meaning: Be grateful for what God has given you. Wishing for what belongs to others can lead to jealousy and other sins.

The Greatest Commandment

When asked which command was the greatest, Jesus summarized the purpose of all ten:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)

These two commands—to love God (Part I) and love people (Part II)—are the essence of the entire law.