QUESTION: What does God require in the sixth, seventh, and eighth commandments?
ANSWER: 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 single life, avoiding all impure actions, looks, words, thoughts, or desires, and whatever might lead to them. Eighth, that we do not take without permission that which belongs to someone else, nor withhold any good from someone we might benefit.
WARM-UP
There are two popular sentiments today broadly accepted in our culture. First, that we need to love our neighbors. Second, that we need to pursue justice. In what ways are these values expressed today? In what ways are they in tension with one another?
WORD
BIG IDEA
The sixth, seventh and eighth commandments help lay a foundation for loving our neighbors and creating a more just society.
READ
Exodus 20:13-15
WATCH/LISTEN
ANSWER: 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 single life, avoiding all impure actions, looks, words, thoughts, or desires, and whatever might lead to them. Eighth, that we do not take without permission that which belongs to someone else, nor withhold any good from someone we might benefit.
WARM-UP
There are two popular sentiments today broadly accepted in our culture. First, that we need to love our neighbors. Second, that we need to pursue justice. In what ways are these values expressed today? In what ways are they in tension with one another?
WORD
BIG IDEA
The sixth, seventh and eighth commandments help lay a foundation for loving our neighbors and creating a more just society.
READ
Exodus 20:13-15
You shall not murder
You shall not commit adultery
You shall not steal
You shall not commit adultery
You shall not steal
WATCH/LISTEN
OLD SELF
Murder (and hatred that leads to it), adultery (and lustful intent that leads to it), and stealing (and distrust in God’s provision that leads to it) all work to unravel the fabric of society. How have you seen these actions hurt your community? In what ways have you been impacted by these actions? How do these actions diminish the Image of God in others?
NEW SELF
WORLD
This week pay attention to how these three actions permeate our society. Look for ways that your Gospel presence can provide an antidote to them. Discuss ways Jesus renews the Imago Dei in us and how we can express that to the benefit of others.
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.
Murder (and hatred that leads to it), adultery (and lustful intent that leads to it), and stealing (and distrust in God’s provision that leads to it) all work to unravel the fabric of society. How have you seen these actions hurt your community? In what ways have you been impacted by these actions? How do these actions diminish the Image of God in others?
NEW SELF
- The death and resurrection of Jesus have the unique power to change hearts and in so doing rebuild the community. How does the Gospel challenge accepted forms of hatred?
- How does the Gospel challenge common understandings of sexual freedom? How does the Gospel shift our experience of God’s provision?
WORLD
This week pay attention to how these three actions permeate our society. Look for ways that your Gospel presence can provide an antidote to them. Discuss ways Jesus renews the Imago Dei in us and how we can express that to the benefit of others.
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.