Before going any further, I recommend that you (re)read the Ten Commandments.
A few weeks ago, someone asked Carla a question about generational sin. We've been memorizing the Ten Commandments at home, so she was ready with an answer (it's in #2). As soon as she said, "Let's look in the Ten Commandments," the person sitting next to her said, "Yes, but we're not under the law any more." Carla told me that she just kind of ignored the person who made the statement and went on to answer the inmate's question.
I wasn't quite sure what to think when Carla told me about this. I just knew that it felt wrong, but a year or two ago, I might have said the same thing.
I can tell you one thing for sure; after going over the Ten Commandments for three weeks, I'm having trouble finding any that I am exempt from...
So let's go through the list. Each one is paraphrased.:
I hope the obvious answer is 'none.'
The next question is; which of these commandments do we choose to ignore? The reason I ask it this way is because I don't think it's possible for us to accidentally break one of them. Not after reading the list at least. Also, I'm not sure if they go in order of importance (surely murder is worse than not honoring one's parents...), but misusing the name of the Lord and remembering the Sabbath are three and four, respectively. I break number three more than I care to admit and I'm not even sure how to properly remember the Sabbath. I make idols out of myself, money, leisure, and status. In turn, I put other gods first all the time; I don't just elevate myself to the role of god by making myself the center of the universe, but I make the other items I listed into gods as well.
I try to honor my parents. They're both dead but I still catch myself saying negative things about them. I have to stop and ask "does this honor my parents." I'm 43. Am I exempt from this command?
As for the rest, if I use Jesus's standards, I'm guilty. Murder = hatred. Adultery = lust.
I'm not sure how to describe stealing and false testimony. I think these might be the ones I have the least trouble with (did you hear that? Jaws music in the background...), but I'm not always diligent with my time and I embellish stories all the time. How's that for a wimpy admission?
Don't even get me started with coveting. I just got a beautiful new TV and am already wanting a HD recording. Somebody stop me!
I know that the New Testament says we are not under the law; Romans 6:14 says "For sin shall not be your master, for you are not under the law, but under grace."
A few weeks ago, someone asked Carla a question about generational sin. We've been memorizing the Ten Commandments at home, so she was ready with an answer (it's in #2). As soon as she said, "Let's look in the Ten Commandments," the person sitting next to her said, "Yes, but we're not under the law any more." Carla told me that she just kind of ignored the person who made the statement and went on to answer the inmate's question.
I wasn't quite sure what to think when Carla told me about this. I just knew that it felt wrong, but a year or two ago, I might have said the same thing.
I can tell you one thing for sure; after going over the Ten Commandments for three weeks, I'm having trouble finding any that I am exempt from...
So let's go through the list. Each one is paraphrased.:
- You shall have no other gods before me.
- You shall not make for yourself an idol.
- You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
- Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
- Honor your father and your mother.
- You shall not murder.
- You shall not commit adultery.
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
- You shall not covet.
I hope the obvious answer is 'none.'
The next question is; which of these commandments do we choose to ignore? The reason I ask it this way is because I don't think it's possible for us to accidentally break one of them. Not after reading the list at least. Also, I'm not sure if they go in order of importance (surely murder is worse than not honoring one's parents...), but misusing the name of the Lord and remembering the Sabbath are three and four, respectively. I break number three more than I care to admit and I'm not even sure how to properly remember the Sabbath. I make idols out of myself, money, leisure, and status. In turn, I put other gods first all the time; I don't just elevate myself to the role of god by making myself the center of the universe, but I make the other items I listed into gods as well.
I try to honor my parents. They're both dead but I still catch myself saying negative things about them. I have to stop and ask "does this honor my parents." I'm 43. Am I exempt from this command?
As for the rest, if I use Jesus's standards, I'm guilty. Murder = hatred. Adultery = lust.
I'm not sure how to describe stealing and false testimony. I think these might be the ones I have the least trouble with (did you hear that? Jaws music in the background...), but I'm not always diligent with my time and I embellish stories all the time. How's that for a wimpy admission?
Don't even get me started with coveting. I just got a beautiful new TV and am already wanting a HD recording. Somebody stop me!
I know that the New Testament says we are not under the law; Romans 6:14 says "For sin shall not be your master, for you are not under the law, but under grace."
