Commandment Six – “Thou shalt not kill.” What about self-defense?

Hebrew Definition – “Kill” – raw-tsakh’ –“A primitive root; properly to dash in pieces, that is, kill (a human being), especially to murder: – put to death, kill, (man-) slay (-er), murder (-er)” (Strongs def.).

English Definition – Murder – “1. The act of unlawfully killing a human being with premeditated malice, by a person of sound mind. To constitute murder in law, the person killing another must be of sound mind or in possession of his reason, and the act must be done with malice prepense, aforethought or premeditated; but malice may be implied, as well as express” (Noah Webster, 1828).

1.   Examples of self-defense that resulted in killing others:

• Genesis 14:14-16

• Esther 8:11-14, 9:1-6

2. Christians are to obey every ordinance of man that is not contrary to God’s Word – Romans 13 – Self-defense that leads to the death of the one who threatened your life is not considered murder under the laws of our land.

3.  We must be careful not to take vengeance into our own hands – vengeance that leads to the death of a person who wronged you is not self-defense:

• I Samuel 25:21-35
• Isaiah 34:8
• Nahum 1:2
• Hebrew 10:30
• Romans 12:19

In matters of an offense we need to turn the other cheek:

• Matthew 5:38-39

Conclusion:  Romans 14:23 “ . . . whatsoever is not of faith is sin”

Ten Commandments Bible Study: Commandment Four

“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:8-11

I.  Definition of key words:

 Remember –  The Hebrew word for “remember” actually is in the sense of “mark” or “set aside.”  “To bear in mind with regard; to keep as sacred; to observe”  (1828 Noah Webster).

Sabbath – Lit.- Rest after labor – “1. The day which God appointed to be observed by the Jews as a day of rest from all secular labor or employments, and to be kept holy and consecrated to his service and worship. This was originally the seventh day of the week, the day on which God rested from the work of creation; and this day is still observed by the Jews and some christians, as the sabbath. But the christian church very early begun and still continue to observe the first day of the week, in commemoration of the resurrection of Christ on that day, by which the work of redemption was completed. Hence it is often called the Lords day. The heathen nations in the north of Europe dedicated this day to the sun, and hence their christian descendants continue to call the day Sunday. But in the United States, Christians have to a great extent discarded the heathen name, and adopted the Jewish name sabbath” (1828 Noah Webster). Word occurs in 116 verses in KJV Bible

 Holy -“ to set apart as sacred, consecrate, dedicate”

 Discussion – According to the passage (Exodus 20:8-11):

•  Who was to keep this command?
• What is this command based upon?

II.  More Old Testament teaching about the Sabbath:

•  Exodus 31:12-18; Numbers 15:32-36
•  Isaiah 58:13-14

III.  Our Lord Jesus Christ’s teaching about the Sabbath:

•  Matthew 12:1-13

Jesus Christ is __________ of the Sabbath.

It is lawful to do ___________ on the Sabbath.

•  Mark 2:23-28

  “The Sabbath was made for _______ and not ______ for the Sabbath” (Mk.2:27).

• Luke 13:10-17

What is the danger in making rules up for Sabbath observance?

• John 7:21-24

What should characterize our judgement about honoring God by keeping a day set-aside for rest and worship?

See further Colossians 2:16

IV.   The New Testament sets the president for worshiping the Lord on the first day of the week: (Points from a pamphlet entitled, “Reclaiming the Lord’s day for the Lord” Dr. Mark Minnick

A.   By Event – The bodily resurrection of Christ

• 28:1; Mk. 16:2; Luke 24:1; John 20:1

B.  By Example – Practice of New Testament church

• Acts 20:6-7

C.  By Exhortation – Offerings were to be taken on the first day

• I Corinthians 16:2

D.  By Designation – The Lord’s Day

• Revelation 1:10

V.  New Testament saints need to honor God by not forsaking the assembly of themselves together.

• Acts 2:46-47
• Hebrews 10:23-25

Speaking Gifts: The Gift of Tongues – I Corinthians 14

The word for “tongue” in the New Testament means literally the one in your mouth or figuratively a language that is spoken. This passage makes complete sense if we understand it in a context of a multilingual church service setting. Paul contrasts prophesying in a language that is understood by all that leads to understanding and edification with speaking a language that is not understandable and therefore not edifying.

 1.  Paul’s conviction concerning speaking gifts in a church service: vs. 1-5

• Prophetic (preaching) gifts that edify, exhort, and comfort are more useful than a language that others don’t understand– vs.1-3
•  Language gifts are to be used only when there is an interpreter vs.4-5

 2.  Paul’s illustration from “things without life” shows that others will only profit if you use a speaking gift in a language that they can understand: vs. 6-11

3.  Paul’s exhortation to those who desire to exercise language gifts: vs. 12-13

• Seek that you might edify – vs.12
•  Pray that you might interpret – vs. 13

4.  Paul’s practice of his own language gift: vs. 14-19

• He desires to avoid unfruitful personal understanding – vs.14
• He prays in a language that others can understand – vs.15
• He sings in a language that others can understand – vs. 15
• The goal is understanding and edification – vs.16-17
• He is thankful for the gift of languages but chooses to speak in a language that others can understand so he can teach – vs.18-19

5.  Paul’s explanation of the gift of languages: vs. 20-22

•  It was a fulfillment of prophecy – vs.20-21
• It was a sign to unbelieving Jews – vs. 22

6.  Paul’s confrontation with the misuse of languages contrasted with the proper use of a language: vs. 23-25

7.  Paul’s restrictions on the use of various languages in church services: vs. 26-28

•  Their purpose must be to edify – vs.26
• They are limited to 2 or at the most 3 persons – vs.27
• They are not to be spoken at the same time – “by course”
• They must be interpreted – vs.27
• They must be silent if there is no interpretation –vs.28

8.  Paul’s restriction on prophesying (preaching) in church services: vs. 29-33

• Prophets should take their turn –vs.31a
• Prophets are not to interrupt each other – vs.30
• Prophets are to judge (evaluate) each other – vs.29 & 32-33
•  2 or 3 prophets (preachers) are allowed to give messages – vs.29
• Prophets should have 2 goals –vs. 31b

1.  That all may be comforted

2.  That all should learn

• Prophets are to be subject to each other – no confusion – vs.32-33

9.  Paul’s restriction on women (wives) in a church service: vs.34-35

10.  Paul’s Authority: vs. 36-38

11.  Paul’s final statement on speaking gifts: vs. 39-40

•  Desire the gift of prophesy (preaching) – vs.39
• Don’t forbid to speak in other languages – vs. 39
• Let all be done decently –vs.40
• Let all be done in order – vs.40

Psalm 149 – Praise, Judgment, and Salvation

Psalm 149 calls for new songs of praise to God and the carrying out of His righteous judgements that were promised in writing.
We also find the requirement of heart and mind needed to pass from the judgement of God to the salvation of God.  The second phrase of verse 4 says, “[God] adorns the humble with salvation.”   It takes humility to tear off the robes of self-sufficiency and self-righteousness and be clothed in the gifted garments of God’s righteousness.   To admit that you have a need for God’s help is a work of God’s grace in your life.  Do you have a grace story in your life that tells how God brought you to humbly ask for His salvation?   Or do you have stories of life that reveal your continued pride in refusing God’s offered gift of help?

In the book of Acts we read of Saul’s prideful resistance but also of his humble conversion.  He explains the good news of salvation so well in his letter to the believers in Rome:

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it–  the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,  whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.  It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.  Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law   (Romans 3:21-28).

Boasting is excluded when you are adorned in God’s salvation!

Psalm 148 – Reasons to Praise God

I often think in pictures and my mind goes into sensory overload when reading Psalm 148.  It seems like a representative of all of God’s creation is called upon to give glory and praise to God.  Try picturing all of the things mentioned in a mosaic of praise to our Creator!  I see exuberant praise of our glorious and majestic all-powerful and all-wise God.    Let’s take verse 9 as an example,  “Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars!” 

 

Can you sense praise in these photos?

We are given 4 grand reasons to praise God in Psalm 148:

 

1.  He is our Creator,
2.  His name alone is exalted,
3.  His majesty is above earth and heaven, and
4.  He is our Horn of Salvation.

Selected commentary by John Gill:

“Psalm 148:14 , He also exalteth the horn of his people,…. Which is done when he increases their strength, their spiritual strength especially; makes them strong in the Lord, in his grace, and in the power of his might; when their dominion and authority is enlarged, and victory given over all their enemies; particularly when the kingdom under the whole heaven shall be given to them, and when they shall reign with Christ on earth; for this phrase denotes the honourable as well as the safe state of the people of God; the horn being an emblem of power, authority, and dominion, . . . Some interpret this of Christ the Horn of David, the Horn of salvation, and the author of it, Psa_132:17; who is King over his people, as a horn signifies; and is the strength, safety, and security of them; has gotten them the victory over all their enemies, and is now exalted in heaven at the right hand of God, and that ‘for his people’ (g), as it may be rendered; he is both raised up and exalted for them; the praise of all his saints; that is, the Lord is the object of the praise of all his saints, to whom he has showed favour and kindness, and on whom he has bestowed the blessings of his grace; it is matter of praise that they are saints, set apart by God the Father, sanctified by the blood of Christ, and by the Spirit of God; and that their horn is exalted, or they raised to dignity and honour; and that Christ is raised and lifted up as an horn for them, 1Corinthians 1:30, Luke 1:68;”

Psalm 18 – Waves of adversity and God’s deliverance

Have you ever been caught in the waves of life’s adversities?

In Psalm 18 David expresses his Love for God and profound appreciation for God’s deliverance from oppressive and life threatening enemies that assaulted him like powerful waves.  He uses a number of picturesque analogies in describing his relationship with God.  He says, “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold (vs.2).   He then exclaims, “I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies” (vs.3).

In your waves of adversity, are you calling upon the LORD?
In your trials of life, do you recognize God as worthy of praise?

If you have called upon God and offered praise in the darkest moments of your life, no doubt you have a testimony of God’s deliverance to share! Will you share it in a way that reflects God’s gifting in your life?  Not everyone is a poet like David who sets his verse to music.  Maybe you can share your story in a small group, paint or draw a picture, or write in a card or blog post a testimony of praise to God that will encourage others.  How will you share a testimony of God’s help in you life?

Last week I was asked to minister at a memorial service and found myself way to emotional to be of much help.  I called on God for help, praised Him in my heart, and felt the strengthening grace of God fill me to minister in ways beyond my own ability.  God is my Rock when I am weak!  He is worthy to be praised!

During my trip to help my friend, I had the opportunity to view and walk along the Oregon beach.  I picked up a small stone, shell, and piece of driftwood for each of my three oldest grandchildren.  These treasures were more beautiful because they had been buffeted by the waves.  Are not our lives more lovely when we receive the grace of God during the polishing waves of life’s adversities?

Psalm 17 – Satisfaction

Where do you find your most satisfaction in life?

I like ice cream and basketball and seem to always watch college ball during March Madness, but I soon find that I’m satiated quickly.  It seems to me that all the things of this world, with all of their appeal and glory, after awhile leave me unsatisfied and really empty.   Have you had this experience?  If so, have you pondered the question of why?

In the book of Ecclesiastes Solomon ponders such questions and answers in various ways.  However, the answer that touched my heart this past week, as I remembered the life of a man who influenced me for God,  is a phrase from chapter 3 that says, “[God] has put eternity into man’s heart.”   Although there are many things in our lives on earth that bring satisfaction, apart from God and eternity it is all vain.  There is more to life then meets the eye!

In Psalm 16 and 17 David is struggling with the trials of living in a world of evil and he comes to a conclusion of where he finds true and lasting satisfaction and joy .  The Psalms close with these words, that echo in my own heart, which contain a longing for eternity in God’s presence:

As for me,
I shall behold your face in righteousness;
when I awake,
I shall be satisfied with your likeness.
Psalm 17:15

For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:10-11

Psalm 14 – No God or know God?

When people look at life and this world we live in, some ask the question, “How can you believe in God?”,  knowing that they don’t, while others ask, “How can you not believe in God?”,  knowing that they do.   Each seems so sure.

Having chosen, in the course of my life, to be on each side of the question, I sympathize with those who can’t seem to bring themselves to believe that God exists.   I pray for them, knowing faith to be the first step to seeing things that one is blind to see before belief.

Used by permission from http://www.heartlight.org/art/

I remember all to well my foolish heart that tried to push the knowledge of God out of my thoughts and life.  David describes my former thinking and attitude in Psalm 14:

 To the choirmaster.
Of David.
The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt,
they do abominable deeds,
there is none who does good.
The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man,
to see if there are any who understand,
who seek after God.
They have all turned aside;
together they have become corrupt;
there is none who does good,
not even one.
Have they no knowledge,
all the evildoers who eat up my people as they eat bread
and do not call upon the LORD?
There they are in great terror,
for God is with the generation of the righteous.
You would shame the plans of the poor,
but the LORD is his refuge.
Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people,
let Jacob rejoice,
let Israel be glad.

Psalm 12 – Hope in times of despair

Sometimes life seems very bleak when we see all the injustice and evil around us.

As I read David’s song (Psalm 12) I feel his despair.  Do you sense it as well?  Where can we turn when we feel the weight of sin and oppression all around us?

We can do what David did!

1)  He looked to God’s pure promises:

 “Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the LORD; “I will place him in the safety for which he longs.”  The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times. Psalm 12:5-6

2)  He found comfort and peace in God when the circumstances were dreadful:

You, O LORD, will keep them; you will guard us from this generation forever. Psalm 12:7

May the Lord help us trust Him when the circumstances of life overwhelm us.

Psalm 10 – When God is Forbearing

When God is forbearing: (click this hyperlink for more explanation)

1.  You can question God’s slowness to act in justice – vs. 1  It is OK!

2.  You can sadly observe the arrogance, foolishness, and sin of the wicked as they oppress the weak – vs.2-11

3.  You can pray with confidence in God’s character – vs.12-18

• God does see
• God will hold the wicked accountable
• God will be just
• God will help
• God will stop the terror

4.  You can find instruction and comfort from a powerful New Testament passage:

This is now the second letter that I (Apostle Peter) am writing to you,
beloved.
In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind
by way of reminder,
that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets
and the commandment of the Lord and Savior
through your apostles,
knowing this first of all,
that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing,
following their own sinful desires.
They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming?
For ever since the fathers fell asleep,
all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.”
For they deliberately overlook this fact,
that the heavens existed long ago,
and the earth was formed out of water
and through water by the word of God,
and that by means of these
the world that then existed was deluged with water
and perished.
But by the same word
the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire,
being kept until the day of judgment
and destruction of the ungodly.
But do not overlook this one fact,
beloved,
that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years,
and a thousand years as one day.
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise
as some count slowness,
but is patient toward you,
not wishing that any should perish,
but that all should reach repentance.
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief,
and then the heavens will pass away with a roar,
and the heavenly bodies will be burned up
and dissolved,
and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.
Since all these things are thus to be dissolved,
what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,
waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God,
because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved,
and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!
But according to his promise
we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth
in which righteousness dwells.
Therefore,
beloved,
since you are waiting for these,
be diligent to be found by him without spot
or blemish,
and at peace.
And count the patience of our Lord as salvation.
2 Peter 3:1-15a