The Ten Words (Part 6): The Life That Is Truly Life

TO START:  In The Ten Words series, we explore the personal and practical foundations God gives in the Exodus story, often known as the Ten Commandments.

In the fourth message (but 6th commandment), Brad East invited us to explore Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:17–26 in light of the sixth commandment in Exodus 20:13. We examined how Jesus fulfills the law by moving beyond the prohibition of murder to address the reality that this commandment like the others is for the sake of living life to the full.

TO READ: Matthew 5:17-26 and Exodus 20:13

TO DISCUSS:

(1.) When you hear the command “You shall not murder,” what feels distant or familiar about it?

(2.) Before this morning, what was your perception of Jesus’s connection to the Laws/Commandments of the Old Testament?

(3.) Brad pointed to the reality that Jesus being God makes Him the author of the Ten Words. How does that reality affect the way you read the Ten Words?

(4.) Why do you think God desires our obedience not simply for order, but for our flourishing and the life of others?

(5.) Jesus says reconciliation should come before offering a gift at the altar. What does that tell us about God’s priorities?

TO CLOSE/TO PRAY: 

God of life,

You see not only our actions but our hearts. We confess the anger, resentment, and careless words

that drains life from our relationships and from us.

Thank You that Your commands are not burdens, but invitations into freedom, healing, and wholeness. Through Jesus, teach us to choose reconciliation over resentment, humility over pride, and peace over division.

Give us courage to take the first step toward restoring what is broken, and grace to trust that Your way leads to life.

Shape our hearts so that our obedience reflects Your love and brings life to others.

Amen.