God didn’t give the Ten Commandments to burden us—but to bless us with peace, purpose, and direction.
The Ten Commandments
Life comes at us fast, doesn’t it? Between the chaos, choices, and curveballs, we need something—and Someone—we can trust.
Years ago, I got lost hiking with my sons because I trusted my instincts over the map. That was a mistake. Thankfully, God doesn’t leave us wandering—He gives us clear direction for the journey.
The Ten Commandments are timeless truths from a trustworthy God. So let’s walk through them together and see how they guide real life today.
1. Put God First
“You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:3)
A. Put God Above All
Life can pull us in a hundred directions. But this command is God’s way of saying, “I want the top spot.” Not one of many, not second to success, family, or feelings—first. Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). That’s full surrender.
So, what gets first in your day? First in your finances? First in your decision-making? Putting God first means every area bows to Him—work, marriage, screen time, even hobbies. It’s not about perfection but about priority. When God is first, everything else starts to fall into place (Matthew 6:33). That’s not religion—that’s relationship.
B. Put Idols Behind You
Now, I know we don’t have golden calves in our living rooms—but we do have glowing screens, big goals, and endless distractions. An idol is anything we trust, love, or fear more than God. If something steals your affection or your attention from Him—it’s in the wrong place. God says, “No rivals. No replacements.”
You don’t have to carve an image to create an idol. We can worship success, comfort, control, or even our kids’ approval. That’s why 1 John 5:21 says, “Keep yourselves from idols.” It’s not just ancient advice—it’s right now. So here’s the deal: identify the idol, name it, and lay it down. God deserves center stage.
2. Purge False Images
“You shall not make for yourself a carved image. . .” (Exodus 20:4-6)
A. Purge What Distorts God
God is not a statue, a symbol, or something we can shape to fit our preferences. He’s the living God. The danger of idols isn’t just physical; it’s theological. They distort who God is. Romans 1:23 says people “exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images.” Let’s not trade truth for something that can’t speak.
We’re tempted to make God more manageable—more like us. But when we shrink God down, we rob ourselves of who He really is. He’s not here to be controlled. He’s here to be worshiped. Let’s get rid of the fake versions and seek Him as He has revealed Himself in His Word.
B. Purge What Divides Worship
God doesn’t do second place. He’s not sharing the stage. He’s clear: “I am a jealous God” (v.5)—not in a petty way, but in a protective way. He knows idols pull us away from the life only He can give.
Worship gets divided when our loyalty gets divided. If something is stealing your devotion—your time, energy, or love—it’s time to let it go. Let’s clean out the spiritual clutter and give God our full attention again.
3. Protect God’s Name
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. . .” (Exodus 20:7)
A. Protect How You Speak
God’s name isn’t just a label—it’s His reputation. His name represents His character, power, and presence. Using it lightly, jokingly, or carelessly dishonors who He is. Let’s raise the bar with our words. Psalm 29:2 says, “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name.”
God’s name should be on our lips with awe, not apathy. When we speak it, we’re speaking of the One who holds the universe. Speak it with love. Speak it with honor and Speak it like it matters—because it does.
B. Protect How You Live
We don’t just carry God’s name with our mouths—we carry it with our lives. If we call ourselves Christians, the world watches. That means how we live reflects how seriously we take His name.
Titus 1:16 warns about people who “claim to know God but deny Him by their actions.” Ouch. Let’s live in a way that makes His name beautiful, not hollow. Your life is a walking sermon—preach Jesus well.
4. Prioritize Sacred Rest
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. . .” (Exodus 20:8-11)
A. Prioritize God in Time
God didn’t need rest on the seventh day—but He chose it. He hard-wired rest into creation. It’s not a break from productivity; it’s a reminder that God runs the world, not us.
Sabbath rest isn’t laziness—it’s worship. It’s time to pause and remember who provides, who saves, and who sustains. Make space to breathe, reflect, and reset. When we stop, we remember that God never does.
B. Prioritize Rest with Purpose
Rest isn’t just about kicking back—it’s about re-centering. When we rest with God in mind, our hearts recharge in a deeper way. Rest isn’t just a day off; it’s a day in—into His presence, peace, and truth.
Mark 2:27 says, “The Sabbath was made for man.” So use it. Enjoy it. Make it holy. This isn’t legalism—it’s life-giving.
5. Praise Parental Authority
“Honor your father and your mother. . .” (Exodus 20:12)
A. Praise God’s Design for Family
God built the family to shape us, teach us, and reflect His order. Honoring our parents isn’t just about obedience—it’s about recognizing the role God gave them. Even when they’re imperfect, the position still deserves respect.
This command is the first with a promise: “that your days may be long…” (v.12). That tells me God blesses a heart that honors. It’s not always easy, but it’s always right.
B. Praise by Showing Respect
Honoring parents doesn’t stop when we move out—it just changes form. Respect grows with age, and it’s shown in how we speak, act, and listen.
Sometimes that means forgiving. Sometimes that means setting boundaries with grace. But always, it means showing the kind of love God shows us: patient, kind, and honoring.
6. Preserve Human Life
“You shall not murder.” (Exodus 20:13)
A. Preserve Life as Sacred
Life is God’s idea. Every person—young or old, born or unborn—is made in His image (Genesis 1:27). That means life is sacred. To murder is to attack the image of God.
Even in a violent world, God calls us to honor every life as precious. It’s not just about avoiding killing—it’s about protecting, valuing, and defending life wherever we find it.
B. Preserve Peace with Others
Jesus raised the bar: “If you’re angry with your brother, you’ve already committed murder in your heart” (Matthew 5:22). That’s deep.
Preserving life includes preserving relationships. Harboring hate, bitterness, or revenge breaks the spirit of this command. Let’s be people who pursue peace, speak life, and forgive freely.
7. Practice Marital Purity
“You shall not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14)
A. Practice Covenant Commitment
Marriage is a covenant, not a contract. God designed it as a picture of His faithful love. Adultery shatters that picture. Hebrews 13:4 says, “Marriage should be honored by all.” That’s not old-fashioned—it’s God’s design.
Faithfulness isn’t just physical; it’s emotional, spiritual, and relational. Guard your heart, your eyes, and your thoughts. Invest in the promise you made.
B. Practice Moral Integrity
We live in a culture that doesn’t value purity—but God does. Moral integrity isn’t about shame—it’s about freedom. Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart…” (Matthew 5:8).
It starts with small choices: what we watch, click, and entertain in our minds. Purity protects intimacy and strengthens trust. Choose integrity when no one’s watching.
8. Prohibit All Stealing
“You shall not steal.” (Exodus 20:15)
A. Prohibit Taking What’s Not Yours
Stealing reveals a heart that doesn’t trust God to provide. Whether it’s money, credit, time at work, or someone’s reputation—it all counts.
Ephesians 4:28 says, “Let the thief steal no longer but work honestly.” God honors integrity. Trust Him to meet your needs without cutting corners or taking shortcuts.
B. Prohibit Shortcuts in Integrity
Integrity isn’t just what you avoid—it’s what you pursue. You can steal in subtle ways: slacking off, underreporting, overcharging. But that’s not who we are.
We represent Jesus. When we live with integrity, we point people to a God who is just, generous, and good. Let’s be above-board and above reproach.
9. Promote Truthful Speech
“You shall not bear false witness. . .” (Exodus 20:16)
A. Promote Honesty in All Words
Truth matters to God. In fact, Jesus is the truth (John 14:6). Lies break trust and twist justice. Our words should reflect God’s character.
Whether it’s exaggeration, gossip, or flat-out lies, false speech damages others and dishonors God. Speak truth—even when it’s hard—because God always tells the truth.
B. Promote Justice in All Ways
This command reaches beyond the courtroom. It covers how we talk about others, especially when they’re not around. Proverbs 6 says God hates a lying tongue.
So, let’s be people who build up, not tear down. Who clarify, not confuse. Who protect reputations instead of ruin them. Truth promotes justice—and Jesus is all about both.
10. Prevent Heart Idolatry
“You shall not covet. . .” (Exodus 20:17)
A. Prevent Jealousy from Growing
Coveting is the quiet sin that screams in our hearts. It says, “God, what You’ve given me isn’t enough.” That’s dangerous.
It starts with a glance but grows into discontent. James 3:16 says, “Where jealousy exists, there is disorder.” Jealousy poisons joy. Let’s catch it early and confess it quickly.
B. Prevent Comparison from Stealing Joy
Comparison kills contentment. It blinds us to blessings and tempts us to envy what God gave someone else. But here’s the truth: you have enough.
Philippians 4:11–13 teaches contentment is learned—not automatic. You can find joy in what God’s given you, right now. Trust the Giver, not just the gifts.
Conclusion
So here’s the heart of it, church—God gave us these Ten Timeless Truths not to trap us, but to guide us.
They’re life-giving direction from a God who knows us, loves us, and walks with us.
I’ve wandered down roads where I did it my way—and trust me, those never end well. But when I trusted God’s path, He never failed me.
So, let’s trust Him fully, follow Him faithfully, and live these truths boldly—one step, one day at a time.
Source Material
Biblical Doctrine by John MacArthur and Richard Mayhue
Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem
Christian Theology by Millard J. Erickson
The Moody Handbook of Theology by Paul Enns