The Ten Commandments: Why Did God Give Us the Ten Commandments?</tit= le> <o:SmartTagType namespaceuri=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name=3D"country-region"/> <o:SmartTagType namespaceuri=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name=3D"place"/> <o:SmartTagType namespaceuri=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name=3D"PlaceType"/> <o:SmartTagType namespaceuri=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name=3D"PlaceName"/>  <style>  </style>  </head> <body lang=3DEN-US link=3Dblue vlink=3Dpurple style=3D'tab-interval:.25in'> <div class=3DSection1> The Ten Comman= dments<o:p></o:p> Truths for All Ti= me<o:p></o:p> Why Did God Give Us the Ten Commandments?<o:p></o:p><= /span> <o:p> </o:p> Exodus 19:3-6<= o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:= p> Moses went up the mountain The bracketed text has been added for clarity. to God,<o:p></o:p> and the Lord called to him from the mountain: <o:p></o:p> “This is what you must say to the house of Jacob,<o:p></o:p> and explain to the Israel= ites: <![if !supportLineBreakNewLine]> <![endif]><a name=3Dessm><o:p></o:p></a> You have seen what I did t= o the Egyptians<o:p></o:p> and</s= pan> how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to= Me. Now if you will listen to Me and carefully keep= My covenant,<o:p></o:p> you</s= pan> will be <sp= an class=3Dindent>My own possession out of all the peoples,<o:p></o:p></sp= an> althou= gh all the earth is Mine, <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DDt+= 26%3A18" target=3D"_parent">Dt 26:18</spa= n></a>; </= span><a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DPs+135%3A4" target=3D"_pare= nt">Ps 13= 5:4</a><s= pan class=3Dindent><o:p></o:p> and<sp= an class=3Dindent> you will be My kingdom of priests</u= ><o:p></o:p> and My holy na= tion.<o:p></o:p> <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3D1Pe+2%3A9" target=3D"_paren= t">1 Pt 2:9</a>; Rv 1:6These are the words that = you are to say to the Israelites.”<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o= :p> 1 Peter 2:9-10= <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:= p> But you are a ch= osen race, a royal priesthood,<o:p></o:p> <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DEx%2019:6" target=3D"_paren= t">Ex 19:6</a>; <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DEx%2023:22" target=3D"_p= arent">23:22</a> LXX; <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DIsaiah%2061:6" target=3D"_parent">Isaiah 61:6</a> a holy nation,<= /span> </spa= n><a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DEx%2019:6" target=3D"_paren= t">Ex 19:6</a>; <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DEx%2023:22" target=3D"_p= arent">23:22</a> LXX a people for His possession,<o:p></o:p> <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DEx%2019:5" target=3D"_paren= t">Ex 19:5</a>; <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DEx%2023:22" target=3D"_p= arent">23:22</a> LXX; <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DDe%204:20" target= =3D"_parent">Dt 4:20</a>; <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DDe%207:6" target=3D"_parent">7:6</a>; <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DIsaiah%2043:21" target=3D"_= parent">Isaiah 43:21</a> LXX s= o that you may proclaim the praises <sp= an class=3Dfntext1> </spa= n>Or the mighty deeds= </sp= an><a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DIsaiah%2042:12" target=3D"_= parent">Isaiah 42:12</a>; <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DIsaiah%2043:2= 1" target=3D"_parent">43:21</a> of th= e One<o:p></o:p> who call= ed you out of darkness into His marvel= ous light.<o:p></o:p> <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DIsaiah%209:2" target=3D"_pa= rent">Isaiah 9:2</a>; <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DAc%2026:18" target=3D"_parent">Ac 26:18</a>; <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DEph%205:8" target=3D"_paren= t">Eph 5:8</a>; <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DCol%201:12-13" target=3D= "_parent">Col 1:12–13</a> <= br> Once you were not a people,</sp= an> but now you are God’s people; you had not r= eceived mercy, but now you have received mer= cy <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> introduction</span= ><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p></sp= an> What was God&= #8217;s motive for giving us (<st1:country-region w:st=3D"on"><st1:place w:st=3D"on= ">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region> and mankind) The Ten Commandments?<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p></sp= an> He gave them = to us out of supreme love for us and His concern for our welfare. <= o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p></sp= an> <![if !supportLists]>Ø <![endif]>The= Ten Commandments Are Beneficent. <o:p></o:p> There are blessings on our lives due to our obedience to them.<o:p></o:p><= /span> <o:p> </o:p> While they are commandments and thus have the force of Law, they are yet meant beneficently, even like a parent who commands their children to do something because it is best for them and might even discipline them to teach them to obey because they love them enough to do it.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p></sp= an> <![if !supportLists]>Ø <![endif]>The= Ten Commandments Are Protective. <o:p></o:p> There are safety and security for us in obeying them.<o:p></o:p></s= pan> <o:p> </o:p> There are natural consequences to children disobeying their parents. Those consequences can be extremely harmful or even fatal. So it is with God. He wants to protect us from those things that will harm or destroy us!<o:p></o= :p> <o:p> </o:p></sp= an> <![if !supportLists]>Ø <![endif]>The= Ten Commandments Are Directive.<o:p></o:p> There is guidance in maintaining our fellowship with God in obeying them.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p></spa= n> They guide us in maintaining our fellowship with God.<o:p></o:p> The Ten Commandments represent the nature of God himself – thus when we o= bey them it makes it possible for us to have a close relationship with Him, but when we disobey them it results in us straying away from Him.<o:p></o:p></s= pan> <o:p> </o:p></spa= n> It’s no wonder that Ron Mehl states: <o:p></o:p></sp= an> <o:p> </o:p> “I’m convinced that (t= he Ten Commandments) are one of the most powerful expressions of God’s love = in Scripture. These ten statements are the truths He knows will provide blessi= ng, strength, a future and a hope.”<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p></sp= an> 1. “My own possession̶= 1;<o:p></o:p> Our Predestination</= span> or Preservation <o:p></o:p></span= > <o:p> </o:p> We Are Created Because of His Love= and Care for Us<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p></sp= an> Ephesians 1:3-6<o:p></o:p><= /b> Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, in Christ; for He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be h= oly and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted through Jesus Christ for Himself, according to His favor and will, to the praise of= His glorious grace that He favored us with in the Beloved.<o:p></o:p></i= > <o:p> </o:p> God’s affection for <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:country-region w:st=3D"on">Israel= </st1:country-region></st1:place> was proven by His powerful deliverance of them from bondage and slavery sec= ured by His redemption of them by the blood of the Passover lambs.<o:p></o:p></s= pan> <o:p> </o:p></sp= an> God’s affection for us was proven by His powerful deliverance of us from bondage = to sin and Satan as secured by the blood of THE Passover Lamb – Jesus Ch= rist his Son!<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p></sp= an> We are thus a new nation or people of God created in Christ.<o:p></o:p>= <o:p> </o:p> Deuteronomy 32:11<o:p></o:p></span= > He watches over His nest like an eagle = and hovers over His young; He spreads His wings, catches him, and l= ifts him up on His pinions.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> A mama eagle will make a nest at least eight fee= t by eight feet.<o:p></o:p> The largest nest on record was more than nine fe= et wide and twenty feet deep. It weighed a whopping almost three tons!<o:p></o= :p> She fills the nest with leaves, animal fur, and = down from her own breast, so its warm and snug. <o:p>= </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The mama eagle takes her eaglets up into the wil= d blue yonder and lets them experience a free-fall. Just before they hit the ground she swoops down under them and catches them on her wings and takes them up = and does it again and again to help them learn how to fly.<o:p></o:p></s= pan> <o:p> </o:p> The = loving compassion, protection, strength, & watchfulness of God are illustrated= by an eagle caring for its young.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> A.&nb= sp; God Reminds Us of His Love & Care for Us<o:p></o:p></span= > <o:p> </o:p> God reminds us of how He has loved us in the pas= t; of how He has watched over our lives every day and been concerned for us.<o:p>= </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> B.&nb= sp; God Helps Us Grow and Develop.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> God is all about developing= us and helping us grow.<o:p></o:p> And that’s what the T= en Commandments are about.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The covenant God made with <st1:co= untry-region w:st=3D"on"><st1:place w:st=3D"on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region> = that day was one customary in that time called a suzerainty (superior-subordinate relationship) covenant or treaty.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Such a treaty employed:<o:p></o:p> <![if !supportLists]>(1)&= nbsp; &nbs= p; <![endif]>A Preamble = (v. 3)<o:p></o:p> <![if !supportLists]>(2)&= nbsp; &nbs= p; <![endif]>A Historical Prologue (v. 4)<o:p></o:p> <![if !supportLists]>(3)&= nbsp; &nbs= p; <![endif]>Certain Stipulations (v. 5a)<o:p></o:p> <![if !supportLists]>(4)&= nbsp; &nbs= p; <![endif]>And Blessin= gs (vv. 5b-6a)<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> It was passed on to them unconditionally through the patriarchs;<o:p></o:p></s= pan> However, the enjoyment of its blessings was conditioned by their obedience.<o:p></o:= p> <o:p> </o:p></sp= an> 2.<= /i> </sp= an>“My <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceType w:st=3D"on">kingdom</st1:PlaceType> o= f <st1:PlaceName w:st=3D"on">priests</st1:PlaceName></st1:place>”<o:p></o:p></= i> Our Election or Purpos= e </spa= n>To Purify Us<o:p></o:p> We Are Created for the Purpose of Bringing Praise to God<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Our purpose is to represent= God to the nations – the same purpose God had for <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st= 1:country-region w:st=3D"on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>! <o:p> </o:p> A. We Are Called by Go= d to Receive His Revelation<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Romans 3:2<o:p></o:p></= p> Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the benefit of circumcision? Great in every respect.= First of all, that they were entrusted with the oracle= s of God.<o:p></o:p> &nbs= p; <o:p></o:p></span= > &nbs= p; 1The= ssalonians 2:4 <o:p></o:p> but</= span> just= as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel,<o:p></o:p></span= > <o:p> </o:p> We are entrusted with God’s truth.<o:p></o= :p> We are entrusted with the gospel or good news of Christ!<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> B. We Are Called by Go= d to Reflect His Character<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <st1:co= untry-region w:st=3D"on"><st1:place w:st=3D"on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-reg= ion> Was= To Be a Distinct and Holy People to Represent<o:p></o:p></= p> God = to the World (Deuteronomy 7:6; 14:2; & 26:18)<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Titus 2:14<o:p></o:p></= p> He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a special people, eager to do good works.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> God is calling us to separate ourselves from sin= and the world!<o:p></o:p> God is calling us to purity!<o:p></o:p></= p> God is calling us to proclaim His praises to the world!<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p></sp= an> C.&nb= sp; We Are Called by God to Be Instruments of His Redemptive Purpose<o:p></= o:p> = ; <o:p><= /o:p> <st1:co= untry-region w:st=3D"on"><st1:place w:st=3D"on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region> Was To Act as Mediators of God’s Grace to<o:p></o:p> All the Nations<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The whole nation was to act as mediators of God’s grace to the nations of= the earth in accord with God’s promise that through Abraham all the natio= ns of the earth would be blessed (Gen. 12:3).<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Isai= ah 44:21<o:p></o:p> "Remember these things, O Jac= ob, And <st1:country-region w:st=3D"on">Israel</st1:country-region>, for you ar= e My servant; I have formed you, you are My servant, O <= st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:country-region w:st=3D"on">Israel</st1:country-region></st= 1:place>, you will not be forgotten by Me.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> &n= bsp; John 15:16<o:p></o:p> You did not choose Me, but I chose you. I appointed you that you should go out and produce fruit a= nd that your fruit should remain.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Our calling or election must NOT be viewed proudly in thinking that we are privileged above others, but must be viewed as a responsibility to serve God’s purposes!<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> 3. </= span>“My holy nation”<o:p></o:p> Our Glorification</s= pan> or Precio= usness &= nbsp; <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <ol style=3D'margin-top:0in' start=3D1 type=3DA> <li class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'mso-list:l5 level1 lfo6;tab-stops:list .5in= '>Our Value Is Assigned By Go= d’s Love, Not Our Worthiness<o:p></o:p></li> </ol> <o:p> </o:p> The fact that we are precious (i.e. of great value) to God is not due to anythi= ng about us but due to the price He paid for us”!<o:p></o:p> John 3:16<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <ol style=3D'margin-top:0in' start=3D2 type=3DA> <li class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'mso-list:l5 level1 lfo6;tab-stops:list .5in= '>God Has Chosen Us for His Own <u= >Enjoyment or Pleasure<o:p></o:p></li> </ol> <o:p> </= o:p> We are God’s valuable property and distinct treasure!<o:p></o:p><= /p> (Deut. 7:6; 14:2; 26:18; Ps 135:4; Mal 3:17; cf. Tit 2:14; 1 Pet 2:9)<o:p></o:p></= span> <o:p> </o:p> We are created for God to enjoy us as His own special treasure.<o:p></o:p></sp= an> <o:p> </o:p> <ol style=3D'margin-top:0in' start=3D3 type=3DA> <li class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'mso-list:l5 level1 lfo6;tab-stops:list .5in= '>God Will Be Pleased to Present U= s to the World in Exaltation and Glory<o:p></o:p></li> </ol> <o:p> </o:p> One day God will hold us up as the pride of His grace and goodness.<o:p></o:p><= /span> <o:p> </o:p> Deuteronomy 26:18-19<o:p></o:p></s= pan> "The LORD has today declared you to be His people, a treasured possession, as He promised you, and that you should keep all His commandments; and that He will set you high above all nations which= He has made, for praise, fame, and honor; and that you shall be a consecrated people to the LORD your God, as He has spoken."<o:p></o:p><= /p> <o:p> </o:p></sp= an> According to the Chemosh, holiness in this verse (“= a holy nation”) refers to separation and elevation.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> We, like <st1:country-region w:st=3D"on"><st1:place w:st=3D"on">Israel</st1:pla= ce></st1:country-region>, are separated from all the rest of the world to belong to God in a unique a= nd special way. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> We are also elevated by God to a position of great prominence and prestige.<sp= an style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> This should provoke humility, not = pride!<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Our Responsibility is to proclaim God’s praises – His excellencies, wonderful works, and anything that makes= Him worthy of praise.<o:p></o:p> We are obligated to do that and it should be natural to do so spontaneously and from our hearts because He has called us out of darkness and into His marve= lous light!<o:p></o:p> (Darkness is the emblem of ignorance, sin, and misery, and refers here to their condi= tion before their conversion; light is the emblem of the opposite, and is a beautiful representation of the state of those who are brought to the knowl= edge of the gospel.)<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> conclusion<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p></sp= an> All of this tells us WHY God gave us the Ten Commandments!!!<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> He loves us infinitely and incomprehensibly!<o:p= ></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> He wants us to know His character, heart, mind a= nd will.<o:p></o:p> He wants us as His people to become like Him.<o:= p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> He has chosen and called us for holy purposes.<o= :p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> IS THAT WHAT YOUR LIFE IS ABOUT???<o:p></o:p></s= pan> <o:p> </o:p> Is it truly about living out the holy purposes God has called you for?<o:p></o= :p> </div> </body> </html>

MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Location: file:///C:/4F0446F3/whydidgodgiveusthetencommandments.htm Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Type: text/html; charset="us-ascii" The Ten Commandments: Why Did God Give Us the Ten Commandments?</tit= le> <o:SmartTagType namespaceuri=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name=3D"country-region"/> <o:SmartTagType namespaceuri=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name=3D"place"/> <o:SmartTagType namespaceuri=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name=3D"PlaceType"/> <o:SmartTagType namespaceuri=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name=3D"PlaceName"/>  <style>  </style>  </head> <body lang=3DEN-US link=3Dblue vlink=3Dpurple style=3D'tab-interval:.25in'> <div class=3DSection1> The Ten Comman= dments<o:p></o:p> Truths for All Ti= me<o:p></o:p> Why Did God Give Us the Ten Commandments?<o:p></o:p><= /span> <o:p> </o:p> Exodus 19:3-6<= o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:= p> Moses went up the mountain The bracketed text has been added for clarity. to God,<o:p></o:p> and the Lord called to him from the mountain: <o:p></o:p> “This is what you must say to the house of Jacob,<o:p></o:p> and explain to the Israel= ites: <![if !supportLineBreakNewLine]> <![endif]><a name=3Dessm><o:p></o:p></a> You have seen what I did t= o the Egyptians<o:p></o:p> and</s= pan> how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to= Me. Now if you will listen to Me and carefully keep= My covenant,<o:p></o:p> you</s= pan> will be <sp= an class=3Dindent>My own possession out of all the peoples,<o:p></o:p></sp= an> althou= gh all the earth is Mine, <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DDt+= 26%3A18" target=3D"_parent">Dt 26:18</spa= n></a>; </= span><a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DPs+135%3A4" target=3D"_pare= nt">Ps 13= 5:4</a><s= pan class=3Dindent><o:p></o:p> and<sp= an class=3Dindent> you will be My kingdom of priests</u= ><o:p></o:p> and My holy na= tion.<o:p></o:p> <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3D1Pe+2%3A9" target=3D"_paren= t">1 Pt 2:9</a>; Rv 1:6These are the words that = you are to say to the Israelites.”<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o= :p> 1 Peter 2:9-10= <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:= p> But you are a ch= osen race, a royal priesthood,<o:p></o:p> <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DEx%2019:6" target=3D"_paren= t">Ex 19:6</a>; <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DEx%2023:22" target=3D"_p= arent">23:22</a> LXX; <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DIsaiah%2061:6" target=3D"_parent">Isaiah 61:6</a> a holy nation,<= /span> </spa= n><a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DEx%2019:6" target=3D"_paren= t">Ex 19:6</a>; <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DEx%2023:22" target=3D"_p= arent">23:22</a> LXX a people for His possession,<o:p></o:p> <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DEx%2019:5" target=3D"_paren= t">Ex 19:5</a>; <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DEx%2023:22" target=3D"_p= arent">23:22</a> LXX; <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DDe%204:20" target= =3D"_parent">Dt 4:20</a>; <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DDe%207:6" target=3D"_parent">7:6</a>; <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DIsaiah%2043:21" target=3D"_= parent">Isaiah 43:21</a> LXX s= o that you may proclaim the praises <sp= an class=3Dfntext1> </spa= n>Or the mighty deeds= </sp= an><a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DIsaiah%2042:12" target=3D"_= parent">Isaiah 42:12</a>; <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DIsaiah%2043:2= 1" target=3D"_parent">43:21</a> of th= e One<o:p></o:p> who call= ed you out of darkness into His marvel= ous light.<o:p></o:p> <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DIsaiah%209:2" target=3D"_pa= rent">Isaiah 9:2</a>; <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DAc%2026:18" target=3D"_parent">Ac 26:18</a>; <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DEph%205:8" target=3D"_paren= t">Eph 5:8</a>; <a href=3D"http://bible.lifeway.com/book.asp?ref=3DCol%201:12-13" target=3D= "_parent">Col 1:12–13</a> <= br> Once you were not a people,</sp= an> but now you are God’s people; you had not r= eceived mercy, but now you have received mer= cy <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> introduction</span= ><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p></sp= an> What was God&= #8217;s motive for giving us (<st1:country-region w:st=3D"on"><st1:place w:st=3D"on= ">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region> and mankind) The Ten Commandments?<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p></sp= an> He gave them = to us out of supreme love for us and His concern for our welfare. <= o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p></sp= an> <![if !supportLists]>Ø <![endif]>The= Ten Commandments Are Beneficent. <o:p></o:p> There are blessings on our lives due to our obedience to them.<o:p></o:p><= /span> <o:p> </o:p> While they are commandments and thus have the force of Law, they are yet meant beneficently, even like a parent who commands their children to do something because it is best for them and might even discipline them to teach them to obey because they love them enough to do it.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p></sp= an> <![if !supportLists]>Ø <![endif]>The= Ten Commandments Are Protective. <o:p></o:p> There are safety and security for us in obeying them.<o:p></o:p></s= pan> <o:p> </o:p> There are natural consequences to children disobeying their parents. Those consequences can be extremely harmful or even fatal. So it is with God. He wants to protect us from those things that will harm or destroy us!<o:p></o= :p> <o:p> </o:p></sp= an> <![if !supportLists]>Ø <![endif]>The= Ten Commandments Are Directive.<o:p></o:p> There is guidance in maintaining our fellowship with God in obeying them.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p></spa= n> They guide us in maintaining our fellowship with God.<o:p></o:p> The Ten Commandments represent the nature of God himself – thus when we o= bey them it makes it possible for us to have a close relationship with Him, but when we disobey them it results in us straying away from Him.<o:p></o:p></s= pan> <o:p> </o:p></spa= n> It’s no wonder that Ron Mehl states: <o:p></o:p></sp= an> <o:p> </o:p> “I’m convinced that (t= he Ten Commandments) are one of the most powerful expressions of God’s love = in Scripture. These ten statements are the truths He knows will provide blessi= ng, strength, a future and a hope.”<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p></sp= an> 1. “My own possession̶= 1;<o:p></o:p> Our Predestination</= span> or Preservation <o:p></o:p></span= > <o:p> </o:p> We Are Created Because of His Love= and Care for Us<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p></sp= an> Ephesians 1:3-6<o:p></o:p><= /b> Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, in Christ; for He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be h= oly and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted through Jesus Christ for Himself, according to His favor and will, to the praise of= His glorious grace that He favored us with in the Beloved.<o:p></o:p></i= > <o:p> </o:p> God’s affection for <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:country-region w:st=3D"on">Israel= </st1:country-region></st1:place> was proven by His powerful deliverance of them from bondage and slavery sec= ured by His redemption of them by the blood of the Passover lambs.<o:p></o:p></s= pan> <o:p> </o:p></sp= an> God’s affection for us was proven by His powerful deliverance of us from bondage = to sin and Satan as secured by the blood of THE Passover Lamb – Jesus Ch= rist his Son!<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p></sp= an> We are thus a new nation or people of God created in Christ.<o:p></o:p>= <o:p> </o:p> Deuteronomy 32:11<o:p></o:p></span= > He watches over His nest like an eagle = and hovers over His young; He spreads His wings, catches him, and l= ifts him up on His pinions.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> A mama eagle will make a nest at least eight fee= t by eight feet.<o:p></o:p> The largest nest on record was more than nine fe= et wide and twenty feet deep. It weighed a whopping almost three tons!<o:p></o= :p> She fills the nest with leaves, animal fur, and = down from her own breast, so its warm and snug. <o:p>= </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The mama eagle takes her eaglets up into the wil= d blue yonder and lets them experience a free-fall. Just before they hit the ground she swoops down under them and catches them on her wings and takes them up = and does it again and again to help them learn how to fly.<o:p></o:p></s= pan> <o:p> </o:p> The = loving compassion, protection, strength, & watchfulness of God are illustrated= by an eagle caring for its young.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> A.&nb= sp; God Reminds Us of His Love & Care for Us<o:p></o:p></span= > <o:p> </o:p> God reminds us of how He has loved us in the pas= t; of how He has watched over our lives every day and been concerned for us.<o:p>= </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> B.&nb= sp; God Helps Us Grow and Develop.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> God is all about developing= us and helping us grow.<o:p></o:p> And that’s what the T= en Commandments are about.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The covenant God made with <st1:co= untry-region w:st=3D"on"><st1:place w:st=3D"on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region> = that day was one customary in that time called a suzerainty (superior-subordinate relationship) covenant or treaty.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Such a treaty employed:<o:p></o:p> <![if !supportLists]>(1)&= nbsp; &nbs= p; <![endif]>A Preamble = (v. 3)<o:p></o:p> <![if !supportLists]>(2)&= nbsp; &nbs= p; <![endif]>A Historical Prologue (v. 4)<o:p></o:p> <![if !supportLists]>(3)&= nbsp; &nbs= p; <![endif]>Certain Stipulations (v. 5a)<o:p></o:p> <![if !supportLists]>(4)&= nbsp; &nbs= p; <![endif]>And Blessin= gs (vv. 5b-6a)<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> It was passed on to them unconditionally through the patriarchs;<o:p></o:p></s= pan> However, the enjoyment of its blessings was conditioned by their obedience.<o:p></o:= p> <o:p> </o:p></sp= an> 2.<= /i> </sp= an>“My <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceType w:st=3D"on">kingdom</st1:PlaceType> o= f <st1:PlaceName w:st=3D"on">priests</st1:PlaceName></st1:place>”<o:p></o:p></= i> Our Election or Purpos= e </spa= n>To Purify Us<o:p></o:p> We Are Created for the Purpose of Bringing Praise to God<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Our purpose is to represent= God to the nations – the same purpose God had for <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st= 1:country-region w:st=3D"on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>! <o:p> </o:p> A. We Are Called by Go= d to Receive His Revelation<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Romans 3:2<o:p></o:p></= p> Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the benefit of circumcision? Great in every respect.= First of all, that they were entrusted with the oracle= s of God.<o:p></o:p> &nbs= p; <o:p></o:p></span= > &nbs= p; 1The= ssalonians 2:4 <o:p></o:p> but</= span> just= as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel,<o:p></o:p></span= > <o:p> </o:p> We are entrusted with God’s truth.<o:p></o= :p> We are entrusted with the gospel or good news of Christ!<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> B. We Are Called by Go= d to Reflect His Character<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <st1:co= untry-region w:st=3D"on"><st1:place w:st=3D"on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-reg= ion> Was= To Be a Distinct and Holy People to Represent<o:p></o:p></= p> God = to the World (Deuteronomy 7:6; 14:2; & 26:18)<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Titus 2:14<o:p></o:p></= p> He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a special people, eager to do good works.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> God is calling us to separate ourselves from sin= and the world!<o:p></o:p> God is calling us to purity!<o:p></o:p></= p> God is calling us to proclaim His praises to the world!<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p></sp= an> C.&nb= sp; We Are Called by God to Be Instruments of His Redemptive Purpose<o:p></= o:p> = ; <o:p><= /o:p> <st1:co= untry-region w:st=3D"on"><st1:place w:st=3D"on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region> Was To Act as Mediators of God’s Grace to<o:p></o:p> All the Nations<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The whole nation was to act as mediators of God’s grace to the nations of= the earth in accord with God’s promise that through Abraham all the natio= ns of the earth would be blessed (Gen. 12:3).<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Isai= ah 44:21<o:p></o:p> "Remember these things, O Jac= ob, And <st1:country-region w:st=3D"on">Israel</st1:country-region>, for you ar= e My servant; I have formed you, you are My servant, O <= st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:country-region w:st=3D"on">Israel</st1:country-region></st= 1:place>, you will not be forgotten by Me.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> &n= bsp; John 15:16<o:p></o:p> You did not choose Me, but I chose you. I appointed you that you should go out and produce fruit a= nd that your fruit should remain.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Our calling or election must NOT be viewed proudly in thinking that we are privileged above others, but must be viewed as a responsibility to serve God’s purposes!<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> 3. </= span>“My holy nation”<o:p></o:p> Our Glorification</s= pan> or Precio= usness &= nbsp; <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <ol style=3D'margin-top:0in' start=3D1 type=3DA> <li class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'mso-list:l5 level1 lfo6;tab-stops:list .5in= '>Our Value Is Assigned By Go= d’s Love, Not Our Worthiness<o:p></o:p></li> </ol> <o:p> </o:p> The fact that we are precious (i.e. of great value) to God is not due to anythi= ng about us but due to the price He paid for us”!<o:p></o:p> John 3:16<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <ol style=3D'margin-top:0in' start=3D2 type=3DA> <li class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'mso-list:l5 level1 lfo6;tab-stops:list .5in= '>God Has Chosen Us for His Own <u= >Enjoyment or Pleasure<o:p></o:p></li> </ol> <o:p> </= o:p> We are God’s valuable property and distinct treasure!<o:p></o:p><= /p> (Deut. 7:6; 14:2; 26:18; Ps 135:4; Mal 3:17; cf. Tit 2:14; 1 Pet 2:9)<o:p></o:p></= span> <o:p> </o:p> We are created for God to enjoy us as His own special treasure.<o:p></o:p></sp= an> <o:p> </o:p> <ol style=3D'margin-top:0in' start=3D3 type=3DA> <li class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'mso-list:l5 level1 lfo6;tab-stops:list .5in= '>God Will Be Pleased to Present U= s to the World in Exaltation and Glory<o:p></o:p></li> </ol> <o:p> </o:p> One day God will hold us up as the pride of His grace and goodness.<o:p></o:p><= /span> <o:p> </o:p> Deuteronomy 26:18-19<o:p></o:p></s= pan> "The LORD has today declared you to be His people, a treasured possession, as He promised you, and that you should keep all His commandments; and that He will set you high above all nations which= He has made, for praise, fame, and honor; and that you shall be a consecrated people to the LORD your God, as He has spoken."<o:p></o:p><= /p> <o:p> </o:p></sp= an> According to the Chemosh, holiness in this verse (“= a holy nation”) refers to separation and elevation.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> We, like <st1:country-region w:st=3D"on"><st1:place w:st=3D"on">Israel</st1:pla= ce></st1:country-region>, are separated from all the rest of the world to belong to God in a unique a= nd special way. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> We are also elevated by God to a position of great prominence and prestige.<sp= an style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> This should provoke humility, not = pride!<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Our Responsibility is to proclaim God’s praises – His excellencies, wonderful works, and anything that makes= Him worthy of praise.<o:p></o:p> We are obligated to do that and it should be natural to do so spontaneously and from our hearts because He has called us out of darkness and into His marve= lous light!<o:p></o:p> (Darkness is the emblem of ignorance, sin, and misery, and refers here to their condi= tion before their conversion; light is the emblem of the opposite, and is a beautiful representation of the state of those who are brought to the knowl= edge of the gospel.)<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> conclusion<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p></sp= an> All of this tells us WHY God gave us the Ten Commandments!!!<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> He loves us infinitely and incomprehensibly!<o:p= ></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> He wants us to know His character, heart, mind a= nd will.<o:p></o:p> He wants us as His people to become like Him.<o:= p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> He has chosen and called us for holy purposes.<o= :p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> IS THAT WHAT YOUR LIFE IS ABOUT???<o:p></o:p></s= pan> <o:p> </o:p> Is it truly about living out the holy purposes God has called you for?<o:p></o= :p> </div> </body> </html>