OT 10 Commandments + Jesus’ in the NT
The Old Testament 10 Commandments (Old Covernant) – Followed By Jesus’ New Testament (New Covernant):
All Are Relevant In Today’s World…
Old Testiment In Brief…
1. “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.
2. “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
3. “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
4. “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
5. “Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
6. “You shall not murder.
7. “You shall not commit adultery.
8. “You shall not steal.
9. “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
10. “You shall not covet your neighbour’s house. You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbour.
“But are they that “clear cut?” but when put into everyday life context, they mean a lot more…
1. “I am the Lord your God, You shall have no other Gods before me” (Exodus 20:2-3)
God introduces Himself as the One who rescued the Israelites from slavery, establishing His authority and love. By saying “no other gods before me,” He’s calling for exclusive devotion and loyalty.
This commandment emphasises:
- God’s sovereignty and power
- Gratitude for His salvation
- The importance of prioritising Him above all else
2. “You shall not make for yourself an idol,
This is super relevants today. We’re often tempted to worship things like wealth, status, or possessions. Think about it, we can get so caught up in keeping up with the Joneses, chasing after the latest trends, or obsessing over celebrities. Celebrity worship can be a big one – we might spend hours scrolling throughs their social media, emulating their lifestyles, or even idolising them. This can lead to an unhealthy fixation, where we’re more invested in their lives than in our own relationship with God.
Mobile phones are another big idol. We’re constantly checking them, and they can become an extension of ourselves.
Some examples:
- Mobile phones/Social media can be an idol if we’re more concerned with likes and followers than with living for God.
- Money and possessions can be idols if we’re always striving for more.
- Celebrity worship can be an idol if we’re more concerned with their lives than with living for God.
- Mobile phones can be an idol if we’re more attached to them than to God’s word. Pornography is a destructive idol, warping our view of relationships and God’s design.
- Even good things like family, friends, or talents can become idols if they crowd out God.
The key is to recognise what we’re worshiping and make sure God is our top priority.
3. “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God” (Exodus 20:7), emphasises God’s desire for reverence and respect.
In context, this commandment protected the Israelites by establishing a boundary between God’s sacred name and everyday life. Misusing God’s name could lead to disrespect, false oaths, and broken trust.
This commandment encompasses:
- Treating God’s name with reverence and awe
- Being truthful and authentic in speech
- Reflecting God’s character in actions and words
Jesus references this in Matthew 5:33-37, teaching about oaths and truthfulness.
4. “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” (Exodus 20:8-11), emphasises setting aside time to rest and focus on God.
In context, God was establishing a rhythm for the Israelites, mirroring His own creation pattern (Genesis 2:2-3). By observing the Sabbath, they acknowledged God as Creator and Sustainer, and prioritised spiritual rejuvenation over constant work.
Key aspects:
- Rest from daily labor (physical and mental)
- Dedicated time for worship and connection with God
- A reminder of God’s provision and sovereignty
- Protection from being consumed by worldly pursuits or sinful habits
In a world that glorifies busyness and self-indulgence, the Sabbath challenges us to:
- Disconnect from the noise and prioritise
- Guard our hearts against sinful influences
- Embrace rest as a gift, not a guilty pleasure
Note: We are not instructed to follow a religion and partake in rituals. But, we are encourage to seek fellowship and presence in God’s family, our brothers and sisters, we are not instructed to attend a church, or indeed to confess our sins to a human being, but we are encouraged that where 2 or more are gathered can be considered a church. Obviously the situation must be Godly and in tune with the Holy Spirit.
Isaiah 58:13-14 paints a beautiful picture of delighting in God’s presence on the Sabbath.
[13] “If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, [14] then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.” The mouth of the Lord has spoken.
5. “Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12), emphasises God’s design for family relationships and authority.
In context, this commandment established a foundation for the Israelites’ social structure and community life. Honoring parents wasn’t just about obedience; it was about respecting God’s order and authority.
This commandment encompasses:
– Respecting parental guidance and authority
– Valuing family relationships and heritage
– Reflecting God’s love and order in society
Jesus references this in Matthew 15:4-6, highlighting the importance of honoring parents and prioritising God’s commands.
6. “You shall not murder” emphasises God’s value on human life.
In context, this commandment protected the Israelites by establishing a fundamental principle: human life is sacred because it’s created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). Murder isn’t just a crime against another person; it’s a violation of God’s design.
In the OT, “murder” often referred to intentional, unlawful killing (e.g., Numbers 35:30-31). However, God’s heart was always for justice and compassion, addressing emotional harm too ( Psalm 109:4-5, Proverbs 12:18).
“Emotional murder”
- Unjust treatment (Genesis 16:6, Exodus 1:15-22)
- Verbal harm, Words can attack the Spirit and call real Spiritual harm/death! (Psalm 52:2-4, Proverbs 18:21)
- Neglect or abandonment (Genesis 21:9-14, Psalm 27:10)
Jesus also reveals the deeper intent in Matthew 5:21-22:
- Anger towards someone is like murder in the heart
- Insults and contempt can be just as destructive as physical harm
- Reconciliation and peacemaking are crucial (Matthew 5:23-24)
7. “You shall not commit adultery” emphasises God’s design for marriage and relationships.
In context, this commandment protected the Israelites by establishing a foundation for strong families and communities. Adultery wasn’t just a personal issue; it could lead to broken relationships, fractured families, and social instability.
This commandment encompasses:
- Respecting marriage vows
- Protecting trust and intimacy
- Honoring God’s design for relationships
Jesus expands on this in Matthew 5:27-28, saying:
- Looking at someone with lust is like committing adultery in the heart
- “Impure thoughts”
- Heart intentions matter as much as outward actions that can be acts contrary to the 7th commandment
By raising the standard, Jesus highlights the need for purity in thoughts, words, and actions.
8.”You shall not steal” emphasises God’s value on respect for others’ property and resources.
In context, this commandment protected the Israelites by promoting fairness, trust, and community well-being. Stealing wasn’t just about taking something; it was about disrespecting others’ rights and God’s provision.
This commandment encompasses:
- Respecting others’ property and work
- Being honest in dealings and transactions
- Trusting God’s provision for your needs
Jesus expands on this in Luke 3:12-14, emphasising fairness and generosity.
Jesus’ viewpoint on the eighth commandment (not stealing) emphasises the heart’s intent. In Luke 3:12-14, John the Baptist tells tax collectors and soldiers to be content with their wages and not extort or falsely accuse others – essentially, to be fair and honest in their dealings.
Jesus also builds on this in Matthew 6:19-20, encouraging trust in God’s provision rather than hoarding or coveting wealth. His perspective shifts the focus from just outward actions (not stealing) to inward attitudes (contentment, trust, generosity).
9. “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour” emphasises God’s value on truth and integrity.
In context, this commandment protected the Israelites by promoting justice, trust, and fairness in their community. False testimony could lead to injustice, broken relationships, and social chaos.
This commandment encompasses:
- Speaking truthfully about others
- Protecting others’ reputations
- Ensuring justice and fairness
Jesus expands on this in Matthew 12:36-37, highlighting that our words reflect our heart’s condition and will be accountable.
10.”You shall not covet”, emphasises God’s desire for contentment and trust in His provision.
In context, this commandment addressed the Israelites’ hearts, highlighting that it’s not just about outward actions, but inward desires. Coveting could lead to discontentment, jealousy, and ultimately, harmful actions.
This commandment encompasses:
- Being content with what you have
- Trusting God’s provision and sovereignty
- Guarding your heart against envy and greed
Paul references this in Romans 7:7-12, showing how the law reveals sin’s presence in our hearts.
Now let’s look ate the New Testament!
Love and Relationships
– Love your enemies (Matthew 5:44)
– Love one another (John 13:34)
– Do good to those who hate you (Luke 6:27)
– Forgive others (Matthew 6:14-15)
– Be kind and compassionate (Ephesians 4:32)
Discipleship and Obedience
– Follow me (Matthew 4:19)
– Deny yourself, take up your cross (Matthew 16:24)
– Make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19)
– Be baptized (Mark 16:16)
– Do this in remembrance of me (Luke 22:19)
Faith and Trust
– Believe in me (John 6:29)
– Ask and it will be given (Matthew 7:7)
– Trust in God (Matthew 6:33)
Moral Living
– Do not judge (Matthew 7:1)
– Be holy (1 Peter 1:15-16)
– Do not be conformed to this world (Romans 12:2)
– Live a life worthy of God (Colossians 1:10)
Humility and Service
– Be humble (Matthew 18:4)
– Serve one another (Galatians 5:13)
– Be a servant of all (Mark 10:44)
– Wash one another’s feet (John 13:14)
Purity and Self-Control
– Do not lust (Matthew 5:27-28)
– Be pure in heart (Matthew 5:8)
– Flee from sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18)
– Do not get drunk (Ephesians 5:18)
Speech and Communication
– Let your yes be yes (Matthew 5:37)
– Do not swear oaths (Matthew 5:34)
– Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)
– Do not gossip or slander (James 4:11)
Suffering and Persecution
– Rejoice in suffering (Romans 5:3)
– Be strong in the Lord (Ephesians 6:10)
– Endure hardship (2 Timothy 2:3)
– Be faithful unto death (Revelation 2:10)
Community and Fellowship
– Be united (John 17:21)
– Bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2)
– Encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
– Offer hospitality (Hebrews 13:2)
Leadership and Authority
– Lead with humility (1 Peter 5:2-3)
– Be a good steward (1 Peter 4:10)
– Obey your leaders (Hebrews 13:17)
– Shepherd God’s flock (1 Peter 5:2)
Generosity and Giving
– Give to the poor (Matthew 19:21)
– Share with those in need (Ephesians 4:28)
– Be generous (2 Corinthians 9:6)
– Tithe (Matthew 23:23)
Prayer and Worship
– Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
– Worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24)
– Give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
– Sing psalms and hymns (Ephesians 5:19)
Spiritual Growth and Maturity
– Grow in the grace and knowledge (2 Peter 3:18)
– Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2)
– Pursue righteousness and godliness (1 Timothy 6:11)
– Be strong in the Lord (Ephesians 6:10)
Family and Household
– Love your wife (Ephesians 5:25)
– Honor your parents (Ephesians 6:2)
– Bring up children in the discipline (Ephesians 6:4)
– Submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21)
Work and Occupation
– Work with your own hands (1 Thessalonians 4:11)
– Be diligent in your work (Romans 12:11)
– Provide for your own (1 Timothy 5:8)
– Do your work as for the Lord (Colossians 3:23)
Witness and Evangelism
– Go and tell (Matthew 28:19)
– Be a witness (Acts 1:8)
– Share the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:16)
– Be prepared to give an answer (1 Peter 3:15)
Spiritual Gifts and Ministry
– Use your gifts (1 Peter 4:10)
– Desire spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:31)
– Pursue love (1 Corinthians 14:1)
– Do all things decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40)
Endurance and Perseverance
– Run the race (Hebrews 12:1)
– Be steadfast (1 Corinthians 15:58)
– Endure to the end (Matthew 24:13)
– Hold fast to your confession (Hebrews 4:14)
Separation from the World
– Do not be conformed (Romans 12:2)
– Come out from among them (2 Corinthians 6:17)
– Be holy (1 Peter 1:15-16)
– Love not the world (1 John 2:15)
Peace and Reconciliation
– Be at peace with all (Romans 12:18)
– Pursue peace (Hebrews 12:14)
– Reconcile with your brother (Matthew 5:24)
– Be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20)
Contentment and Gratitude
– Be content (Philippians 4:11)
– Give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
– Rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 4:4)
– Be thankful (Colossians 3:15)
Submission and Obedience
– Submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21)
– Obey your leaders (Hebrews 13:17)
– Submit to God (James 4:7)
– Be obedient (Romans 6:16)
Protection and Defense
– Resist the devil (James 4:7)
– Put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:11) – DO NOT TAKE IT OFF!!!
– Stand firm (Ephesians 6:13)
– Be strong in the Lord (Ephesians 6:10)
Joy and Encouragement
– Rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 4:4)
– Encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
– Be joyful (1 Thessalonians 5:16)
– Comfort one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
No rituals, no sacrafices… So Love The Word!