I. God is the Commander of the Commands
And God spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
Exodus 20:1-2 KJV
And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.
Exodus 6:7 KJV
Before considering the commands, you and I need to consider the relationship we have with the Commander of the commands
No other gods v3- Even smaller ones like fame fortune, self, relationships.
No image on heaven and on earth v4-6- Anything else you elevate into a pedestal even though it might seem good is considered idolatry. It's taking place of the glory of God
Not use name of God in vain- Profanity means to make common. To take God’s name in vain is to take His character in vain. It is to take something that is holy and pure and separate and to treat it as something that is common and vain and profane. The commandment is to not trivialize God. It is to not de-glorify God. It is to not degrade God. If Yahweh is my only God, then I am called to behave in such a way that I only bring glory to His name, that I only bring glory to His character, and to His person, and to his reputation.
Sabbath- We are called to have a pattern of work and then rest. To have a regular time separated to rest and give value to God.
Honor your parents (v12) Do not follow this command because of the blessings, but because the of Blessed God.
Not kill- Being angry without a cause (Hate) is punishable of judgement and Hell (Matt. 5:21-22)
No adultery- Lusting is already considered adultery. This includes all kinds of sexual immorality. (Matt. 5:27-28)
No stealing- Includes time and treasure
Do not bear false witness (lying)-Do not take and destroy someone's reputation and freedom
Not covet- Just as the 1st command is the anchor to the 2nd, 3rd and 4th; The 10th commandment is the anchor for 7th all to 9th. They both deal with the heart. The heart that does not covet does not commit adultery. The heart that does not covet does not steal. And the heart that does not covet will not lie.
II. God (Jesus) is the consummation of the commands
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:17-20 KJV