Adultery, Stealing, and Coveting

I taught this morning on commandments 7,8, and 10. I found them easy to combine, since adultery is essentially stealing a person who does not belong to you, and since neither stealing nor adultery would be of concern if it weren't for coveting. Thus, I spent most of my time on coveting.

The bottomline on these three commandments is seen most clearly when we flip them from the negative to the positive:

You shall not commit adultery = Be faithful
You shall not steal = Give or share
You shall not covet = Be content

When we consider the positive aspects of these negative commandments, we see so clearly the high and holy character of God. He is ever-faithful, more than generous in giving, and satisfied with all the works of His hands. Rejoice that He has kept these commandments on our behalf through Jesus Christ, and obey them not in seeking to justify yourself by your works, but out of gratitude. Where you fall short of God's glory, He provides His righteousness; and where we sin against Him, He covers over our iniquity with His atoning blood. Praise Him!