What Do We Do With The Ten Commandments? | Exodus 20

Church of The Word | Sunday Sermons

Introduction: The Purpose of the Law

This morning, we’re stepping away briefly from our series in Genesis to look at the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20. It’s a familiar passage, but it carries timeless significance for us as believers. I’ve titled this message, “What Do We Do with the Ten Commandments?” because many struggle to understand the relevance of God's law, especially in light of the gospel of grace. How do we, as New Testament believers, approach the law?

The Bible reveals three purposes of God’s law:

The Law as a Mirror – It exposes our sin and shows us our need for a Savior.

The Law as a Restraint – It restrains evil and promotes justice in society.

The Law as Instruction – It teaches believers how to live lives that are pleasing to God.

Let’s read Exodus 20 together, and then we’ll explore these purposes in detail.

1. The Law as a Mirror

The first purpose of the law is to show us our sin and our need for a Savior. James 1:23-24 says that the law is like a mirror. When we look into it, we see a reflection of our own brokenness. The law exposes the ways we fall short of God’s holy standard.

Jesus used the law this way when He spoke to the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-22). The man confidently declared that he had kept all the commandments from his youth. But Jesus revealed his heart: he was guilty of covetousness and idolatry because he loved money more than God. The law exposes our sinful nature.

Romans 3:20 says, “For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.” The law shows us that we are sinners in need of grace. Without the law, we would not understand the depth of our need for Christ. It leads us to the cross, where we find salvation in Jesus.

2. The Law as a Restraint

The second purpose of the law is to restrain evil and promote justice in society. This applies not only to believers but to all people. The law serves as a standard of right and wrong that restrains sin and creates order. It provides the foundation for civil law and justice.

Without the moral foundation of God’s law, society descends into chaos. Think about the commandments: prohibitions against murder, theft, and lying are fundamental to any just society. When these standards are ignored or discarded, injustice flourishes.

Even unbelievers benefit from the law. Romans 13:4 tells us that governing authorities act as God’s servants to restrain evil. The law curbs sin by establishing accountability, punishment, and consequences. The law does not save, but it restrains sin to make society livable.

3. The Law as Instruction for Believers

Finally, the law serves as instruction for those who are saved. While we are not saved by keeping the law, it reveals what pleases God. As His children, we should desire to live in ways that reflect His holiness.

Imagine a marriage where a husband and wife ignore each other’s likes and dislikes, deliberately doing things that annoy or hurt the other. That wouldn’t be a loving marriage. In the same way, our relationship with God involves learning what pleases Him. Obedience flows from love, not obligation.

Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” As believers, we don’t follow the law to earn salvation; we obey because we love God and desire to honor Him. The Ten Commandments show us the kinds of things God values: faithfulness, honesty, respect, and purity. They serve as a guide for living in harmony with God and others.

Christ and the Fulfillment of the Law

It’s important to note that Christ fulfilled the law on our behalf. Matthew 5:17 says, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Jesus perfectly obeyed the law and took the penalty for our failure to keep it.

Through faith in Christ, we are justified before God, not by our obedience to the law, but by His perfect righteousness. The law points us to Jesus, and in Him, we find both forgiveness and the power to live in obedience.

Application: How Do We Respond to the Law?

Look into the Mirror.

Examine yourself in light of the commandments. Let the law reveal your need for Christ daily. Don’t ignore the areas where you fall short—bring them to Jesus in repentance.

Uphold Justice.

As believers, we should advocate for justice in society. The law teaches us to oppose murder, theft, and falsehood. We must speak out against injustice and work to promote righteousness.

Pursue Holiness.

Obedience is not about legalism—it’s about love. Learn what pleases the Lord and seek to live in a way that reflects His character. The Ten Commandments are not burdensome—they are a gift that leads to life.

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