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What is the 10th Commandment in the Bible? – Viral Believer
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What is the 10th Commandment in the Bible?

Introduction

The Ten Commandments, also known as the Decalogue, are a vital part of the Christian faith. These commandments, given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai, serve as a moral foundation for Christians and provide guidance for living a life that is pleasing to God.

In this blog post, we will focus on the final commandment, the 10th commandment, exploring its meaning and significance in the lives of believers today.

Understanding the 10th commandment is essential for Christians as it addresses a fundamental aspect of human nature, covetousness. By examining this commandment in detail, we can gain insights into how God wants us to approach our relationships with others, our possessions, and our desires.

By incorporating the principles of the 10th commandment into our daily lives, we can experience spiritual growth and draw closer to God.

The 10th Commandment Explained

The 10th commandment can be found in Exodus 20:17, which states:

“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.” (Exodus 20:17, NKJV)

The commandment prohibits covetousness, which is a strong desire for something that belongs to someone else. It addresses not just material possessions, such as houses or animals, but also relationships, as the commandment specifically mentions coveting a neighbor’s wife.

The Purpose of the 10th Commandment

The 10th commandment serves several purposes in the lives of believers:

  1. It teaches us to be content with what we have and to trust God for our needs.
  2. It highlights the importance of respecting the property and relationships of others.
  3. It addresses the root cause of many sins, as covetousness often leads to actions such as stealing, lying, or adultery.

By following the 10th commandment, we can avoid many of the pitfalls that come from desiring what others have and focus on developing a deeper relationship with God.

The 10th Commandment in the New Testament

Jesus himself reiterated the importance of the 10th commandment in the New Testament. In Luke 12:15, He warned:

“Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” (Luke 12:15, NKJV)

In this passage, Jesus emphasizes that material possessions do not define a person’s worth or happiness. Instead, believers should focus on their relationship with God and seek to live lives that are pleasing to Him.

The Apostle Paul also addressed covetousness in his writings. In Colossians 3:5, he urged believers to put to death their earthly desires:

“Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” (Colossians 3:5, NKJV)

Paul equates covetousness with idolatry, suggesting that when we covet, we are placing our desires above God and worshiping them instead of Him.

Practical Application of the 10th Commandment

To apply the principles of the 10th commandment in our daily lives, we can:

  1. Cultivate gratitude for the blessings we have, recognizing that they come from God.
  2. Develop a spirit of generosity, giving to others and sharing what we have.
  3. Focus on our relationship with God, seeking His kingdom and righteousness first (Matthew 6:33, NKJV), rather than obsessing over material possessions or the relationships of others.
  4. Pray for contentment and ask God to help us overcome covetousness.
  5. Be mindful of our thoughts and desires, and redirect them towards God when we find ourselves coveting what belongs to others.

By putting these practices into action, we can grow in our faith and demonstrate our commitment to living according to God’s commandments.

Conclusion

The 10th commandment, which warns against covetousness, is an essential aspect of the Christian faith. This commandment not only teaches us to be content with what we have but also helps us understand the importance of respecting the property and relationships of others.

By addressing the root cause of many sins, the 10th commandment provides believers with guidance for living a life that is pleasing to God.

As we strive to follow the 10th commandment, it’s important to remember that Jesus and the Apostle Paul both emphasized the significance of overcoming covetousness.

By recognizing that our worth and happiness do not come from material possessions and focusing on our relationship with God, we can begin to conquer the desire to covet what belongs to others. Through prayer, gratitude, and a spirit of generosity, we can find contentment in our lives and deepen our connection with God.

In summary, the 10th commandment calls us to examine our hearts and motives, ensuring that we are not placing our desires above our relationship with God. As we strive to live according to this commandment, we will experience spiritual growth and demonstrate the love of Christ to those around us.

May we always remember the importance of the 10th commandment and seek to live lives that honor God and respect the blessings He has given to others.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.