Don’t forget to ask these 4 questions when reading the text:
Who is God?
What has He done?
Who are we?
What are we to do?
Feel free to pick any of the following questions to lead your discovery and discussion. Don’t feel like you have to get through them all, allow the Holy Spirit to lead you during your time together.
Remember, as we open our hearts, our Bibles, and our lives, let’s be sure that our discovery and discussions lead us to the Bible, personal honesty and actual action in the ways we live as we are led and lead one another to Jesus.
Week 6
Exodus 20:13
“You shall not murder.”
Introduction
Joseph had led his family to Egypt in the safety and protection of the Pharaoh. Years later, however, the new king of Egypt mandated that all midwives would, upon seeing the birth of a Hebrew son, kill him. When the midwives refused to comply, he commanded, “Every son that is born to the Hebrews you show cast into the Nile.” (Exodus 1:22). God spared Moses from this fate, and he also saved his people's lives through Moses as he led them to the promised land.
God wanted his people to live in freedom. He doesn't just protect our lives; he gives us our life when he created us and breathed his life into us (Genesis 1:27, 2:7, Psalm 139:13-16) Because God treasures life, the sixth commandment “You shall not murder” is not just about what not to do; it also implies what to do – be life-giving to the people around you.
God not only gives us life; he gives us new life through redemption. Because of what God has done, we’re able to love him and each other, sharing his joy with others through our thoughts, words, and actions.
Observation
While you may not have physically murdered someone, we are all implicated by this command when we take into context the entirety of Scripture.
In Matthew 5:21-22, we see Jesus teaching on Exodus 20:13 and explaining how murder is not just a physical act. What do emotions, thoughts and words reveal about the human heart?
Read James 4:1-3. What is the root of war and murderous desires? Who are we thinking about when we focus on our passions, desires, and envy?
Interpretation
Because of the richness of God's grace and mercy, we can draw near to him and be filled with the Spirit rather than the murderous intent of our hearts. As God's people, we can be powered by his Spirit to bless others with life.
Many of the Commandments are summarized in the command to love. Read Romans 13:8-10. How does love overcomes murderous intents? How does love put anger at our brothers in perspective?
Who in Luke 10:29-37 shows love, and how does it give life to the man who was robbed?
Application
God gave life and embedded His Image in each person. What are we doing to God's image and ultimately God himself when we hate another person?
It's not always sinful to be angry. But consider the last time you experienced anger. Why were you angry? What does the above-mentioned passage and James 4:1-3 reveal about your words, facial expressions, gestures, or other actions?
Why is it dangerous to allow anger, envy, or hatred to fester into bitterness?
While many of us may never physically kill another, we may tolerate certain political policies that do. What kinds of things do we tolerate from the government or via social norms that the Bible might tdefind as murderer? What should our response be?
Read proverbs 10:11 and 12:18 What does it mean to give life or healing through your words? Think of an example of when someone's words have blessed you, and share it with the group. Have you ever blessed anyone with life or healing through your words? Who in your life would benefit from your words of kindness, mercy or healing?
Rather than inaction or negative action, Christ calls us to love others through our actions. See proverbs 31:8-9 Psalms 82:3-4 Matthew 25:31-40) Ask God to give you eyes to see the suffering around you and open your eyes to another’s heartache. What life-giving actions do you need to take?