Beginning in January of 2023, we will study one of these life-giving truths every month from January through October, seeking to draw practical applications from Scripture and inspiring examples from history. We invite you to take some time today to read through the list below of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3–17) and their corresponding New Testament applications. 

1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me (Exodus 20:3). 

New Testament Application: I am to love the Lord because He first loved me, worshipping Him only (I John 4:19).

2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image (Exodus 20:4). 

New Testament Application: I am to set my priorities and affections toward God, forsaking all forms of idolatry (Colossians 3:2).

3. Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain (Exodus 20:7). 

New Testament Application: I am to revere God’s name and character in my words, actions, and attitudes, living in holiness because His name is holy (I Peter 1:15).

4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy (Exodus 20:8). 

New Testament Application: I am to give God my time—working, resting, and worshipping each week in remembrance of His Creation and redemption (Hebrews 4:9).

5. Honour thy father and thy mother (Exodus 20:12). 

New Testament Application: I am to honor my parents, recognizing that God is using them for my ultimate good (Romans 8:28).

6. Thou shalt not kill (Exodus 20:13). 

New Testament Application: I am to resolve conflicts with meekness, patience, and humility, valuing God’s creation of mankind in His own image (Matthew 5:21–24).

7. Thou shalt not commit adultery (Exodus 20:14). 

New Testament Application: I am to flee the lusts of the flesh and guard my heart, knowing that God designed marriage as a covenant of love between a man and a woman for life (Matthew 5:27–28).

8. Thou shalt not steal (Exodus 20:15). 

New Testament Application: I am to look for ways to give cheerfully rather than to take selfishly, understanding that I am a steward of what God has given me (II Corinthians 9:7).

9. Thou shalt not bear false witness (Exodus 20:16). 

New Testament Application: I am to put away lying and hypocrisy, knowing that I am accountable to the God of truth for every word that I speak (Matthew 12:36).

10. Thou shalt not covet (Exodus 20:17). 

New Testament Application: I am to learn contentment, realizing that the Lord has provided everything I need (Philippians 4:11, 19).  

For the final two months of the year, we will look at the summary of the Law given by the Lord Jesus Himself in Matthew 22:37–40 as He taught in the Temple:

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

 We hope that as we study these commandments and their New Testament applications that we will all be encouraged and edified. May our words echo those proclaimed by King David: “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:97).