God’s Ten Commandments

In the book of Exodus, we see God give Moses the Ten Commandments so that Moses could teach them to the Israelites during their journey toward the Promised Land.

God gave the Israelites these commandments because they were living in sin, and He needed to show them what true obedience looks like. God is holy, and His commandments reflect His perfect character. He gave them His law right after rescuing them from slavery in Egypt — not to burden them, but to set them apart as His covenant people.

Now these commandments are still just as important today. As followers of God, we need to honor them — because honoring these commands is honoring Him. They are stepping stones toward righteous living. Take time to review them, and honestly ask yourself: “How many of these am I violating?” Let this challenge you toward obedience and a closer walk with Christ.

Exodus 20:1–3 (NLT): “Then God gave the people all these instructions: ‘I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. You must not have any other god but me.’”

But we must remember: the Law was never meant to save us. It was meant to reveal our sin and point us to our need for Jesus Christ. Salvation does not come from keeping the Law but from trusting in the finished work of Christ on the cross.

Romans 3:20 (NLT): “For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.”

The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17, NLT)

1. “You must not have any other god but me.”
➡ Put God first in every part of your life — don’t let money, success, or people take His place.

2. “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind…”
➡ Don’t worship or obsess over created things (possessions, fame, relationships) more than the Creator.

3. “You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God.”
➡ Honor God’s name — don’t use it carelessly, mockingly, or as a curse.

4. “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.”
➡ Take time each week to rest, reset, and focus on God — not just constant work or busyness.

5. “Honor your father and mother.”
➡ Respect and value your parents (and family authority) with love, gratitude, and obedience.

6. “You must not murder.”
➡ Value life — don’t harm others. Jesus also said this applies to anger and hate in the heart.

7. “You must not commit adultery.”
➡ Stay faithful in marriage; keep relationships pure in thought and action.

8. “You must not steal.”
➡ Don’t take what isn’t yours — live honestly and with integrity.

9. “You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.”
➡ Be truthful — don’t lie, gossip, or twist the truth to hurt others.

10. “You must not covet…”
➡ Don’t be controlled by jealousy or comparison. Be content with what God has given you.