Do Not Murder

Text: Exodus 20:13
Speaker: Pastor Joshua Hughes 

Matthew 5:21-22

Big idea: Since every human being bears the image of God, we owe every life honor and protection and must put away murder in all its forms.

The 6th Commandment forbids:
- First and second degree murder
- Voluntary manslaughter
- Involuntary manslaughter
- Abortion
- Euthanasia
- Suicide

1. It Rests on a Foundation

a) God has said so
b) Human beings bear the image of God
c) Love is the positive side of the prohibition

2. It Reaches into our Hearts

Heidelberg Catechism:

105. Q. What does God require in the sixth commandment? A. That I neither in thought, nor in word or look, much less in deed, revile, hate, insult or kill my neighbor, whether by myself or by another; but lay aside all desire of revenge; moreover, that I harm not myself, nor willfully run into any danger. Wherefore also, to restrain murder, the magistrate is armed with the sword.

106. Q. But does this commandment only speak of killing? A. In forbidding this, however, God means to teach us that He abhors the root of murder, namely, envy, hatred, anger, and desire of revenge; and that all these are in His sight hidden murder.

107. Q. Is it then enough that we do not kill our neighbor in any such way? A. No: for in condemning envy, hatred, and anger, God requires us to love our neighbor as ourselves, to show patience, peace, meekness, mercy and kindness towards him, and, so far as we have power, to prevent his hurt; also to do good even unto our enemies.

3. It Reveals the Scandal of Redemption