Liar Liar Pants on Fire: H.C. Lord’s Day 43
Heidelberg Catechism Lord’s Day 43
Q 112. What is the aim of the ninth commandment?
A 112. That I never give false testimony against anyone, twist no one’s words, not gossip or slander, nor join in condemning anyone rashly or without a hearing.
The Ninth Commandment: H.C. Question 112
1 Peter 4:8 – Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Matthew 21:23-32 “The Right Way?”
This morning we come to worship God through Jesus Christ, His Son, the embodiment of Truth. God’s Truth, Love, Grace, and all of the characteristics of God are communicated in His Word to us. From that we are able to learn both who we are in Christ and how God calls us to respond and live into that identity.
Sometimes, however, we like to pick and chose which truths we think are the right way to live while ignoring others that seem to be more culturally acceptable. We claim to have Christ in us, claim Him as our Savior, even claim to follow Him, but then choose not to when it’s too difficult or inconvenient. Sadly, in that same thought, we also readily question and point fingers at those who are “off the path” in a more visible or, perhaps, culturally unacceptable way forgetting that we too are God’s people, fully dependent on His grace alone.
Questions to take home:
- Are there some Truths that Scripture teaches that you tend to look at more than others? How about us as a church? Is there a way that we could be better about not cherry picking the truths and sins for our own convenience?
- Jesus poses an interesting question about which kid actually did what the father wanted. Is it better to say yes and then not do something, or say no and then change your mind? Why do you think so?
- What if we cast this question in the form of “religion” vs. “relationship”? Who is doing what the Bible wants, the one who says yes to relationship with Christ but then follows religion, or the one who says no to religion but then finds a relationship with Christ?
Give me! Give me! H.C. Lord’s Day 42
Q 110. What does God forbid in the eighth commandment?
The Golden Rule: H.C. Question 111
Ephesians 4:28 – Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
The Eighth Commandment: H.C. Question 110 (Part 2)
Luke 16:10-13 – “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
The Eighth Commandment: H.C. Question 110 (Part 1)
Mark 10:17-27 “All In”
It’s hard to give 100% of ourselves to anything these days. Not only is there so much to do each and every day, but there are so many things battling for our attention. Families run here and there, bringing kids to the next sport or school event. Technology, with its constant updates and instant communication, makes it incredibly difficult to be fully presence in any situation, at any time. Even church has become something to do, and faith more of a “checklist” religion than a relationship.
Scripture challenges our “do everything culture,” in the same way it challenges a “do everything” religion. We cannot simply follow all the rules, go to church each week, and call it good. When the rich young ruler asks if this is enough, Jesus challenges him to be “All In.” Are we “All In” when it comes to our relationship with Christ? Or is faith simple another thing we have to do?
Questions to take home:
- What does it mean for you to be “fully present” in a situation (at work, at home, with a friend, in your time with God, etc.)? Do you struggle with this? What is one way that you could help yourself to be more present wherever you are?
- Jesus tells the rich young ruler to “go sell everything” and follow Him. Do you think he was serious? What do you think He was referring to? How could we apply that to our own lives today?
- It’s really easy to turn a conversation about “giving things up” into legalism, creating more “to dos” while removing others. Are there things that are inhibiting your relationship with Christ? What things can you adjust in your life to better represent your priorities?
Sin, Sex, Lust, and Adultery: H.C. Lord’s Day 41
Heidelberg Catechism Lord’s Day 41
Q 108. What does the seventh commandment teach us?
A 108. That God condemns all unchastity, and that therefore we should thoroughly detest it and live decent and chaste lives, within or outside of the holy state of marriage.
A 108. We are temples of the Holy Spirit, body and soul, and God wants both to be kept clean and holy. That is why God forbids all unchaste actions, looks, talk, thoughts, or desires, and whatever may incite someone to them.
Matthew 5:27-30
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.
Unchastity: H.C. Question 109
The Seventh Commandment: H.C. Question 108
1 Corinthians 7:1-9 – Now for the matters you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband. The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. I say this as a concession, not as a command. I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.
Hebrews 13:4 – Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.
The Root of the Problem: H.C. Lord’s Day 40
Heidelberg Catechism Lord’s Day 40
Q 105: What is God’s will for you in the sixth commandment?
A 105: I am not to belittle, hate, insult, or kill my neighbor—not by my thoughts, my words, my look or gesture, and certainly not by actual deeds—and I am not to be party to this in others; rather, I am to put away all desire for revenge.
I am not to harm or recklessly endanger myself either.
Prevention of murder is also why government is armed with the sword.
Q 106: Does this commandment refer only to murder?
A 106: By forbidding murder God teaches us that he hates the root of murder: envy, hatred, anger, vindictiveness. In God’s sight, all such are disguised forms of murder.
A 107: No. By condemning envy, hatred, and anger God wants us to love our neighbors as ourselves, to be patient, peace-loving, gentle, merciful, and friendly toward them, to protect them from harm as much as we can, and to do good even to our enemies.
A 106. By forbidding murder God teaches us that he hates the root of murder: envy, hatred, anger, vindictiveness. In God’s sight, all such are disguised forms of murder.
Condemning Violence: H.C. Question 107
Is it enough then that we do not murder our neighbor in any such way?
Matthew 7:12 – So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 22:39 – And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Romans 12:10 – Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Matthew 5:3-12 – “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Luke 6:36 – Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Romans 12:10 – Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:18 – If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Galatians 6:1-2 – Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Ephesians 4:2 – Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Colossians 3:12 – Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
1 Peter 3:8 – Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.
Exodus 23:4-5 – “If you come across your enemy’s ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to return it. If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help them with it.
Matthew 5:44-45 – But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Romans 12:20-21 – On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Proverbs 25:21-22 – If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.
More than Murder: H.C. Question 106
Does this commandment refer only to murder?
Proverbs 14:30 – A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
Romans 1:29 – They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips,
Romans 12:19 – Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
Galatians 5:19-21 – The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
1 John 2:9-11 – Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.
1 John 3:15 – Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.
The Sixth Commandment: H.C. Question 105
What is God’s will for you in the sixth commandment?
Genesis 9:6 – “Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind.”
Leviticus 19:17-18 – “‘Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in their guilt.
“‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.
Matthew 5:21-22 – “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
Matthew 26:52 – “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.
Proverbs 25:21-22 – If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.
Matthew 18:35 – “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Romans 12:19 – Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
Ephesians 4:26 – “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,
Matthew 4:7 – Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Matthew 26:52 – “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.
Romans 13:11-14 – And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
Exodus 21:14 – But if anyone schemes and kills someone deliberately, that person is to be taken from my altar and put to death.
Romans 13:4 – For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.