Lesson # 67–69—The Sixth Commandment

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Shorter Catechism Q & A #67 (Memorize)

Q. Which is the sixth commandment?

A. The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt not kill. Exodus 20:13

What does it mean?

“Kill” means to put to death, to murder a human being. God has given man the breath of life: “he giveth to all life and breath” (Matt. 17:24–25). For one to kill reveals the nature of fallen man (Titus 3:3).

Defining the nature of murder: It begins in and proceeds from the heart (1 John 3:15; Matthew 15:18–20). It is the evil that proceeds from man that defiles (pollutes) him. We must take care not to injure ourselves or others in both soul and body.

What is our practice?

We should show a great respect for life, desiring that we live more and more in the way of Christ, in whose image all mean have been created.

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Shorter Catechism Q & A #68 (Memorize)

Q. What is required in the sixth commandment?

A. The sixth commandment requireth all lawful endeavours to preserve our own life, and the life of others.

Memorize Q & As—Exposition

Our motivation to preserve our life and others is the indwelling presence of God: “God is to dwell with you here. He takes up the soul for his own lodging. ‘That Christ may dwell in your hearts.’ Eph 3:17. Therefore the soul must be consecrated. A king’s palace must be kept clean, especially his presence chamber. The body is the temple of the Holy Ghost. I Cor 6:19. The soul is the sanctum sanctorum; how holy should it be!” (Thomas Watson)

What does it mean?

Discuss the care for your own life and others in light of:

• Eph. 5:28–29 ‘Nourish’
• Matt. 10:23 ‘Flee’
• Psalm 82:3–4 ‘Defend and Deliver’
• Job 29:13 ‘Joy’
• 1 Kings 18:4 ‘Protect.’

Examples from Thomas Watson:

“When you see the picture of death drawn in their faces, administer to their necessities; be temporal saviours to them; draw them out of the waters of affliction with a silver cord of charity.”

“The word of God is the rule of faith, and good works are the witnesses of faith. It evidences also Love. Love loves mercy; it is a noble bountiful grace.”

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Shorter Catechism Q & A #69 (Memorize)

Q. What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?

A. The sixth commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbour unjustly, or whatsoever tendeth thereunto.

What does it mean?

Discuss:

• Harming ourselves (Acts 16:28)
• Created in God’s image (Gen. 9:6)
• Murderer’s end (John 3:15)
• Be not consumed (Gal.5:15)

What is our practice?

Are we members of the crowd that stands and watches while a neighbor is beaten, or accepts the thought that abortion has been made legal? Are we willing to open our home to a girl who is facing her pregnancy alone? We must—to the honor of Christ, whose image we bear—treat others in a good manner.

Quotes for thought and discussion:

Notes from Matthew Henry:

“Is murder a great affront to God? Yes: for in the image of God made He man, Gen. 9:6.”

“Does it make men like the devil? Yes: for he was a murderer from the beginning, John 8:44.”

“Is it of dangerous consequence to the murderer? Yes: for no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him, 1 John 3:15.”

“Ought we therefore to pray that God would keep us from it? Yes: Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God of my salvation, Ps. 51:14.”

“Is malice heart-murder? Yes: he that hateth his brother is a murderer, 1 John 3:15.”

“Is rash anger a breach of this commandment? Yes: But I say unto you, Whosoever is angry with his brother without cause, shall be in danger of the judgment, Matt.5:22.”

“Is giving foul language a breach of this commandment? Yes: Whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca*, or Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire, Matt. 5:22.”

“Is revenge a breach of this commandment? Yes: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, Rom. 12:19.”

*Raca = ‘worthless one’

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