Friday, March 22, 2013

10 commandments: questions for study & reflection

In a former life I preached a sermon series on the 10 commandments and I have just completed a somewhat interactive Lent course on them. More or less off the top of my head, here are some questions for study and reflection on the commandments. Some questions may be more or less easy or relevant to some commandments.

The Westminster Larger Catechism is a worthwhile commentary on the commandments.

There are many good books on the commandments. Packer is always worth reading. J John is engaging. I found Frame by far the most stimulating read.

Specifically, what does this commandment command or forbid? Why?

What did it mean in its Mosaic context? What does it mean and how does it apply to us today?

Is the placing of this commandment significant? How does it relate to the other commandments?

How does the rest of Scripture inform your understanding of this commandment? For example, what are the punishments for breaking this commandment? What examples are there of people keeping or breaking this commandment?

Is it possible to break this commandment in your heart?

What does this commandment mean broadly understood? What are the underlying principles?

If the commandment is negative, what are its positive implications and vice versa?

How is this a commandment a perspective on all the others? May all sins be understood as a breaking of this commadment?

How might we be tempted to break this commandment? How can we avoid doing so?

How did Jesus keep this commandment?

What does this commandment teach us about God?

How does this commandment reveal our sin? And drive us to the Saviour?

How might this commandment be understood as a promise?

How might this commandment inform our prayers and praises?

Other questions?

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