LORD’S DAY 44
Q. 113. What doth the tenth commandment require of us?
A. That even the smallest inclination or thought contrary to any of God’s commandments never rise in our hearts; but that at all times we hate all sin with our whole heart, and delight in all righteousness.1 That even the smallest inclination or thought contrary to any of God’s commandments never rise in our hearts; but that at all times we hate all sin with our whole heart, and delight in all righteousness.1
- Rom. 7:7, &c.
Q. 114. But can those who are converted to God perfectly keep these commandments?
A. No; but even the holiest men, while in this life, have only a small beginning of this obedience;1 yet so, that with a sincere resolution they begin to live not only according to some, but all the commandments of God.2 No; but even the holiest men, while in this life, have only a small beginning of this obedience;1 yet so, that with a sincere resolution they begin to live not only according to some, but all the commandments of God.2
- Rom. 7:14.
- Rom. 7:22, 15, &c. James 3:2.
Q. 115. Why will God then have the ten commandments so strictly preached, since no man in this life can keep them?
A. First, that all our lifetime we may learn more and more to know our sinful nature,1 and thus become the more earnest in seeking the remission of sin and righteousness in Christ;2 likewise, that we constantly endeavor, and pray to God for the grace of the Holy Spirit, that we may become more and more conformable to the image of God, till we arrive at the perfection proposed to us in a life to come.3 First, that all our lifetime we may learn more and more to know our sinful nature,1 and thus become the more earnest in seeking the remission of sin and righteousness in Christ;2 likewise, that we constantly endeavor, and pray to God for the grace of the Holy Spirit, that we may become more and more conformable to the image of God, till we arrive at the perfection proposed to us in a life to come.3
- 1 John 1:9. Rom. 3:20. Rom. 5:13. Rom. 7:7.
- Rom. 7:24.
- 1 Cor. 9:24. Phil. 3:12-14.
LORD’S DAY 44
Coveting
1. What is the tenth commandment?
“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house; thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his man servant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor’s.” Exodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:21.
2. What does the tenth commandment forbid?
God forbids that even the smallest inclination or thought contrary to any of His commandments ever arise in our hearts.
3. What does the tenth commandment require of us?
That at all times we hate sin with our whole heart and delight in all righteousness. Psalm 119:97, 103, 104.
4. But can those who are converted to God keep these commandments perfectly?
No, even the holiest men, while in this life, have only a small beginning of this obedience.
5. What must be the desire of the believer?
That with a sincere resolution we begin to live, not only according to some, but all the commandments of God. Psalm 17:1-5; James 2:10-12.
6. Why will God, then, have the ten commandments so strictly preached, since no man in this life can keep them?
In order that all our lifetime we may learn more and more to know our sinful nature, and thus become more earnest in seeking the remission of sin and righteousness in Christ.
7. But should not these commandments be strictly preached as a rule of thankfulness as well?
Yes, they must be preached in order that we may constantly endeavor to become more and more conformable to the image of God, and pray to God for grace to do so, till we arrive at the perfection of the life to come.