According to God´s word, what kind of a heart are we to have?

We are to have a clean heart, so that we have only a clean, holy desire and zeal for all that God wants.

Matt. 5:8: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Lev. 19:2: Ye shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.

1 Sam. 16:7: The Lord looketh on the heart.

What does God require of us in these Commandments?

God requires that we be content with the circumstances into which He has placed us. He requires that we faithfully help our neighbor and encourage everyone to remain firmly in that place and to serve in that calling which God has provided for him.

1 Tim. 6:6: Godliness with contentment is great gain.

Luke 16:10: He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in much.

Matt. 25:21: Thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things.

Phil. 2:4: Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Assignment: Read Gen. 1:39: Joseph demanded that Potifar’s wife remain faithful to her husband. The Epistle to Philemon: Paul returned a runaway slave to his master. Discuss: Is it permissible to change one’s place of employment and to improve one’s unfavorable circumstances? Is it right for an employer to dismiss faithful older employees and hire new ones?

What forms of coveting does God forbid in these Commandments?

God forbids us to

1. Greedily try to get our neighbor’s inheritance or other means of livlihood through fraudulent methods or by a show of right.
   
   Assignment: Read Gen. 31:7: Laban deceived Jacob, 1 Kings 21: Ahab and Jezebel seized Naboth’s vineyard for themselves by misapplying the law, and Matt. 23:14: the Pharisees took widow’s possessions for themselves.



2. Persuade, incite or force our neighbor’s spouse or employee to leave him and come to us, or try to get some other advantages or benefits enjoyed by our neighbor for ourselves.
   
   Assignment: Read 2 Sam. 11:1-4: David seduced Bathseba, and 2 Sam. 15:1-6: Absalom estranged the hearts of the people away from David.



3. Envy, and hunger for that which belongs to our neighbor.
   
   

   Luke 12:15: Take heed, and beware of covetousness.

Luther: “These commandments are especially directed against envy and miserable avarice, God wishing to remove all causes and sources whence arises everything by which we do injury to our neighbor.”

Assignment: Discuss what advantages and circumstances of others are coveted today?

What is coveting?

Coveting is desiring, longing and hoping for anything that God in His Word has forbidden us to have. These sins of the heart are already condemning sins in themselves, even though they have not yet resulted in deeds. But that which God has not forbidden, is not sinful.

Gal. 5:17: The flesh lusteth against the Spirit.

Rom. 7:7: I had not known sin but by the law; for I had not known lust, except the law had said: Thou shalt not covet.

James 1:14-15: Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then, when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

What does God forbid in these Commandments?

God forbids us to be dissatisfied with what He has given us, and with what He expects of us. He also forbids us to covet that, which does not belong to us according to His will, and which we cannot get without acting against it.

1 Tim. 6:7-9: For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

What does God protect in the Ninth and Tenth Commandments?

Ninth Commandment: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house. What does this mean? We should fear and love God that we may not craftily seek to get our neighbor’s inheritance or house, nor obtain it by a show of right, but help and be of service to him in keeping it. Tenth Commandment. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his cattle, nor anything that is thy neighbor’s. What does this mean? We should fear and love God that we may not estrange, force, or entice away from our neighbor his wife, servants, or cattle, but urge them to stay and do their duty.

In the Ninth and Tenth Commandments God protects the advantages and the living conditions that our neighbor has in this life according to God’s plan.

How are we to speak about our neighbor?

God wants us always to speak sincerely about our neighbor and in his or her best interest.

Rom. 12:9: Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cling to that which is good.

Col. 4:6: Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

This occurs when

1. We defend our neighbor against lies, gossip, and false and exaggerated accusations.
   
   

   Prov. 31:8-9: Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

   
   
   Luther: “Therefore, if you encounter an idle tongue which betrays and slanders some one, contradict such a one promptly to his face, that he may blush; thus many a one will hold his tongue who else would bring some poor man into bad repute, from which he would not easily extricate himself. For honor and a good name are easily taken away, but not easily restored.”



2. We sincerely speak about our neighbor’s truly good qualities and deeds, and commend him.
   
   

   1 Sam. 19:4: And Jonathon spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him: Let not the king sin against his servant, against David, because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works have been theeward very good.




3. We don’t readily believe evil about our neighbor, but put the best construction on everything. We cover up his weaknesses and mistakes, pray for him, hope for improvement and always speak the truth ourselves.
   
   

   Prov. 14:30: A sound heart is the life of the flesh; but envy the rottenness of the bones.
   
   1 Pet.4:8: And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves; for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
   
   1 Cor. 13:7: (Love)...beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

   
   
   Luther: “It is especially an excellent and noble virtue for one always to
   explain advantageously and put the best construction upon all he may
   hear of his neighbor (if it be not notoriously evil), or at any rate to
   condone it over and against the poisonous tongues that are busy wherever
   they can pry out and discover something to blame in a neighbor,
   
   

Assignment: Read James 3:5-8: Our tongue can be the cause of a great curse or a great blessing.

How are we to apply the Eighth Commandment?

We are to apply the Eighth Commandment and justice in such a way that it is not used against the innocent. Thus, for example, concealing the truth from the enemies of our country or from evil doers, so that they cannot carry out their plans, is not a sin against this commandment — true love of our neighbor obligates us to do so. We are also obligated to reveal the evil intentions of others when we have knowledge of them. The government, parents, and some others, each in their own sphere of jurisdiction, have the right and the obligation to admonish, judge and punish evil. The congregation and its pastor have the right to use the power of the Office of the Keys.

Assignment: Read Joshua 2:4-5, and Heb. 11:31: Rahab did not speak the truth to the enemies of Israel. 1 Sam. 20:12-13: Jonathon promised to reveal evil intentions to David, and Acts 23:12-16: Paul’s nephew told Paul about the Jews’ intention to murder him.

What is false witness?

False witness includes all thoughts and words originating in our corrupt hearts that harm our neighbor’s honor and reputation.

The following are examples of this sin:

1. Lies, false testimony, false accusations, and false defense before a court of law or a government official, and false judgments.
   
   False witnesses:
   

   
   Prov. 19:5: A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.

   
   
   Assignment: Read Acts 6:11-14: False witnesses against Stephen.
   
   False accusers: Read Matt. 27:12 and Joh. 18:29-30.
   
   Enacting unjust laws and defending a wrong matter.
   

   
   Is. 10:1-2: Woe unto them that decree unrighteousness decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed; to turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!

   
   
   False judges:
   
   

   Prov. 17:15: He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord.
   
   Luke 23:24: And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required (to crucify Jesus).



2. When we speak about our neighbor with a deceitful and evil intent, contrary to the truth, and refrain from speaking the truth (gossip and slander).
   
   

   Eph.4:25: Wherefore, putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
   
   Joh. 8:44: Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own, for he is a liar, and the father of it.

   
   
   Assignment: Read 2 Kings 5:19-27: Gehazi’s lies.


3. When we reveal what our neighbor has told us in confidence.
   
   Prov. 11:13: A talebearer revealeth secrets, but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.


4. When we speak evil about our neighbor to others.
   
   

   James 4:11: Speak not evil one of another.
   
   Luke 6:37: Judge not, and ye shall not be judged; condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned.



5. When in our hearts we harbor evil against our neighbor and think evil of him.
   

   
   Zech. 8:17: Let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbor, and love no false oath; for all these are things that I hate.

What does God forbid in the Eighth Commandment?

God forbids us to speak evil about our neighbor unless God’s Word commands or obligates us to do so.

What does God protect in the Eighth Commandment?

Thou shalt not bear false witness against they neighbor. What does this mean? We should fear and love God that we may not deceitfully belie, betray, slander, nor defame our neighbor, but defend him, speak well of him, and put the best construction on everything.

In the Eighth Commandment God protects our neighbor’s honor and reputation.

What are we to remember in particular?

In particular we are to remember that accumulating possessions is not the substance or goal of a Christian’s life. A Christian’s goal is the bliss of heaven. We use our possessions in the right way, when we use them to serve the members of our family and our neighbors, particularly the needy, and to support the work of God’s kingdom.

Luke 12:15: Take heed, and beware of covetousness; for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

1 Tim. 6:17,18: Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate.

Gal. 2:10: We should remember the poor.

2 Cor. 9:7: Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver.

What does God require of us in the Seventh Commandment?

In the Seventh Commandment God requires that we act in such a way, that our neighbor can continue to make a living and prosper and that his possessions can remain intact and increase.

This occurs when:

1. We help our neighbor make a living with good advice and deeds.
   
   

   Heb. 13:16: But to do good and to communicate forget not; for with such sacrifice God is well pleased.

   
   
   Assignment: Read Gen. 46:33-34: Joseph advises his brothers, and Ex. 23:4: taking care of our enemy’s possessions.



2. We faithfully take care of the private and corporate property entrusted to our care.
   

   
   1 Cor. 10:24: Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.

   
   
   Assignment: Read Gen. 39:4-6: Joseph faithfully took care of his employer’s property, Gen. 41:46-57: and of the Egyptian economy.



3. We are ready to serve our neighbor with our possessions, trusting that God in His grace will take care of us.
   
   

   Prov. 19:17: He that hath pity upon the poor, lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

   
   
   Assignment: Read Gen. 13:4-12: Abraham permitted Lot to choose the best area.

Who sees every theft and renders punishment for it?

God sees every theft and eternally punishes everyone, who does not repent of his sin. Therefore we must carefully guard against falling into this sin. If we have wrongfully acquired our neighbor’s possessions, we must confess our sin and, as far as possible, make restitution.

1 Thess. 4:36: For this is the will of God... that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter, because that the Lord is the avenger of all such.

Eph. 4:28: Let him that stole steal no more, but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Assignment: Read Luke 19:8: Zaccheus promised to pay back what he had acquired through wrongful means.

What does God forbid in the Seventh Commandment?

In the Seventh Commandment God forbids all stealing or all taking of other people’s property without their permission, to their detriment.

The following are types of this sin:

1. Assault (robbery):
   
   Assignment: Read Luke 10:30: (robbers)



2. Stealing
   
   Assignment: Read Josh. 7:20-26: Achan, 2 Kings 5:19-27: Gehazi, and John 12:6: Judas Iscariot.



3. Dealing with stolen goods
   
   

   Prov. 29:24: Whoso is partner with a thief, hateth his own soul.




4. Profiting, at the expense of our neighbor, through fraudulent business deals.
   

   
   Jer. 22:13: Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that useth his neighbor’s service without wages, and giveth him not for his work.




5. Usury. Illegally charging exorbitant interest, profiting by charging interest from those in need, and extortion.
   
   

   Ex. 22:25: If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.

   
   
   Assignment: Discuss: Is charging interest always sinful? Read Matt. 25:27 and Luke 19:23.



6. Taking unwise loans and not paying back loans.
   
   

   Ps. 37:21: The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again.




7. Laziness.
   
   Assignment: Read Prov. 6:6 and 2 Thess. 3:10. Also discuss on what basis a Christian can with a good conscience accept a pension or welfare.



8. Desiring the possession of others, envy, selfishness and greed.
   
   

   Matt. 15:19: Out of the heart proceed... thefts.
   
   1 Tim. 6:10: The love of money is the root of all evil.




9. Using common possessions for one’s personal use, wasting them or not properly caring for them; being dishonest in paying one’s taxes or stealing from the community or business establishments in some other way.
   

What things are included in God´s life-plan for us, as far as our earthly possessions are concerned?

God’s life-plan for us includes, among other things, work and wages, money and possessions, the right to buy, sell, own and establish businesses. People have the right to acquire earthly possessions through honest means, and they also have the right of ownership.

2 Thess. 3:10: If any would not work, neither should he eat.

Luke 10:7: The laborer is worthy of his hire.

Assignment: Read Gen. 23:3-18: Abraham buys property, and Mark 1:19-20: Zebedee’s fishing enterprise and its workers. Discuss: What are we to think of unemployment? Read Matt. 20:1-12.

From whom have we received our earthly possessions and the right to own them?

God has given us our earthly possessions, for He is the creator and owner of all things. God blesses our life on this earth by providing us with our livlihood, salaries and other forms of income, wealth and possessions.

Ps. 24: 1: The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.

Matt. 6:26: Behold the fowls of the air, for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Assignment: Read Job 42:12-13: The blessing that Job received.

What does God protect in the Seventh Commandment?

Thou shalt not steal. What does this mean? We should fear and love God that we may not take our neighbor’s money or goods, nor get them by false ware or dealing, but help him to improve and protect his property and business.

In the Seventh Commandment God protects our neighbor’s earthly possessions.

What are we to think of those matters which are neither commanded nor forbidden in God´s word?

There are matters which God has neither commanded nor forbidden, which are also called adiaphora. God has given us the freedom to deal with these matters according to our discretion. In matters such as these, however, the government, our parents, our employers and supervisors, each in their own sphere of responsibility, may give commands, which we are conscience-bound to obey because of the Fourth Commandment.

We are also to remember that we must not offend those weak Chrisitans, who consider certain matters of free choice to be sin, because they do not understand true Christian freedom. Brotherly love demands that in cases of this type, we refrain from exercising our Christian freedom, in order that no one will become confused and be in danger of acting contrary to his weak conscience. In cases like these we are to be willing to conform in a spirit of unselfishness, and at the same time to teach the weak what true Christian freedom is.

Assignment: Read 1 Cor. 8 and Rom. 14:13-23. Discuss: What are some matters of this type, that are related to our lives?

If legalistically inclined sects or individuals demand that we avoid and consider as sin, matters that are free according to God’s Word, we must not even for a moment submit to their demands, but must rather hold fast to our freedom, as a matter of confession of faith, and defend the truth of the Gospel.

Assignment: Read Gal. 2:45 and 5:1, also Col. 2:16.

If we are not certain as to whether or not something is sinful, we are first to study the matter in the light of God’s Word, and only then are we to act, for “whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Rom. 14:23).

What things help us to lead a morally clean and proper life?

The use of God’s Word, prayer, the worship services and activities of our congregation, being in the company of fellow Christians, work, study, and good hobbies, help us to think, speak and do that which is right.

Phil. 4:8: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever thing are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think of these things.

Mark 14:38: Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.