The Ninth Commandment

The Ninth Commandment
Exodus 20.16

A. WHAT IS GOD TELLING US TO DO?

1.  Praise God				Commandments 1-4

2.  Protect Others			Commandments 5-10

B. WHAT IS GOD SAYING “NO” TO?

1.  Untrue statements in a court of law

2.  Slander

3.  Gossip

4.  Twisting a person’s words

5.  Lying and misrepresenting the truth

C. WHAT IS GOD SAYING “YES” TO?

1.  Speak the truth  [Ephesians 4]

2.  Defend your neighbor

D. HOW CAN WE DO ALL OF THIS?

1.  Confess your inability  [James 3]

2.  Admit that its not impossible

3.  Specific steps

    a.  Think before you speak

    b.  Remember that God hears everything

    c.  Meditate on God’s will for your words

    d.  See all of this as an aspect of your love for God