Destroying God's Image

July 29, 2007

Opening Text:  Matthew 22:36-40

Title:  Destroying God’s image (10 Commandments Series)

Text:  Exodus 20:13

Seven Hebrew words for killing, rasah murder with violent intent or homicide

            2 Samuel 12:9

What is not included in this word:

                Accidental deaths – Dt 19:4ff)

                Self defense (Ex 22:2-3)

                Capital Punishment (Genesis 9:6)

But it does not convey enough.  The law is not just about how to remain Holy before God, it is about who God is.  Even in this relationship with each other, we reflect our understanding of who God is.

  Jesus statement about the greatest commandment,

Ephesians 5:1 – Be imitators of God

James 2:18 – Show your faith by your works

I Peter 1:15

I John 4:7-12

Our belief that a loving God created all men in his image is demonstrated in not just restraint from killing one another, but is demonstrated in a Christian community where even are words are not used to belittle and destroy one another.  (Matthew 5:22ff)

But the reality is the more I struggle with sin and am attacked by “the brethren,” the harder I find the teaching of Jesus.  I so much more wish for the Old Testament proportional response