The New Commandments

The most famous sermon in history is the Sermon on the Mount. It is all of Matthew 5, 6 and 7. The words are so vital that Jesus said whoever obeys them is like the man who built his house on the rock. Whoever does not obey them is like the man who built his house on the sand. When the storm comes, only the house on the rock stands.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives us ten new commandments. The original Ten Commandments are essential; they tell us how to behave. The new commandments, however, focus on our thoughts and attitudes as well as our actions.

1. DO NOT BE ANGRY

Jesus said, Jesus tell us that if we have friction with our brother we should leave our worship and our offering in front of the altar and go get things right

He even takes this commandment to a new level. 

Jesus tells us to not just love our neighbor, but also our enemy,

making us true sons of our heavenly Father (see Mt. 5:21-26, 43-48).

2. DO NOT LUST IN YOUR HEART

Jesus said, He said it would be better to lose an eye or our right hand than to live a life of sexual sin and go to hell (see Mt. 5:27-32).

3. NEVER TELL A LIE

Jesus said, Jesus taught us to never lie. If every word you speak is the truth, you never need to make an oath. Satan is the father of lies. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.

Jesus said, Jesus taught us to never lie. If every word you speak is the truth, you never need to make an oath. Satan is the father of lies. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.

A NEW COMMANDMENT 

I GIVE YOU:

LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

AS I HAVE LOVED YOU.

John 13:34-35

4. DO NOT DEFEND YOURSELF

Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.” Mt. 5:38-39 Jesus did not say we shouldn’t defend others, just not ourselves. He told us to turn the other cheek, bless someone who sues us, walk an extra mile with someone who pressures us to accompany them, and give or lend to those who ask (see Mt. 5:38-42). We are to out-give, out-serve everyone, and not defend ourselves.

5. DO NOT SHOW YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS

Jesus said, “Be careful not to do your acts of  righteousness before men, to be seen by them.” Mt. 6:1  Jesus tells of 4 things we should do in secret and not to do to be seen by men; 1) our acts of righteousness, 2) our prayers, 3) fasting, and 4) giving to the poor (see Mt. 6:1-18). If we do these to be seen of men, their applause is our reward. God says He will not reward us further. If we do these things unto God, however, then He will reward us.

6. DO NOT HOARD FOR YOURSELF

Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth.” Mt. 6:19 Jesus is not against wealth. The Bible  tells us that wealth is a blessing from the Lord. We are told, however, to use our wealth to bless Him and others and not to hoard riches for ourselves. He tells a story of a man who built bigger and bigger barns for personal gain, but the man died that night and was unprepared (see Lk. 12:18).

7. DO NOT WORRY

Jesus said, Jesus told us to put our trust in God our Father. He feeds the birds and clothes the flowers of the field and He will take care of us. He tells us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all those other things will be given to us. When we seek His kingdom, we will not be lazy or irresponsible. We work hard but we refuse to worry.

8. DO NOT JUDGE

Jesus said, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” Mt. 7:1 He taught us to look at our weaknesses and not be critical of others. He calls us hypocrites when we point a finger at someone else and ignore our own faults. He says we should deal with our own problems first (see Mt. 7:1-5).

9. DO NOT GIVE PEARLS TO PIGS

Jesus said, Jesus tells us not to be  vulnerable to evil people, or they may trample the precious treasure under foot and tear us to pieces. Holy things should be given to those who will receive them but not to those who devise wicked schemes.

10. ASK IN FAITH

Jesus said, He taught us not to be timid, but bold when asking God for blessings. He likes to give good gifts to His children. If we do not ask in faith, we receive nothing

Original Ten Commandments:  1. Worship no other God2. Do not make an idol3. Do not misuse God’s name4. Remember the Sabbath, keep it holy5. Honor your father and mother6. Do not murder7. Do not commit adultery8. Do not steal9. Do not bear false witness10. Do not covet

New Commandments:1. Do not be angry2. Do not lust in your heart3. Never tell a lie4. Do not defend yourself5. Do not show your righteous acts6. Do not hoard for yourself7. Do not worry8. Do not judge others9. Do not be vulnerable to evil10. Do not be timid with God