Question 75: What is forbidden in the Eighth Commandment?

Answer: The Eighth Commandment forbiddeth whatsoever doth or may unjustly hinder our own or our neighbour's wealth or outward estate.

Dear neighbor,

The Lord God sees all and knows all. It is therefore prudent for a follower of Jesus Christ to be concerned, not for ones needs only but the needs of other people also. 

Yesterday, Darlene and I were traveling and we stopped at a certain place to eat lunch. A man whom we do not know came up to us in the parking lot asking money for some ministry. He claimed to be a follower of Jesus Christ but the man spoke so fast and his only concern was getting what he called donations. I did not give him any money because I did not believe it wise. It is prudent that a follower of Jesus Christ should not do anything that hinders our own wealth. I work very hard taking care of my neighbor in the intensive care unit. It is my job which God gave to me me that I may provide for my own needs and the needs of my household. (cf. 1 Tim. 5:8) I shall not do anything that unjustly hinders my own wealth and this is not to say that one should not give to those who have real needs but to be prudent with the wealth that God has entrusted to us.

Thieves come in many disguises and some thieves even use the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul said that thieves and swindlers will not inherit the kingdom of God. (cf. 1 Cor. 9-10) A swindler is someone who tricks people out of their wealth. Many swindlers pray on the poor and the ignorant and also on the heart. Job 24:2-4, says:

“Some remove the landmarks;

They seize and devour flocks.

“They drive away the donkeys of the orphans;

They take the widow’s ox for a pledge.

“They push the needy aside from the road;

The poor of the land are made to hide themselves altogether.

Stealing has been defined by some as taking what does not belong to you without the permission of the owner but that does not give a good enough definition in my opinion because swindlers trick people into willing giving away their wealth. Steeling always hurts other people, no matter how it is done, and makes a person feel violated.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Question 74: What is required in the Eighth Commandment?

Answer: The Eighth Commandment requireth the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth and outward estate of ourselves and others.

Dear Neighbor,

The Lord Jesus Christ said to love God with your whole self and love your neighbor as yourself (cf. Mt. 22:37-39) The apostle paul wrote in Romans 13:8-10, “Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. For this, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, YOU SHALL NOT STEAL, YOU SHALL NOT COVET,’ and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”

The commandment requires the hearer to actively seek the best for ourselves and our neighbor. And one should not seek the best for themselves at the expense of his neighbor. “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Phi. 2:3-4)

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Question 73: Which is the Eighth Commandment?

Answer: The Eighth Commandment is, "thou shalt not steal."

Dear Neighbor,

The Eight Commandment was first spoken to Israel, by the mouth of God from heaven, at Mount Sinai in the desert, also called Horeb, and written for us in Exodus 20:15. 

The Eight Commandment was repeated by Moses in the land of Moab during a sermon that Moses delivered to Israel before his death, and before Israel crossed the Jordan river into the land of Canaan. There Moses expounded the law of God to Israel. Therefore, the Eighth Commandment is recorded for our reading a second time in Deuteronomy 5:19. Deuteronomy means second law, but it is not a second law, it is an expounding of the law for the children of the descendants of Israel, who were saved by God from slavery in Egypt. 

The next two questions explain what is required and what is forbidden in the eight commandment. I shall explore how the commandment should be understood in the lives of Christ followers today.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Lord’s Day: June 27, 2021

Dear Neighbor,

Each of us suffer in some way and some suffer greater than others. Sin, suffering and death seemingly rule the lives of believers and unbelievers alike; for no man is without sin, without suffering and all die. Some sin more than others but all sin, some suffer more than other but all suffer, and everyone dies.

The difference between a believer in Jesus Christ and an unbeliever is hope. The apostle Paul wrote: “For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.” (Rom. 8:24)

The believer waits eagerly for the redemption of our bodies, which is our adoption as sons. The believer is spiritually redeemed but not yet physically redeemed. We have been given the first fruits of the Spirit but we groan within ourselves, waiting for the redemption of our bodies. (Rom. 8:23)

The Christian hope is not a platonic disembodied existence floating on the clouds, but a real bodily resurrection from the dead, heaven on earth, where their is no sin, suffering, or death. All of creation groans and suffers until now. The sons of God and all of creation will be set free from the corruption of sin. (Rom 8:19-22)

It is in this that the Christian has hope in Jesus Christ. The hope of the redemption of our bodies. It is for heaven on earth in Jesus Christ does the Christian have hope.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Question 72: What is forbidden in the Seventh Commandment?

Answer: The Seventh Commandment forbiddeth all unchaste thoughts, words, and actions.

Dear Neighbor,

Temptation comes from three sources: Satan, the world and the flesh. Temptation is being carried away and enticed by ones own lust. (Jam. 1:14) Lust is threefold: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life. (1 Jn. 2:16) When lust has been conceived in a persons heart, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. (Jam. 1:15) 

The apostle Paul wrote to flee immorality. (1 Co. 1:18) For this reason, Jesus said, when speaking about adultery in the heart: “If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell.” (Mt. 5:29-30)

A believer cannot take themself out of the world but can limit what their eyes see and ears hear, thereby limiting temptation and being enticed by ones own lust. Do not give into temptation and do not resist temptation but ignore it; to resist temptation causes one to dwell on it which may give birth to lust. 

No unchaste thought, word or action comes from God, for God does not tempt anyone. All temptation comes from three sources: Satan, the world and the flesh. Flee immorality because it brings forth death.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Question 71: What is required in the Seventh Commandment?

Answer: The Seventh Commandment requireth the preservation of our own and our neighbor's chasity, in heart, speech, and behaviour.

Dear Neighbor,

The seventh commandment goes beyond the physical act of intercourse. Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY’; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Mt. 5:27-28) 

Jesus was speaking to men whose society was patriarchal but his words are applicable to women as well. It is not enough to maintain physical purity. One must be perfect in every thought, word and deed. Jesus said, “Therefore, you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Mt. 5:48)

God created man and woman as unique biological persons designed to complete one other. In the beginning God instituted marriage between one male and one female as the foundation of the family and the basic structure of human society. Therefore, human beings should not alter or negate what God created, designed and instituted. (Genesis 1:26-31; Genesis 2:18-25; Matthew 19:3-9)

There is forgiveness of sin for all who repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus sent the apostle Paul to the Gentiles, a people guilty of all kinds of sexual immorality, to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light, from the rule of Satan to God, that they may be forgiven, and have eternal life, sanctified by faith in Jesus Christ. (Acts 26:17-18)

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Question 70: Which is the Seventh Commandment?

Question 70: Which is the Seventh Commandment?

Answer: The Seventh Commandment is, "thou shalt not commit adultery.”

Dear Neighbor,

The commandment was first spoken by God, to Israel at Mount Sinai in the dessert. Exodus 20:14

You shall not commit adultery.

And was repeated by Moses in the second law, Deuteronomy 5:18

You shall not commit adultery.

However, its roots, like all the law are from the beginning. Jesus went to the first two chapters of Genesis when discussing marriage. 

God created man and woman as unique biological persons designed to complete one other. In the beginning God instituted marriage between one male and one female as the foundation of the family and the basic structure of human society. Therefore, human beings should not alter or negate what God created, designed and instituted. (Genesis 1:26-31; Genesis 2:18-25; Matthew 19:3-9)

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Question 69: What is forbidden in the Sixth Commandment?

Question 69: What is forbidden in the Sixth Commandment?

Answer: The Sixth Commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbour unjustly, or whatsoever tendeth thereunto.

Dear Neighbor,

It is evident that the commandment forbids suicide and murder but I think that an additional question should be asked because in the text of their answer, the Westminster Puritans gave the answer to an additional question. 

Does the commandment forbid capital punishment? The answer is no, it does not forbid capital punishment. If it did, the giving of the sixth commandment would have ablated in the commandment that the Lord God gave to Noah, Genesis 9.6:

Whoever sheds man’s blood,

By man his blood shall be shed,

For in the image of God

He made man.

After giving the ten commandments that Lord God said to Moses, Exodus 21.12-14:

He who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death. But if he did not lie in wait for him, but God let him fall into his hand, then I will appoint you a place to which he may flee. If, however, a man acts presumptuously toward his neighbor, so as to kill him craftily, you are to take him even from My altar, that he may die.

The commandment forbids suicide and murder, both of which involve forethought. Jesus said, Matthew 5.21-22:

You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.

The apostle John wrote, 1 John 3:15

Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

It is evident that the Lord God considers human life valuable; so valuable in fact, that he considers hatred to be murder. 

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

What is Required in the Sixth Commandment?

Question 68: What is required in the Sixth Commandment?

Answer: The Sixth Commandment requireth all lawful endeavours to preserve our own life, and the life of others.

Dear Neighbor,

The great commandment in the law is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. The second commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. (Mt. 22:37-39) The sixth command makes the meaning of the second great commandment apparent.

Psalms 82:3-4

Vindicate the weak and fatherless;

Do justice to the afflicted and destitute.

Rescue the weak and needy;

Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.

Ephesians 5:28-30

So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, because we are members of His body.

To think of other people as oneself requires godly love. One should love oneself and other people equally. I confess that this is difficult because I am a sinner fallen short of the glory of God. I am self seeking; therefore I will seek my own life before the lives of other people. This commandment causes one to think laterally about the lives of other people. It is right for Christian’ s to advocate for all human life.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Question 67

Dear Neighbor,

Which is the Sixth Commandment?

Answer: The Sixth Commandment is, "thou shalt not kill."

The text of the Sixth Commandment is written in Exodus 20:13:

“You shall not murder.”

However, it goes much further back in biblical history, for the Lord said to Noah in Genesis 9:6:

“Whoever sheds man’s blood,

By man his blood shall be shed,

For in the image of God

He made man.” 

The next two questions speak to what is required and forbidden in the Sixth Commandment. I look forward to exploring how the Sixth Commandment should be understood in the Christian life.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

The Lord’s Day, June 20, 2021

Dear Neighbor,

What advice do I have for fathers on this Lord’s day? The apostle Paul wrote to children: “Be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.” (Col. 3:20) But to fathers he wrote: “Do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.” (Col. 3:21) This same content is repeated in Ephesians 6:1-4: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise), SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

This past week I wrote about questions 63-66 of the shorter catechism. This just so happened to precede fathers day, just like in Paul’s letters, his word to children preceded his word to fathers. Therefore today I would like to speak to fathers.

When the apostle Paul wrote these letters it was unanimous among both Jewish and Greco-Roman writers that children needed to honor their parents. Among Jews, the command to honor one’s parents went beyond childhood. Some Jewish writes believed that honoring one’s parents was the most important commandment. Many taught their children through harsh discipline. Paul did not agree with the beating of children in child rearing. This is what Paul meant by “Fathers, do not exasperate your children.” (IVP, BBC, NT)

However, I think that it goes much deeper than physical because words hurt. “A domineering and thoughtless father can discourage obedient children.” (Col. 3:21, ESV Global SB Notes) There is no responsibility among men in this world greater than to be a father of a child. 

Father’s, discourage your children from worldly lusts but be careful that you do not discourage them in the Lord.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Juneteenth

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”  ~ John 8:34-36

Dear Neighbor,

Earlier this week, the federal government of the U.S.A. enacted into law, June 19th as a federal holiday. I grew up in the state of Texas but I did not understand Juneteenth. I knew it to be a celebration that African Americans in our community held but I did not understand the purpose. Later I learned that Juneteenth was a celebration of the freedom of African descendants who were held in slavery.

Juneteenth was first celebrated in Galveston Texas after General Gordan Granger read the general order: "The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer." (https://juneteenth.com) 

From its origin in Galveston Texas, Juneteenth became a state wide celebration of freedom and has now been adopted federally. I have to say, that I do not understand why there has not been a national holiday celebrating the freeing of slaves until now because freedom from slavery is a really really big deal.

Earlier this month I read “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” It is believed by many historians that this book was one of the catalyst that brought on the civil war and the end of slavery in the U.S.A. The main theme of the book was that no matter if the slave owner is kind or harsh, slavery is wrong, but there were many men in the pulpits in America in the 19th century who preached that it was right to own other men.

I cannot relate to being owned by another man but I can relate to being a slave to sin and being made free. John Newton, was a slave in Africa, who became a slave trader, repented and became a Christian, and wrote the hymn, “Amazing Grace.” John Newton understood slavery and saw his salvation as freedom from sin. Let us all celebrate freedom and praise God in Jesus Christ.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Question 66

Question 66: What is the reason annexed to the Fifth Commandment?

Answer: The reason annexed to the Fifth Commandment is a promise of long life and prosperity (as far as it shall serve for God's glory and their own good) to all such as keep this commandment.

Dear Neighbor,

In Ephesians 6:1-3, the apostle Paul exhorts the children of the church to obey their parents in the Lord because it is right. Then he invokes the fifth commandment: “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the LORD your God gives you.” He explains in this brief exhortation to the children of the church, it is a commandment for their good, because attached to this commandment is a promise of long life on the earth.

In their letters to the churches, the apostles Peter and Paul exhort all believers to submit to whatever authority has been put over them. Some of the authorities mentioned in their letters are fathers, husbands, masters, governors, and kings. The ultimate authority is Christ. Both Peter and Paul urge believers to submit to every human institution for Jesus’ sake. (cf. 1 Peter 2:13-20)

As a Registered Nurse, working in the hospital, I am under the authority of many human institutions and I am not always treated fairly. I often work hard, long hours, yet many of these authorities are dissatisfied despite my best efforts. Being under the authority of other people in a sinful world is difficult, yet I submit myself to the authority of every human institution put over me for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ. I encourage you to do the same, for in doing so, this finds favor with God. (1 Pe. 2:20)

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

What is the forbidden in the Fifth Commandment?

“Question 65: What is the forbidden in the Fifth Commandment?

Answer: The Fifth Commandment forbiddeth the neglecting of, or doing anything against, the honour and duty which belongeth to every one in their several places and relations.”

Dear Neighbor,

The great commandment, Matthew 22:36-40 is the bases for the whole Law and the Prophets:

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “ ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

The Ten commandments are subcategories of the great and second commandments. The fifth commandment deals with the category of human authority and the beginning authority in everyone’s life is their parents. 

The apostle Paul wrote: “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.” (Rom. 13:1)

God has established human authority on the earth and we are all to be subject to the human authority that has been put over us. We should not see this as oppression and should serve as though they were Christ because all authority comes from God, even authority that seems to hurt us. Pilot had been given authority to release or crucify Jesus. Jesus acknowledge that Pilot’s authority came from God. Jesus did not resist authority, but was subject to it even though Pilot was using the authority granted him in a sinful way. (Jn. 19:10-11)

Colossians 3:23-25

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

What is Required in the Fifth Commandment?

Dear Neighbor,

The Westminster Puritans asked in their shorter catechism:

“What is required in the Fifth Commandment?”

Answer:

“The Fifth Commandment requireth the preserving the honour, and performing the duties, belonging to every one in their several places and relations, as superiors, inferiors, or equals.”

The proof text given for this answer is Ephesians 6:2-3

“HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise), SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH.”

The apostle is stating and applying the fifth commandment (Exodus 20:12) in a letter to Christians; therefore, the fifth commandment is applicable in the lives of all Christians throughout all of time.

Adding to the proof text Ephesians 6:1, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” There are four reasons given that children should honor their parents. First, it is the right thing to do. Second, it is commanded in the word of God. Third, it is in the best interest of the child. Fourth, there is a scriptural promise of a full life. 

Honoring ones parents is good because in doing so, we are loving God, loving other people and loving ourselves. Matthew 22:37-39

And He said to him, “ ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

The Westminster Shorter Catechism Q&A 63

Dear Neighbor,

Question 63: Which is the Fifth Commandment?

Answer: The Fifth Commandment is, "honour thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee."

The fithth commandment is recorded for us in Exodus 20:12 (NASB)

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the LORD your God gives you.”

I find it interesting that in my writing about the shorter catechism, that this commandment should come during the week proceeding Father’s Day. The next three questions ask what is required in the commandment, what is forbidden in the commandment and what is annexed to the commandment. I am looking forward to thinking about the implication of this commandment for the Christian in the new covenant, as it was mentioned by the Lord Jesus Christ, and the apostle Paul in his letters to the churches.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ sake

The Westminster Shorter Catechism 62

Dear Neighbor,

Question 62: What are the reasons annexed to the Fourth Commandment?

Answer: The reasons annexed to the Fourth Commandment are, God's allowing us six days of the week for our own employments, His challenging a special propriety in the seventh, His own example, and His blessing the Sabbath-day.

All of the proof text for this answer come from the Old Testament, and are, therefore, proof text for the Old Covenant. 

Exodus 31:15-16

For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a sabbath of complete rest, holy to the LORD; whoever does any work on the sabbath day shall surely be put to death. So the sons of Israel shall observe the sabbath, to celebrate the sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant.’

Leviticus 23:3

‘For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a sabbath of complete rest, a holy convocation. You shall not do any work; it is a sabbath to the LORD in all your dwellings.

Exodus 31:17

It is a sign between Me and the sons of Israel forever; for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day He ceased from labor, and was refreshed.”

Genesis 2:3

Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.

The covenant sign between God and Abraham was circumcision, (cf. Gen. 17:9-14) and the covenant sign between God and the sons of Israel is a sabbath of complete rest, a holy convocation. (Ex. 31:17) I love much that the Westminster Puritans wrote, because they understood much about the word of God, and brought much to the church of Jesus Christ, but in their zeal to purify the Christian church, they changed circumcision to baptism, and the sabbath to the Christian assembly on the first day of the week in order to apply the old covenant law to the lives of Christians. (cf. Gal. 4:21-31)

The Christian is not held under the covenant law given through Moses, and the Christian is not without the law of God, but is under the law of Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 9:19-21) Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

The Lord’s Day, June 13, 2021

“The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.” ~Luke 18:27

Dear Neighbor,

I am always amazed how God brings me to the right text of scripture, at just the right time. One week ago I read the story of the Rich Young Ruler in Mark’s gospel and today I read the same in Luke’s gospel. In both stories Jesus uses the Ten Commandments to bring the knowledge of sin and closes the mouth. The rich young ruler’s sin was covetousness.

Salvation is not possible with people but is possible with God. God has given us a tool by which we might show people their need for salvation and that tool is the Ten Commandments.

In Romans 3, the apostle Paul asked, If both Jew and Gentile are guilty, “then what advantage has the Jew?” The answer is that they were entrusted with the oracles of God. In Romans 3:19-20, he wrote:

Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.

I have been briefly writing about the Ten Commandments, as they pertain to the Westminster Shorter Catechism. The Westminster Shorter Catechism is not the word of God, but it is a historical understanding of the word of God. It is the understanding that a group of men in church history agreed upon, as they meet in assembly. They formed their understanding of theology into questions and answers by which children and new believers might be taught.

The word of God is the bases for our understanding about God, and to truly understand oneself and our neighbors. It is good to study, and read what others have said about the oracles of God, less we become a law unto ourselves.

Like the Westminster Puritans, my convictions are reformed; therefore, I agree with much that they wrote, however, my convictions are also baptist, so I am not in full agreement with everything that they had to say. Should we read only those whom we are in full agreement with? If we do, will we learn anything? Will we be able to discern when and in what way we are wrong? For this reason I love to study church history and the writings of Christians who came before us.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

What is Forbidden in the Fourth Commandment?

Dear Neighbor,

The Westminster Puritans asked in the shorter catechism:

What is forbidden in the Fourth Commandment?

The answer that they gave: 

The Fourth Commandment forbiddeth the omission or careless performance of the duties required, and the profaning the day by idleness, or doing that which is in itself sinful, or by unnecessary thoughts, words, or works, about our worldly employments or recreations.

The proof text given for this answer (Mal. 1:13, Ez. 23:38, Isa. 58:13) all speak of defilement of the sanctuary of the Lord and profaning the Sabbath Day. Using these Old Testament text alone, one would conclude, what the Westminster Puritans concluded about the Sabbath Day; however, what is ignored in the answer is of much importance.

The sanctuary of the Lord is not our church buildings. The Temple was destroyed by the Romans in AD 70. The sanctuary of the Lord is the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “Destroy this sanctuary, and in three days I will raise it up.” (Jn. 2:19) 

The Old Covenant/Old Testament Sabbath Day is not the first day of the week (Sunday), it is the seventh day of the week (Saturday), yet Christians gather together to worship the Lord on the first day of the week and work/play on the seventh day, which is the day commanded by God in the Old Covenant.

My work, and the work of many continues on all seven days of the week, and it is for the Lord’s glory that we work. I work at the bedside of the sick as a Registered Nurse. On several occasions Jesus healed on the Sabbath (seventh day rest), yet God said of him, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!” (Lk. 9:35) Jesus called those who scoffed at him for healing on the Sabbath “hypocrites.” (Lk. 9:15)

The apostle Paul wrote 2 Timothy 3:16-17:

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

So, what should we take from the commandment given to Israel to honor the Sabbath Day and keep it holy? Is there anything for the Christian to observe in this commandment? 

Yes, there is! We shall repent of our sins against God, trust in Jesus Christ and follow him as Lord, observing all that Jesus commanded. Jesus said, John 14:15: 

If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

How is the Sabbath to be sanctified?

Dear Neighbor,

The Westminster Puritans asked in Question 60 of the Shorter Catechism: 

How is the Sabbath to be sanctified?

They answer that they gave: 

The Sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days; and spending the whole time in the public and private exercises of God's worship, except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy.

I should tell you that I have disagreement with the Westminster Puritans regarding this answer. If the question was asked in regards to the Mosaic or Sinaic covenant alone, then I would say that they answered correctly. But the question is asked of a Christian, and of Sunday, because the 59th question and answer declared the Sabbath day changed from the last day of the week to the first day of the week.

The truth is, at no time in the New testament, is the New Covenant Christian commanded to keep the Sabbath. In fact, Jesus defended his disciples when the Pharisees accused them of breaking Sabbath law when they picked grain to eat on the Sabbath. The Lord concluded his defense of his disciples when he said:

But I say to you that something greater than the temple is here. But if you had known what this means, ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT A SACRIFICE,’ you would not have condemned the innocent. (Matthew 12:6-7)

Sunday is not the Sabbath, nor has the Sabbath rest been changed to Sunday. Christians meet on Sunday and call the first day of the week the Lord’s day, because it is on the first day of the week that the Lord, Jesus Christ, rose bodily from the dead and appeared to his disciples. 

I must, however, give a warning. While it is legal, within the law of Christ, for the Christian to work and recreate on the first day of the week, it should not lead to the habit of forsaking the Christian assembly. Believers need to regularly meet with believers, to encourage one another in following Jesus Christ. (cf. Heb. 10:25)

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Which Day of the Seven Has God Appointed to Be the Weekly Sabbath?

Dear Neighbor,

This question implies required sabbath observance; therefore, the Westminster Puritans answer the question thusly:

From the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, God appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly sabbath; and the first day of the week ever since, to continue to the end of the world, which is the Christian sabbath.

I previously stated that at no time in the New Testament is sabbath observance commanded of the Christian. In fact, the seventh day, in many instances in the New Testament is missing. In the 19th chapter of the Gospel According to John, Jesus is left buried in a tomb on the day proceeding the sabbath, then the 20th chapter of the Gospel According to John begins on the 1st day of the week. 

Genesis 2:3 speaks of God resting after His creative work on the seventh day; and therefore, God sanctified the seventh day. However, in the Gospel According to John we see a change from the storyline of Genesis. In John’s storyline, the Incarnate Word is not resting on the seventh day, as God did in Genesis 2:2-3. In John 19:31-42 the Incarnate Word is dead!

On the first day of the week, Christians gather together to fellowship and break break because it was on the first day of the week that the Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead and appeared to the first disciples who were together behind a closed door. (Jn. 20:19) The first day of the week is observed by Christians in remembrance of the Lord Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, ascended to heaven, seated at the right hand of the Father God almighty, and will return to judge the living and the dead. We meet together on the first day of the week because the first disciples gathered to break bread in remembrance of Jesus Christ on the first day of the week, (Acts 20:7) not because it is a change in the sabbath day!

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

What is Required in the Fourth Commandment?

Dear Neighbor,

The Westminster Puritans answered the question thusly: 

The fourth commandment requireth the keeping holy to God such set times as he hath appointed in his word; expressly one whole day in seven, to be a holy sabbath to himself.

This commandment is different than the other nine, because at no time in the New Testament is the Christian commanded to keep the sabbath day. All other nine commandments are expressed in the New Testament but the keeping of the sabbath is not.

What is the sabbath? The sabbath is an every seventh day rest from labor in honor of the God of Israel. The first time that the sabbath is mentioned in Scripture is Genesis 2:1-3. As God’s covenant people, He began to form their lives in the pattern of seven days. Working six days and resting on the seventh. In the Mosaic covenant, the sabbath was connected with the gathering of manna. (cf. Exodus 16) 

All of scripture points to Christ, so how should the Christian understand this commandment? What is really required in the fourth commandment? The fourth commandment requires trust in God. The Israelite was to trust that God would provide for his needs on the seventh day despite not working on it. The Christian is to trust that all of our righteous needs are provided for in Jesus Christ alone.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Which is the Fourth Commandment?

Dear Neighbor,

The fourth Commandment is given in Exodus 20:9-11, and says:

Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath of the LORD your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day and made it holy.

We will spend the remainder of this week in explanation of the fourth commandment.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

What is the Reason Annexed to the Third Commandment?

Dear Neighbor,

Many times a day, the name of the Lord is taken in vain. It is so common in our society to hear the name of God or the name of His Son taken in vain. You may not even notice the name of God or His Christ taken in vain. It is common in television shows and in movies. In fact, it rolls off the tongue without a thought, thus making the name of the Lord our God vanity. 

Exodus 20:7b (NASB)

The LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.

This is the reason annexed to the third commandment. Though a person may take the name of the Lord our God in vain and go unpunished among men, the Lord God will not let them go unpunished. They are storying up wrath for themselves, for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. (Romans 2:5)

Have you ever taken the name of the Lord your God in vain? Have you used the name of the Lord your God or the name of the Son of God in an irreverent manner? There is forgiveness of this sin against God, for all who repent of their sin and trust in the name of the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ!

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Lord’s day, June 6, 2021

Dear Neighbor,

Darlene and I spent this past Friday walking around the bazaars of the Canton, Texas trade days. The Canton trade days are a large flea market. The organizers tout that it is the largest flea market in the world but I do not know if that is true; nonetheless, it is very large.

We really did not see anything that we wanted to purchase. It was mostly a day off from work and spending time together away from home. One of the things that we did purchase was lunch. There where many things to chose from, much of which was not very healthy, but we decided on street tacos. The shop that we selected had three choices: shredded brisket tacos, shredded chicken tacos, and bean tacos; all of the varieties were garnished with Pico de Gallo. Pico de Gallo is a mixture of peppers, onions, tomatoes and an herb called cilantro. I decided on the brisket tacos.

The shop was being run by a woman and three young people, that I assumed were her children. The youngest of which was a little girl, approximately twelve years old, with short cropped, sandy blonde hair, just above her shoulders. I cannot get this young lady out of my mind because she reminded me of our daughter when she was that age.

During the week I like to write about doctrine. Currently I am writing about the questions and answers of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. I began this a few weeks ago because I believed that I failed as a father to teach my children the way of the Lord. Our children have gone out from us; therefore, difficult, if not impossible to reach.

I read something this morning that brought me comfort. It was the story that the NASB translators titled The Rich Young Ruler. The young ruler was unwilling to leave his wealth to fallow the Lord and Jesus explained to his disciples, using a metaphor of a camel going through the eye of a needle, that the salvation of a person is impossible with people, but not impossible with God. He said, “For all things are possible with God.” (Mk 10:27, NASB)

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

What is Forbidden in the Third Commandment

Dear Neighbor,

What is forbidden in the third commandment?

It was the work given to the priests, to listen to the word of God, and take it to heart to give honor to His name. (Malachi 2:2) Where has God made himself known? We have two revelations. 

First, the natural revelation. The apostle Paul wrote about this in Romans 1:18-23. God has revealed Himself in nature but men did not honor Him as God or give thanks but their foolish hearts were darkened. They worshiped the creation rather than the creator. They gave honor too created things but dishonored God.

Second, the special revelation. God has made Himself know to man in His word. The old testament was referred to as the law and the prophets, represented by two old testament figures in the transfiguration. (Mark 9:1-13) God spoke to man in the law, God spoke to man in the prophets and in these last days, He has spoke to us through His Son. (Ephesians 2:20) In the transfiguration, the Father God told Peter, James and John to listen to His Son. Jesus said, “He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.” (John 5:23) 

The seventeenth century puritans wrote: “The third commandment forbiddeth all profaning or abuse of anything whereby God maketh himself known.”

One example of this is profaning the name of the Son of God, by using His name in place of a filthy curse word to express discuss. 

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

What is Required in the Third Commandment?

Dear Neighbor,

What is required in the third commandment?

The third commandment requires the holy and reverent use of God’s:

1. Names
2. Titles
3. Attributes
4. Ordinances
5. Word
6. Works

The third commandment requires man to give to God the glory that He deserves. God is King of Kings and Lord of lords, the Almighty and there is no other besides Him; therefore, all shall fear Him. Man should take heed to what God has commanded in His word, the Holy precepts that have come forth from the mouth of God. Men should be in awe at who God is and the things that God has done; He created heaven and earth and sea and all that is in them. When men speak of God’s names, titles, attributes, ordinances, word, and works; these should always be spoken with respect and honor do Him.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

Which is the Third Commandment?

Dear Neighbor,

Which is the third commandment?

The Ten Commandments where first given to Israel by the Mouth of God from Mount Sinai in the desert. These Ten Words of God are recorded for us in Exodus 20:1-17. The preface to the Ten Commandments, Exodus 20:2 (NASB)

“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.”

The first commandment, Exodus 20:3 (NASB)

“You shall have no other gods before Me.”

The second commandment, Exodus 20:4-6 (NASB)

“You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.”

We have already written about what is required, what is forbidden and what is taught in these first two commandments. Now we move on to the third commandment, Exodus 20:7 (NASB)

“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.”

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

What are the Reasons Annexed to the Second Commandment

Dear Neighbor,

What are the reasons annexed to the second commandment?

Firstly, God’s sovereignty over us. 

1 Timothy 6:15-16 (NASB)

He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see.

Secondly, his propriety in us. God expects his people to bow down to Him alone because He is our Lord and He desires us. (cf. Ps. 45:11)

Thirdly, God has zeal to his own worship. 

Exodus 34:14 (NASB)

—for you shall not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God—

1 Corinthians 10:31 (NASB)

Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

In conclusion, the reasons annexed to the second commandment are, God’s sovereignty over us, his propriety in us, and the zeal he has to his own worship. 

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

What is Forbidden in the Second Commandment?

Dear Neighbor,

What is forbidden in the second commandment?

Firstly, the second commandment does not address worshiping other so called gods, for the worship of other so called gods was forbidden in the first commandment. The second commandment forbids the worshiping of images (man made or otherwise) as God.

In John 4:24, Jesus said to the Samaritan woman by the well: 

“God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (NASB) 

Idolatry is creating an image that you believe to be God and bowing down to worship that image as God. When God revealed Himself to Israel, they heard a voice but they did not see a form; therefore, they were not to create an image of anything as being God, to bow down to worship that image as God, nor worship any created thing in the universe as God. (cf. Deut. 4:15-19) 

Secondly, the second commandment forbids worshiping God in anyway not appointed in His word. This has happened many times throughout church history. The ascetics abased themselves thinking that this would make them closer in relationship to God, or grant them some sort of reward from God. Do not let anyone defraud you in this way. (cf. Col. 2:18)

In Galatians 5:1, the apostle Paul wrote: 

“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” (NASB) 

In Conclusion, the second commandment forbids the worshipping of God by images, or any other way not appointed in his word.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake