Do Not Murder
Exodus 20:13 - "You shall not murder.
Introduction
Slide
Good morning.
This morning we are going to talk about the 6th Commandment as we continue our series on God’s Top Ten.
The sixth commandment is found in Exodus 20:13 and reads, “You shall not murder.”
I think that when many of us hear this commandment, we think to ourselves, finally, one that we should have no trouble keeping.
I am not a murderer.
I have never killed anyone.
I would never kill anyone.
Or at least, that is what I think.
This morning I want to take a look at this command and some of the more controversial areas within our society that are debated if they would be a violation of this command or not.
Then I want to look at what Jesus says about this command and see how we might apply this to our lives so that we can truly live a life were we don’t murder people in our actions or in our minds.
Translations of “Ratsach” (Rawt sack)
Now the translation of this command has been a source of some controversy in the past.
The Hebrew word that is translated as murder in the NIV is “ratsach” and it can be translated as “murder, slay or kill.”
The older English translations have translated it as kill, saying “Thou shalt not kill.”
All of the newer translations have translated it as “You shall not murder.”
What exactly does this command mean in the context of the teaching of the whole Bible?
Slide
I believe that when interpreted within the context of the teaching of the Bible as a whole, I believe that it is best translated murder if you have to use one word, but I believe that if you could paraphrase it a better translation, considering the teaching of the rest of the Bible would be
“You shall not wrongfully end the life of another human being.”
Slide
Now it is limited to a human being because this word is never used in regards to the killing of an animal, so that is surely what is not being talked about.
In fact within this same chapter, regulations are given for the sacrifice, the killing, of animals, so, it is definitely used in regards to other human beings.
Now, how do we determine if the taking of a life is murder, if it is wrongful.
Well, obviously, many situations can have circumstances that can play a part in determining if something was right or wrong, but this morning we are going to address some general topics to see if we can determine from the Bible if the taking of a life is wrongful, that is unlawful or immoral, or if it is justified based upon Scripture.
Acts that Violate the 6th Commandment
Slide
Now there are some acts that clearly violate the teaching of this command that there would be little argument over.
They would include
1st degree murder - a premeditated murder.
Slide
2nd degree murder - intentional killing of another that is not planned or premeditated, but not in the heat of passion.
slide
Voluntary Manslaughter – intentional killing in which the offender had no prior intent to kill; a killing in the heat of passion.
Slide
Involuntary manslaughter - unintentional killing that results from recklessness or criminal negligence, or from an unlawful act that is a misdemeanor or low-level felony
Slide
We even see Scripture give an example of involuntary manslaughter.
Exodus21:28-29
28 "If a bull gores a man or a woman to death, the bull must be stoned to death, and its meat must not be eaten. But the owner of the bull will not be held responsible. 29 If, however, the bull has had the habit of goring and the owner has been warned but has not kept it penned up and it kills a man or woman, the bull must be stoned and the owner also must be put to death.
This just shows that we have got to live our lives being responsible for our actions and the effects that our actions as well as for the thing within our control.
Now these are pretty straight forward and most of us, if not all of us, would agree that these acts would violate the 6th commandment.
Now I want to turn to some other acts that may be more controversial and more difficult to discern, at least for some, and ask
Do these acts violate the 6th Commandment?
Slide
And understanding that God is not a God who contradicts Himself, I want us to look through the Scriptures and see if we might be able to ascertain if these actions would be considered a breaking of the 6th commandment to not wrongfully end the life of another human being.
So, would
Ending a life through War? Be a violation of the 6th commandment
Slide
Now this is obviously where the translation of the Hebrew word” Ratsach” can affect what we think. If it is translated as “You shall not kill,” we might think that this applies to any time a life is ended, but if it is translated, “You shall not murder” we don’t consider killing in war murder.
But should we consider death in war the wrongful taking of life of another human life.
Now there will be times during war, when people actually do commit the crime of murder, but I want to limit our discussion to what we would consider war related killing in the battlefield.
Would that be a violation of the 6th commandment?
Bible interpretation
Now, when we seek to interpret Scripture, we start with a belief that the Bible is the very word of God and that it is without error, therefore we believe that Scripture needs to be interpreted within the context of the passage as well as within the context of the Bible as a whole.
There are a great many people who will take a passage of Scripture out of the context of the passage it is found in as well as out of the context of the teaching of the Bible as a whole.
So, when interpreting Scripture, we look to other Scriptures to be able to properly interpret the meaning of a text.
So then, when we read the sixth commandment as, “You shall not murder or kill.” We also have to take into account Scriptures like
1 Samuel 15:3 where God tells Saul to “go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy everything that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys.’"
So being that God would never direct someone to do something outside of the commands He has given, we come to the conclusion that taking a life during the normal course of war is not a violation of the 6th commandment to not murder.
Now this says nothing about whether the war is a just war or not, this is only saying that generally, as men are called into combat for the defending of our country and our life, they are not breaking the command as intended by God to prohibit people from unjustly taking the lives of others.
Ok, then, well what about
Ending a life through Self Defense?
Slide
This would seem like an easy one for us and it is not too hard, but we always need to be cautious.
We see in the Old Testament, as the Lord was giving laws to the nation about executing justice, he tells them in
Exodus 22:2-3
2 "If a thief is caught breaking in and is struck so that he dies, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed; 3 but if it happens after sunrise, he is guilty of bloodshed.
What this means is that if someone is breaking into your home and you do not know if they are there to harm you or your family and you end up killing them, you are not liable. It would not be a wrongful ending of a life.
If, however, someone where breaking in and you saw that they were just there stealing, and they had no weapon and they turned and fled when they saw you, you have no right to kill them.
That is what it means when it says “if it happens after sunrise.”
You are able to see them and sense their intention so you can describe them to the police and they can be apprehended or you may even detain them yourself, but you have no right to take their life when you see that your life is not in danger.
So, if you were defending your own life and limb and that of your family from physical harm, it is justifiable, according to the Bible to take a life, however, it is not justifiable to use deadly force in defending solely your property.
Well, what about
Ending a life in Capital Punishment?
Slide
There are some who say that those who are killed as a penalty for their crimes are being murdered.
In the Bible we see that even as God gave the 6th commandment to not wrongfully take a life, he also gave the authorities the right to put to death those who committed crimes that took life or severely affected the life of the entire society by their actions.
Genesis 9:6 - "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed;
for in the image of God has God made man.
Exodus 21:12 says, "Anyone who strikes a man and kills him shall surely be put to death.”
When someone tried to turn Israel away from the Lord, they were also to be put to death because that would detrimentally affect the lives of the generations to come.
It says in Deuteronomy 13:10-11 to “Stone him to death, because he tried to turn you away from the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 11 Then all Israel will hear and be afraid, and no one among you will do such an evil thing again.”
Capital punishment was instituted by God in the Bible because of the great respect for life. It was designed
to punish disregard for life and
to put a fear into others to not do things that disregarded life.
That is the Old Testament, Not the New
Maybe some of you are saying Yes, I see that in the Old Testament there was capital punishment, but in the New Testament, Jesus tells us to turn the other cheek and forgive, not to kill.
It is important that we always understand the context and who is being spoken to in the Bible.
The instructions in the Old Testament that say to take “an eye for an eye” is something that is given to the nation of Israel as a whole for their use in establishing a justice system and having punishments and penalties that fit the crime.
Jesus’ command to “turn the other cheek” is not meant for the nation, it was meant for individuals who had taken the instruction that was given to the nation to seek their own personal revenge and justice.
These two instructions do not contradict each other. They are appropriate for different entities however.
The eye for an eye command should instruct the nation how to seek justice.
The turn the other cheek command should instruct individuals that we should not be about seeking revenge, instead we should be looking to forgive.
We, as individuals, have no right to take revenge or to inflict capital punishment to anyone. That is the role of our society under the authority of our government.
It is the legitimate role of governments to punish crime and provide a safe place for people to live their lives.
Paul affirms this in Romans 13:4-5 - For he (the ruling authority) is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.
So Capital Punishment administered by the state, in general, is not a breaking of the 6th commandment.
Now, even governments can abuse their power and mistakes can be made, so as a society we have an obligation to make sure Capital Punishment is being reserved for the most heinous crimes and when it is beyond a shadow of a doubt.
Now I want to talk about 2 areas that are very controversial and emotional within our society. First I want to ask is it a violation of the 6th commandment in
Ending a life through Euthanasia (mercy killing)?
Slide
Many today think that with those with terminal illnesses are better off if they are put out of their misery by actively give them drugs to kill them, to end their life.
Now understand there is a difference between actively ending a life vs. not seeking to prolong a person’s life through artificial means such as a respirator or working to restart their heart.
I am not talking about that.
I am asking is it ok to take action to end the life of another who will eventually die, but taking action now will hasten their death and help them avoid possible future suffering.
Is that ok?
This is something that affects real people in real circumstances.
The spouse with cancer, the parent with a terminal illness.
But we need to seek to understand how Scripture guides us in these decisions.
Let me read to you 2 Samuel 1:1-16. It is an account of Saul’s death.
2 Samuel 1:1-16
After the death of Saul, David returned from defeating the Amalekites and stayed in Ziklag two days. 2 On the third day a man arrived from Saul’s camp, with his clothes torn and with dust on his head. When he came to David, he fell to the ground to pay him honor.
3 "Where have you come from?" David asked him.
He answered, "I have escaped from the Israelite camp."
4 "What happened?" David asked. "Tell me."
He said, "The men fled from the battle. Many of them fell and died. And Saul and his son Jonathan are dead."
5 Then David said to the young man who brought him the report, "How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?"
6 "I happened to be on Mount Gilboa," the young man said, "and there was Saul, leaning on his spear, with the chariots and riders almost upon him. 7 When he turned around and saw me, he called out to me, and I said, ’What can I do?’
8 "He asked me, ’Who are you?’
"’An Amalekite,’ I answered.
9 "Then he said to me, ’Stand over me and kill me! I am in the throes of death, but I’m still alive.’
10 "So I stood over him and killed him, because I knew that after he had fallen he could not survive. And I took the crown that was on his head and the band on his arm and have brought them here to my lord."
11 Then David and all the men with him took hold of their clothes and tore them. 12 They mourned and wept and fasted till evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the army of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.
13 David said to the young man who brought him the report, "Where are you from?"
"I am the son of an alien, an Amalekite," he answered.
14 David asked him, "Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?"
15 Then David called one of his men and said, "Go, strike him down!" So he struck him down, and he died. 16 For David had said to him, "Your blood be on your own head. Your own mouth testified against you when you said, ’I killed the LORD’s anointed.’"
While this person was lying about how the death of Saul occurred, David viewed the admission by this man’s own mouth that he put Saul out of his misery, even though he was going to die soon anyway, as murder.
And the man paid with his life.
While it is sometimes difficult for us to understand why we are left upon this earth when we are going to die anyway, we need to leave that decision into the hands of the Lord.
God is a God of compassion and even when we suffer, we need to understand that He can see things beyond our ability. He can see the usefulness of a person’s life beyond what we can see.
To take someone’s life prematurely as an act of mercy killing or euthanasia is murder as the Bible sees it. It is the wrongful ending of an innocent life. We have no right to end someone’s life that we think will be better if they were dead, including our own.
We have no right to suicide either. It can be considered self murder, the taking of a life that has been created in the image of God, without cause.
I want to tell you this issue of Euthanasia will be a significant issue in the coming years as people live longer and the economy is affected by the older generations, our society and our government will start to make decisions concerning quality of life for those with terminal illnesses, but I will tell you that that will begin to move to those who are older and not as productive anymore and those who are handicapped in some way.
We need to be on guard against allowing our society to say that Euthanasia is ok.
The Bible sees it as a breaking of the 6th commandment.
Finally, what about
Ending a life through Abortion?
Slide
We live in a society where abortion is legal. How can following the law be against what God wants?
God wants us to live moral lives, but where the civil law and God’s desire separate, we must follow God.
Listen to what God says about actions that injure a baby in the womb.
Exodus 21:22-25
22 "If men who are fighting hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman’s husband demands and the court allows. 23 But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.
If she gives birth prematurely, but the baby lives and is not injured then the offender is fined. But if the baby is seriously injured, then it says take life for life, eye for eye, etc.
The Bible recognizes an unborn child as a person like you and me and having the rights of a person that has been created in the image of God. If someone does something to harm an unborn child, it is just as though they have done something to harm a person who is already born.
In fact we see in several places that God talks about the womb as the place where he creates us.
Psalm 139:13, 16
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
Jeremiah 1:5 - "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you”
When we read in the Bible of people sacrificing their kids to the false god Molech in the fire, we are appalled.
But we live in a society that has ended the life of over 40 million children to the false god’s of convenience and selfishness and money.
Abortion is the wrongful ending of an innocent life and is a violation of the 6th commandment.
This is why we should do all in our power to stop this travesty of abortion and the wrongful ending of so many innocent human lives.
Transition
Well, we have talked about some of the more controversial actions within our society to seek to determine if they fall under the category of breaking the 6th commandment.
What does Jesus Say?
Slide
I want to talk about Jesus’ comments on this commandment that we find in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5.
Jesus says this in
Matthew 5:21-26
21 "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ’Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ’Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ’You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
23 "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
25 "Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
What is Jesus saying here?
Jesus is starting a major teaching on righteousness. In the verse right before this he says in Matthew 5:20 - For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
He then goes on to show how the Pharisees have solely focused on actions, the letter of the law, and not the spirit of the law, about what is in your heart.
Over the next 2 chapters he is Basically saying,
Don’t worry about murdering, worry about your anger toward men
Don’t worry about adultery, worry about the lust that is in your heart
Don’t worry about which words to confirm by swearing, worry about always speaking the truth.
Don’t worry about how to get justice, worry about how to bless others
Don’t worry about who to love or hate, love everyone
Don’t give for your glory, give for God’s glory
Don’t pray for men to hear, pray for God to hear
Don’t fast for men to see, fast for God to see
Don’t store up treasure here, store up treasure in heaven
Don’t worry about growing your kingdom, seek God’s kingdom and righteousness.
He is saying you have focused solely on the letter of the law, on not doing or doing certain actions and have lost the spirit of these commands.
He is basically saying that
While watching our action is good, Guarding our heart is Essential
Slide
Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”
Our heart is the wellspring of life.
If we guard our heart, our actions will follow.
Jesus tells us all of the commands that we commit against people come out of our heart.
Matthew 15:19 - For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.
If our heart is right, then our actions will be right so we need to focus on our hearts and the things in there.
So, if don’t want to be a murderer, reconcile your anger when it arises within your heart. Don’t let it fester inside you.
He tells us in verses 23-26 to “go and be reconciled to your brother” and to “settle matters quickly with your adversary”
We need to deal with the anger in our heart and the anger that others have toward us by taking steps to reconcile so anger in our heart does not turn into hate.
John tells us that “Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer” (1 John 3:15).
If our heart changes, then our actions will change.
Conclusion
I want to share with you before I was a Christian, I was in favor of abortion.
What changed my view of abortion?
God. He changed my heart.
48 hours – News magazine
Laura and I were watching 48 hours, the news magazine that chronicles crimes and the trials that follow.
We were watching last night and it was about a man who killed his estranged wife.
The man was a millionaire.
But his anger at his wife and his selfishness, led him to murder his wife and attempt to murder the family court judge who was trying the case.
Here was a man that his friends and family would have never believed could be capable of such an act, but as he let anger and selfishness fester in his heart, his actions followed his heart.
Are you guarding your heart?
I want to tell you something. We do a poor job guarding our heart. That is why it is important that we let Jesus do it.
That begins with letting him in your heart.
Romans 10:9 – “if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
John 1:12 – “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God”
If you have never received Jesus Christ by believing in Him in your heart, then your heart is unguarded.
Won’t you trust and receive Him today?
And if you have received Jesus as your Savior, continue to trust him and follow him. If you are experiencing anger in your heart, follow him in seeking to reconcile with those you are angry with or are angry with you, that your anger won’t turn into hate and lead to murder, either in your heart or in your actions.
Let’s pray and have Him guarding our heart.
