OUR FATHER AND THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. (1 John 4:21, KJV)

ABSTRACT

Prayer and obedience are two foundational pillars of faith. We seek communion with the Divine and strive to live morally upright lives. The Lord’s Prayer and the Ten Commandments together serve as guiding principles, drawing us toward a deeper relationship with God. While the Lord’s Prayer expresses dependence on and devotion to God, the Ten Commandments establish the framework of righteous living. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. Christ taught that obedience is an expression of love. He affirmed that love is shown through action, not mere words. “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26, KJV). “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:3, KJV). Ellen G. White teaches, “The Lord’s Prayer was twice given by our Saviour, first to the multitude in the Sermon on the Mount, and again, some months later, to the disciples alone. The disciples had been for a short time absent from their Lord, when on their return they found Him absorbed in communion with God. Seeming unconscious of their presence, He continued to pray aloud. The Saviour’s face was irradiated with a celestial brightness. He seemed to be in the very presence of the Unseen, and there was a living power in His words as of one who spoke with God” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 102, 1896). Sr. White further states, “The law of God is an expression of His very nature; it is an embodiment of the great principle of love, and hence is the foundation of His government in heaven and earth” (Steps to Christ, p. 60, 1892). The connection between these two passages reveals God’s love, but how do they demonstrate His care as Father and Deliverer?

DIVINE RESCUE: FATHER DELIVERER!

Jesus’ words, “After this manner therefore pray ye,” are transformative, inviting us into communion with a personal, delivering God. The Lord’s Prayer reveals God’s character and His desire for an intimate relationship with His people. God declares, “I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” This affirms His role as the Rescuer. He intervenes in human history to bring salvation. The deliverance from Egypt symbolizes His power to redeem us from sin. “Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 124:8, KJV). “The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17, KJV). Sr. White affirms, “The declaration ‘I am the LORD thy God’ is not a mere formality. It is the promise of a personal Savior who rescued His people and still watches over us” (Steps to Christ, p. 12, 1892). She further highlights, “He desires that we shall regard Him, not as the tyrannical judge, but as a Father who delights to see His children take hold of His strength, and accept the help He alone can give” (Steps to Christ, p. 22, 1892). God’s authority is founded on His unwavering love, but what does it mean to address Him as Father with no other gods?

OUR FATHER: NO OTHER GODS!

In the Lord’s Prayer, Christ teaches us to address God as “Our Father,” reinforcing the first commandment: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” This directs worship to God alone, rejecting false idols such as human power, wealth, or self-righteousness. God demands full allegiance as both Creator and Redeemer. “For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth” (Deuteronomy 6:15, KJV). “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else” (Isaiah 45:22, KJV). Sr. White explains, “By calling God ‘Our Father,’ we recognize all His children as our brethren. We claim no higher position than the rest, but humble ourselves before Him. No soul should place another where God should be” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 386, 1900). She adds, “In calling God ‘Our Father,’ we acknowledge that all we have and are belong to Him. We are His by creation and redemption” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 105, 1896). Addressing God as “Our Father” calls us to unwavering loyalty, but how does true worship honor the living God beyond earthly images?

LIVING GOD: BEYOND IMAGES!

True worship directs toward the living God in heaven, not through earthly representations or lifeless idols. Christ instructs us to address God as our Father “who art in Heaven,” emphasizing His divine nature and separation from creation. Exodus forbids idolatry, warning against degrading God’s glory through graven images. “For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens” (Psalm 96:5, KJV). “Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands” (Psalm 115:4, KJV). Sr. White reinforces, “The Sovereign of the universe is not to be represented by objects that His own hands have made. God cannot be likened to the things His hands have formed. It is a degradation of His glory to do this. The work of man’s hands cannot compare with that of God’s hands. His glory is veiled from human sight. His holy, exalted character is to be reverently honored in the highest heavens” (Signs of the Times, May 29, 1901). She continues, “When men bow before graven images, they forsake the living God for dead idols that can neither see, nor hear, nor save” (Review and Herald, March 15, 1906). Worship must focus on the unseen, sovereign God, whose glory is beyond human imitation, but how does honoring God’s name reflect reverence in the third commandment?

HONORING NAME: HALLOWED BE!

To hallow God’s name requires living in a way that honors Him. Matthew calls us to revere His holy name, and Exodus warns against taking it in vain. This extends beyond speech to actions and character. “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe” (Proverbs 18:10, KJV). “Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (2 Timothy 2:19, KJV). Sr. White states, “In calling Him our Father we acknowledge His tender care and boundless love. His holy name stands as a symbol of the loving authority under which we live” (The Desire of Ages, p. 28, 1898). She teaches, “To hallow the name of the Lord requires that the words in which we speak of the Supreme Being be uttered with reverence. ‘Holy and reverend is His name.’ We are never in any manner to treat lightly the titles or appellations of the Deity” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 106, 1896). True reverence requires obedience, upholding His divine authority, but how does seeking God’s kingdom align with the Sabbath commandment?

SEEKING KINGDOM: SABBATH COMMAND!

The Sabbath offers a foretaste of God’s eternal kingdom, where His will is fully realized. Scripture affirms its significance in creation and redemption. Exodus commands remembering the Sabbath, sanctified as a sign of His power. “Thus saith the LORD; Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem” (Jeremiah 17:21, KJV). “Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant” (Isaiah 56:6, KJV). Sr. White declares, “The Sabbath was hallowed at the creation. As ordained for man, it had its origin when the ‘morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.’ Peace brooded over the world; for earth was in harmony with heaven” (The Desire of Ages, p. 281, 1898). She adds, “The Sabbath is a sign of the power of Christ to make us holy. And it is given to all whom Christ makes holy” (The Desire of Ages, p. 288, 1898). Observing the Sabbath declares faith in God’s promise of eternal rest, but how does the law of heaven promote honor and obedience?

LAW OF HEAVEN: HONOR OBEDIENCE!

The will of God, revealed in His holy law, forms the foundation of heavenly order and earthly righteousness. Matthew affirms that God’s will is done on earth as in heaven, where angels obey perfectly. Exodus commands honoring parents, recognizing them as stewards of divine authority. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1, KJV). “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king” (1 Peter 2:17, KJV). Sr. White writes, “The will of God is expressed in His holy law, and the principles of this law are the principles of heaven. The angels of heaven attain unto no higher knowledge than to know the will of God, and to do His will is the highest service that can engage their powers” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 109, 1896). She continues, “Parents are entitled to a degree of love and respect which is due to no other person. God Himself, who has placed upon them a responsibility for the souls committed to their charge, has ordained that during the earlier years of life, parents shall stand in the place of God to their children” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 308, 1890). Obedience carries divine blessings, aligning lives with His order, but how does dependence on God relate to daily bread and the commandment against killing?

DEPENDENCE: DAILY BREAD NO KILL!

Life is a sacred gift, sustained daily by God’s provision. The command in Exodus, “Thou shalt not kill,” underscores the sanctity of life. “Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13, KJV). “He that killeth any man shall surely be put to death” (Leviticus 24:17, KJV). Sr. White states, “Every human being is created in the image of God, and his life is sacred. The commandment not to kill is a call to honor and protect the gift of life given daily by God” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 312, 1885). She adds, “To take an innocent life is to violate the divine order. God’s daily provision of bread is a symbol of the life He gives us, and in His eyes, every soul is precious” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 316, 1905). Honoring God’s commandments acknowledges that life and provision are sacred gifts, but how does seeking forgiveness align with the commandment against adultery?

SEEKING FORGIVENESS: FORGIVE DEBTS NO ADULTERY!

The cry for forgiveness, echoed in Matthew, “And forgive us our debts,” resonates with the weight of transgressions, particularly understood alongside the seventh commandment, “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” Every soul is a debtor to the law transgressed. This law judges the thoughts, motives, and purposes of the heart, demanding purity. “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful” (Luke 6:36, KJV). “And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us” (Luke 11:4, KJV). Sr. White states, “Every soul is a debtor to the law which he has transgressed” (Steps to Christ, p. 29, 1892). She explains, “There is but one power that can break the hold of evil from the hearts of men, and that is the power of God in Jesus Christ” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 291, 1904). Faithfulness in marriage reflects God’s covenant love, mirroring His mercy toward us. Do we hold grudges, or do we freely extend grace, but what spiritual crisis arises from the weight of debt?

WEIGHT OF DEBT: SPIRITUAL CRISIS!

Followers of Christ embody justice and mercy, principles intertwined for a righteous life. The Lord’s Prayer implores us to “forgive our debtors,” echoed throughout scripture. Exodus links this to the commandment “Thou shalt not steal.” While interpreted as prohibiting outright theft, broader implications extend to financial dealings. “Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning” (Leviticus 19:13, KJV). “Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant that is poor and needy, whether he be of thy brethren, or of thy strangers that are in thy land within thy gates” (Deuteronomy 24:14, KJV). Sr. White clarifies, “He who refuses to forgive is thereby casting away his own hope of pardon” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 251, 1900). She states, “If men were obedient to the law of God, if they carried out the principles of the Ten Commandments in their daily lives, there would not be the misery that there is in the world today. The rich would not oppress the poor; they would not take advantage of their necessities, nor bind them down to the lowest depths of poverty” (Bible Commentary, vol. 2, p. 1012, 1907). Refusing forgiveness exploits the vulnerable, violating the commandment against stealing, but how does resisting temptation relate to the commandment against false witness?

RESISTING TEMPTATION: LEAD NOT FALSE WITNESS!

Jesus prays, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,” expressing the need for God’s guidance in trials. This parallels the ninth commandment: “Thou shalt not bear false witness.” Falsehood and temptation go hand in hand—deception leads to sin. Scriptures warn against Satan’s insidious nature as the father of lies. “Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness” (Exodus 23:1, KJV). “A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies” (Proverbs 14:5, KJV). Sr. White explains, “Satan is a deceiver. He is the father of lies. He seeks to lead men to doubt God’s word, to distrust His goodness, and to disbelieve His promises” (Steps to Christ, p. 98, 1892). She continues, “Christ came to bear witness to the truth, to deliver men from the power of Satan, and to make them partakers of the divine nature” (Steps to Christ, p. 98, 1892). Through prayer and reliance on Christ, we resist temptations and remain rooted in truth. Are we people of integrity, or do we let deception take root, but how does God’s ownership serve as the antidote to covetousness?

GOD’S OWNERSHIP: ANTIDOTE COVET!

True ownership resides with God, combating the sin of covetousness. Scripture acknowledges God’s ultimate authority. Exodus prohibits coveting anything belonging to our neighbor. “But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6, KJV). “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5, KJV). Sr. White states, “God is the rightful owner of man. He created him, he redeemed him. By a thousand ties, bound by the love that is without a parallel, man is the Lord’s property” (The Signs of the Times, May 21, 1894). She reminds, “All things belong to God. Men may ignore His claims, but their portion in this world is God’s gift” (The Review and Herald, December 17, 1889). Acknowledging God’s sovereignty cultivates contentment, but how does the power of “Amen” transform fear into faith?

POWER OF AMEN: FEAR TO FAITH!

The closing “Amen” in the Lord’s Prayer signifies a powerful declaration of faith, contrasting with the fear at Mount Sinai. The Old Testament depicts the people trembling before God’s presence, pleading with Moses to intercede, fearing death if God spoke directly. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7, KJV). “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18, KJV). Sr. White points out, “Had they relied upon God’s mercy, they would have rejoiced in His presence rather than fleeing from it” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 311, 1890). She emphasizes, “The ‘Amen’ becomes the soul’s affirmation that God is faithful to His promises” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 147, 1900). The “Amen” bridges from fear-driven distance to faith-filled embrace of God’s grace.

HOW CONCEPTS REFLECT LOVE!

The parallel between the Lord’s Prayer and the Ten Commandments reveals a consistent theme: God’s love is both relational and transformative. God’s love expresses through His guidance and mercy. He desires obedience as an act of love and trust. The law takes cognizance of the thoughts, motives, and purposes of the heart. When Jesus prays, “Thy will be done,” He affirms that obedience expresses love. Just as a loving parent provides rules for a child’s well-being, God’s law benefits us. His love structures His commandments and graces prayer. We are not left to struggle with sin—prayer connects to divine strength. God’s love weaves into His commandments and daily communion. Through prayer and obedience, we experience His love, transforming hearts and lives. By embracing both the Lord’s Prayer and the Ten Commandments, we enter a covenant relationship with God—one calling to faith, love, and holiness. May we seek His kingdom, honor His name, and walk in obedience, knowing He is our Father, Redeemer, and greatest source of love.

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OUR FATHER AND THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

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