Remember a few key interpretive principles:
- Interpretive Principle #1: Each commandment must be interpreted in light of the testimony of Scripture with particular emphasis given to how Jesus interpreted the commandments. (Matthew 5:17-48; 22:37-40; Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 5:14)
- Interpretive Principle #2: Each commandment implies a whole constellation of positive and negative applications.
- Interpretive Principle #3: Each commandment addresses both external (visible) sins and internal (invisible) sins of the heart, mind, and will.
Take one commandment at a time and go through these steps thoughtfully:
1. Define it.
- What does this mean? What’s this commandment really saying?
2. Understand it.
- What all is being prohibited or forbidden? What are all the ways I could violate the spirit of this commandment?
3. Clarify it.
- What’s the essence or heart of this commandment?
4. Trust it.
- What kinds of disorder and harm is this commandment designed to prevent? How does this commandment, when practiced, promote shalom and flourishing?
5. Theologize it.
- What does this commandment reveal about the nature of God?
6. Personalize it.
- What are all the ways I could honor the spirit of this commandment?
7. Confess it.
- How do I break this commandment in thought, word, or deed, either in what I do or in what I leave undone?
8. Evangelize it.
- How does this point me to my need of a Savior and recenter my hope in Christ? How can I practice this commandment out of a heart of gratitude and love rather than a heart of fear or pride?