TEN BASIC CONVICTIONS FOR CHRISTIAN LIVING

A Study of the Ten Commandments

A Conviction for Christian Living

INTRODUCTION TO THE SERIES:

We are living in the age of ‘tolerance’ and ‘compromise.’ These are not bad concepts in that it is necessary for Christians to have a tolerant rather that a combative posture toward those who do not share the same belief or religious system. To tolerate actually means to bear with, to show kindness toward in spite of difference. But, today the politically correct view is that tolerance means that both parties must accept the validity and truth of the other party. Since there is no absolute truth, therefore each party must recognize the truth of the other.

Likewise, the term ‘compromise’ is a good concept in that two differing parties will negotiate with each other to establish a middle ground, thereby establishing a position to which they both agree. In many instances of life and living, compromise is necessary and desirable for working relationship to be reconciled.

In spite of the good merits that these two concepts can have, a point comes where individuals must also develop basic convictions about life and living that cause them to say, “Here I stand, I can do no other.” To live in a secular society in which our world views differ radically, we Christians must live by something more than basic academic beliefs concerning our faith. Our faith must also be deeper than some opinion. Our beliefs and our opinions about faith in God and Jesus Christ must reside deep in our hearts as convictions. A conviction is a strong belief arising from one’s deep seated sense of certainty and confidence in truth.

For Christians to live out an effective Christian life in an un-Christian world – a world that intentionally rejects Christian morals, values, and beliefs – essential convictions will enable and strengthen them to live the daily reality of God’s truth and grace as revealed in Jesus Christ. What are the convictions on which we stand? How do we confront the ‘politically correct tolerance and compromise’ of the world?

This series of studies will guide you in a study of the Ten Commandments as ten basic convictions for Christian living. The purpose for focusing on the Law or Ten Commandments is not to rely on them as the rules for human behavior. As Christians, who have been redeemed by the grace of God through Jesus Christ, we do not respond to the bible as though it is presenting some abstract code of ethics. The Biblical law does address the questions, “What should I do?” and “How should I live?” but, the bible never answers these questions in isolation from a more basic question, “What has God done?” Living life as a Christian is not living by certain dos and don’ts, but it is a response of gratitude to God’s loving acts of grace to us. Our response for living morally and ethically comes from gratitude to God for saving us through the cross and empty tomb of Jesus Christ.

Each lesson will focus on one of the Commandments and will reflect on a basic conviction to develop the life in Christ – a life that recognizes that “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless, I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me.” This is a life not lived by keeping rules, but by responding in gratitude to God by allowing Jesus to live His life in us and through us. To live such a life requires conviction, a deep conviction that rests on the truth and validity of the person, presence, and power of Jesus Christ.