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Please explain to me in plain english, what the meaning of the 10th commandment means? Thanks..
The short answer to your question is: "Don't set your heart on anything that belongs to someone else."
The first time this is given is in Exodus 20:17. For the time and the people that God gave this command, the most important things included houses, spouses, servants, and animals. These showed how stable and wealthy someone was. God did not want people desiring the things of others. This could lead to breaking other commandments such as adultery, stealing, and killing.
Although these commandments were given under the time of the law, they are still good principles for the current time of grace (see Ephesians 2:8-9). We are to be content with what we have and not desire those things that are someone else's (see Philippians 4:11 and Hebrews 13:5).
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Expertise
Using the Bible as my primary source and references in support of it, I am willing to answer questions on subjects from the Old and New Testaments. My faith is based on biblical Christianity and fundamental views from the Bible. I cannot answer questions about specific sects or religious organizations nor can I address religions outside biblical Christianity. As a Christian for nearly 40 years, I have studied many aspects of the Christian faith. My particular interests are in creation and the natural processes of the world around us and how they fit with the biblical record. I believe that all Scripture is inspired by God. I believe that there are no contradictions in the Bible and that the Bible is complete in telling us as individuals how we should relate to God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit; our purpose on earth; and how we should live. Greek lauguage study has helped me gain additional insight into the New Testament but most of my reference work is done in English and, to a lesser degree, German.
Experience
Personal Bible study over the years, lessons delivered in Sunday School settings and messages during organized services, and leading Bible study series have prepared me to be comfortable addressing questions from others.
Education/Credentials
Formal study includes Greek language. I am a layman without a theological degree. Training has come from sitting under the ministry of excellent Bible teachers for my entire adult life, personal study, and selected courses. Secular educaitonal background includes an undergraduate engineering degree, graduate work in engineerign and business, and advanced courses in business and theology.
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