Keeping the Commandments

Purpose:

To guide Israelites in understanding, embracing, and applying the commandments of God according to the King James Version with Apocrypha, leading to spiritual restoration and obedience.

THE FOUNDATION – WHY KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS?

Key Questions:

What are the commandments?
Why were they given?
Who are they for?

Precepts:

Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 15:20 – He hath commanded no man to do wickedly, neither hath he given any man license to sin.
Deuteronomy 10:12-13 – What doth the Lord require of thee... to keep the commandments of the Lord, and his statutes... for thy good?
Baruch 4:1 – This is the book of the commandments of God... all they that keep it shall come to life.

Reflection Exercise:

Write down three personal benefits of keeping the commandments based on these verses.

THE COMMANDMENTS THEMSELVES

The 10 Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17):

Study each commandment and meditate on how it applies today.

No other gods (v.3)
No graven images (v.4-5)
Do not take the name of the Lord in vain (v.7)
Remember the Sabbath day (v.8)
Honor father and mother (v.12)
Do not kill (v.13)
Do not commit adultery (v.14)
Do not steal (v.15)
Do not bear false witness (v.16)
Do not covet (v.17)

Activity: Write a modern-day example for each commandment (e.g., “Do not steal” – Don’t pirate music or movies).

COMMANDMENTS IN THE APOCRYPHA

Hidden Wisdom from the Apocrypha

Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 2:15-16 – They that fear the Lord will not disobey his word.
Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 19:19 – The knowledge of the commandments of the Lord is the doctrine of life.
2 Esdras 7:21-24 – God gave straight commandment... but they despised his law.

Memory Verse Challenge: Memorize Sirach 19:19 and meditate on its meaning throughout the week.

COMMANDMENTS OF CHRIST

The Messiah reaffirmed the commandments that he gave from the beginning, not abolished them.

Precepts:

Matthew 5:17-19 – Think not that I am come to destroy the law... till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass...
John 14:15 – If ye love me, keep my commandments.
1 John 2:3-4 – He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar...

Discussion Prompt: How did Christ elevate the commandments to a spiritual level (e.g., adultery in the heart – Matthew 5:28)?

CONSEQUENCES FOR BREAKING THE COMMANDMENTS

⚠️ Curses & Warnings:

Deuteronomy 28:15-68 – Curses for disobedience
Wisdom of Solomon 6:4-6 – Judgment shall be severe...
Baruch 1:19 – Since the day that the Lord brought our forefathers out of the land of Egypt... we have been disobedient.

Personal Reflection:

Which curses in Deuteronomy 28 do you see in our communities today?

BLESSINGS FOR KEEPING THE COMMANDMENTS

Rewards of Obedience:

Deuteronomy 28:1-14 – Blessings for obedience
Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 2:10 – Look at the generations of old... did any trust in the Lord and was confounded?
Revelation 22:14 – Blessed are they that do his commandments...

Praise Journal Prompt:

Write down how keeping commandments has improved your life (even in small ways).

HOW TO START KEEPING THE COMMANDMENTS

Steps to Begin:

Read the Laws – Start with Exodus 20, Leviticus 11, and Sirach 1-2.
Apply One Law at a Time – Don't overwhelm yourself; grow daily.
Repent of Sins – Ask the Most High for forgiveness (1 Kings 8:47-50).
Find Accountability – Join a fellowship or online group.
Keep the Sabbaths and Holy Days – Leviticus 23.

BONUS: WEEKLY CHALLENGES

Week

Commandment Focus

Challenge

1. No other gods

Remove all idol images or pagan décor from your home.

2. Sabbath

Prepare ahead and rest completely on the Sabbath (Friday sundown to Saturday sundown).

3. Honor Parents

Call or visit your parents with love and gratitude.

4. Dietary Law (Leviticus 11)

Cut out unclean foods. Start a food journal.

5. Fringes (Numbers 15:38-40)

Buy or sew fringes on your garments.

MEMORY VERSES (Write on Index Cards or Digital Notes)

Baruch 4:1
Ecclesiasticus 15:20
John 14:15
Revelation 22:14
Deuteronomy 10:12-13

High Holy Day Calendar