Section 44: Lord’s Day 44

What doth the tenth commandment require of us?

That even the smallest inclination or thought, contrary to any of God’s commands, never rise in our hearts; but that at all times we hate all sin with our whole hearts, and delight in all righteousness.^a

1. a. Romans 7:7ff

   Romans 7:7–25

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

But can those, who are converted to God, perfectly keep these commands?

No: But even the holiest men, while in this life, have only small beginnings of this obedience;^a yet so, that with a sincere resolution, they begin to live, not only according to some, but all the commands of God.^b

1. a. Romans 7:14

   Romans 7:14

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

2. b. Romans 7:22, 15ff; James 3:2

   Romans 7:22; Romans 7:15–25

   James 3:2

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

Why will God then have the ten commands so strictly preached, since no man in this life can keep them?

First: that all our life time, we may learn more and more to know our sinful nature,^a and thus become the more earnest in seeking the remission of sin, and righteousness in Christ;^b likewise, that we constantly endeavour and pray to God for the grace of the holy spirit; that we may become more and more conformable to the image of God, till we arrive at the perfection proposed to us, in a life to come.^c

1. a. 1 John 1:9; Romans 3:20; 5:13; 7:7

   1 John 1:9

   Romans 3:20

   Romans 5:13

   Romans 7:7

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

2. b. Romans 7:24

   Romans 7:24

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

3. c. 1 Corinthians 9:24; Philippians 3:12–14

   1 Corinthians 9:24

   Philippians 3:12–14

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible