INTRODUCTION:

1. “Do not murder.” – NOT: “Do not kill.”

2. Don’t leave yet. You may think this sermon should be preached on death row in some state penitentiary. Not true. There may be some murderers in this church today.

Not Included in this Command

1. Self-defense – Exodus 22:2

2. Capital punishment – Exodus 21:12-17

3. War, Police – serving as agent of government

4. Accidental deaths (auto, construction, house fire)

5. Animal rights – PETA, Save the seals, Spotted Owls, Snail Darters
   1 Timothy 4:4; Genesis 3:21

6. Tree hugger – Save the Planet

Forbidden

1. Murder – Premeditated murder

2. Manslaughter – reckless, careless, disregard for human life

3. Accidental killing caused by neglect & irresponsibility

4. Abortion – deliberate killing of child before birth

5. Euthanasia – deliberate killing of aged or sick

6. Hate and Anger – 1 John 3:15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

Affirm

1. Respect human life

   1. From womb to tomb

   2. Psalm 139:13-16 For you formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. 14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was made in secret. And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they were all written. The days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.

2. Physical life is precious

3. Spiritual life is even more precious