The 9th Commandment Principle
Part of Sermon Notes

What is a Life Hack?: A life hack is a strategy or technique that we apply to our lives to manage our time and activities in more efficient ways.

What is a spiritual Life Hack?: A spiritual life hack is a principle found in the Scriptures that leads us to experience abundant life more consistently and efficiently.

The 9th Commandment Principle

Exodus 20:16 “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.”

We should fear and love God that we may not deceitfully belie, betray, slander, or defame our neighbor, but defend him, [think and] speak well of him, and put the best construction on everything. —Martin Luther—Shorter Catechism

How do we do this spiritually?
Adjust your judgments about your neighbor in light of the gospel.
1. People are

in the image of God.
2. God sent His Son to die on the cross to save people.

Big Idea: Speak well of your neighbor, defend them and believe the best about them.

1. Speak

of your neighbor vs. your neighbor.

Matthew 15:18-20

Ephesians 4:29

Proverbs 18:21

2.

your neighbor vs. your neighbor.

1 Thessalonians 5:15

Exodus 23:7

Proverbs 17:15

The presumption of innocence, sometimes referred to by the Latin expression ei incumbit probatio qui dicit, non qui negat (the burden of proof is on the one who declares, not on one who denies), is the principle that one is considered innocent unless proven guilty.

3. Believe the very

vs. Believe the very .

Proverbs 29:11

Proverbs 16:32

2 Corinthians 10:5

James 4:11-12

Proverbs 25:8

Proverbs 18:2

Pastor’s Challenge:

  1. When something offends you this week use the .
  2. Get some before you make a conclusion about someone.
  3. Ask God to help you see other people in light of the .