What is required in the Tenth Commandment?

That there should never enter our heart even the least inclination or thought  contrary to any commandment of God, but that we should always hate sin with our whole heart and find satisfaction and joy in all righteousness. 

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

No, for even the holiest of them make only a small beginning in obedience in this life.  Nevertheless, they begin with serious purpose to conform not only to some, but to all the commandments of God. 

Why then, does God have the Ten Commandments preached so strictly since no one can keep them in this life?

First, that all our life long we may become increasingly aware of our sinfulness, and therefore more eagerly seek forgiveness of sins and righteousness in Christ.  Second, that we may constantly and diligently pray to God for the grace of the Holy Spirit, so that more and more we may be renewed in the image of God until we attain the goal of full perfection after this life. 

I.  God's Commandments Are Not The Problem

A. The Ten Commandments simply expose the sin problem.  What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.  (Romans 7:7)

B. Through the revelation of God=s mind and will, it becomes possible to understand reality as actually exists.  The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? Cleanse Thou Me from Secret Faults.  (Psalm 19:7-12)

II. The Commandments Summon Believers to God, His Grace, and a Life of Holiness

A. Only self-deception suggests genuine holiness in this life.  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  (1 John 1:8)

B. The Law of God exposes the incredible gap between divine standard and human practice.  For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.  (Romans 7:14)

C. However, those who know the Ten Commandments begin to desire to see them in practice.  For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:  (Romans 7:22)

D. Believers begin to see the full scope of God=s holiness.  For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.  (James 2:10)

III. The Commandments Summon to a Realistic Life

A. As we become aware of sin we seek forgiveness and righteousness in Christ and nothing else.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  (1 John 1:9)

B. When we know what sin and forgiveness are we want forgiveness on God=s terms.  I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.  (Psalm 32:5)

C. Right understanding of the Law of God drives a believer to the grace of Jesus.  Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.  (Romans 3:19)  O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.  (Romans 7:24-25)

D. Knowing the reality of sin and the disaster it brings, believers desire escape to sin and its consequences.  Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.  (1 Corinthians 9:24)