Hello David,

God gave the ten commandments through Moses and since then people have been trying to follow them. Jesus came and gave us even a harder interpretation of the ten commandments.

[Matthew 5:27-28]
27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

He talked about us violating the ten commandments not just in deeds, but if we had the intentions or the wrong spirit. For example, in this commandment not to commit adultery.

[Galatians 3:10-13]
10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

The law became a curse to us because no one could fulfill it. Jesus came to fulfill that law so that through Him and Him alone we would be made righteous and have a right standing with God.

I hope that gives a better perspective and setting to answering your question. It does not mean that we don't have to live a holy life but now we are empowered to do so by the Holy Spirit. We don't observe the law legalistically. That was what the Pharisees did. We fulfill the law through Him and through His Spirit He will tell us what to do in different situations. The commandment not to work on the sabbath was a good guide to indicate that we need to have a day of rest every week. But it is not a law.

I hope that answers your question.