And God spoke all these words, saying,“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.“You shall have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:1-3
This morning I continue my short side trip from my study of John to look at Exodus 20:1-3 to prepare for leading small group time this morning at church. I've pulled off and parked again to dig deeper in the text where we see God giving Israel the 10 Commandments starting with most important commandment - to love God and to not have any other gods before Him. Here are my observations of the text using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: In chapter 19, we God setting limits on how Israel should approach Him. In chapter 20, God expands on how Israel should live - giving Israel 10 commandments. In the chapters following chapter 20, God gives more details on rules for worship, including how the worship space should look and be equipped. But before we even get to these rules, God gave us the 10 commandments and the first of which is that we should not have any God's before Him. Before He gave us this commandment, God wanted to set our hearts right by exhorting us to see what He has done for us - He delivered Israel from bondage in Egypt and He delivered all believers from bondage to sin (spiritual death).
- What do we learn from the text about people?: Unfortunately, we know that the Jewish leadership ultimately worshiped their own abilities to understand the law and their claim to obedience to the law as an idol. Yet they failed to grasp how God alone grants understanding and God seeks humility.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid seeing your own understanding of scripture or Jesus as an idol. Claim the promise that Jesus delivers us from spiritual death. Follow the example of Jesus who humbled Himself in obedience to the Father. Know that all comes from God. Love God as He who saves and provides all things.
My Prayer: Father God You are an awesome God who loves and saves. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
