Bible Notes - The Ten Commandments
The daily Bible notes that I use ran a series a few months ago on the Ten Commandments – one per day. I found them very helpful – and I don’t remember when I last heard a sermon on any of the Commandments! So I thought I might pass on at least the first of those notes for your interest. I have had permission from the editor of the notes (who also wrote these particular ones) to pass them on to anyone who might appreciate them.
If you appreciate this then I can pass any (or all) of the other nine to you individually – or, as here, through the news sheet. (written by Roger Peart).
Exodus 20:1-3 The first commandment
Our familiarity with the commandments as part of the foundational law of the Jewish nation may blind us to some of their other features.
They are personal: for each individual.
They are final: not to be replaced by anything else.
They are spiritual: revealing the nature and standards of God.
They are operational: given to be performed.
They are beneficial: intended to do people good.
They are universal: applicable to all mankind.
The preparation for the commandments.
He is the living God. God is real. His voice is heard to speak in terms his people could understand. His name gives his identity.
He declares his authority and describes his activity.
He is a moral God. He has every right to set these rules of conduct for his people and expect their obedience. There was a unique relationship between them. They were his chosen people. He was their God who had covenanted himself to them.
He is the holy God. He is to be feared. Their redemption was an incentive for their obedience. They were in his debt because his benevolence towards them was undeserved.
The intention of this commandment.
This commandment was intended to elicit unswerving loyalty in the hearts of his people by stating that he must have first priority in their lives. This sets the tone for all that follows. God must have first place in every part of daily life. Life should revolve around him for he alone is worthy of such a position. This abiding principle was summarised in Deuteronomy 6:5 and confirmed by Jesus in Matthew 22:37.
The prohibitions of this commandment.
The removal of God through atheism or gnosticism, or the replacement of God by:
(a) self, under the controlling, motivating influence of happiness, ambition, etc.;
(b) others, such as political leaders or celebrities;
(c) ideas, such as fate or chance, superstition;
(d) other realms - spiritism, astrology, witchcraft.
Nothing in the created world should be elevated above the Creator.
The expectations of this commandment.
To know God. We must apply ourselves to discovering more about God through the fullest revelation he has given of himself in Christ.
To love God. Discovery should develop into devotion. Knowing God should become enjoying God. Appreciation should lead to affection. The result of finding out about God should be that we seek more fellowship with him.
To obey God. Having come to love God, we should naturally want to do whatever pleases him.
To trust God. Being assured of his love for us, we can put our full confidence in him, not just for the hard times but for all times.
To fear God. Knowing our accountability to God should make us anxious to avoid his displeasure.
To honour God. We should delight in glorifying him, even at the expense of ourselves. Such self-denial may involve separation from those associations or influences which dethrone or deny him.
[Copied with permission from Geneva Bible Notes]