SCRIPTURE: EXODUS 20
BIBLE VERSES:
“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites this: ‘You have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to you from heaven: Do not make any gods to be alongside me; do not make for yourselves gods of silver or gods of gold. “‘Make an altar of earth for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, your sheep and goats and your cattle. Wherever I cause my name to be honored, I will come to you and bless you.” (Exodus 20:22-24)
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS (vs. 1-21)
- Have no other gods before me.
- Do not make any idol or images. Do not bow down or worship them.
- Do not take the name of the Lord in vain.
- Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.
- Honor your father and mother so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
- Do not murder.
- Do not commit adultery.
- Do not steal.
- Do not bear false testimony.
- Do not covet,
IDOLS AND ALTARS: (vs. 22-26)
The Lord told Moses to tell the people not to make any gods of silver or gold. Instead, make an altar of earth to Him and sacrifice sheep, goats and cattles as burnt offerings and fellowship offering. Every time god’s name is honored, He will bless them.
THOUGHTS:
The first commandment is”No other gods”. Sometimes gods may be in the form of money, fame, work, prestige, or pleasure. It becomes our god if we concentrate too much on them to pursue gain security and meaning. We devote so much time to it so that it ultimately controls our thoughts and energies. Let God be the central place of our lives and keep away those things from turning to gods.
God’s name is to be honored and worshiped. We should respect it and not use it to curse people.
Sabbath was a day set aside for rest and worship. God is giving us a day of rest for our physical benefit and spiritual refreshment.
Honoring parents is the first commandment with a promise. Honoring parents means being polite and obedient, showing courtesy to them because they have sacrificed a lot to bring us up.
To testify falsely include telling a lie, telling half-truth, twisting facts, invent false stories to deceive people. We should be honest in our dealings with people both privately and publicly.
To covet is to wish to have the possessions of others. It includes envy of someone’s possession or success that results in resentment. Remember to be contented and pray for Him to supply all your needs.
God gave specific directions to build his altar in order to control the way sacrifice is being offered and to prevent idolatry from creeping into worship. God did not allow the people to build an altar anywhere to prevent them from starting their own religion.
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