Praise the Lord. The grass withers and the flowers of the field fade away, but this is the Word of God, and God's Word stands forever. Join me as we pray and ask for God's blessing upon the reading, the hearing, and now the preaching of the Word of God. Let us pray. Our gracious Heavenly Father, we bow before you because you are worthy of our reverence and our awe. You are the great King of the heavens and the earth. You're the one who sustains all life on this planet. You're the one who gives us every breath that we take. You're the one who is intimately acquainted with all of our ways. You're the one who's filling the vast expanse of the universe, and you uphold all the stars and planets and know them by name. You are also one who loves us and knows us. You sent the Lord Jesus, your beloved son, into the world to rescue us from our sins, from ourselves, and from death. Oh, how we thank you that you've not treated us like our sins deserve. We thank you for amazing grace. What a sweet sound that would save wretches like us, those who would run after false gods and idols, whose hearts are idol factories. We are experts at creating other things to worship and serve. Oh, Lord, have mercy on us today. As we open your word now, as we consider this the first commandment, Oh Lord, come and visit us and help us. Help me, your servant, to rightly divide your word and to apply it faithfully, to proclaim it with love. We do pray for every family represented here. You know all the worries and struggles and fears and anxieties and needs, but you are able to provide immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine. And so we trust in you, the God of all power and the God of all grace. Lord, come and visit us here today and confirm the promises of your word to our hearts. And draw us again to Christ, who is our only hope. We ask that he would be here with us, the risen savior, shepherding his flock beyond the veil that separates this world from the next. That he would be shepherding his people through this humble means of the preaching of the word of God, which the world scorns and mocks, but which you've ordained to be the instrument, the preaching of the word, by which your Holy Spirit applies the promises of God to our hearts and feeds our souls. So Lord, may your blessing be here upon us and help me, your servant, in Jesus' name, amen. Well, we've been walking our way through Exodus and the life and ministry of Moses for those of you who are visiting here today. And we've come now to the giving of the law of God. We've already walked with the Israelites from slavery down in Egypt. We went through the 10 plagues against Egypt with them. We went through the Red Sea. We went with them all their grumbling and complaining in the desert. Through a number of answered prayers and tight spots and battles and hardships, and now the Lord has brought his people to the base of Mount Sinai, some two to three million of them, right where Moses met Yahweh at the site of the burning bush. This is when, where the Lord commissioned him to go down to Pharaoh and tell him, let my people go and bring this whole nation out of slavery and bondage. Remember that? Down in Egypt, these descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had been truly miserable, crying out to the Lord, wondering why the Lord didn't hear their cry. It seemed like God had forgotten them. They cried out under their cruel taskmasters, and the Lord heard their cry, and we saw how by grace alone, By grace alone, the rescue of the Israelites came by the blood of the Lamb, spreading the Lamb's blood on the doorposts of the houses when the last plague came through, saving them from death, and how the Lord sent them a liberator, a savior, accomplishing for them what they could never have done themselves. And as God says himself that he on eagle's wings brought them to safety and now they're on their way to the promised land. And all of that is a perfect and fitting picture of what God has done for every one of us here today who has cried out to the Lord for mercy for every one of you who've looked in faith to Jesus Christ. The picture of the exodus of the people of God out of slavery and taken to the promised land is a picture of us being rescued out of bondage to sin. and Satan and being carried now through the wilderness on our way to heaven, to the promised land. You see, we too were slaves in the kingdom of darkness. We needed a rescuer like Moses, only better and greater. We were unable to save ourselves. We never could have liberated ourselves. We too were carried out as though on eagle's wings. And as I said, God sent a liberator, a redeemer, a savior, one greater than Moses. And now, as we saw in chapter 19, just before the giving of the Ten Commandments, the Lord says something remarkable. He says, listen, the whole earth is mine. The whole earth is mine, but you will be a kingdom of priests, of intercessors, and a holy nation. So obey me and fully keep my covenant. Now He doesn't leave them there and we can't leave them there just waiting to see now how are they going to live. We don't leave them and God doesn't leave them waiting to figure out how to be that holy nation and how we should obey Him or they should obey Him. If we were to just leave them there, it would be exactly what happens to the lives of so many people today who are told they need a savior, they cry out to the Lord, they're rescued from sin and from Satan, they come into a relationship with the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ, by the power of the Spirit, they taste of God's grace, they're brought to know the Lord, they believe the gospel, but they're never taught how to live. in this new relationship with God. That's why it's so important to be under the ministry of the word of God, and reading the Bible for yourself, and studying God's word in Bible studies. We can't leave people there, never teaching them what it means to live a life pleasing to God, what it means to be a holy people. Never taught how to love this God who has saved so powerfully, which is where the law of God comes in. I've got three points to my sermon. There's an outline there if you'd like to follow along. It's on page eight. Why did God give us the Ten Commandments? What's the negative side of the First Commandment? And what's the positive side of the First Commandment? Very simple outline. So why did God give us the Ten Commandments? Well, the Lord Jesus Christ, who walked this earth 2,000 years ago, the Redeemer, the Savior, the one greater than Moses, the one who Moses was just a preview of, Jesus, who would eventually give his life on the cross to pay the penalty for the sins of his people as a substitute, he said, this is what you're saved to do. This is what you were made to do. This is why God has had mercy. Here it is. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. That's the greatest commandment of all. And the second is love your neighbor as yourself. It all boils down to these two things, love God and love your neighbor. All the commandments of God in the scriptures can be found under those two headings. Do you want to know what to do with your life? Do you know, do you want to know what God's will is for your life? Do you wanna know what life is all about? It all comes down to this, love God and love your neighbor. Well, how is that to be done? Well, it's explained in the 10 commandments and it's spun out in all the commandments found in the Old Testament and the New Testament. How to love God and love our neighbor. I mentioned two weeks ago that some 45 years ago, back in 1980, The U.S. Supreme Court declared that schoolchildren in America, public schools, schoolchildren had the right not to see the Ten Commandments posted in their schools anymore. It came out of a case situation in Kentucky. Do you remember why the Supreme Court decided this? In their ruling, they stated, because it might induce school children to read, meditate on, and perhaps venerate and obey the commandments. There you go. What a lie. What a lie from the evil one. You see, what had been the foundation of Western civilization and the basis for all law and morality, what had been used as the base for what is right and wrong was suddenly declared wrong. The compass which pointed a culture to do what was right, the compass itself was suddenly declared wrong. So now we live with, what, four decades of the results, right? What's the most important commandment now in American culture? Everyone has the right to do as they please. Everyone has the right to be free of any thought of God. Tolerate everyone. Promote every lifestyle. Affirm everyone's morality as good and normal. Everyone's except the Christians, right? And if you don't, You're labeled an extremist, or a bigot, or dangerous, and you are told that you're filled with hate. It's amazing, but not surprising. Darwin's dream has come true. He removed the creator. Teach a couple generations to think about life as just one big accident, totally random chance that there's no one to obey, and then you wipe out any sense of God. The Cold War may be over, but the communist ideal is alive and well that the government will tell you what is right and wrong. And so there's a constantly drifting foundation for morality today. Even in the church, many denominations have established committees to determine what kind of morality is permissible among ordained clergy. Because there's no law. I had someone call me years ago as their denomination was going through study committees about how, what moral standards should we set for pastors. And I said, well, that's because your church kicked out the Bible. And here's the result. And all the while you can hear Satan whispering the same question he whispered to Adam and Eve in the garden. Did God really say? Has God really spoken? So why did God give us the Ten Commandments? Well, in Reformed circles, we speak of the threefold purpose of the law. That is the three reasons why God has given us the law. The first purpose of the law is to be like a mirror. Yes, the law of God shows us the righteousness of God, but it also reveals our sin. And it shows us that we need a savior. The law reveals our weaknesses, the error of our ways, so that we might seek the grace of God in Christ because we know we're lawbreakers. The New Testament says the law acts as a schoolmaster that drives us to Christ. That's what Paul writes in Galatians 3. It shows us that we need Christ. The second use of the law is to restrain evil, to restrain evil. Now the law can't change us, it's powerless. However, it does instill fear in the human heart to not follow sinful desires. You see this in civil law as well. John Calvin wrote, the purpose of the law is by means of its fearful denunciations and the consequent dread of punishment to curb those who, unless forced, have no regard for justice. You see, the law makes the law breaker aware that there's judgment, or the one who's thinking about breaking the law. And should they go through with their evil desires, they would face punishment. That is, the law deters people from acting on their sinful desires through a threat of punishment, and so maintains a level of order and justice in society. It acts like a curb to keep people from committing horrible acts of wickedness and making them aware of God's expectations. And the law is stamped on the human heart. And that's why Satan didn't want anybody to see the Ten Commandments in public schools. You experience this yourself. I think we all do. Every time you get an alert on a highway that there's a speed trap ahead, right? You slow down because you don't want to get a ticket. There's an alert. You're disobeying the law if you're going this fast. The law of God acts as a curb for us. The third purpose of the law is to show us what is pleasing to God. That is, it shows us how we can live a grateful life, living to the honor and glory of God. It answers the question, how should we now live? You see, the Ten Commandments are a gift from God. He gave us the 10 commandments to show us what to do with our lives. This is how we're to live. This is what's pleasing to him. This is the fence within which you will be happiest. This is how God designed you to live. So God says, I am the Lord your God, who brought you by grace out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me. Well, let's look at that first commandment then this morning. What's the negative side? of the first commandment. It is in the negative. Many of the commandments are. It's in the negative because obedience to God involves saying no, saying no to Satan and his temptations, saying no to the world, saying no to our lusts and our sinful desires. You shall have no other gods before me. Now, it's interesting, in the Hebrew text, that you there is in the singular. It's a personal pronoun. The Lord is speaking through Moses to two million people, but it's not like he's saying, y'all should never have any other gods. He doesn't use the you all. We don't have any kind of plural form of you all other than that. The Lord is speaking to each person individually. there at Mount Sinai, and ever since in the word of God. Each one of you, you shall have no other gods. We always want to point to the next guy in the crowd, right? We've been doing that since we were children. You parents know what I mean. Listen, here's the rule. I want you to make your bed and clean your room. Yeah, but what about her? What about him? You shall have no other gods. There's a verb there, you shall have. You shall have no other gods. That is, you shall not own or possess or keep or love or desire or acknowledge or take for yourself. You shall not have any other god. No other gods. Not because there are other gods. but because people create them and make them as gods in their hearts. People did so in those days, and people do so today. You see, the Lord proved to Israel in Egypt through the 10 plagues as they attacked all the various gods. The plagues were an attack on all the various idols of Egypt. The Lord proved to Israel that the Lord, he is God, and there is no other. You shall have no other gods before me. Not meaning that it's okay to have some after me. And I get to go first. No, before means before my face, in front of me, over and against me. We're always living before the face of God. See, the Bible simply states, nothing in creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account. You shall have no other gods in my sight. So what is forbidden then in the first commandment? Clearly speaking, what's the negative side of the first commandment? Well, most obvious is setting up gods to serve, to hear. to follow, setting up other life principles other than what God gives, setting up other objects as the most important thing in your life. It's covetousness, it's idolatry. Other persons, other sources of power like magic or sorcery or astrology. Anything else that is your hope or your love or your security. What's forbidden in the first commandment? Well, clearly denying God's existence would be forbidden. The fool has said in his heart, there is no God. See, atheism breaks the first commandment. God has made it clear. He's stamped a knowledge of himself on our consciences and his fingerprints are everywhere that this is a world made by him. What's forbidden in the first commandment? Well, ignoring God, acting as if God weren't there. failing to give him thanks, neglecting to worship him, not showing him love and devotion. This is one of the Lord's later indictments against his people through his servant Jeremiah. My people have forgotten me. You've not called upon me. You've not honored me. You've not brought me offerings. You've forgotten me. You've neglected me. What's forbidden in the first commandment? Disobeying God whenever we sin we're setting up another God instead of the Lord In some the negative side of the first commandment as our shorter catechism succinctly states we read it earlier in the service the first commandment forbids the denying or not worshiping and glorifying the true God as God and The giving of that worship and glory to any other that is due to him alone That's the negative side of the commandment So what's the positive side? What's the positive thrust of the first commandment? There is a positive thrust. It means exclusive loyalty and fidelity to the living God, exclusively. Now that was a radical thought to many who came up out of Egypt. Did you know that many of the Israelites who came up out of Egypt brought with them little statues and little idols in their belongings, tucked in their suitcases? Ezekiel 20 reveals that. Many of them brought idols with them. They stuck them in their ox carts coming up out of Egypt. Yahweh calls his people to total consecration to the one true God. Total homage, obedience, reverence paid to one alone. He is the supreme one. and we are to have as the final goal or the final ends of all of our conduct, our behavior, our speech, our thoughts, our devotion, our love, and our source of security in only one object, God alone. Well, how do we know if we're doing that? How do we know? It's one thing to say it. It's another thing to explain it. How do we know if we are following the first commandment? Well, here's a question. I'll give you several. To whom do you attribute the forces of nature? When it rains. When it's sunny. When it finally warms up. When there's a breeze. When there's a blizzard. A tornado. A drought. A hurricane. Who's in control? Is it all just by luck? Is it all due to a high-pressure system? El niño, la niña? God says through Jeremiah, do any of these worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies themselves send down showers? No, it is you, O Lord our God, therefore our hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this, Jeremiah 14. For a while, Israel went astray, starting to think that Baal was somewhat responsible for the weather. So God sent the prophet Elijah and a drought to prove them wrong. How do you know if you're following the first commandment? Well, to whom or to what do you give ultimate credit? Who gets the glory? Who gets the glory in your life? Who gets the thanks? When you win a race or a contest, when you do something really well and people say, you're incredible, when you overcome some sickness or disease, when you look at a table full of food, when you take a look at your well-groomed yard or your house, when you look at what's parked in your garage, When you've had a great day, what do you do? Man, I am so lucky. Is it luck? God has said he is the source of every blessing. He is the one who's working out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will. And so, we're to give thanks in everything. We're to give thanks in everything. Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord. So thirdly, how do we know if we're following the first commandment? Well, in whom or in what do you trust? Where's your security? What's your confidence when you're afraid? When you feel like you're walking a tightrope. When you go about your day and plan your week, what gives you confidence when you look to the future? What do you trust? What ultimately is your security? Is it in your education? Your charm? Your charisma? Your family ties? Your bank account? Your stock portfolio? We saw what happened in the Great Depression when the stock market collapsed and banks collapsed. That was the hope and confidence of so many. Of course, that notorious image or history of people jumping off buildings in New York City because they lost everything. That was their total confidence. In your heart, how would you complete this sentence? Well, if all else fails, I've got this. I've got this to lean on. Psalm 18 says, who is God besides the Lord? Who is a rock except our God? The Lord is my rock and my fortress, my deliverer. I will call upon the Lord who is worthy of praise and I'm saved from my enemies. How do you know if you're following the first commandment? Well, what is the ultimate guiding principle that directs your life? your decision making, when a dilemma arises, when you have a disagreement, when you have to make up your mind about something, what's the ultimate guiding principle? Do you turn to horoscopes? That's what Nancy Reagan did. Remember that? For her husband's schedule, the president? She turned to horoscopes. She did. That's idolatry. Do you just follow your heart? I've heard people say that. Well, you know, I just, my mama taught me to follow my heart. I said, well, my mama taught me my heart's evil. Do you just go with your gut instinct? Depends on what you ate. Do you follow your passions? Do you say, well, what would be politically expedient? What would my friends think? Will it be profitable? Will this advance my career? Will it make me look cool? What will my friends say? What will that one special person in my life, what would they say? What is the factor that's foremost in your mind? And if it's anything other than what would the Lord have me to do, as he's revealed it in his word, If it's anything else, then you're not following the Lord. You're not obeying the first commandment. God's word says, in all your ways acknowledge him. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and don't lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths. In what do you find comfort or solace in time of need or in sorrow? What gives you a lift? What do you turn to first? What do you turn to first? Food? A lot of people do. Physical pleasure? Alcohol? Work? Sports? Need some adrenaline to drive away the thoughts. Recreation? The TV? Gambling? TikTok? Where do you find your comfort and solace? God says, I am the one who comforts you. The bottom line is, before whom or what do you live your life? What matters most? What matters most? What's your greatest love? What's your ultimate sense of security? Is it your job? Is it your life savings, your portfolio? Is it a close friend who says, you don't need God, I'll do anything for you should you need something? Public opinion, is that what drives you? Some politicians live by the polls. That's why they're back and forth, flip-flopping it's called, you know? They think this, then they think that. Why? Because of what people think. I am the Lord your God. You shall have no other gods before me. Although not noted as a theologian, Ben Franklin observed how many observe Christ's birthday, but how few his precepts. It's easier to keep holidays than commandments, he said. So as we close today, what does this have to do with you today? Well, you could easily get discouraged. I know that. This is just one commandment. There's nine more to go. Jesus confirmed that the Ten Commandments are operative today because he said, it is written, you shall worship the Lord your God and only him shall you serve. Only him. The penalty for breaking this commandment even one time is death. James 2 writes, James writes, whoever keeps the whole law but fails at one point has become guilty of all of it. Paul writes in Romans, the wages of sin is death. Well, it sounds pretty hopeless. But the same God who declares his word, worship and serve me only, you shall have no other gods besides me. The same God offers his son, the eternal son of God, who took on human flesh, He offers his son as a substitute for us. He offers his son as our righteousness. The wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Praise the Lord. Yes the wages of sin is death. That's what we deserve. Judgment. Romans 8 says, there is no condemnation now for those who are in Christ Jesus. For what the law was powerless to do, that is, to save me. The law cannot save us. By obedience to the law, no one will be saved. You can't measure up. You can't just say, well, I'm gonna be good. I'm gonna do it my best. I'm never gonna break the law of God. That's how I'll make myself right with God. Mm-mm, cannot. what the law was powerless to do, God did by sending his own son in the likeness of sinful man that is covered in flesh to be a sin offering in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be met. Jesus not only died for us, for the penalty of our sins, but he obeyed the law perfectly in our place. and his righteousness is transferred to us. That's the way it's always been. Paul says Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. God's word says believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. You will be saved. Praise the Lord. So who is on the Lord's side? Who will serve the king? It's foolish to serve anyone else but God, because all the other idols, all the other gods do nothing. They are nothing. Come today, say, I will serve the Lord. Savior, I am yours. I belong to you. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. And now, Lord, give me a love for you. Help me every day to walk with you, to follow you, to walk in the steps of Christ. Oh, Lord, keep me from sin. And when I do sin, Lord, bring me back again and again to the only hope I have, that is the grace of God and the forgiveness of God found in Christ alone. Praise be to God for grace greater than our sin, for a savior greater than our sins. That's the good news of the gospel. Praise the Lord. Let us pray. O Lord, we pray today that you would draw us to yourself, that we would cry out in our hearts, O Lord, have mercy on me, a rebel, a sinner. Have mercy on me, Lord, and raise me up, Lord, that I might serve you. And even in my failing, in my falling, even in my sins, may I point to Christ.