4. DECLARATION OF HIS COMMANDMENTS (Exodus 20:1-24:18)

4.1. CODE COMMANDMENTS

Commonly called the decalogue, or Ten Words. The controlling code of conduct for the individual life. Notice the personal application in the use of 'you' - 7 times, and 'yours' - 11 times in chapter 20. These commandments divided themselves into sections, possibly represented by the two stones on which they were later written. The first group show conduct towards God, which Jesus called the first and great commandment. First stone of four (Exodus 20:3-12 ). The second group show conduct towards men, which the Lord Jesus called like unto the first, the second and great commandment. Second stone of six, (Exodus 20:13-17 ).

Matthew 22:40 "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Matthew 22:37-40. )

Exodus 20:3 "You shall have no other gods before Me."

The Lord is the only God and none other is to be recognised beside Him. This strikes against heathen polytheism and religious adoration of saints and angels, or any person, anything, any desire, any ambition, any aim in life that means more to man than God. This causes him to break the first commandment. Important to know that this prohibitive law affirms the sovereignty of God as the only true God.

Exodus 20:4 "You shall not make for yourself any carved image ..."

(Exodus 20:4-6 )The commandment forbids the representation of God under any image or likeness, as Aaron did in making the golden calf (Exodus 32:1-6 ), and Jeroboam when he made similar idols (1 Kings 12:28:33 ), intended to offer worship under the form of calves - most likely they supposed they were doing so. Those who suppose that something they see aids worship need to remember that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word (Romans 10:17 ).

(John 4:23-24 ) Those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. It is possible to set up idols in the heart (Ezekiel 14:3 ). For example, secretly in the heart idols of self- advancement, of avarice, of possessions, position and power. It is vital to know that this prohibitive law affirms that man is to be a worshipper of the Lord God.

Exodus 20:7 "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain ..."

God is righteous and is not to be irreverently lumped with unrighteous assumptions and deeds. The command is against profanity. Professing guidance of God but really following our own inclination and self-interested plan is taking the Lord's name in vain, as is hypocrisy and all false profession. Do not miss the truth that this law affirms the right of speech and making of godly vows.

Exodus 20:8 "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy."

(Exodus 20:8-11 ). The early church, led by the Holy Spirit observed the first day of the week in coming together for worship (Acts 20:7 ). Because Christ Jesus rose from among the dead on the first day, keeping a day holy to the Lord guards the worship of God against secularism. The spirit of this law affirms man's right to time set apart for rest.

Exodus 20:12 "Honour your father and your mother ..."

The command guards the sanctity of family life. It is the basis of proper order in the family. By obeying this commandment, parents are recognised as the representatives of God, obedience brings reward of long life - disobedience inevitable loss. In protection of family life God has established the right of authority.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Why would you say this is one of the great chapters of the Bible?
   • Can you read it without being personally challenged?
   • How would you divide the Decalogue, or Ten Words, into two sections?

2. Would you say the use of the name ELOHIM as in Genesis 1:1 indicates that God's commandments concern all mankind created by God?
   • By whose voice were the commandments spoken?

3. How important was it for God to teach Israel who He is, before telling them what He required?
   • Having been redeemed by the Lord, do you accept and live out His demands for your life?

4. Have you been convicted of any rivals to God that you have allowed in your heart?
   • Would the command "you shall have no other" prohibit your participating in religious worship of great people, or created beings?

5. Could you in the light of the second commandment condone images or likeness of God that were intended to direct worship to the Lord?
   • How are you to worship the Father according to John 4:23-24?
   • What, in the second commandment makes you realise that God demands exclusive devotion to Himself (James 4:5 )?
   • How does God show the children of idolatrous fathers the consequences of the sin, in order that they may be turned back to Him?
   • Do you believe there is no neutrality in relationship with God; is it a case of God being either hated or loved?
   • What were you before you were saved (Romans 5:10 )?

6. Are you experiencing how faithful the Lord is in His loving kindness in response to your loving obedience to Him (Exodus 20:6; John 14:15 )?

7. Do you think that profane and blasphemous use of the Lord's name is a widespread sin today?
   • Do you witness believers taking the Lord's name in vain?
   • What advice would you give to one convicted of this sin?

8. Does it surprise you that the seventh day commandment is the only one not repeated in the New Testament?
   • Do you believe that the omission establishes the first day of the week, Sunday, as the Christians' day of worship?
   • Do you accept the principle of six days of work and one of rest is established by God Himself?

9. Which is the first commandment with a promise (Ephesians 6:1-3 )?
   • How would you, in practical terms, describe what it is to honour your father and mother?
   • What do you understand parental responsibility to be?
   • What is the ultimate aim of being God's role model to your children?
   • In this command father and mother are given equal status; what is God saying to you by this?