April 3, 2022

The Ten

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Series: The Gospel Story Scripture: Exodus 20:1–3

The Gospel Story 
The Ten
Exodus 20:1-3

Life involves relationships – with God, others, and things

The Ten Commandments grow out of relationship and guide us in our relationships with God, others, and things

Why the Ten Commandments?

Then (1-2): Guidelines for God’s People

These commandments were not a way to Get a relationship with God.  They are a Reflection of a relationship with God.

Today: Do these still apply to us today?

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17, ESV)

But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”  (Galatians 5:18, ESV)

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:17–19, ESV)

3 Types of Law Revealed In the Old Testament:

  1. Civil Law
  2. Ceremonial Law
  3. Moral Law

3 Uses of the Law:

  1. It Teaches God’s redeemed people how to live for God’s glory and our own good
  2. It helps Restrain sin in our society
  3. It Shows us our sin and our need for a Savior

Each commandment helps one who is already in a relationship with God by grace through faith in Jesus Christ to answer the question:

How can I live in a way that glorifies and pleases God and allows me to live the best life possible on this earth?

The First Commandment (3)

A god is anything that Dominates or controls your life

“Whatever thy heart clings to and relies upon, that is properly thy God” Martin Luther

“before me” – “besides me” – “before my face” – “in the presence of “– “against me”

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.”  (Matthew 22:37–38, ESV)

Principle: Put God First!

God deserves, desires, and demands first place in our attention, affections and allegiances

How Do I Put God First?

Finances

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;” (Proverbs 3:9, ESV)

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24, ESV)

Interests

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31, ESV)

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2, ESV)

Relationships

Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:37, ESV)

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37–39, ESV)

Schedule

making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:16–17, ESV)

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” (Mark 1:35, ESV)

Troubles

and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”” (Psalm 50:15, ESV)

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”  (Matthew 6:33, ESV)

The Laws of God flow from the character and Love of God

My life works Best when I put God first!

How can I live in a way that glorifies and pleases God and allows me to live the best life possible on this earth?

Making It Personal:

  • Where in your life right now are you finding it difficult to put God first? What may be behind that difficulty?
  • Is today the day for you to turn from self-rule and self-righteousness and trust in Jesus Christ to be the forgiver of your sin and the leader of your life?
  • What is your next step of obedience to God today?

Ready to take your Next Step?

  • See Pastor Jeff after the service today
  • Fill out a Connect Card and drop it in the offering box
  • Text Next to 803-637-8484
  • Go to FBCFM.COM and click “Next Steps”

other sermons in this series

Sep 10

2023

The Return of the King

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: Revelation 19:1– 20:15 Series: The Gospel Story

Aug 20

2023

Getting On God's Agenda

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: Acts 10:1–48 Series: The Gospel Story

Aug 13

2023

Transformed

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: Acts 9:1–43 Series: The Gospel Story