This morning, we find ourselves still at the base of the Mountain of God where Israel will spend about
year here worshiping, serving, and even disobeying God. It is here they will hear God speak from the
Mountain to them for the first time. God speaks Ten Words that will summarize how they are to live
before God and with one another. But before we consider the Decalogue, we must recognize the prologue,
for it sets the context for our understanding of the Ten Commandments.
I. He is the who God Speaks vs. 1, Prior to this time, the Lord has always communicated his
message to the Israelites through Moses. By speaking directly to the people, God highlights the
importance of these covenant requirements. The Ten Commandments stand apart from everything
else that God communicates to the Israelites. We would know nothing if not for God speaking!
Always remember that.
The Ten (Words) Commandments Reveal: Remember, Israel was a redeemed people!
The Law reveals…
- The Holiness of God: Law reveals the Nature of God: He is Holy & Majestic! Heb. 12:28-29
- The Standard of conduct for Israel: How to live for the LORD and in community with others.
o First 4 Commandments; Their relationship to God. Last 6; Their relationship to others. - Sin and points to the need for Christ: Man is guilty before a holy God, unable to live a perfect life.
The Law drives man to the only way of Salvation & Sanctification, it through the cross of Christ.
The NT writers spend time explaining the purposes of the Law. It is the law that crushes us so that
grace can heal us! Rom.7:7;3:20;Ex.20:20;Gal.3:24;Rom.3:19;Rom. 6 & 7:24-25; 8:1; Gal.3:10-14
II. He is the God who Saves vs. 2, First, God clearly communicates the truth about Himself and
then the truth of who they are.
a. He reveals who He is in Himself. “I am the LORD” This is who they are to worship!
b. He reassures who He is to Israel. “I am the LORD your God,” This is their God!
c. He reminds them of what He has done. “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of
Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” The LORD is the one who has saved them!
Application: Gospel Before Law
Do you see the shadow here in Exodus 20:1-2? Have you experienced the reality of the gospel this
morning? The gospel of grace comes before the commandments to obey! God is reminding Israel then
and us today that it is only by the grace that God delivers us before He gives us His commandments to
follow. Your salvation is not a reward because of your obedience, no, your salvation is the reason for your
obedience. All our doing is only because of what he has first done for us in Christ. Praise the Lord for His
grace. Now as His people are called by grace to live a life of glad joyful obedience to the law of Christ!
Mark 12:28-34; John 15:12-17