1 On the third new moon after the people of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that day they came into the wilderness of Sinai. 2 They set out from Rephidim and came into the wilderness of Sinai, and they encamped in the wilderness. There Israel encamped before the mountain, 3 while Moses went up to God. The LORD called to him out of the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.” —Exodus 19:1-6

God has

I. The Paradox of our culture

• A. “We live in a paradoxical age where many will say, ‘Right and wrong is what you decide for yourself,’ and yet these same people will rebuke others for violating any number of assumed commands.” —Kevin DeYoung

• B. Atheist’s Non Ten Commandments

  1. Be open-minded and be willing to alter your beliefs with new evidence.
  2. Strive to understand what is most likely to be true, not to believe what you wish to be true.
  3. The scientific method is the most reliable way of understanding the natural world.
  4. Every person has the right to control of their body.
  5. God is not necessary to be a good person or to live a full and meaningful life.
  6. Be mindful of the consequences of all your actions and recognize that you must take responsibility for them.
  7. Treat others as you would want them to treat you, and can reasonably expect them to want to be treated. Think about their perspective.
  8. We have the responsibility to consider others, including future generations.
  9. There is no one right way to live.
  10. Leave the world a better place than you found it.
      

II. God’s loving intention in giving the Law Exodus 19:1-6

• A. Context of giving the Law Exodus 19:1-3
  
  1. God has miraculous delivered Israel from Egypt
  2. God gives the Law – He is the originator
• B. The motivation of God in giving the Law Exodus 19:4
  
  1. God lovingly delivered them from slavery – “have seen what I did”
  2. God lovingly protected them – “bore you on eagle’s wings”
  3. God’s goal is to bring them into a personal relationship – “brought you to myself”
• C. The promised blessing of the Law Exodus 19:5-6
  
  1. Relationship – “you shall be my treasured possession”
  2. Access – “You shall be to me a kingdom of priests
  3. Identity – “You shall be a holy nation”

The Ten Commandments were not instructions on how to

III. Reasons for us to study the Law

• A. Ten Commandments are central to NT ethics

  1. Mark 10:17

     17 And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” —Mark 10:17

  2. Romans 13:8-9

     8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” —Romans 13:8-9

  3. I Timothy 1:8-11

     8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted. —I Timothy 1:8-11

Studying the Ten Commandments reveals the

Reveal Answer

of human

Reveal Answer

: we don’t like God telling us what we

Reveal Answer

. —Kevin DeYoung

• B. The Law is good (I Timothy 1:8)

  8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, —I Timothy 1:8

  1. Deuteronomy 4:6

     6 Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ —Deuteronomy 4:6

  2. Psalm 1:2

     2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. —Psalm 1:2

  3. Psalm 19:7-11

     7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. —Psalm 19:7-11

The greatest life we can live is one that

Small Group Questions

1. What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.

2. What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?

3. Where do you see the contradictions our culture has created for itself in trying to develop its moral code?

4. God gave the Law to provide freedom of relationship. How does this change your perspective on the Law?

5. What are you hoping to learn from this study?