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Exodus-20

Hearing God's Commandments: A Devotional Study on Exodus 20​

Introduction​

In one of the most pivotal moments in the Exodus narrative, God spoke His ten commandments to the Israelites. This foundational passage is intertwined with the covenant relationship between God and His people. In this study, we will spend time reflecting on God's truths, hearing His commandments, and examining how we align ourselves with His will.

Section 1: Introduction and Context (Exodus 19:1-6)​

Devotional Thought: The Israelites were about to hear the voice of God, yet Moses reminded them of their need to be holy and pure. Let's spend time before the Lord, asking for His Spirit to purify us, and prepare us to hear His commandments.

Reflection Questions:

  • How has God called you to be holy and pure?
  • In what ways can you prepare yourself to hear God's voice today?

Section 2: I Am the Lord Your God (Exodus 20:2)​

Devotional Thought: Before diving into the commandments, let's take a moment to remember who God is. In his book "God's Law: A Commentary on the Old Testament Book of Exodus, New American Commentary," Bruce Waltke summarizes verse two, "God here declares himself. His name, Yahweh, is a translation of the Hebrew I AM, which expresses his being or essence. He is the self-existent one, who always was, who is, who will be." May we rest in the truth that God is the unchanging, eternal, self-existent, loving, merciful, and holy Father.

Reflection Questions:

  • How does remembering who God is influence your understanding of His commandments?

Section 3: Don't Have Any Other Gods (Exodus 20:3)​

Devotional Thought: God calls us to have no other gods. This means we shouldn't place people, possessions, or ideologies before God. May we continually align our priorities with the priority of our loving God.

Reflection Questions:

  • In what ways have you placed anything before God in your life?
  • How can you adjust your priorities to remove unnecessary distractions from the priority of God in your life?

Section 4: Do Not Take the Lord's Name in Vain (Exodus 20:7)​

Devotional Thought: The Old Testament scholar John Goldingay notes that "God's name is the divine character...It belongs uniquely to God...To use God's name in a casual way is to misuse the character that belongs to God alone." May we honor the holy character of God and use His name with reverence.

Reflection Questions:

  • How often do you use God's name carelessly?
  • In what ways can you use God's name with reverence?

Section 5: Remember the Sabbath Day (Exodus 20:8)​

Devotional Thought: God calls us to remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy. As a community, we honor this day by resting, worshipping, and trusting in God's provision. If you're struggling with how to prioritize and honor the Sabbath, let's take this time to reflect on how we as a community can support and strengthen each other in keeping it holy.

Reflection Questions:

  • How much importance do you place on the Sabbath Day?
  • How can we as a community honor the Sabbath together, both individually and corporately?

Section 6: Honor Your Parents (Exodus 20:12)​

Devotional Thought: God calls us to honor our parents, recognizing that they have played a foundational role in our lives. Let us honor our parents, investing time and relationship into our relationships with them.

Reflection Questions:

  • How well do you honor your parents?
  • What ways can you tangibly show honor to your parents today?

Section 7: Don't Murder (Exodus 20:13)​

Devotional Thought: God hates violence and calls us to love others. May we cultivate a society that prioritizes life and respect.

Reflection Questions:

  • How have you contributed to a culture of violence?
  • How can you be a part of the solution to promote love, peace, and respect in your community?

Section 8: Don't Commit Adultery (Exodus 20:14)​

Devotional Thought: In the age of speed and instant gratification, we can easily slip into satisfying our desires without considering the impact on others. May we honor the sacredness of marriage and sexuality.

Reflection Questions:

  • How have you respected the sanctity of marriage and sexuality in your life?

Section 9: Don't Steal (Exodus 20:15)​

Devotional Thought: God calls us to honor the property and rights of others. May we prioritize justice and development in our community.

Reflection Questions:

  • Have you been disrespectful of property or rights in your interactions with others?
  • What ways can you promote justice and respect in society as a whole?

Section 10: Don't Covet (Exodus 20:17)​

Devotional Thought: God calls us to a life of contentment, living in gratitude and satisfaction with what He has provided. May we live a life of sacrificial generosity.

Reflection Questions:

  • How have you practiced contentment and generosity?
  • In what ways can you practice sacrificial generosity today?

Conclusion:​

As we conclude our reflection on God's commandments, let's hold onto the truth that God's law, as recorded in Exodus 20, is a reflection of His loving character. May we respond to God by living in communion with His holiness and righteousness. Let us align our priorities with the priority of God, and seek to honor His commandments in all aspects of our lives.