2/1 Exodus 20* - The "Why" Behind the Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments are pretty well known, but what is less known is why God has given them and today, in our study in Exodus 20, we're going to look at this extremely important passage, in its overall context to understand why God gave the Ten Commandments and how they still point to our purpose as His people today. Join us! 

DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS:

1. The podcast opened with an explanation of how the 10 Commandments came to the Jews in a form of a covenant that is laid out in Exodus 19 to 24. What was the agreement that the Jews were making with God in this larger context?
2. In Exodus 19:10-11, the Lord tells the people to consecrate themselves before they would hear His laws. Why do you think this step was necessary? How do you think this prepared the people to listen to the Lord’s instructions? When you prepare to gather with God’s people at church, how do you (or should you) prepare your heart to receive God’s truths?
3. The First commandment (in Exodus 20:1) was to have no other gods before the Lord. On the one hand this may seem obvious, but it bears asking the question: Why should nothing come before the Lord? In your own life, is there anything that you’ve placed in greater worth than Him?
4. The Second Commandment (in Exodus 20:6) ends by commanding the people to not make an idol or likeness of anything that the people might use to represent the Lord in their worship of Him. How do people sometimes violate this command today? How do people often portray the Jesus? Is that how Jesus really looked? In light of this command, should a Christian ever pray to a picture or stature or image of Jesus?
5. The Third Command in verse 7 tells the people to not take the Lord’s name in vain. How did the podcast explain what this command relates to? How does it address more than just using the Lord’s name as profanity?
6. The Fourth Command was to hold to a Sabbath day of rest each week. What does it mean to keep the Sabbath holy? What kinds of things should have been avoided on that day? How would the obedience of this command shape the entire Jewish culture? Is this command still valid today?
7. What are the remaining six commands given in Exodus 20:12, Exodus 20:13, Exodus 20:14, Exodus 20:15, Exodus 20:16, Exodus 20:17? The podcast points out that all these commands were really the “high level” commands and that each one represented far deeper waters. Which of these commands do you find the most challenging in your own walk with the Lord?
8. The podcast points out that the commands are given in a “You shall not” format. How does this opening wording for these commands make them personal for each person?
9. How would these 10 Commandments set the Jews apart from the surrounding nations? How do they set apart God’s people still today? Does your life reflect an obedience to these commands?