[14] The Ten Commandments
Steve McKenzie May 12, 2024

Series: Story of God
Scripture: Exodus 19-20
Preacher: Steve McKenzie (Lead Pastor)

Sermon Slides [Download]

Sermon in a Sentence: God’s instructions for us are an expression of His character, which are reflected in our obedience through the transforming power of God.

Summary: The sermon begins by highlighting that the Ten Commandments are often misunderstood as a mere list of rules. Instead, they are deeply rooted in the character of God and meant to reflect His holiness, power, and mercy. The introduction sets the context by summarizing Exodus 19, where God’s dramatic appearance at Mount Sinai underscores His holiness and power, calling Israel to be a nation reflecting His character.

Key Points:

  1. God’s Holiness and Power:
    • God’s appearance at Mount Sinai demonstrates His holiness and power, inviting Israel into a covenant relationship.
    • 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 emphasizes God’s choice of the weak to shame the strong, reflecting His power and purpose.
  2. God’s Salvation:
    • Exodus 20:1-2 serves as the foundation, reminding the Israelites of their liberation from Egypt, which sets the context for the commandments.
    • The commandments are framed as an expression of God’s saving grace and His transformative power.
  3. Pattern of the Commandments:
    • The first four commandments focus on the relationship with God, forming a vertical axis of worship.
    • The last six commandments focus on relationships with others, forming a horizontal axis of ethical behavior.
  4. Individual Commandments:
    • Each commandment is tied to an aspect of God’s character, such as His jealousy for His glory, His faithfulness, and His provision.
    • Applications are provided to help believers reflect God’s character in their daily lives, emphasizing worship, integrity, and contentment.
  5. Gospel Pattern:
    • The right pattern of religion is understanding that God saves and transforms us before instructing us to live in obedience.
    • This contrasts with the wrong pattern where people try to earn God’s favor through their actions.

Conclusion: The sermon emphasizes the importance of viewing the Ten Commandments through the lens of God’s character and His redemptive work. It calls believers to reflect on their lives and align their actions with God’s transformative power, ultimately pointing back to the greatest commandments: to love God and love others.