Ten Commandments: No God but God-Deut 5:7

Introduction:

A conversation with a coworker: Religious Pluralism

What does it mean to have no other gods before Yahweh?

Body:

Have no other gods by worshiping God exclusively:

No match for Him:

Nile

Heket (Frog godess)

Hathor (Livestock)

Ra/Pharaoh (Sun God)

None Like Him:

Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: ; ; ;

A se, existence, and independent: God is independent of all things. He is uncreated:

Sovereign Creator and Sustainer: God who is independent created all things that exists, invisible and visible. He also upholds His creation in His Work of Providence: ; ;

Redeemer: God is the savior of a specific people within humanity bringing them into the bond of love shared between the two persons of all eternity in and through the person and work of Jesus Christ:

Have no other gods by shunning idolatry entirely:

Idolatry is “having or inventing something which one trusts in place of or along side of the only true God, who has revealed himself in his Word.”

Idols don’t take the form of the pantheons of Old, but we still have them.

Reasons why Israel found idolatry attractive:

Guaranteed

Selfish

Easy

Convenient

Normal

Logical

Indulgent

Erotic

Three Scriptural Examples

Possessions ()

Wealth ()

Food ()

Three modern Idols

Autonomy: There is trend to be the one in control and do whatever you want when you want. Freedom of expression some might say or freedom to be themselves others say is the most fundamental right of a human being.

Comfort: Life is about ease and happiness, therefore, I must do those things which make me happy no matter what.

Entertainment: You only live once, so do what you find to be fun.

Reason: We are our own gods and by way of reason can explore the depths of reality and carve a way of life for ourselves.

Have no other gods by trusting Christ uniquely:

If we were to ask our selves whether we worship God alone and shun all idols and were honest with ourselves, we’d say that we fall short of even this first of the 10 commandments.

Our failure should lead to fear, but fear should quickly turn to faith in Christ, God the Son Incarnate. Who in His humanity obeyed this commandment perfectly.

We can see such is the case in His first battle with the devil in the wilderness ().

We, also, read in Scripture that the Triune God has revealed himself most clearly in Jesus (; , , ).

Finally we see that Jesus is is worthy of our worship, for He is God (; ; ; ; ; ; ).

Christ gives us His righteousness by faith, meaning that our works in and of themselves have no part in us getting to heaven. It is all Jesus. That said, Jesus does give us His Holy Spirit who gives us the desire obey His commandments, including this first one of the Ten. Even our imperfect obedience is rendered acceptable in Christ, though never to earn favor before God or salvation.

Conclusion:

Whom do you praise (adoration)? You may compliment your children, spouse, and friends, but who receives your highest praise?

Whom do you count on (trust)? Sure, God works through means, such as doctors, insurance companies, and prescription medicine, but when you really are in need, who do you know will always come through?

Whom do you call for (invocation)? Where do you look for answers? Where do you turn for purpose and joy? Is it food, work, TV, your phone, or the God of the universe?

Whom do you thank? Where do your good days come from? Who made the trees and the stars and that cooing little baby?

There is no God but the triune God of the Bible revealed to us in the Lord Jesus Christ, therefore worship Him exclusively, shun all idolatry, and trust Jesus uniquely .