What does God require in the 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Commandments?

Answer: First, that we know God as the only true God. Second, that we avoid all idolatry. Third, that we treat God’s name with fear and reverence.

Summary statement: Worship God alone according to his manifested nature.

Contemporary Need:

Covetousness is no small problem. Men are known for making big purchases, and the purchases themselves are not necessarily wrong, but all of us have been in a situation where we have felt the overwhelming desire to have something. It is this overwhelming desire for something we do not need that shows the big problem. This overwhelming desire, when left unchecked, continues to increase until we sin yet again by acting upon that desire.

At the root of this desire, we subtly begin to realize that in order to get the experience or item, we need money. When we get the money, either cash or credit, we make the purchase and realize that money has a kind of power. Money can get us what we are longing for — so we think. Now, seeds of false worship are sown. We begin to lust for more money; and it is this love for money that is the root of all evil.

Thus, it should not be thought strange to consider covetousness and the love of money as separate issues. Paul did not seem to think so: I Timothy 6:10.

1 Timothy 6:10 KJV 1900

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

The question is what does covetousness have to do with idolatry? To be uncontrollably overwhelmed by a desire for something is itself to have a heart for another god. It is idolatry. This is confirmed by passages such as Colossians 3:5, Ephesians 5:5

Colossians 3:5 KJV 1900

5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

Ephesians 5:5 KJV 1900

5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Covetousness thus means that we are not worshiping God alone according to how he has manifested himself. It is a breaking of the first three commands.

How should we consider covetousness in light of these three commands?

Body:

(1) We should be honest about the source of covetousness (Mark 7:20-22)

Notice that the heart of man is the source of blasphemy as well, an explicit breaking of the third commandment.

The fact that these sins proceed from our hearts should teach us not to lean upon ourselves. We are idolators at heart.

Am I actively breaking the first three commands because of covetousness in my heart?

Am I putting to death those desires of my heart?

(2) We should consider how Christ has delivered us from covetousness (Matthew 4:8-10)

Notice carefully how Jesus responds to this “worship” temptation. Jesus is clearly keeping these first and second commands. A case could be made that he is explicitly keeping the third command too.

(3) We should consider how Christ has saved us to anti-covetous worship (Romans 12:1-2)

We should not conceive of worship of God as a kind of “iCloud” matter. Note carefully:

(a) this worship is noted by sacrifice rather than selfish greed

(b) this worship is noted by Spirit-empowered giving of self rather than getting for self

Am I living in the contentment that I have in Christ alone?

Am I worshiping God alone through presenting myself as a living sacrifice for others?

Conclusion:

Applications for discernment..

I Timothy 6:17-19

1 Timothy 6:17–19 KJV 1900

17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

* Humbly examine your trust.

* Examine the richness of your good works.

* Consider eternity before making the purchase.

* Live within the accountability of the body of Christ.

Illustration: I Thessalonians 1:5-10

1 Thessalonians 1:5–10 KJV 1900

5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. 6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: 7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. 9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

What does God require in the 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Commandments?

Answer: First, that we know God as the only true God. Second, that we avoid all idolatry. Third, that we treat God’s name with fear and reverence.