Worshipping the Only True God

Sermon Discussion May 21, 2017 Exodus 20:1-5 Short Review Briefly summarize the message 1. What are the first two commands and why did God give them? 2. Does Jesus receive worship? 3. Why does the doctrine of the incarnation matter? Some Questions for Discussion: Focus the discussion on: How did Jesus honor the first two commands of the 10 commandments? 1. When you worship, do you think of Jesus? Do you sing to, pray to, offer worship to Jesus? 2. Why are the 10 commandments important? a. In understanding the Bible? b. In understanding our need for a Savior? c. In our culture? 3. What is the difference between “bowing” before, say, a King, and worshipping God? 4. Think of Matthew 28:16 ff: a. How should one respond to ‘worship’ if one wants to honor the first commandments in Exodus 20? b. How does Jesus respond? 5. Why does it matter to you whether or not Jesus was God incarnate? [What would change in your faith, worship, view of the Bible?] 6. Read the words of Charles Wesley’s hymn, “And Can It Be”. (lyrics below). Discuss how the wonder and praise of each of the verses depends on the doctrine of the incarnation of Jesus. And can it be that I should gain An int’rest in the Savior’s blood? Died He for me, who caused His pain? For me, who Him to death pursued? Amazing love! how can it be That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me? Amazing love! how can it be That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me? ’Tis mystery all! The Immortal dies! Who can explore His strange design? In vain the firstborn seraph tries To sound the depths of love Divine! ’Tis mercy all! let earth adore, Let angel minds inquire no more. ’Tis mercy all! let earth adore, Let angel minds inquire no more. He left His Father’s throne above, So free, so infinite His grace; Emptied Himself of all but love, And bled for Adam’s helpless race: ’Tis mercy all, immense and free; For, O my God, it found out me. ’Tis mercy all, immense and free; For, O my God, it found out me. Long my imprisoned spirit lay Fast bound in sin and nature’s night; Thine eye diffused a quickening ray, I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee. My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee. No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in Him, is mine! Alive in Him, my living Head, And clothed in righteousness Divine, Bold I approach the eternal throne, And claim the crown, through Christ my own. Bold I approach the eternal throne, And claim the crown, through Christ my own.