"Ten Words: Have No Other Gods Before Me" -Exodus 20:3)

Speaker: Steve Lee

This series explores the Ten Commandments as “Ten Words” spoken by a loving God who rescued his people and now invites them into a life of flourishing, fruitfulness, and communion with him rather than mere rule-keeping. The first commandment calls us to worship and trust God alone, because we inevitably become like whatever we give our ultimate love and allegiance to.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the difference between merely obeying rules and being formed into a certain kind of person?
​2. We often reach for what looks like life but turns out to be death. Can you think of examples in your own life or culture where something promised fulfillment but ultimately left you empty?
3. Why do you think people are so drawn to determining good and evil for themselves rather than trusting God’s wisdom? What are some modern examples of this?
4. We become what we worship. In what ways have you seen this principle play out in your life (or someone else’s life)? How do the things we give our attention, trust, and affection to shape us over time?
5. God compares divided worship to marital unfaithfulness and prostitution. Why do you think Scripture uses such strong relational and emotional language to describe idolatry?
6. Kevin DeYoung invites us to reflect on four questions as we consider this first word from God: 1) Whom do you praise? 2) Whom do you count on? 3) Whom do you long for? 4) Whom do you thank? Which of those questions most reveals how you are relating to God in this current season of your life?
​7. Jesus is the one who perfectly fulfilled what humanity and Israel failed to do. How does this truth change the way we approach the Ten Words?