I've particularly enjoyed reading some of John Frame, The Doctrine of the Christian Life (P&R, 2008), which includes an exposition of the 10 commandments, in preparation. Very stimulating stuff and lots of good things along the way. I might get round to blogging one or two maybe.
The 10 Commandments (1): Exodus 20:1-3
You Shall Have No Other Gods Before Me
The special status of the 10 words (Ex 31:18; 40:20) as the Constitution of Israel
V1: God’s authoritative words not 10 helpful suggestions
V2: In the context of personal covenant relationship
They are already God’s redeemed people they do not become God’s people by keeping the commandments. Obedience is a grateful response to the grace of salvation.
3 uses / purposes / functions of the commandments:
(1) The commandments reveal God’s standards
“Before me”, lit., “before my face”, beside me – all life lived in the presence of God, accountable to him
These negative commands imply their positive counterparts: covenant loyalty, let God be God, decider, obedience, love (Mk 12:30), seek first his kingdom (Mt 6:33)
The purpose of
Yahweh, not some force or higher being (Jn 14:6; Acts 12:14)
The laws reflect the character of the law-giver: God’s own covenant faithfulness
(2) The commandments reveal our sin (Romans 7:7)
Calvin: The human heart an idol factory
Our idols may be metal or mental (
Anything we put before God / make ultimate / trust has become our god (Mt 6:4)
(3) The commandments reveal our Saviour (Gal 3:23)
Jesus always pleased his Father (Jn 8:29) – a perfect example, the perfect sacrifice for sin
The commandments as promise: “you shall not” rather than “you must not” – the prospect of a fully obedient heart in glory
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