1. Chain the Catechism:A topical study through the Lutheran confessions The 1st Commandment Memorization Verses: 1 Corinthians 8:4 We know that an idol… Matthew 4:10 Worship the Lord… Philippians 3:19 Their destiny is… Psalm 14:1 The fool says… Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord … Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the Lord … Psalm 73:25-26 Whom have I … Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works…
2. Create a mask that symbolically represents old man on the left half of the face and new man on the right. The left side should show your idols, temptations, vices, and dark side. The right side should show gifts your of grace, redemption, and spiritual renewal in Christ. Decorate with colors and verses that show contrast. Personal Idols Mask
3. Open to the Psalms and popcorn all the praise you can find: “God you are….” Prayer Activity
6. So, then: how to prune and how to amend? Numbers One through Three can simply go, since they have nothing to do with morality and are no more than a long, rasping throat clearing by an admittedly touchy dictator. Mere fear of unseen authority is not a sound basis for ethics. Christopher Hitchens Discussion Quote
7. A god means that from which we are to expect all good and to which we are to take refuge in all distress, so that to have a God is nothing else than to trust and believe Him from the heart; as I have often said that the confidence and faith of the heart alone make both God and an idol. Martin Luther Discussion Quote
8. s .rmo)l hle)h MyrIbdha lk t) Myhlo)v rbday:wA K1yt)cwOh r#$e)j K1yhelo)v hwFhy: yknO) MydIb(j tybmMyIrAcmCrE)e Literal translation: And God spoke all these words, saying, “I [am] Yahweh your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt, from the house of slaves. Historical Context The introduction to the Decalogue teaches us the following: The “ten words” are not given as a means to redeem oneself Yahweh is a personal and loving guide who has this authority Develops a covenant promise which contextualizes the first commandment
9. .yAnFp-l(a MyrIx)j Myhlo)v K1lhyEhI )lo hnFwmt-lkw lsepe K1l-h#e&(jta )lo r#$e)jwA l(amm MyIma#$ba r#e$)j .CrE)l txatm MyImaba r#e$)jwA txat@fmi CrE)b yknO) ykMd"b(t )low: MhelfhwEx;t@a#;$ti-)lo )nFqa l) K1yhelo)v hwFhy: .y):#o&l My(brI-l(aw: My#l#$-l(a Mynb-l(a tbo) NwO(j dqpo% s .ytwOcmyr"m#$olwybahj)olMypilf)jladsexe h#&e(ow Literal Historical Context There shall not be to you other gods in front of/against my face. You shall not make to you a carved image and any likeness [of anything] which [is] in the heavens from above, or which [is] in the earth from beneath, or which [is] in the waters from under to the earth. You shall not bow down to them, and you shall not become subservient them, for I the LORD your God [am] a God-jealous, visiting/punishing the perversity/guilt/iniquity of the fathers upon the sons and upon the third and upon the fourth [generations] to those hating me, and doing mercy/covenant faithfulness to thousands, to those loving me and to those keeping my commandments.
10. Some scholars believe early Israel was henotheists Believed in many gods, but only worshipped Yahweh However, it is best understood that the 1st commandment teaches: To serve other gods is to serve false gods Improper definitions and worship practices contribute to idolatry Historical Context
11. God reveals Himself in the NT with the distinction of the three persons The 1st commandment acknowledges the NT worship of Christ and the Spirit, along with the Father The mercy (chesed) of God is fullfilled as a covenant promise in Christ’s death and Resurrection 1st Commandment and the Trinity
12. In the research teams, after discussing your verses and notes for the week: Create a 5 line mosaic that draws the redemptive unity of the text together Draw a picture in your notes of each line. 1st Commandment Mosaic
13. Research Teams: The First CommandmentYou shall have no other gods.What does this mean?We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things. Questions: Who is the only true God? What does God forbid in the 1st? When do people have other gods? What does God require of us in the 1st? Who is able to keep this and other commandments? Teams: SS: The Only True God M: Forbidden to have Other gods T: Worshipping other gods W: God’s Requirements Th: Jesus Christ keeps the law Perfectly
14. SS. Who is the only true God? --aren't Allah, Buddha, and Jesus the same? We believe: The only true God is the triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three distinct persons in one divine being (the Holy Trinity). Num. 6:24-26 The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. Deut. 6:4 Hear, 0 Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Matt. 28:19 Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor. 8:4 There is no God but one. 2 Cor. 13:14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Bible narrative: At His Baptism Jesus stood in the Jordan, the Father spoke from heaven, and the Spirit of God descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove (Matt. 3:16-17). Pray: I bind unto myself the name, the strong name of the Trinity; the invocation of the same, the Three in One and One in Three—by whom all nature was created—Eternal Father, Spirit, Word. Praise to the Lord of my salvation. Salvation is of Christ the Lord. Amen (Patrick of Ireland, d. 461)
15. M. What does God forbid in the First Commandment? --Can I be a Christian and honor the deities of other great religions? Say: God forbids us to have other gods (idolatry). Is. 42:8 I am the Lord; that is My name! I will not give My glory to another or My praise to idols. Matt. 4:10 Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only. 1 Cor. 8:4 We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one. 1 John 5:21 Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.
16. T. When do people have other gods? They have other gods A. when they regard and worship any creature or thing as God; Ps. 115:4 Their idols are silver and gold. Phil. 3:19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their rnind is on earthly things. Rev.. 9:20 They did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood-idols that cannot see or hear or walk. Bible narratives: Israel worshiped the golden calf (Exodus 32). The people worshiped Baal (1 Kings 18:18-29). The Philistines made Dagon their god (Judges 16:23-24).
17. I call upon You, Lord God of Abraham, and God of Isaac, and God of Jacob and Israel. You are the father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the God who through the abundance of Your mercy has been well disposed toward us. May we know You who has made heaven and earth, who governs all things, who is the only and the true God, above whom there is no other God. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, grant also the governing power of the Holy Spirit. Give to every reader of this book to know You, that You are God alone, to be confirmed in You, and to avoid all heretical and godless and impious doctrine. Amen (Irenaeus of Lyons, d.c. 200) Pray:
18. When do people have other gods? They have other gods B. when they believe in a god who is not the triune God (see the Apostles' Creed). Jesus taught: Matt. 28:19 Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. John 5:23 He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent Him. Bible narrative: The Baptism of Jesus (Matt. 3:13-17).
19. When do people have other gods?--Would God ask me to choose between Him and the other things in life that I love and enjoy? They have other gods C. when they fear, love, or trust in any person or thing as they should fear, love, and trust in God alone; Ps. 14:1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. Prov. 11:28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall. Prov. 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Matt. 10:28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matt. 10:37 Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. Eph. 5:5 No immoral, impure or greedy person-such a man is an idolater-has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Bible narratives: The rich man thought more of costly clothes and good eating than of God (Luke 16:19-31). The people building the Tower of Babel considered their achievement more important than God (Gen. 11:1-9). Goliath trusted in his size and physical strength (1 Samuel 17). Eli honored his sons more than God (1 Sam. 2:12-34). Peter feared punishment more than he loved God (Matt. 26:69-75). Pray: O Lord, come to me and use my bread, silver, and gold. How well they are used if I spend them in Your service. Amen. (Luther)
20. When do people have other gods?--I have friends and colleagues who are not Christians. Do our differences in faith create boundaries in our relationships? They have other gods D. when they join in the worship of one who is not the triune God. Gal 6:10 As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. 2 Cor. 6:14-15 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?
21. W. What does God require of us in the First Commandment?--What does God expect of me? God requires that we fear, love, and trust in Him above all things. A. We fear God above all things when we revere Him alone as the highest being, honor Him with our lives, and avoid what displeases Him. Gen. 17:1 I am God almighty; walk before Me and be blameless. Ps. 33:8 Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere Him. Ps. 96:4 Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; He is to be feared above all gods. Prov. 8:13 To fear the Lord is to hate evil. Matt. 10:28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Bible narrative: The three men in the fiery furnace feared God more than the king (Daniel 3). Pray: O God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who alone is the true God, and alone is worthy to be held in reverence by men, have mercy upon me. I have not feared, loved, and trusted in You as I shuld have done. I have pu t greater confidence in men; I have leaned to my own understanding. Forgive me for the sake of my Redeemer. By Your Holy Spirit remove from me every idolatrous affection. D raw me to You, that I may live in Your fear, trust in Your goodness, and love You with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all my mind; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen. (Paul Bente, 1886-1957).
22. W. What does God require of us in the First Commandment?--What does God expect of me? God requires that we fear, love, and trust in Him above all things. B. We love God above all things when we cling to Him alone as our God and gladly devote our lives to His service. Ps. 73:25-26 Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Matt. 22:37 Love the Lord. your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Bible narrative: Abraham loved God more than his son (Genesis 22). Joseph resisted the temptation of Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39). Pray: Eternal God, You teach me and ask me to rely on You in all things. It is Your earnest desire to be my God. Therefore, I must regard You as God or suffer the loss of eternal salvation. My heart shall neither build nor rely on anything else, whether it be property, honor, wisdom, power, purity, or any other creature. Amen (Luther)
23. W. What does God require of us in the First Commandment?--What does God expect of me? God requires that we fear, love, and trust in Him above all things. C. We trust in God above all things when we commit our lives completely to His keeping and rely on Him for help in every need. Ps. 118:8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. Prov. 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Bible narrative: David trusted in the Lord when he fought against Goliath (I Sam. 17:37, 46-47). Abram left his country and relatives to go where the Lord sent him, trusting that the Lord would take care of him (Gen. 12:1-9). Daniel committed himself to the Lord's keeping (Daniel 6). Pray: I thank you for Your infinite mercy, that You reached out to me, a lost person, in such a fatherly way. I did not ask for, seek, or deserve this, but You offered to be my God and will accept me. You will be my comfort, help, protection, and strength in every time of need. Although we poor, blind creatures have sought many gods elsewhere, and would still have to seek them, if You had not openly made Yourself known and presented Yourself to us as our God. Who in all eternity could thank You enough for this blessing? (Luther)
24. Th. Who is able to keep this and the other commandments? --What if I don't live up to God's expectations? No person can keep any or all commandments perfectly, except Jesus Christ. All those who have faith in Him by the power of His Spirit willingly strive to keep these commandments. Eccl. 7:20 There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins. 1 John 1:8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. John 14:15 If you love me, you will obey what I command. Phil. 2:13 It is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose. We thank You, holy Father, for Your holy name which You did cause to tabernacle in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality, which You made known to us through Jesus Your Servant. To You be the glory forever. You, Master almighty, did create all things for Your name’s sake. You gave food and drink to men for enjoyment, that they might give thanks to You; but to us You did freely give spiritual food and drink and life eternal through Your Servant. Before all things we thank You that You are mighty; to You be the glory forever. Remember, Lord, Your Church, to deliver it from all evil and to make it perfect in Your love, and gather it from the four winds, sanctified for Your kingdom which You have prepared for it; for Yours is the power and the glory forever. Let grace come, and let this world pass away. Hosanna to the God of David! If anyone is holy, let him come; if any one is not so, let him repent. Maranatha. Amen. (The Didache, 1st cent.)
25. Conclusion Questions: Who is the only true God? What does God forbid in the 1st? When do people have other gods? What does God require of us in the 1st? Who is able to keep this and other commandments? Answers the triune God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three distinct person in one divine being (the Holy Trinity). No other gods/idols When they worship other gods, fearing, loving, and trusting any other person/creature fear love, and trust Him above all things, revering him alone as the highest being, honoring him with our lives, and avoiding what displeases him, clinging to him alone, gladly devoting our lives to His service, committing to His keeping and relying on him for every help and need Jesus Christ keeps the law Perfectly. No other can. All those who have faith in Him by the power of His Spirit willingly strive to keep these commands.
26. Closing Prayer We praise Thee O God, we acknowledge Thee to be the Lord.All the earth doth worship Thee, the Father Everlasting.To Thee all the angels cry aloud, the heavens and all the powers therein;To Thee cherubim and seraphim continually do cry;Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabaoth;Heaven and earth are full of the majesty of Thy glory.The glorious company of the Apostles praise TheeThe goodly fellowship of the prophets praise Thee;The noble army of martyrs praise Thee;The holy Church though all the world doth acknowledge Thee;The Father of an infinite majesty; Thine adorable true and only Son,Also the Holy Ghost, the Comforter.Thou art the King of Glory, O Christ.Thou are the everlasting Son of the Father.When Thou tookest upon Thee to deleiver man;Thou didst humble Thyself to be born of a virgin.When Thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death,Thou didst open the kingdom of heaven to all believers.Thou sittest at the right hand of GodIn the glory of the Father.We believe that thou shalt comeTo be our judge.We therefore pray Thee to help Thy servants,Whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy precious blood.Make them to be numbered with Thy saintsIn glory everlasting.O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine heritage.Govern them and lift them up forever.Day by day we magnify Thee,And we worship Thy name ever, world without end.Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin,O Lord have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us,O Lord, let Thy mercy be upon us, as our trust is in Thee.O Lord, in Thee have I trusted; let me never be confounded.
27. Prayer week Meets @Game Night at the church Next Week…
