“You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3). If you’re seeking to understand God’s standard of holiness, look no further than Exodus 20. Here, God delivers the Ten Commandments to Moses and His people. Exodus 20:1-2 states, “And God spoke all these words: ‘I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.’” It’s remarkable how God establishes His authority, reminding His people of their liberation from slavery before presenting the commandments. This is a profound reminder: just as Israel was freed from physical bondage, we are all liberated from sin and darkness through Christ. Despite our inability to perfectly uphold these commandments, God is our Redeemer. Jesus, who perfectly fulfilled the law, ushers in the New Covenant. Through Him, all who believe are forgiven. As we embark on this series exploring the Ten Commandments, let us approach these scriptures with humility and repentance, recognizing that Jesus has freed all believers. I hope this study will deepen our appreciation of Jesus’ sacrifice and illuminate our ongoing battles with sin, encouraging us to rely on the Spirit and the Word of God.
This week, we focus on the First Commandment: “You shall have no other gods.”
“You” Means You,
The command begins with “you,” emphasizing personal responsibility. The REV Bible Commentary notes, “The ‘you’ is singular from the singular verb,” indicating individual accountability. The commandments are not meant to be graded on a curve based on community or group performance but are a direct call to each person. Reflecting on my school days, it was always frustrating when a few troublemakers caused the whole class to lose privileges like recess. Collective punishment felt unjust. In contrast, the beauty of God’s commandments lies in their personal nature. We are each accountable for our own sins, but Jesus bore the weight of all our sins, taking the punishment we deserved so that we might be forgiven and reconciled to God.
What Is a God?
A “god” isn’t limited to idols or golden calves. Anything that takes precedence over the One True God in our lives is a god. This can include obvious sins like pornography or gossip, but it can also involve good things like friendships, family, or even ministry. If we prioritize our looks, possessions, careers, relationships, or even our hobbies over Jesus, these become idols. Many of us are likely to violate the First Commandment more than we realize. Every day, numerous things vie for our attention. Unless we consistently focus on Jesus, our priorities can easily shift. Hebrews 12:1-2 exhorts us to, “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” We are called to rid ourselves of distractions and sins, as pursuing other gods leads us away from our relationship with Jesus. Consider what might be vying for your attention and ask God to reveal and remove these idols from your life. Psalm 139:23-24 is a powerful prayer for this: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” Amen.
Empowered by Love
Kelly Minter’s Bible study, No Other Gods, asserts, “The other nine commandments are irrelevant if we neglect the first one. If God isn’t the God of our lives, the rest of His commandments become mere suggestions.” This profound truth emphasizes that if God is not our foremost priority, His other commandments lose their significance. We need His love and guidance to truly live out His commands, entering a relationship of trust and dependence on our Savior. As we study the Ten Commandments, remember their purpose: not to demand perfect adherence (knowing we would fail), but to reveal our need for a Messiah, guide us toward righteous living, and open our eyes to God’s holiness. Trying to keep these laws in our own strength leads to legalism, defined by Webster’s Dictionary as “strict, literal, or excessive conformity to the law or to a religious or moral code.” The enemy desires either our rebellion against the law or a self-righteous belief that we can fulfill and modify God’s commands. Hence, it’s crucial to seek the Spirit’s help in living out of love, turning away from sin, and embracing the freedom found in Christ. Perhaps you’ve attempted to follow the law out of religious obligation, striving to be a “good person.” You may have the Ten Commandments memorized or displayed in your home but are driven by fear or pride. It’s easy to fall into this trap. Surrender to God today, acknowledging your sinfulness and His grace. Approach His law through Christ’s fulfillment, relying on His love to live it out, because you are loved.
The Greatest Commandments
When asked by the Pharisees about the greatest commandment, Jesus replied succinctly: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:37-40).
(Also referenced: Mark 12:30-31, Luke 10:27)
The Ten Commandments
Commandments 1-4
You shall have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:3)
You shall not make for yourself any graven images. (Exodus 20:4-6)
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. (Exodus 20:7)
Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. (Exodus 20:8-11)
Commandments 5-10
5. Honor your father and mother. (Exodus 20:12)
6. You shall not murder. (Exodus 20:13)
7. You shall not commit adultery. (Exodus 20:14)
8. You shall not steal. (Exodus 20:15)
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. (Exodus 20:16)
10. You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor. (Exodus 20:17)
Conclusion
Jesus encapsulated these commandments. The first four focus on our vertical relationship with God, and the last six on our horizontal relationship with others. This week, let’s live in His strength to love Him fully, seek out any competing gods in our lives, and turn from them with His help.