Do any of you have a most prized possession? Something you keep in a glass case or out of the reach of children? Autographed memorabilia? A wedding ring? A piece of art, perhaps? Now, can you imagine destroying that thing to prove a point? Moses once did such a thing with what is–to this day–quite possibly the most valuable thing to ever have existed. We would do well to understand why and what that means for us.

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Questions for Reflectiotn & Discussion

How did Moses react to the sin of the Israelites, and what can we learn from his response? How should we respond when we recognize sin in our own lives or in the lives of others?

In what ways does Moses' intercession point to our need for a greater mediator?

What practical steps can you take this week to live in light of the gospel, recognizing Jesus as your substitute and mediator?

If I were to tell you that the wrath of God was real, which I believe it is, and that it is coming on account of something, one thing in particular, would you want to know what that one thing is? I hope so. In fact, I would hope that you would not only want to know what that one thing is, but you would want to know everything you could about it so you could stay as far away from that one thing as humanly possible. Yes? Good. Let’s talk about idols of the human heart.

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

How does human pride interfere with obedience to God? Why do we resist worshiping God in the manner He prescribed?

What are some of the things you are prone to making an idol in your heart? How have you experienced the truth of 1 Corinthians 10:13-14 concerning such things?

What is one way you could turn from worship of these things to worship of the one true and living God this week?

Have you ever had a mountain top experience? These are moments not so much about reaching the literal peaks of mountains, but about the part they play in one’s life. The transformative high points of one’s life where things were never the same afterwards. Moses and the elders of Israel had one–a meal with God Himself on His holy mountain.

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion

Instead of simply imposing obedience, God chose to establish a covenant with His people, demonstrating grace. How does this covenant reflect His unmerited favor and kindness towards humanity?

Have you ever shared a meal with someone of great significance, how does God's invitation to a close relationship through Christ compare? How can we cultivate an appreciation for the grace, mercy, and privilege extended to us through this relationship?

Considering the significance of meals and hospitality, how can they serve as opportunities to introduce others to Jesus? In what ways can acts of hospitality create spaces for meaningful conversations and connections that lead others to encounter the love and grace of Christ?

The Ten Commandments are timeless wisdom. Wisdom is “knowing what to do with what you know.” It is the application of knowledge. The Bible says “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). The way to godly wisdom then is not by listening to your gut but by listening to God. If we want to know right from wrong, if we want to know how to live “the good life,” if we want to know how to live in a way that blesses our friends and neighbors, we’d be wise to do things God’s way. If you are looking for God’s way, the Ten Commandments are a good place to start.

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Questions for Reflection & Discussion
How does obedience to the four “vertical” commands cause a person to obey the six “horizontal” commands?

How might the perfect righteousness required in the Ten Commandments cause people to lose hope? What is the only thing that can restore that hope?

How do the Ten Commandments help us understand the character of Jesus?