March 1 Sermon Notes
March 1, 2020
Exodus 20:1-3
New series for Lent: The 10 Commandments!
Ezekiel 36:27: “And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”
Book: “Bearing God’s Name”—just in the nick of time!
New Title: “The Good / God Life”
“Law”?: “law” / “10 commandments” what do you think of?...
What Was The Way of Salvation (getting right with God) in the Old Testament??
“Many Christians assume that in the Old Testament era the Israelites had to earn salvation by following the Sinai law, while Jesus did away with that notion, making salvation available for free. This is a terribly unfortunate caricature of the Old Testament, but it is easily resolved by taking a closer look at the story.”
Exodus 20:2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.—this is the starting point!
Exodus 19:4 [the work of Yahweh] ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.
Structure of The Book Of Exodus · Salvation and liberation all happens before the law
If the law happens after deliverance / salvation, what then is the purpose of the law? · Response to God’s salvation
Thanksgiving [Reformed tradition]
How to live this saved life…
Gospel / Good News! [so much good news in the Bible—even the law!]
Gospel And Religion
“How Religion Works: If I obey, then God will love and accept me. The Gospel: I'm loved and accepted, therefore I wish to obey.”
Implications…
We are never meant to work for God’s approval
The law is for the redeemed
The law: new found freedom in Jesus Christ
Law as a gift, treasure
Psalm 119:174: “I long for your salvation, Lord, and your law gives me delight.”
The Law: The Good Life · For our good… o like broccoli is good for you? [oranges / grapes!] o like exercise is good for you?? [exercise you enjoy and done in community!]
Lent Challenge...
Reading The Law…