Covenant of Obedience by Dr. Thomas Chung dated 13.4.14

This sermon is based on Exodus 20:1-19

From Genesis to Revelation we see God’s promises to man.  Those promises that were special were called “covenants”.  There were ten covenants.  All covenants are promises of God, but not all promises are covenants. 

 

The first covenant was made with Noah, the covenant of mercy.  Covenant of inheritance was made with Abraham.  God promised to Abraham He will bless all his descendants.  God promised to the Christians inheritance of God.

Covenant God made with Moses

This is the only covenant that came with a title deed.  This title deed that was written by the finger of God.  The ten commandments were said to be written in duplicate on two stone tablets.  Why ?  Because title deeds usually come in duplicates.  

Deuteronomy 9:9-16 about Moses receiving the ten commandments. 

Warning of God of the consequence of disobedience and blessing if we obey.  

3 Things when Jesus died

1. God carried our sins
2. He was made sin
3. He was made a curse.

Four of the commands were about relation with God.  Six of the commands about relation with man.

1. V 3 “You shall have no other gods before^[a] me.” – God demands our exclusive worship and submission.  We should not worship any other gods. 
2.  V4 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.” – again not making idols and worship them.
3. V5 “You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,” – not to bow before idols
4. V 7 “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.” – not to take God’s name in vain.  E.g Hollywood movies use name of God as curse word.
5. V 11 – Works of God, He rested on the seventh day the Sabbath day.  Keeping Sabbath in respect of the Creation of God.  Psalm 92:5 – Creation testified to God’s works. 

Six relationships with each other

1. Honour your parents V.12
2. Respect for life V.13
3. Sanctity of marriage V.14
4. Honesty and integrity V.15
5. Respect for truth and justice V.16
6. Not coveting your neighbours V.17

Roman 3:20 – through the laws we are made aware of our sins.  The laws came from God.  Not that the laws are no good, but that we are sinners.  Roman 7:24 we are wretched man.  Only Jesus can rescue us from death.