We've Just Begun - Love God First!
Introduction
God had promised Abraham and his descendents a unique relationship with Himself. He would be their God! Israel had just emerged from a long period of residence in Egypt where many gods were worshiped. Now they were bound for the land of Canaan whose people also had a multiplicity of gods. If there is one thing God is clear about, it is our relationship to Him, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." Exodus 20:3.
I. A demonstration of God’s Supreme Love, vs. 3.
A. The choice that loved, vs. 3.
"Thou"… vs. 3.
This is one of the strongest indications in the Bible that God has chosen and loved each one of us as individuals. The word "thou" is used in the second person singular. This means that God was not talking to a group or a nation as a whole, but rather to each one of His children. That clearly says, "I love you." This is described as a face-to-face meeting with each person individually; no one can deny the love that is expressed here. Listen, thou! The picture more vividly unfolds as a groom standing before his bride and calling her out to stand in covenant with him. Your obedience to God is one-on-one; it’s between you and God. Listen closely! He has chosen you! It’s a choice of love.
Not only do we see the choice that is loved, but also:
B. The choice that is limited, vs. 3.
…"shalt have no"… vs. 3.
Listen to this! God has limited us for our own good because of His supreme love. Why don’t you let your children play with guns, knives, scissors and matches? They must be limited because of your love. You have aa love that wants them protected from injury, danger and destruction. Guess what! God loves us so much He has to limit us in how we line up the gods in our lives. Notice something very important here. Its not Satan that keeps us from God; its us! We’re God’s greatest contender! His love is to us and to us alone; we shalt have no other gods before Him.
Not only do we see a demonstration of God’s supreme love, but also:
II. A demonstration of Our Supreme Love, vs. 3.
A. We are loyal to His position, vs. 3.
…"no other gods"… vs. 3.
Notice something very important! God illustrates there are other gods. Who are these other gods? Lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes. Get this great truth! There are other gods! I have no other women before my wife, but there are other women I love…my mom, my sister, my daughters-in-law – my sisters-in-law; but there are no other wives! I love none of the other women like I love Carol! I am loyal to her position as my bride. I can’t diminish that for one moment; if we ever do, disaster will step in.
Not only are we loyal to His position, but also:
B. We are loyal to His presence, vs. 3.
…"before me." vs. 3.
Literally it means, ..."before My face." Or, listen, it even means "besides Me"; no equal! The commandment before us today requires loyalty to God and to Jehovah God alone! Yes, there are other gods, but none like Him. Why carry on an affair with someone who is less than what you have? We are to be loyal to His presence. Let me ask you this, how many of us sinned while our parents looked on? How many of you would cheat on your spouse while they looked on? Listen to what God says in Hebrews 13:5, "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, 'I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.'"
This applies to His protection, but also clearly illustrates His presence. Could you put another god in your life as the God of life and love looked on? So many are guilty of breaking this commandment. Notice, if you would Revelation 2:4-5, "Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee; because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." This is our answer to breaking number one.