Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

A Gracious Redeemer

Bryan Schneider · September 4, 2021

Exodus 20:1-2

sharonrpc.org/sermons/a-gracious-redeemer

Summary

Exodus 20:1-2 is the indispensable preface to the Ten Commandments: the law begins with the identity and saving work of the Lawgiver.
The Lord identifies himself by his covenant name as the eternal, self-existent, unchanging, almighty, sovereign, and gracious God.
God depends on no creature, while every creature depends upon him for life, breath, being, and preservation.
Israel receives the commandments after God has redeemed the nation from slavery; obedience flows from deliverance rather than earning it.
The exodus anticipates the greater redemption accomplished by Jesus, who alone fulfilled the covenant of works and frees sinners from bondage.
Sin is therefore not merely rule-breaking but ingratitude toward the Redeemer who has already shown undeserved love.
Hearers are called to behold God as he reveals himself, remember his saving work, tremble before his holiness, and worship him alone with love and gratitude.

Why must Exodus 20:1-2 be read as the foundation of the Ten Commandments?
What does God's covenant name reveal about his self-existence, eternity, and faithfulness?
Why does God need nothing from the creatures he has made?
How should God's sovereignty and holiness shape worship rather than produce boredom or indifference?
What had God already done for Israel before commanding obedience at Sinai?
How does the order of redemption followed by obedience guard against salvation by works?
In what sense does every sin express ingratitude toward the Redeemer?
How does Israel's deliverance from Egypt point to Christ's deliverance of sinners from spiritual bondage?

Preface to the Decalogue: God's declaration of his identity and redemption in Exodus 20:1-2, which grounds the commandments that follow.
Covenant name: The name LORD, or Yahweh, by which God identifies himself as the faithful God of his people.
Aseity: God's self-existence and complete independence from every creature, so that he needs nothing outside himself.
Immutability: God's unchanging perfection and faithfulness in his being, character, word, and promises.
Redemption: God's act of delivering a people from bondage to belong to himself, fulfilled ultimately in Jesus Christ.
Covenant of grace: God's saving arrangement in which redemption is received by faith as his gift rather than earned by human obedience.
Gratitude: The thankful obedience that answers God's prior grace and saving work.