Relating to God

Since God is God, He gets to determine how He relates to His Creation. Sometimes people say “My God wouldn’t do that, or expect this, or fill in the blank.” The moment you say “your God” would or wouldn’t do something that goes against the Scripture, you have created a god in your own image.

We have to understand that God is a God who reveals Himself and His will to us. He does this through His Word.

What a blessing it is know that God (who could remain silent and allusive has revealed Himself to us. He wants us to know about Him and wants us to know Him.

Deuteronomy 5:7–11 HCSB

Do not have other gods besides Me. Do not make an idol for yourself in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth. You must not bow down to them or worship them, because I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the fathers’ sin to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing faithful love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commands. Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God, because the Lord will not leave anyone unpunished who misuses His name.

even though the law was given to the people of Israel who entered into covenant relationship with Him at Mt. Sinai, the principles apply to the New TEstament church as well

God expects my complete allegiance

Deuteronomy 5:7 HCSB

Do not have other gods besides Me.

God makes no room for duel allegiances.

He’s not one among many. As it will be stated in chapter 6 He is ONE.

He will not share his power, authority, glory, or jurisdiction with another.

If you seek to have God and anything else on equal status, one will eventually occupy first place.

Matthew 6:24 HCSB

“No one can be a slave of two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot be slaves of God and of money.

Don’t make an idol

Don’t bow down to an idol

Don’t worship an idol

Deuteronomy 5:8–9 HCSB

Do not make an idol for yourself in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth. You must not bow down to them or worship them, because I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the fathers’ sin to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,

Why?

Because God has no intention of sharing His “Godness” with anyone else.

Disobedience will extend a curse, and obedience will extend a blessing.

There is often discussion about “generational curses” and many books have been written on the subject.

It is not my intent to dissect all that but I think we can look and see that thing good or bad can be passed on to the future generations.

What we prioritize, we can expect to take root in the next generation.

What are your kids watching you idolize?

God expects me to represent Him well

Deuteronomy 5:11 HCSB

Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God, because the Lord will not leave anyone unpunished who misuses His name.

This can be viewed as a flippant attitude toward God’s name in oaths or vows. “I swear”

This can be viewed as prohibiting “cussing” with the Lord’s name attached to it.

But its more than that. Both Israel and the Church bear God’s name.

This command could be interpreted this way. Do not bear God’s name emptily.

It comes from a slave being branded with the name of his owner.

When you become a follower of Jesus you claim him as your owner, and accept the role of His representative in the world.

Applications:

Has there been a time where you have given your very being to Christ and surrendered to Him?

Do you realize the power of knowing God’s Word and therefore seeking God’s will in your life? Are you spending time in His word everyday getting to know Him better?

Does he have your complete allegiance, or do you have a divided heart? Why not return to Him as your first love today?