9Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! Fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, sodomites, 10thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, robbers—none of these will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
Thoughts: The Ten Commandments are divided into two tables- one about how to love God and the other in how to love neighbor. John Calvin rightly pointed out that for every negative command there was an implied positive. So, for instance, having no other Gods before the Lord not only forbids creating things to worship- or worshiping stuff- it also encourages us to put God first and give ourselves solely and devotedly to Him. In our day in America this is the commandment we struggle with most. Some say it is the key commandment for all time. We put money, stuff, business and things ahead of God. One of the hidden reasons some major businesses do not like religion is they would like to have primacy instead of faith. They would like to tell us what to value, while they tell us to not keep the Sabbath, that adultery is to be accepted as the new norm, and coveting is a wonderful past time. The worship of things leads us to an illusive nowhere that ends in death and the grave. Thinking that things- however creative, shiny, innovative, and new-- will bring ultimate peace and eternal life, is false worship and an afront to the real Creator and innovator.
Prayer: Keep me from thinking i can create you, Lord. Keep me from thinking I can make you in the way I want and instead give me listening and hopeful ears to hear your living voice.
Q & A 93
Q. How are these commandments divided?
A. Into two tables. The first has four commandments, teaching us how we ought to live in relation to God. The second has six commandments, teaching us what we owe our neighbor.1
Q & A 94
Q. What does the Lord require in the first commandment?
A. That I, not wanting to endanger my own salvation, avoid and shun all idolatry,1 sorcery, superstitious rites,2 and prayer to saints or to other creatures.3 That I rightly know the only true God,4 trust him alone,5 and look to God for every good thing6 humbly7 and patiently,8 and love,9 fear,10 and honor11 God with all my heart. In short, that I give up anything rather than go against God’s will in any way.12
1 1 Cor. 6:9-10; 10:5-14; 1 John 5:21
2 Lev. 19:31; Deut. 18:9-12
3 Matt. 4:10; Rev. 19:10; 22:8-9
4 John 17:3
5 Jer. 17:5, 7
6 Ps. 104:27-28; James 1:17
7 1 Pet. 5:5-6
8 Col. 1:11; Heb. 10:36
9 Matt. 22:37 (Deut. 6:5)
10 Prov. 9:10; 1 Pet. 1:17
11 Matt. 4:10 (Deut. 6:13)
12 Matt. 5:29-30; 10:37-39
2 Lev. 19:31; Deut. 18:9-12
3 Matt. 4:10; Rev. 19:10; 22:8-9
4 John 17:3
5 Jer. 17:5, 7
6 Ps. 104:27-28; James 1:17
7 1 Pet. 5:5-6
8 Col. 1:11; Heb. 10:36
9 Matt. 22:37 (Deut. 6:5)
10 Prov. 9:10; 1 Pet. 1:17
11 Matt. 4:10 (Deut. 6:13)
12 Matt. 5:29-30; 10:37-39
Q & A 95
Q. What is idolatry?
A. Idolatry is having or inventing something in which one trusts in place of or alongside of the only true God, who has revealed himself in the Word.1 1 1 Chron. 16:26; Gal. 4:8-9; Eph. 5:5; Phil. 3:19
[Pictures- Above left- Ba'al idol of Canaan; Above right- Apple watch]
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