Exodus 20

Go Deep

(Exodus 20)

Try to name as many of the ten commandments as you can. How did you do?

Read Exodus 20:1-21. List general observations on the passage, the content of the commandments, and along with any questions these verses raise in your mind.

How do the commands in verses 2-11 differ from those in verses 12-17?

Which of the ten commandments do you think people today are most likely to think irrelevant or unimportant?

What is the problem with making graven images (Gen. 1:26; Romans 8:29)?

In Exodus 20:4, God describes himself as “a jealous God.” What does this mean?

What do you think it means to “misuse the name of the LORD” (to take his name “in vain”)?

What benefit could come out of the fourth command, the one about the Sabbath?

The final commandment (“You shall not covet”) addresses something that happens inside a person, in their mind and desires. Is it right – or helpful – to tell people what and what not to think? Explain your answer.

Do you think the ten commandments cover all areas of life?

The Christian is “not under law but under grace” (Romans 6:14). So, is there any reason to know and study the ten commandments? Are they binding on us?

In the big picture, why did God give the law, especially the ten commandments? Why did he only give it to Israel and not to everyone?

How would you respond to the idea that the ten commandments are just another list of “dos and don’ts” that fails to speak to real life?