This exposition of Exodus 20:18-21 by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, May 12, 2019.
Intro:
Smoke and fire billowed from the top of the mountain. Flashes of lightening and peals of thunder shook the earth. The voice of God melted their hearts with fear.
[sections collapse="always"][section title="Read More"]
The ground quaked beneath their feet and there was the blast of a ram’s horn. The people were terrified and I don’t blame them, I would have trembling too. They were in the presence of the One, true and living God. Every now and then I come across someone who wishing they could hear God’s voice. They wish they could encounter God - then they would believe. Encountering the God of the Bible is not for the faint of heart. In Scripture anyone who got even a glimpse of his glory was gripped with fear. Our text this morning is found in Exodus chapter 20 beginning with verse 18.
Text: Exodus 20:18-21
The children of Israel were enslaved in Egypt for 430 years.
Jacob and his descendants went to Egypt originally to escape a famine.
God had providentially placed Joseph in leadership in order to spare the line on Jacob.
After a time a pharaoh came to power who “knew not Joseph” that is didn’t honor Joseph.
The descendants of Joseph and his family were enslaved.
They cried out to God for deliverance - 430 years is a long time to wait for answer to prayer!
God heard their cries and he sent a deliverer.
Through a series of judgments God brought Israel out of bondage and led them to his mountain.
Gathered at the foot of Mt. Sinai the people listened as God thundered his commands.
“This is the life I expect from you,” - this is the life that pleases me.
The Law is not a path or means of salvation - it is a mirror that reveals our sin. Its intent is to cause us to see our need of a Savior. The apostle Paul says it is a teacher that leads us/guides us to Christ.
“I am the Lord your God who brought you up out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery - have no gods but me, make no images of me, do not misuse my name, remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy, honor your father and mother, do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not covet your neighbor’s wife, his male servant, his female servant, his ox, his donkey or anything that is your neighbor’s!
The first 9 forbid certain acts, the 10th forbids a state of mind.
How did Israel react to these demands?
[Read the text]
As we work our way through this passage we discover that…
Thesis: “The Law’s terrifying revelation of our sin drives us into the assuring embrace of the one true Mediator.”
There are three things I want us to note from this passage.
- The Law exposes our guilt before a holy and righteous God. (Exodus 20:18)
- Our guilt reveals our desperate need for a mediator. (Exodus 20:19-21)
- The gospel reveals the One and only Mediator between sinful men and a holy God. (Hebrews 12:18-24)
Conclusion:
One day you will stand before God in his holiness and give an account for your life. You will either represent yourself or you will have the mediator represent you. You know what they say about a lawyer who has himself for a client - that is especially true in this matter. To stand before God on your own merit is to be damned because you stand condemned already. But for those who flee to Christ - there is no condemnation (Ro 8:1).
Once you come to Christ he cleanses you, makes you free and instructs you in the ways of the LORD. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)
The law exposes your guilt before a holy and righteous God; your guilt reveals your desperate need for a mediator; the gospel reveals the One and only Mediator between sinful men and a holy God. That is how the law’s terrifying revelation of your sin drives you into the assuring embrace of the one true Mediator.
[/section][/sections]