Introduction

Good morning, beloved family of God. It's a joy to gather together, united in spirit and purpose, to delve into the richness of God’s Word. Today, we are setting our sights on a passage that, at first glance, may seem complex, even daunting. But fear not, for we are not alone in this endeavor. We are guided by the Holy Spirit, and we have the wisdom of those who have gone before us, those who have wrestled with these same scriptures and shared their insights for our benefit.

We turn our attention to the book of Exodus, specifically chapter 21, verses 1 through 36. This passage, my friends, is a treasure trove of wisdom. It speaks to us about the consequences of our actions, the commandments and their importance, and the covenant laws in Exodus.

In the words of the esteemed Martin Luther, "Virtually the whole of the scriptures and the understanding of the whole of theology—the entire Christian life, even—depends upon the true understanding of the law and the gospel." So, let us approach this passage with reverence and a heart open to learning, allowing the power of God to work within us.

Let's read the passage together [read text].

This passage continues on, detailing various laws and consequences, but for today, we will focus on these initial verses and the truths they reveal about our actions, God's commandments, and His covenant laws.

Consequences of Our Actions

As we look at the passage from Exodus, we see a clear picture of how our actions have consequences. This is not a new idea, but it is one that is often overlooked in our modern society. We live in a world where we are constantly bombarded with messages of instant gratification and the idea that we can do whatever we want without any repercussions. But the Bible tells us a different story.

In the first verse of the passage, we see a Hebrew slave who has served his master for six years. According to the law, he is to be set free in the seventh year. This is a clear consequence of his actions. He has fulfilled his obligation and now he is to be rewarded for his hard work and dedication.

But the passage goes on to describe a more complex situation. If the slave is given a wife and she bears him children, the wife and children belong to the master. The slave has a choice to make. He can choose to leave his family and go out on his own, or he can choose to stay with his family and continue to serve his master. This is a difficult decision, and it is a clear consequence of his actions.

Later points out a situation where the slave chooses to stay with his master. In this case, the master is to bring him before God and mark him as a slave forever. This is a serious consequence, and it is a clear result of the slave's decision.

In each of these situations, the slave's actions have direct consequences. He is not free to do whatever he wants without any repercussions. His decisions have a direct impact on his life and the lives of those around him.

Commandments and Their Importance

As we continue to examine this passage, we find ourselves confronted with the commandments and their importance ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO