Let us again remind ourselves of 2 Timothy 3:16-17.. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Whatever God says, it is useful for us (2 Timothy 3:16-17)! And so, as we noted last week, even though God spoke directly to the Hebrews in the Book of Exodus, we can learn much about God and what the right things to do are. God gave general laws called the 10 Commandments in Exodus 20. We noted that all 10 Commandments apply to us through Christ! In Exodus 21-30 God gives the Hebrews of old the details of His Commandments and the consequences for not following those Laws. What can we learn from these details? God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow!
Open your Bibles to Exodus 22……Let us continue to hear from God and learn. I asked Tim Jaenchen to read for us this morning….
v1-7: there are consequences for stealing animals and starting fires
What is God’the general Biblical Principle here do you think??
God cares and protects people’s possessions! I always bring this up to people who believe human beings simply evolved; if people just evolved then the law of survival of the fittest applies; we should just grab whatever we want then! People are created in the image of God and so most people have respect for other people and their possessions! But again, people are prone to sin and therefore God gives laws as reminders of the right things to do! God’s instructions are for our benefit!
v8-9: As we had noted already from Exodus 21, God calls on community involvement and leadership! And so we are to note: Society and Government are part of God’s plan, the problem of course is our sins!
Now, look again at v10-11; if something tragic happened but there were no witnesses, what is to be done??
And so, what 2 things can be said about God from v10-11??
a. God sees everything!
b. God will take care of injustice if brought up to Him!
v16-17: God protects women!
v18: Sorcery is calling on the involvement of demons (anti-God)!
What 2 important truths can we note from this verse??
a. demonic spirits can be called!
b. God detests people calling on demons!
v19-20: 2 more evil things detestable to God – bestiality and pagan worship!
v20-27: Respect all people and their possessions!
v23-24, & 27?? – God hears people’s cries to Him and He will respond with compassion!
v28-31: Worship God properly and with holiness in everything!
How do we Christians today relate to all of this?
God close the chapter for the Hebrews in v31, "You are to be my holy people!” What about us today? Turn with me to 1 Peter 2….. read along with me v9-17……
You can highlight what we need to do as a Holy People today in 1 Peter 2:9-17!
Before we celebrate with Communion, take a moment to quietly pray to the Lord in recommitting yourself to holiness!
