Introduction
Since God has created us and is the only one who can give lasting help and eternal salvation, we should learn to love Him with all our heart, soul and mind, as He commands (Matthew 22:37). The First Table of the Law, the first three commandments, tells us how we are to love Him. The First Commandment requires that we fear, love and trust in God alone and turn away from other gods or idols.
The First Commandment and Its Meaning
You shall have no other gods.
What does this mean?
We should fear, love and trust in God above all things.
- Who is the one true God?
The one true God is the Triune God, who reveals Himself in His Word as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. (See Question 108.)
- Of what do people make false gods?
People make false idols of- themselves,
- other persons, and
- other created things.
Bible Example: Nebuchadnezzar in his pride forgot God
Bible Example: Pilate followed the voice of the people.
Bible Example: The rich young ruler thought more of his worldly goods than of following Christ.
Bible Example: The people worshiped Baal. - Whom do all those serve who have other gods?
All those who have other gods serve the devil. - How do we fear God above all things?
We fear God above all things when we are afraid of His punishment and when we honor and respect Him so much that we will not want to sin against Him.
Bible Example: Joseph showed true fear toward God.
Bible Example: Adam showed slavish fear toward God. - How do we love God above all things?
We love God above all things by desiring Him more than anything else in heaven or on earth, so that we cling to Him with our whole heart and gladly do His will.
Bible Example: Abraham loved God more than his son. - How do we trust in God above all things?
We trust in God above all things by relying on Him and His promises for salvation with our whole heart, and bringing all our troubles and needs to Him.
Bible Example: Abraham relied on the promises of God.
Conclusion
The First Commandment is the Great Commandment of the Law, for only those who fear and love God can keep His other commandments. But all people, in one way or another, have feared and loved other things more than God, and thus deserve the wages of sin, which is death. We can be saved only by believing in the Savior, Jesus Christ, who has kept all the commandments for us (active obedience) and suffered the punishment for our sins (passive obedience).
Hymn
Ye lands, to the Lord make a jubilant noise;
Glory be to God!
Oh, serve Him with joy, in His presence now rejoice;
Sing praise unto God out of Zion!
Not we, but the Lord is our Maker, our God;
Glory be to God!
His people we are, and the sheep led by His rod;
Sing praise unto God out of Zion. (ELH 56:1, 2).
Bible Readings
At home:
In class: