Read Romans 3:20–24. Though Paul is very clear that we cannot be saved by keeping the Ten Commandments, how then should the commandments function in our lives?
The law of God reveals God’s character, who He is. As God is holy, righteous, and good, so also is His law. Paul confirms: “So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good” (Rom. 7:12, ESV).
Read Exodus 20:1–17. What are the principles of the Decalogue, and how is it organized?
Note that the Decalogue does not begin with the commands but with God’s gracious action for His people:
“ ‘I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery’ ” (Exod. 20:2, NIV). The Lord first shows His grace by giving freedom and salvation to Israel, and only then does He reveal His will. These commandments were to be observed out of love and gratitude for what God did for them.
Moses was visited by Jethro, his father-in-law, who is also called Reuel (Exod. 2:18). Jethro brought with him Moses’ wife, Zipporah, and two sons, Gershom and Eliezer. When Moses heard that they were coming, he went out to welcome them.
Read Exodus 18:1–27. What major steps in the history of the nation took place here?
In the wilderness, you need plenty of water. God took care of this problem, even though the people were quarrelsome, did not trust Him, and even tested His ability and willingness to give them water. In their unbelief, they looked back to Egypt.
Read Exodus 17:1–7. What lesson should the people have learned from this incident?
