"You shall have no other gods"

1. We recognize the above statement as being the First Commandment of the Ten Commandments which God gave to his people in Deuteronomy 5. As Christians, we readily agree that we are to hold the First Commandment dear, and strive to follow its demands as God's faithful children, through Jesus Christ.

2. The First Commandment is significant because it is after all, the First Commandment. That Commandment stands first, because upon it, all the other Commandments rest. The Commandment stands first, because it addresses our relationship with the true God. If we are 'off-line' here, at the First Commandment, then how can we possibly be 'on-line', with any of the other Commandments that follow ?  While we agree that the First Commandment is important, how well do we follow the provisions of that Commandment in our daily lives ? What really is our default ?

Who really comes first in our lives and stands forth as God ? Do our thoughts and plans come first... or do we strive to make God's thoughts and plans (as he reveals them in his Word) first ? Who do we really measure everything and everybody by ? Do we ask how does this make me feel, and what does this do for me... or do we ask what does God say, and what will this do for his kingdom ?  Who determines what is best, proper, and right for us in Worship on Sunday, and in our daily life ? Does what I think and feel dictate what I say and do... or does what God says, and what God does, determine the preference ?  In reality, to whom do we bow, submit, serve ?  Is it self.. or is it God ?

3. Truly there is no other God- other than the One True Triune God- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. All other gods are of our making. All other gods are subject to our manipulation.  The One True Triune God clearly states in his Word, "I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God." [Isa 45:5] And, that same witness is repeated again and again in Holy Scripture, [Deu 4:35, 1 Kings 8:60, Dan 3:29, Isa 44, Isa 45 (4x), Isa 46, Mark 12:32, etc., etc.].

4. Why would the One True Triune God have us look to him alone ?  Because there is no other God. And since there is no other God, there is no other God who can save.  Because there is no other God, there is no other God who cares so much for you. Because there is no other God, there is no other God who has done so much for you (taken your flesh to himself for you - lived a perfect life for you - suffered, died, and was raised to new life for you.)

Because there is no other God, there is no other God who has accomplished so much for you (created, redeemed, and sanctified you) so that you may be in relationship with him this very day.  Because there is no other God, there is no other God who desires so much more for you, as you remain in relationship with him (that you enjoy heavenly bliss & eternally reign with him) for the sake of Jesus Christ.

5. There is no substitute for the One True Triune God. There is no substitute for living in an intimate personal relationship with him.  To live in relationship with him is to have eternal forgiveness, life, and salvation... to live out of relationship with him in the service of self is to be without forgiveness, without life, and without salvation.

6. There is always room for confession here at the very beginning of the Commandments. (relationship)  Confessing our sin to God and so receiving the forgiveness he provides in his Son, (to get up and start over again) truly fulfills the provisions of this the first of all Commandments  Here God is rightly considered and rightly worshiped as he is... the only true God, the only true God who forgives sin and makes all things new again, through Jesus Christ our Lord.