2. Week 6 The God Who Speaks and Acts a)The God Who Speaks (Ex. 20:1) – Setting is a covenant-making ceremony – This covenant is a confession of God’s redemptive activity and requires the response of His people – We are entering the “theocratic period” of Israel’s history – The men who speak for God are Moses, Joshua, and Samuel – The ten commandments reveal God’s moral nature and are designed to enable man to worship God

3. Week 6 The God Who Speaks and Acts b. The God Who Acts (Ex. 20:2) – The phrase “brought you out” speaks of redemptive activity – God is active in all of history, gathering His people – “Brought you to Myself” shows the personal provision of God – God’s people are to be a “kingdom of priests” – The law must be understood in the context of grace

4. Week 6 The God Who Speaks and Acts c. The Commandments Reveal the Nature of God and the Requirements for His People (Ex. 20:3) – God redeemed Israel to be the showcase of His greatness among the peoples of the earth – “Holy” means set apart for service and holy in behavior – The first four commandments focus on Israel’s undivided loyalty to the One True God – The final six commandments focus on man’s relationship to man

5. Week 6 The God Who Speaks and Acts d. A Modern-Day Priestly People – Peter applies the imagery of this passage to the church – Israel consumed God’s blessing rather than convey them