The Ten Words (Part 2): Boxing in Our Imaginations

TO START: In The Ten Words series, we explore the personal and practical foundations God gives in the Exodus story, often known as the Ten Commandments.

In the second message, we explore how idols are created things we expect to deliver what only the Creator can. God cautions us that every idol ends up shaped by us and for us, drawing our devotion away from the Living God. The good news is that Jesus is the visible image of our zealous Father and leads us back to our Creator who faithfully provides what we truly need.

TO READ: Exodus 20:4-6

TO DISCUSS:

(1.) What was your most treasured childhood possession?

(2.) After reading Exodus 20:1–6, how would you describe the difference between the first word (v.3) and the second word (v.4)?

(3.) Share a time when one of life’s common idols (money, image, family, religion, friendships) promised more than it could deliver.

(4.) What is something about Jesus that doesn’t line up with what you would naturally want or imagine?

(5.) What’s an idol of your heart that you prayerfully long for others to not pick up from you?

TO CLOSE/TO PRAY: 

Leader: “Before God gave instructions, He gave relationship. Let’s quiet our hearts and remember who God is.” (Pause 30 seconds)

Leader (reads Exodus 20:4): “You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above or that is on the earth beneath or that is in the water under the earth.”

Leader: “Lord, we confess that we have put other things before you, as we quiet our hearts and listen to you, show us anything that has taken your place as an idol in our heart and mind” – (Pause 1 min)

Leader: Invite anyone who sensed an area to name it out loud in prayer. 

Leader: Close with a prayer like this, “Jesus, lead us away from what cannot give life. Restore our trust in you, alone. Teach us to love You first. We give ourselves back to you. Amen.”