Keynote speaker J. D. Greear discusses the authority of the Ten Commandments, their role in restoring order and freedom, connection to idolatry, and foundation in God's grace. The commandments challenge cultural ideals and guide us to live within God's design.
The preaching of the Ten Commandments challenges the prevailing cultural belief in personal autonomy and affirms their divine origin.
The commandments, grounded in God's gracious deliverance, provide a roadmap for living that leads to true freedom and fulfillment in God alone.
Deep dives
The Commandments as Authority from Above
The preaching of the Ten Commandments, despite their association with traditional morality, serves as a vital activity for this generation. These commandments, being an authority from above, challenge the prevailing cultural belief that truth is found within oneself. By proclaiming the commandments, we affirm their divine origin rather than evaluating their wisdom. Emphasizing the authority of God's commandments is crucial for teaching and guiding individuals in an age where personal autonomy is highly valued.
The Commandments as an Expression of Freedom
Contrary to the perception that the commandments bring bondage, they are actually an expression of freedom. Grounded in God's gracious deliverance of Israel, these commandments provide the framework for harmonious living in alignment with His design. They guide individuals towards righteousness, showing them the path to please God and experience true freedom. Preaching the commandments as a roadmap for living enables believers to understand that obedience to God's standards brings about true freedom.
The Commandments as a Prohibition against Idolatry
The first and the last commandments both address idolatry. Effectively, these commandments reveal that coveting and worshiping anything other than God is a form of idolatry. In a culture driven by comparison, envy, and the pursuit of personal satisfaction, these commandments strike a chord. Preaching the commandments exposes the futility of seeking meaning and significance in things that cannot fulfill, directing individuals towards finding true contentment and fulfillment in God alone.
The Commandments Growing out of Grace
While the commandments may seem daunting and impossible to fulfill, they are rooted in God's grace. His deliverance of Israel before giving the commandments emphasizes that obedience is a response to being accepted by God, not a means to earn acceptance. Jesus perfectly fulfilled the commandments on our behalf, and through faith in Him, we receive forgiveness and righteousness. Preaching the commandments as a mirror reveals our need for Christ and leads us to embrace the grace and mercy that He offers.
"The preaching of the Law is the schoolmaster that brings us to Christ again and again." – J. D. Greear
In his keynote message at TGC's 2023 conference, J. D. Greear teaches from Exodus 19-20 and derives four observations about the Ten Commandments, emphasizing their authority from God, their role in restoring order and true freedom, their connection to idolatry, and their foundation in God's grace. Greear's message highlights how these commandments challenge contemporary cultural ideals and serve as a guide to living within God's beautiful design.
Today’s episode features a keynote message from TGC’s 2023 conference. To access more TGC23 conference media and microevent sessions, visit tgc23.org/watch.
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