The Ten Commandments represent God's gracious gift to Israel after delivering them from slavery, not a burden or test they had to pass to earn salvation. God first established His identity as their deliverer before giving the commandments, demonstrating the pattern of grace before law that continues in the Christian faith.

• God delivered Israel from slavery before giving them the Law, showing salvation comes from grace, not works
• The Law was a gift to help former slaves learn to function as a nation and relate to God and each other
• Before stating the first commandment, God reminds Israel "I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt"
• The first commandment—"have no other gods before me"—establishes the foundation for all other commandments
• The Law functions as both a map (showing how to live) and a mirror (revealing our imperfection and need for a Savior)
• Martin Luther said if you get the first commandment right, all others will fall into place
• Jesus didn't abolish the Law but fulfilled it, making a way for us to be righteous through Him
• We are not "mistakers in need of a life coach" but "sinners in need of a Savior"

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