Jordon Gilmore

This Week’s Focus: The First Two Commandments

1. No other gods before Me
2. Do not make idols

These are the foundation of our relationship with God—who He is, and who He alone deserves to be in our lives.

1. “No Other Gods”

Exodus 20:2–3

Key Truths:

• God begins by declaring relationship — “I am your God.”
• He is both Savior and Deliverer (for Israel, from Egypt; for us, from sin).
• Because of that deliverance, He alone deserves our worship and trust.

Why This Commandment Matters:

1. We misplace our trust — putting hope in people, money, or even ourselves.
   • “The universe” won’t bless you; only God can.
2. We dishonor God — by giving His glory to someone or something else.
   • Just as we expect a “thank you,” God deserves the credit for every good thing.
3. We mislead others — by exalting ourselves instead of pointing to Him.
   • Our lives should reflect His glory, not ours.

Scriptural Insight:

• Hebrews 11:6: “He that comes to God must believe that He is…”
• Proverbs 9:10: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…”

Everything begins with acknowledging who God is and giving Him His rightful place.

Practical Reflection:

• Do I ever exalt someone (or myself) above God’s Word?
• Have I taken credit for what God has done?
• Am I trusting my own understanding or submitting to His?

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…” — Proverbs 3:5–6

2. “No Idols”

Exodus 20:4–6

“You shall not make for yourself a carved image… you shall not bow down to them or serve them…”

Key Truths:

• An idol is anything—object, idea, or desire—that we exalt or depend on more than God.
• God warns of the generational consequences of idolatry, but also of generational blessing for obedience.
  • Punishment: to the 3rd and 4th generation
  • Blessing: to thousands of generations

What Idolatry Looks Like:

• Old Testament: Carved images, false gods, and altars.
• Today: Money, work, relationships, success, control, or even ministry itself.

Example 1: The Golden Calf (Exodus 32:1–6)

• While Moses met with God, the people grew anxious.
• They demanded something to see and touch — a substitute for God’s presence.
• They made a golden calf and called it God.

Lesson:
When we can’t “see” God working, we’re tempted to create something to worship instead.
Our anxiety often leads us to build idols of control, comfort, or distraction.

Example 2: Solomon’s Downfall (1 Kings 11:1–14)

• The wisest man alive fell into idolatry through misplaced love.
• His foreign wives turned his heart toward their gods.
• His devotion drifted from the Lord—and the nation paid the price.

Lesson:
Even wisdom and success don’t protect us from idolatry if our hearts are divided.
What we love most will ultimately shape what we worship most.

Takeaway: A Personal Inventory

• Who or what is seated in the place of God in your life?
• Do your trust and decisions reflect God as first?
• Are you passing down a legacy of worship or of misplaced priorities?

“God is a jealous God — but His love and blessing extend to thousands who love Him and keep His commandments.”