Formed in Covenant Community
Exodus 20:8-18
Abby Odio, Pastor of Teaching and Formation, abbyo@churchbcc.org
In the midst of violence, greed, dehumanization and racism, the ten commandments are more than just a nice list of rules. Rather they paint a picture for us of God’s original intention for community and creation. The following observations help us to embody not just the rules of the law, but the very heart of God they represent:
- What is primary in us becomes pervasive through us.
- What is primary is revealed in community.
- We are formed in Christ
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Discussion Questions
Before questions, attempt to give the group a bit of a summary of the main points of the sermon and then choose a few questions that fit your group’s needs and style. We don’t intend for you to use all of these. Three to five questions may be a good number.
- Watch the video Pastor Richard shared in speaking out against hate and violence. Pause and pray as you feel led.
- Pastor Abby quotes Dallas Willard in saying “Familiarity breeds unfamiliarity”. What has become so common place that you’ve lost the deeper meaning or nuance of it?
- How can we, in response to God’s invitation as “priests” embody and help the world see God in the world through each other and creation? How does our role as priest compare to the priest in the parable of the Good Samaritan?
- In what ways are the commandments God’s way of correcting and healing the distortion brought about in Genesis 3? (Turn to Genesis 3 and read it in contrast to Exodus 20).
- We are reminded that Sabbath is just about the individual but extends to every person over whom you have influence. Who do you have influence over and could help influence in participating in the Sabbath?
- Read aloud Matthew 5:21 where Jesus says: “You have heard it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgement.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgement…” Matthew 5:21-22.
- How does Jesus increase the expectation here in comparison to what is written in Exodus?
- Consider the past year, the past week, what is most pervasive through your life? Through your story?
- What kind of love flows through you to the world? To family? To neighbor? To your enemy?
- Take a moment for silent reflection: Are you priest who mediates the love of God, or a priest who passes the neighbor on the roadside as we read in the parable of the Good Samaritan? Share with the group, without any shame; are there real-life examples where you’ve experienced a “roadside” moment such as that priest?