Sunday School Lesson September 6, 2020

Subject: Place God First

The Point: God is to have first place in every aspect of life.

The Passage: Exodus 20:1-6, Psalm 16:1-4a, 9-11

Study The Bible: Exodus 20:1-6

1). God Is to Be First Because He Alone Is God.

1. Then God spoke all these words.
2. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery.
3. Do not have other gods besides me.
4. Do not make an idol for yourself, whether in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth.
5. Do not bow in worship to them, and do not serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the fathers’ iniquity, to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me,
6. but showing faithful love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commands.

Lasting truths from Exodus 20:1-6

• The Lord alone is worthy of worship because He alone is God.
• The Lord alone is worthy of worship because He delivers or saves us.
• The Lord alone is worthy of worship because He loves us and acts in our best interests.

2). God Is to Be First Because He Alone Is Good and Completely Trustworthy.

Psalm 16:1-4a

1. Protect me, God, for I take refuge in you.
2. I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have nothing good besides you.”
3. As for the holy people who are in the land, they are the noble ones. All my delight is in them.

4a. The sorrows of those who take another god for themselves will multiply.

Lasting truths from Psalm 16:1-4a

• Believers can take refuge in the Lord.
• When facing crises, we can take courage from the examples of faithful believers.
• When facing temptation, we need to affirm the Lord as the source of deliverance because He alone I good and completely trustworthy.
• To choose to worship gods other than the Lord is to ultimately invite turmoil.

3). God It to Be First Because He Alone Is The Way to Eternal Life.

Psalm 16:9-11

9. Therefore my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices; my body also rests securely.
10. For you will not abandon me to Sheol; you will not allow your faithful one to see decay.
11. You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.

Lasting truths from Psalm 16:9-11

• A personal relationship with the Lord brings abundant joy.
• God has revealed the way to experience meaningful lives both now and eternally.
• For believers death is not the end but only the beginning of real living.

Live It Out

As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions.

1. What three personal characteristics or habits could lead someone observing your lifestyle to conclude that you place God first?
2. Name one individual whose example motivates you to put God first. What specifically about that person’s example does so?
3. Evaluate your daily routine. In what ways do you need to be more focused on placing God first? For example, do you need to be more disciplined in prayer and Bible study?
4. List one action you will take this week that demonstrates your recommitment to place God first.