Clicky

What is the 1st Commandment in the Bible? – Viral Believer
Skip to content

What is the 1st Commandment in the Bible?

Introduction

As followers of Christ, we have a duty to understand and adhere to the principles laid out in the Holy Bible. Among these principles are the Ten Commandments, which serve as a foundational guide for our relationship with God and one another.

It is crucial that we not only know these commandments but also strive to live by them in our daily lives. The First Commandment, in particular, is a cornerstone of our faith and sets the stage for the rest of the commandments.

In this blog post, we will delve into the meaning and significance of the First Commandment, as well as explore the broader context in which it was given.

We will examine the relevant scripture passages, focusing on the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible, and discuss how the First Commandment is still relevant for Christians today. By understanding the importance of this commandment, we can deepen our relationship with God and grow in our faith.

The Context of the Ten Commandments

Before we discuss the First Commandment, it is important to understand the context in which it was given. The Ten Commandments, also known as the Decalogue, were given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai. They are found in two places in the Bible: Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21.

These commandments serve as a moral code and a covenant between God and His people, the Israelites.

The Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for generations, and God chose Moses to lead them to freedom. After their miraculous escape from Egypt and journey through the wilderness, the Israelites arrived at Mount Sinai, where God established a covenant with them.

This covenant was based on the Ten Commandments, which outlined the basic principles of their relationship with God and each other.

The First Commandment: “You shall have no other gods before Me.”

The First Commandment is stated in Exodus 20:3 (NKJV):

“You shall have no other gods before Me.”

This commandment establishes the foundation for the entire covenant between God and His people. It asserts the monotheistic nature of the Israelite faith and underscores the importance of putting God first in our lives.

The First Commandment highlights the exclusivity of our relationship with God. In the ancient world, it was common for people to worship multiple gods, each associated with different aspects of life. However, the God of Israel is different.

He is the one true God, the Creator of heaven and earth, and He demands our complete loyalty and devotion.

Why is the First Commandment Important?

The First Commandment is essential for several reasons:

  1. It establishes the identity of the true God: This commandment makes it clear that there is only one true God, the God of Israel, who is the Creator and Sustainer of all things.
  2. It sets the foundation for a proper relationship with God: By putting God first and recognizing His authority, we can build a strong and meaningful relationship with Him.
  3. It exposes false gods and idolatry: The First Commandment calls us to examine our lives and identify any false gods or idols that we may be placing before the true God.

False Gods and Idolatry Today

While most of us do not worship physical idols made of wood or stone, we can still fall prey to the sin of idolatry. In today’s world, false gods can take many forms, such as money, power, fame, or even relationships.

When we prioritize these things above our relationship with God, we are, in essence, worshiping false gods.

It is crucial for Christians to examine their lives regularly and identify any areas where they may be placing something or someone before God. This can be a challenging process, but it is essential for our spiritual growth and maintaining a healthy relationship with our Creator.

Practical Ways to Put God First

In order to live out the First Commandment in our daily lives, here are some practical steps we can take:

  1. Prayer and Meditation: Spending time in prayer and meditating on God’s Word helps us maintain a close connection with Him and prioritize our relationship with Him.
  2. Worship: Regularly attending worship services and engaging in personal worship through song, prayer, and reflection reminds us of God’s importance in our lives.
  3. Serving Others: When we serve others in the name of Christ, we are putting God first by demonstrating His love and compassion to those around us.
  4. Stewardship: Being responsible stewards of our time, talents, and resources is another way to put God first in our lives. This means using what we have been given to honor Him and serve His Kingdom.
  5. Bible Study: Regularly reading and studying the Bible helps us grow in our understanding of God’s character and His will for our lives.

The First Commandment and the Greatest Commandment

It is worth noting that when Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment in the Law, He responded with two commandments that encompass the essence of the First Commandment. In Matthew 22:37-40 (NKJV), Jesus says:

“‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

By loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, we are living out the First Commandment and placing God above all else in our lives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the First Commandment is the foundation of our faith and the basis for our relationship with God. By recognizing the one true God and putting Him first in our lives, we can develop a deep and meaningful connection with our Creator.

As Christians, it is essential that we examine our lives and identify any false gods or idols that may be taking precedence over our relationship with God. Through prayer, worship, service, stewardship, and Bible study, we can strive to put God first and live out the First Commandment in our daily lives.

By understanding and adhering to the First Commandment, we not only honor God but also prepare our hearts and minds for the other commandments that follow. As followers of Christ, let us continue to seek a deeper understanding of God’s Word and strive to live out His commandments in all aspects of our lives.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.