Bible Notes - The Ten Commandments

Exodus 20:4-6 The second commandment

What is defined by this commandment?
If the first commandment tells us who is to be worshipped, the second tells us how. The one determines the other. The nature of God dictates what is the appropriate method of coming to him. He is spirit, so must be worshipped in spirit. Any form of physical intermediary is banned, but our fallen nature tends to erect them. We must submit to God's instructions about how to worship him.

What is expected by this commandment?
Retain a clear view of God. God has chosen to reveal himself in a certain way and we should not attempt to modify it to make worship easier. A high view of God should result in an exalted form of worship.
Rely on the Holy Spirit. Our body is not the primary channel through which we worship God. It is our spirit. Our body can be activated by what our spirit is doing, but often our worship lacks a spiritual dimension. We must seek the help of the Holy Spirit in this and trust him to purify and convey to God the genuine and humble adoration of our heart. Worship is an act of giving not receiving.
Regular devotion to God. Our worship is not to be limited to the prescribed corporate gatherings agreed by the church. Our heart repeatedly and spontaneously should express its praise and thanksgiving to God. Our worship should be true to ourselves, sincere, and true to God: Christocentric.

What is prohibited by this commandment?
This commandment rejects any substitute that takes the place of God. This can happen in our personal life
when a dominant force becomes effectively an object of worship, e.g. family or career. It can happen
in our church life when our times of worship become dominated by music, fellowship or teaching, rather than God. God will seem distant, distorted or relegated when our sights are not clearly focused upon him.

What is revealed by this commandment?
The majesty of God. God is the Supreme Sovereign with the authority and ability to rule and expect obedience.
The affection of God. God has a jealous love for his people and is committed to caring for them exclusively and eternally.
The justice of God. Serious sin has serious consequences and God will not fail to punish those who reject him in this way.
The mercy of God. The blessing of God is bestowed generously upon those who show themselves to be committed to him.

Planning your Visit

Welcome from the Vicar

Let me welcome you to St John’s! I am so delighted you have found our web site. We are a Church family in Wimborne for anyone living, working or studying around this area. Whoever you are, whatever your age, whether you’re an experienced Christian or not, we would love you to join us.

From an intrigued onlooker to the committed follower we are keen that everyone should grow in relationship with God through knowing Jesus. To help us do that our emphasis is on hearing God speak to us by his Holy Spirit through his word, the Bible. Each of us knows that we only grow in a relationship with someone and get to know them when we spend time listening to them and responding and reacting to what they say. So the focus of St John’s is on listening to God’s word, talking to him in prayer and taking up all that he says.

The Church family here at St John’s longs to help anyone who wants to investigate the life of Jesus. On this site you will find people, meetings, talks and events shaped to help you take another step forward in finding out more about God and his love for us in Jesus, and to help you get linked into the church family life.

I do hope I will have the opportunity to meet you personally in the very near future and that you will quickly feel at home at St John’s.

Revd. Peter Breckwoldt