The Foundation and Purpose of God's Law

Text: Exodus 20:1–21 Preacher: Rev. Peter Dietsch Date: June 28, 2026

1. Introduction
   1. Preliminary framework: the law as the bestowing of rights
   2. The question before us
2. Two headings
   1. The Foundation of God's Law (Exod. 20:1–2)
   2. The preamble to the covenant
   3. The foundation of the law is God's love
   4. Two illustrations: The courtroom & The living room.
   5. Two mistakes concerning the believer's relation to the law
3. The Purpose of God's Law (Exod. 20:20)
   1. The setting: holy fear at Sinai
   2. A definition of love
   3. Three purposes, corresponding to three aspects of love
   4. Confirmed by Christ (Matt. 22:37–40)
   5. Summary of the two points
4. Conclusion: The Law as a Two-Way Mirror (James 1:23–25)