The Ten Commandments

The First Commandment What does this mean? We are to fear, love, and trust God above all things. You shall have no other gods.

Exodus 32 NRSV ERV NRSV ERV Summarize the Bible passage. Why did the people mold the golden calf? Why was God angry? What different idols do people have in their lives? (what do people “fear, love & trust?”) What idols tempt you? How do you try to keep the 1 st commandment?

The Second Commandment What does this mean? We are to fear and love God, so that we do not curse, swear, practice magic, lie, or deceive using God's name, but instead use that very name in every time of need to call on, pray to, praise, and give thanks to God. You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God.

Exodus 3: &version=NRSV &version=NRSV What name did God give for Himself? To this day, strict Jews are not permitted to say the formal name of God (Yahweh), but instead substitute ‘LORD’ (Adonai) when reading passages with God’s name. Why do you think they do this? How would you feel if people hollered “Oh, (insert your name)” any time they were upset? Name some appropriate ways to use God’s name. Discuss with a parent or mentor.

The Third Commandment Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. What does this mean? We are to fear and love God, so that we do not despise preaching or God's word, but instead keep that word holy and gladly hear and learn it.

Genesis 2:1-3; Hebrews 4: &version=NRSV &version=ERV 11&version=NRSV 11&version=ERV What are some ways you devote time & energy to God’s Word? Tally up how you spent your time (168 hrs) in this past week using the google.doc chart. How did you spend the most of your time? The least? Did anything surprise you? Why is it important to listen to God’s Word and learn it? Ask a parent, grandparent or mentor for their opinion.

The Fourth Commandment Honor your father and your mother. What does this mean? We are to fear and love God, so that we neither despise nor anger our parents and others in authority, but instead honor, serve, obey, love, and respect them.

Ephesians 6: Summarize the Bible passage. How do you struggle to honor those in authority? What role have parents been given in the lives of their children? What does God expect of parents? What does God expect of children? How do we heal relationships when we don’t live up to those expectations?

The Fifth Commandment You shall not murder. What does this mean? We are to fear and love God, so that we neither endanger nor harm the lives of our neighbors, but instead help and support them in all of life's needs.

Genesis 4:2-16; Luke 10: &version=NRSV &version=MSG 37&version=NRSV 37&version=MSG What is your immediate reaction to comparing the 2 pictures? Why do you think God may have protected Cain? How can not helping contribute to hurting someone? Discuss with a teacher what it means to be a “mandatory reporter” in Minnessota. Who is your neighbor?

The Sixth Commandment You shall not commit adultery. What does this mean? We are to fear and love God, so that we lead pure and decent lives in word and deed, and each of us loves and honors his or her spouse.

Mark 10:6-9; Matthew 5: &version=NRSV &version=MSG 28&version=NRSV 28&version=MSG How would you define adultery? How does Luther define adultery? Who does Jesus say commits adultery? Are you capable of committing adultery? Are all of your thoughts & actions “pure & decent”?

The Seventh Commandment You shall not steal. What does this mean? We are to fear and love God, so that we neither take our neighbors' money or property nor acquire them by using shoddy merchandise or crooked deals, but instead help them to improve and protect their property and income.

Leviticus 6: Summarize the Bible passage. A raccoon pretending to be a cat may be funny, but what are some ways people pretend to be someone they are not to get stuff? How can you help others protect what is theirs? How can you help them protect their jobs?

The Eighth Commandment You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. What does this mean? We are to fear and love God, so that we do not tell lies about our neighbors, betray or slander them, or destroy their reputations. Instead we are to come to their defense, speak well of them, and interpret everything they do in the best possible light.

Luke 22: How did Peter’s denial (false witness) hurt Jesus? How did it hurt Peter? How do you feel when people are talking about you behind your back? When has either not telling the truth or gossiping hurt someone else? When has it hurt you?

The Ninth Commandment You shall not covet your neighbor's house. What does this mean? We are to fear and love God, so that we do not try to trick our neighbors out of their inheritance or property or try to get it for ourselves by claiming to have a legal right to it and the like, but instead be of help and service to them in keeping what is theirs.

The Tenth Commandment You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor. What does this mean? We are to fear and love God, so that we do not entice, force, or steal away from our neighbors their spouses, household workers, or livestock, but instead urge them to stay and fulfill their responsibilities to our neighbors.

Mark 12: What is the main difference between the 9 th & 10 th commandments? What does ‘covet’ mean? How does ‘covettin’ lead to other sins?

What then does God say about all these commandments? God says the following: "I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments." What does this mean? God threatens to punish all who break these commandments. Therefore we are to fear his wrath and not disobey these commandments. However, God promises grace and every good thing to all those who keep these commandments. Therefore we also are to love and trust him and gladly act according to his commands.