YOG: The 10 Commandments

God’s love is not based on our obedience. Instead, our obedience is based on God’s love. God's law reveals God’s righteousness and holiness, and our sinfulness and need for a savior.

Agenda

Icebreaker Questions

Open in Prayer

Read Exodus 19-20

Heidelberg Catechism

Closing Questions

Christmas Dinner

Closing Prayer

Icebreaker

What are some rules you have in your home?

If you were president for a day, what is the first thing you would do?

Open in Prayer

Passage: Exodus 19-20

Exodus 19–20 (CSB)

In the third month from the very day the Israelites left the land of Egypt, they came to the Sinai Wilderness. They traveled from Rephidim, came to the Sinai Wilderness, and camped in the wilderness. Israel camped there in front of the mountain.

Moses went up the mountain to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain: “This is what you must say to the house of Jacob and explain to the Israelites: ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you will carefully listen to me and keep my covenant, you will be my own possession out of all the peoples, although the whole earth is mine, and you will be my kingdom of priests and my holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to say to the Israelites.”

After Moses came back, he summoned the elders of the people and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. Then all the people responded together, “We will do all that the Lord has spoken.” So Moses brought the people’s words back to the Lord.

The Lord said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear when I speak with you and will always believe you.” Moses reported the people’s words to the Lord, and the Lord told Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. They must wash their clothes and be prepared by the third day, for on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. Put boundaries for the people all around the mountain and say: Be careful that you don’t go up on the mountain or touch its base. Anyone who touches the mountain must be put to death. No hand may touch him; instead he will be stoned or shot with arrows and not live, whether animal or human. When the trumpet sounds a long blast, they may go up the mountain.”

Then Moses came down from the mountain to the people and consecrated them, and they washed their clothes. He said to the people, “Be prepared by the third day. Do not have sexual relations with women.”

On the third day, when morning came, there was thunder and lightning, a thick cloud on the mountain, and a very loud blast from a trumpet, so that all the people in the camp shuddered. Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke because the Lord came down on it in fire. Its smoke went up like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain shook violently. As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and God answered him in the thunder.

The Lord came down on Mount Sinai at the top of the mountain. Then the Lord summoned Moses to the top of the mountain, and he went up. The Lord directed Moses, “Go down and warn the people not to break through to see the Lord; otherwise many of them will die. Even the priests who come near the Lord must consecrate themselves, or the Lord will break out in anger against them.”

Moses responded to the Lord, “The people cannot come up Mount Sinai, since you warned us: Put a boundary around the mountain and consecrate it.” And the Lord replied to him, “Go down and come back with Aaron. But the priests and the people must not break through to come up to the Lord, or he will break out in anger against them.” So Moses went down to the people and told them.

Then God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery. Do not have other gods besides me. 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. Do not bow in worship to them, and do not serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, bringing the consequences of the fathers’ iniquity on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me, but showing faithful love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commands.

Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God, because the Lord will not leave anyone unpunished who misuses his name.

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy: You are to labor six days and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. You must not do any work—you, your son or daughter, your male or female servant, your livestock, or the resident alien who is within your city gates. For the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and everything in them in six days; then he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and declared it holy.

Honor your father and your mother so that you may have a long life in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

Do not murder.

Do not commit adultery.

Do not steal.

Do not give false testimony against your neighbor.

Do not covet your neighbor’s house. Do not covet your neighbor’s wife, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

All the people witnessed the thunder and lightning, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain surrounded by smoke. When the people saw it they trembled and stood at a distance. “You speak to us, and we will listen,” they said to Moses, “but don’t let God speak to us, or we will die.”

Moses responded to the people, “Don’t be afraid, for God has come to test you, so that you will fear him and will not sin.” And the people remained standing at a distance as Moses approached the total darkness where God was.

Then the Lord told Moses, “This is what you are to say to the Israelites: You have seen that I have spoken to you from heaven. Do not make gods of silver to rival me; do not make gods of gold for yourselves.

“Make an earthen altar for me, and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, your flocks and herds. I will come to you and bless you in every place where I cause my name to be remembered. If you make a stone altar for me, do not build it out of cut stones. If you use your chisel on it, you will defile it. Do not go up to my altar on steps, so that your nakedness is not exposed on it.

Questions from the Heidelberg Catechism

Historic Creeds and Confessions Question 92

What is the law of God?

God spake all these words, Exodus 20:1–17 and Deuteronomy 5:6–21, saying: I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

1st commandment: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

2nd commandment: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them; for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

3rd commandment: Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

4th commandment: Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

5th commandment: Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

6th commandment: Thou shalt not kill.

7th commandment: Thou shalt not commit adultery.

8th commandment: Thou shalt not steal.

9th commandment: Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

10th commandment: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.

Question 93

How are these commandments divided?

Into two tables; the first of which teaches us how we must behave towards God; the second, what duties we owe to our neighbour.b

Question 94

What does God enjoin in the first commandment?

That I, as sincerely as I desire the salvation of my own soul, avoid and flee from all idolatry, sorcery, soothsaying, superstition,b invocation of saints, or any other creatures; and learn rightly to know the only true God;d trust in him alone, with humilityf and patience submit to him; expect all good things from him only;h love, fear,j and glorify him with my whole heart; so that I renounce and forsake all creatures, rather than commit even the least thing contrary to his will.l

Question 95

What is idolatry?

Idolatry is, instead of, or besides that one true God, who has manifested himself in his word, to contrive, or have any other object, in which men place their trust.

LORD’S DAY 35

Question 96

What does God require in the second commandment?

That we in no wise represent God by images, nor worship him in any other way than he has commanded in his word.b

Question 97

Are images then not at all to be made?

God neither can, nor may be represented by any means: but as to creatures; though they may be represented, yet God forbids to make, or have any resemblance of them, either in order to worship them or to serve God by them.b

Question 98

But may not images be tolerated in the churches, as books to the laity?

No: for we must not pretend to be wiser than God, who will have his people taught, not by dump images, but by the lively preaching of his word.b

LORD’S DAY 36

Question 99

What is required in the third commandment?

That we, not only by cursing or perjury,b but also by rash swearing, must not profane or abuse the name of God; nor by silence or connivance be partakers of these horrible sins in others;d and, briefly, that we use the holy name of God no otherwise than with fear and reverence; so that he may be rightly confessedf and worshipped by us, and be glorified in all our words and works.h

Question 100

Is then the profaning of God’s name, by swearing and cursing, so heinous a sin, that his wrath is kindled against those who do not endeavour, as much as in them lies, to prevent and forbid such cursing and swearing?

It undoubtedly is, for there is no sin greater or more provoking to God, than the profaning of his name; and therefore he has commanded this sin to be punished with death.b

LORD’S DAY 37

Question 101

May we then swear religiously by the name of God?

Yes: either when the magistrates demand it of the subjects; or when necessity requires us thereby to confirm a fidelity and truth to the glory of God, and the safety of our neighbour: for such an oath is founded on God’s word, and therefore was justly used by the saints, both in the Old and New Testament.b

Question 102

May we also swear by saints or any other creatures?

No; for a lawful oath is calling upon God, as the only one who knows the heart, that he will bear witness to the truth, and punish me if I swear falsely; which honour is due to no creature.b

LORD’S DAY 38

Question 103

What does God require in the fourth commandment?

First, that the ministry of the gospel and the schools be maintained; and that I, especially on the sabbath, that is, on the day of rest, diligently frequent the church of God,b to hear his word, to use the sacraments,d publicly to call upon the Lord, and contribute to the relief of the poor.f Secondly, that all the days of my life I cease from my evil works, and yield myself to the Lord, to work by his Holy Spirit in me: and thus begin in this life the eternal sabbath.

LORD’S DAY 39

Question 104

What does God require in the fifth commandment?

That I show all honour, love and fidelity, to my father and mother, and all in authority over me, and submit myself to their good instruction and correction, with due obedience; and also patiently bear with their weaknesses and infirmities,b since it pleases God to govern us by their hand.

LORD’S DAY 40

Question 105

What does God require in the sixth commandment?

That neither in thoughts, nor words, nor gestures, much less in deeds, I dishonour, hate, wound, or kill my neighbour, by myself or by another: but that I lay aside all desire of revenge:b also, that I hurt not myself, nor wilfully expose myself to any danger. Wherefore also the magistrate is armed with the sword, to prevent murder.d

Question 106

But this commandment seems only to speak of murder?

In forbidding murder, God teaches us, that he abhors the causes thereof, such as envy, hatred,b anger, and desire of revenge; and that he accounts all these as murder.d

Question 107

But is it enough that we do not kill any man in the manner mentioned above?

No: for when God forbids envy, hatred, and anger, he commands us to love our neighbour as ourselves; to show patience, peace, meekness, mercy, and all kindness, towards him,b and prevent his hurt as much as in us lies; and that we do good, even to our enemies.d

LORD’S DAY 41

Question 108

What does the seventh commandment teach us?

That all uncleanness is accursed of God: and that therefore we must with all our hearts detest the same,b and live chastely and temperately, whether in holy wedlock, or in single life.d

Question 109

Does God forbid in this commandment, only adultery, and such like gross sins?

Since both our body and soul are temples of the holy Ghost, he commands us to preserve them pure and holy: therefore he forbids all unchaste actions, gestures, words, thoughts, desires,b and whatever can entice men thereto.

LORD’S DAY 42

Question 110

What does God forbid in the eighth commandment?

God forbids not only those thefts, and robberies,b which are punishable by the magistrate; but he comprehends under the name of theft all wicked tricks and devices, whereby we design to appropriate to ourselves the goods which belong to our neighbour: whether it be by force, or under the appearance of right, as by unjust weights, ells, measures, fraudulent merchandise,d false coins, usury, or by any other way forbidden by God; as also all covetousness,f all abuse and waste of his gifts.

Question 111

But what does God require in this commandment?

That I promote the advantage of my neighbour in every instance I can or may; and deal with him as I desire to be dealt with by others: further also that I faithfully labour, so that I may be able to relieve the needy.b

LORD’S DAY 43

Question 112

What is required in the ninth commandment?

That I bear false witness against no man, nor falsify any man’s words;b that I be no backbiter, nor slanderer; that I do not judge, nor join in condemning any man rashly, or unheard;d but that I avoid all sorts of lies and deceit, as the proper works of the devil, unless I would bring down upon me the heavy wrath of God;f likewise, that in judgment and all other dealings I love the truth, speak it uprightly and confess it; also that I defend and promote, as much as I am able, the horror and good character of my neighbour.h

LORD’S DAY 44

Question 113

What does the tenth commandment require of us?

That even the smallest inclination or thought, contrary to any of God’s commandments, never rise in our hearts; but that at all times we hate all sin with our whole heart, and delight in all righteousness.

Question 114

But can those who are converted to God perfectly keep these commandments?

No: but even the holiest men, while in this life, have only a small beginning of this obedience; yet so, that with a sincere resolution they begin to live, not only according to some, but all the commandments of God.b

Question 115

Why will God then have the ten commandments so strictly preached, since no man in this life can keep them?

First, that all our lifetime we may learn more and more to know our sinful nature, and thus become the more earnest in seeking the remission of sin, and righteousness in Christ;b likewise, that we constantly endeavour and pray to God for the grace of the Holy Spirit, that we may become more and more conformable to the image of God, till we arrive at the perfection proposed to us, in a life to come.

Closing Questions

In what ways do you see God’s grace on display in His giving the law to Israel? What does the law tell you about God’s holiness?

Answers may vary. Give your students plenty of time to wrestle through the idea of God’s grace in the law. As they do, here are a few ways to help them see it: By starting in Exodus 20:1-2, we are actually given a glimpse of the grace of God on display in His law. Again, the law was never meant to presuppose God’s relationship to His people. He was the God of our salvation and deliverance before He asked for our obedience. Also, God knows that it is only through our love for Him that we can even obey His law. This is why the law is ordered the way that it is. If we do not get the first command, we will not get the others. God knows Israel will not be able to keep these laws—that has been proved already in their groaning in the desert. Yet, God has already proved to them that He will be faithful when they are faithless. The law will instead reveal their true heart and show them their need for a savior.

Do you see the commands of God as offering you freedom, or restricting you?

Read Matthew 5:17-18 and then Romans 8:3-4. How do these passages about Christ and the law change the way you read this passage in Exodus? How does your union with Christ actually free you to obey the commands of God?

Answers will vary. Christ did not come to get rid of the law, but to fulfill the righteous requirements of it. God knew we would not be able to obey the law; He knew we would fall short. However, He knew that it is through the law that we have a right relationship with God. So, in Christ, we have not been given a way to that relationship. It is only through our union with Christ that we can now have communion with God.

Christmas Dinner

Close in Prayer