Question 8

Question:

“What is the law of God stated in the Ten Commandments?

Answer (Kids in bold):

“You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below—you shall not bow down to them or worship them. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Honor your father and your mother. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony. You shall not covet.“

Memory Verse:

“You shall have no other gods before me.”
– Exodus 20:3

Commentary:

The Ten Commandments are the moral law, the revealed character of God. How do we love God? How do we love our neighbor? In the simplest terms: Obey these commandments.

God gives us his law, not just to prohibit us from committing or omitting sin, but to also reveal all righteousness. The commandment against murder is also a commandment to promote the welfare of one’s neighbor. The commandment against covetousness is also a commandment to be satisfied in the Lord’s provision for our neighbor. The commandment to remember the Sabbath day isn’t a bare remembrance — it is to remember the reason for which it was given as well.

As sinners, we have failed to obey this law by nature and by choice — in Adam all have died. As saints, we have fulfilled the law in Christ — in Christ all Christians have been made alive. Prior to justification, the law hung over us like the impending fall of the guillotine. Now we are being sanctified by the Holy Spirit unto obedience and conformity to the law, so that we walk with Jesus and grow into and attain the righteousness and eternal life that he has purchased for us.

If you don’t remember all of it this week, it is okay because we will be looking in depth at the 10 commandments for the next 4 weeks as well. I hope that you won’t fall into despair over your failure to keep the law. If you look ahead to questions 13 and 14, you will see that Christ is your righteousness. Only hope of standing before a holy God is having Jesus as our strong and perfect plea.

Resources:

Prayer:

Holy God, you showed your love to your people by giving them your commands. May we always give thanks for your law. You have not left us ignorant of how to walk in the way of righteousness. Help us to glorify you by obeying your Ten Commandments. Amen.

Other Scripture References:

Deuteronomy 5:6-21; Matthew 7:21; Psalm 29:2; Psalm 73:25; Romans 1:23; Jeremiah 25:6; Romans 7:7-14