New City Catechism, Week 11 (Question 11)

Q: What does God require in the sixth, seventh, and eighth commandments?

Children’s answer

A: Sixth, that we do not hurt or hate our neighbor. Seventh, that we live purely and faithfully. Eighth, that we do not take without permission that which belongs to someone else.

Adult/older children’s answer

A: Sixth, that we do not hurt, or hate, or be hostile to our neighbor, but be patient and peaceful, pursuing even our enemies with love. Seventh, that we abstain from sexual immorality and live purely and faithfully, whether in marriage or in single life, avoiding all impure actions, looks, words, thoughts, or desires, and whatever might lead to them. Eighth, that we do not take without permission that which belongs to someone else, nor withhold any good from someone we might benefit

Video explanation:

Song to assist with memorization:

Relevant Scripture to read:

Romans 13:9

For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Children’s Activity (printable pdfs)

Younger Kids (pages 22 and 23)

Older Kids (pages 22 and 23)

Special thanks to Del Rey Church for sharing their New City Catechism kid resources with us!

Devotional questions for individual/family/group discussion:

  1. How would these commands have caused ancient Israel to stand out from the surrounding cultures?

  2. As we live in a culture where neighbors have become increasingly distant from one another, what are 1-2 ways you can concretely love the neighbors God has given you (maybe one “pandemic” way and one “non-pandemic” way)?

  3. What is a way that you can disadvantage yourself so that others may flourish?

  4. How does following these commands ultimately allow us to flourish?

  5. Which one of these commands feel the most difficult to you? How do you see your need for forgiveness and growth?

  6. How are these commands fulfilled by Jesus?

For an additional “deeper” dive into this question and answer, check out this video from Dr. Michael Allen (many of the devotional questions are based on his explanation):