New City Catechism, Week 8 (Question 8)

Q: What is the law of God stated in the Ten Commandments?

Children’s answer

A: That we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength; and love our neighbor as ourselves.

Adult/older children’s answer

A: You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol. 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.

Video explanation:

Song to assist with memorization:

Relevant Scripture to read:

Exodus 20:3

You shall have no other gods before me.

Children’s Activity (printable pdfs)

Younger Kids (pages 16 and 17)

Older Kids (pages 16 and 17)

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 does God’s love for us come through in these commandments?

  2. Pick one of the commandments and explain how Jesus deepens our understanding of it (see the Sermon on the Mount).

  3. Pick one of the commandments and give an example of how Jesus perfectly follows it. It’s important to remember this, because His perfect obedience is gifted to us!

  4. What are some examples of people who understood that commitment to God = commitment to people?

  5. Which one of the commandments especially shows you your need for forgiveness?

  6. How many purposes of God’s law can you think of? There are many!

For an additional “deeper” dive into this question and answer, check out this video from Dr. Michael Allen: