The Commandments – Resources
The occasion for writing these lessons
was the need for Sunday school lessons for K-5th grade
children of the church. While I hope they have been helpful to those
teaching, and to the children learning, my aim goes beyond that goal.
My larger hope is that Christian parents will take up more clearly
and fully the responsibility given by God to speak with their own
children, and teach them these things. For parents taking up that
responsibility, I hope these lessons may be of some help and guidance
in carrying that out.
I do not present these lessons as the
only way or even the best way. Along the way, I found much help.
Below are some resources related to the Ten Commandments. These
resources are helpful in that some better explain the meaning of the
commandments, and some offer ways to teach these things to your
children.
Here are two catechisms*. These
Catechisms were written and designed to be a simple method of
teaching spiritual truths to your children. Martin Luther
specifically wrote in The Small Catechism that this is how "the
head of the family" should teach these truths to his family.
Both Catechisms written below cover much more than the Ten
Commandments.
The Small Catechism.
Martin Luther. "The Ten Commandments."
"I. The Ten Commandments. As the
head of the family should teach them in a simple way to his
household. "
First Catechism. The
Orthodox Presbyterian Church. #76-108.
This is given in a simple question and
answer form. Questions 76 to 108 deal with the Ten Commandments.
*Catechism 1. A form of instruction by
means of questions and answers. 2. A book containing a summary of
principles, especially of religious doctrine, reduced to the form of
questions and answers. (Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
Version published 1913 by the C. & G. Merriam Co.
Springfield, Mass. Under the direction of Noah Porter, D.D., LL.D.)
The remainder of the resources below
attempt to clarify the meaning and importance of the Ten
Commandments.
“The Ten Commandments.”
Harvest: Greg Laurie.
This is an easy-to-read article, and
may be helpful for those parents trying to better understand the
meaning of the commandments so they can then teach them to their
children.
“Are the Ten Commandments for
Today?” by Voice in the Wilderness Ministries.
This is a collection of quotes about
the Ten Commandments. It is worth browsing through.
“The Perpetuity of the Law of
God.” Charles H. Spurgeon. Sermon #1660. Preached 1882.
This sermon gives several reasons for
Christians today to value the commandments of God, specifically the
Ten Commandments, and the Greatest Commandment.
(At least three sites host this sermon.
The links are below.)
Psalm 19:7-14
(WEBBE)
[7] The LORD’s law is perfect,
restoring the soul. The LORD’s testimony is sure, making wise the
simple.
[8] The LORD’s precepts are right,
rejoicing the heart. The LORD’s commandment is pure, enlightening
the eyes.
[9] The fear of the LORD is clean,
enduring forever. The LORD’s ordinances are true, and righteous
altogether.
[10] More to be desired are they than
gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the
extract of the honeycomb.
[11] Moreover by them is your servant
warned. In keeping them there is great reward.
[12] Who can discern his errors?
Forgive me from hidden errors.
[13] Keep back your servant also from
presumptuous sins. Let them not have dominion over me. Then I will be
upright. I will be blameless and innocent of great transgression.
[14] Let the words of my mouth and the
meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, LORD, my rock,
and my redeemer.
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