Learn the Story of God and of the Old Testament
Season 3
3.4 The Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments: Learning to Live as God’s People
After rescuing Israel from slavery, God gave His people guidance for faithful living. The Ten Commandments revealed God’s character and taught His people how to love God and love one another.
3.4 The Ten Commandments
God had rescued His people from slavery.
The Israelites had crossed the Red Sea and witnessed God’s power and faithfulness.
Now they arrived at Mount Sinai, where God would teach them how to live as His covenant people.
The Ten Commandments were not given as a way to earn God’s love.
God had already rescued His people.
Instead, the commandments showed how God’s people should respond to His grace and live in relationship with Him and one another.
These commandments became the foundation of Israel’s moral and spiritual life and continue to teach important truths about loving God and loving others.
Scripture References
Exodus 19–20
Related Reading:
Deuteronomy 5:1–22
Matthew 22:34–40
Romans 13:8–10
The Story
Three months after leaving Egypt, the Israelites camped at Mount Sinai.
The mountain trembled.
Thunder rolled.
Lightning flashed.
A cloud covered the mountain.
The people witnessed the holiness and power of God.
God called Moses up the mountain and established His covenant with Israel.
Then God gave the Ten Commandments.
The first commandments focused on humanity’s relationship with God.
The remaining commandments focused on relationships with other people.
God said:
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” (Exodus 20:2 NASB)
The commandments began with God’s grace before moving to God’s instructions.
God reminded the people that He had already rescued them.
Then He taught them how to live as His people.
The Ten Commandments
1. Worship God Alone
Do not place anything above God.
2. Do Not Worship Idols
Honor God as He truly is.
3. Honor God’s Name
Treat God’s name with reverence and respect.
4. Remember the Sabbath
Set aside time for worship, rest, and trust in God.
5. Honor Your Father and Mother
Respect and value family relationships.
6. Do Not Murder
Human life is sacred because people are created in God’s image.
7. Do Not Commit Adultery
Honor faithfulness and commitment in relationships.
8. Do Not Steal
Respect the property and well-being of others.
9. Do Not Bear False Witness
Speak truthfully and honestly.
10. Do Not Covet
Guard your heart against envy and selfish desire.
Understanding the Story
God’s Law Reflects God’s Character
The commandments reveal what God values.
They teach truth, justice, faithfulness, respect, honesty, and love.
As God’s people obeyed His law, they reflected His character to the world.
Relationship Comes Before Rules
God rescued Israel before giving the commandments.
Obedience was a response to God’s grace, not a way to earn it.
The same principle remains true today.
We obey God because He loves us and has saved us.
Loving God and Loving Others
Jesus later summarized the law in two commands:
Love God.
Love your neighbor.
The first four commandments focus primarily on loving God.
The last six focus primarily on loving others.
The Law Reveals Our Need for Grace
The commandments show God’s standard.
They also reveal humanity’s inability to perfectly obey.
Throughout Scripture, God’s law points people toward their need for forgiveness and salvation.
Why This Story Matters
The Ten Commandments continue to provide wisdom for daily life.
Why did God give the commandments?
To guide His people in faithful living.
Are the commandments still important?
Yes. They reveal timeless principles about loving God and loving others.
Can anyone obey perfectly?
No. The commandments reveal our need for God’s grace.
What do the commandments teach about God?
They reveal His holiness, justice, wisdom, and love.
Connecting to Jesus
Jesus did not come to abolish God’s law.
He came to fulfill it.
Jesus perfectly obeyed the Father in every way.
When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus summarized the law:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart…” and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37–39 NASB)
The Ten Commandments point beyond rules to a relationship with God.
Through Jesus, believers receive both forgiveness and the power to live faithfully.
Living the Message
The Ten Commandments invite us to examine our hearts.
This week:
Place God first in your priorities.
Honor God’s name in speech and actions.
Take time for worship and rest.
Practice honesty and integrity.
Show love and respect to others.
Ask God to help you live in ways that reflect His character.
Reflect and Discuss
Why did God give the commandments after the Exodus?
Possible answers:
Because His people had already been rescued and now needed guidance for faithful living.
What do the commandments teach us about God?
Possible answers:
God is holy, loving, truthful, just, and faithful.
Which commandment do you think people struggle with most today?
Possible answers:
Various answers may include priorities, honesty, contentment, or honoring God.
How did Jesus summarize the law?
Possible answers:
Love God and love your neighbor.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Exodus 19–20 reveals God’s covenant and His instructions for living as His people.
Reasons We Believe
God’s commandments reflect His wisdom and reveal His desire for human flourishing.
Obedience in Action
Seek to honor God through your actions, relationships, and priorities.
Walk It Out
Choose one commandment this week and intentionally practice it in daily life.
