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)
 The LORD’s law is perfect, restoring the soul. The LORD’s testimony is sure, making wise the simple.
 The LORD’s precepts are right, rejoicing the heart. The LORD’s commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes.
 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever. The LORD’s ordinances are true, and righteous altogether.
 More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb.
 Moreover by them is your servant warned. In keeping them there is great reward.
 Who can discern his errors? Forgive me from hidden errors.
 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.
 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, LORD, my rock, and my redeemer.