What Does God Say About All These Commandments?

He says: “I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments.” (Exodus 20:5-6)

What Does This Mean?

God threatens to punish all who break these commandments. Therefore, we should fear His wrath and not do anything against them. But He promises grace and every blessing to all who keep these commandments. Therefore, we should also love and trust in Him and gladly do what He commands.

The Central Thought

God here shows how intensely He wants us to cling to Him alone.

• Do people think that God cares about the way they live? Why or why not?
• How do God’s threats and promises shape the way I view Him and His actions?

 

 

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1 – You Shall Have No Other Gods

2 – You Shall Not Misuse the Name of the Lord Your God.

3 – Remember The Sabbath Day by Keeping It Holy

4 – Honor Your Father and Your Mother

5 – You Shall Not Murder

6 – You Shall Not Commit Adultery

7 – You Shall Not Steal.

8 –You Shall Not Give False Testimony Against Your Neighbor.

9 – You Shall Not Covet Your Neighbor’s House

10 – You Shall Not Covet Your Neighbor’s Wife, or His Manservant or Maidservant, His Ox or Donkey, or Anything That Belongs to Your Neighbor.

 

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Page 120, Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation

Concordia Publishing House 2017