The Ninth Commandment
YOU SHALL NOT COVET YOUR NEIGHBOR’S HOUSE
The Tenth Commandment
YOU SHALL NOT COVET YOUR NEIGHBOR’S WIFE, OR HIS MANSERVANT OR MAIDSERVANT, HIS OX OR DONKEY, OR ANYTHING THAT BELONGS TO YOUR NEIGHBOR.
What Does This Mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not scheme to get our neighbor’s inheritance or house, or get it in a way which only appears right, but help and be of service to him in keeping it.
We should fear and love God so that we do not entice or force away our neighbor’s wife, workers, or animals, or turn them against him, but urge them to stay and do their duty.
The Central Thought
God created us to be content with the gifts by which He sustains our life.
- What are some of the reasons that people are not content with what God has given them?
- Name ten things for which you are grateful. Then offer a prayer of thanks to God.
DEFINITION: What is coveting?
Coveting is the sinful desire in our hearts to acquire for ourselves anything that belongs to our neighbor. It is also the desire to draw away from our neighbor for our own benefit anyone who is important to our neighbor (a spouse, friend, and so on).
Page 115, Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation
Concordia Publishing House 2017
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What Does This Mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way.
The Central Thought
God commands us to speak truthfully and charitably about our neighbors so that others view them in the best possible light.
- What are some ways in which a person’s reputation is damaged in our society?
- Who in my life or community needs me to speak well of them?
Page 110, Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation
Concordia Publishing House 2017
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YOU SHALL NOT STEAL.
What Does This Mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not take our neighbor’s money or possessions, or get them in any dishonest way, but help him to improve and protect his possessions and income.
The Central Thought
God created us to look after the earthly gifts that He has given to our neighbors for their life and well-being.
- What kinds of things do all people on earth need for their well-being?
- What are some ways that I can help to protect and care for the earthly goods of my neighbor?
Page 105, Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation
Concordia Publishing House 2017
6TH COMMANDMENT — DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY
Pastor Jeff and Jill discuss the real spiritual and moral struggles that teenagers face in keeping the Sixth Commandment. There are the internal temptations and pressure to engage with pornography or other forms of sexual impurity—a significant challenge in today’s digital age. Many teenage girls must navigate difficult social and relational pressures. Both learning to set firm boundaries and maintain their commitment to sexual purity by reserving intimacy for marriage.
Luther’s teaching emphasizes that this commandment is not merely about prohibiting adultery, but about cultivating positive virtue—protecting oneself and others from sexual harm, respecting God’s design for sexuality, and maintaining personal dignity and integrity.
We hope this podcast serves as a conversation starter for discussing how young people can practically live out this commitment in their daily lives, relationships, and media consumption choices.
UNTIL NEXT TIME!
YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY.
What Does This Mean?
We should fear and love God so that we lead a sexually pure and decent life in what we say and do, and husband and wife love and honor each other.
The Central Thought
God created us to live faithfully as male and female by respecting His purpose for sexual activity within the context of marriage.
- Is marriage between a man and a woman held in high regard today? Why or why not?
- How can I talk about marriage and sex in ways that reflect God’s good purposes for it?
Page 93, Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation
Concordia Publishing House 2017
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YOU SHALL NOT MURDER
What Does This Mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body, but help and support him in every physical need.
The Central Thought
God created us to care about other people and to help them in their times of need.
What are the needs of people in my immediate community and society?
Page 85, Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation
Concordia Publishing House 2017
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In this episode, Pastor Jeff and Jill explore the Fourth Commandment: “Honor your father and your mother.”
Drawing from Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation (2017), they reflect on how honoring others can strengthen community, deepen faith, and reveal God’s order of love and service in everyday life. They discuss what it means to live out this commandment in today’s world — What it means within families, to “fear and love God so that we do not despise or Sanger our parents and other authorities, but honor them, serve and obey them, love and cherish them” as well as in all the relationships where we give and receive care, respect, and authority.
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Pastor Jeff and Jill explore the meaning of the Third Commandment, discussing how the Sabbath is more than a rule — it’s an invitation to rest in God’s Word and presence. Drawing from Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation (2017), they reflect on how setting aside time for worship, renewal, and community strengthens our faith and daily life.
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Pastor Jeff and Jill discuss the Second Commandment: You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God in Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation (2017). Concordia Publishing House on pages 67-73. We answer the same questions in the book, looking at the Name of God, how important this is in our relationships with God, exploring related themes and draw upon experiences from our own lives. Enjoy!
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Pastor Jeff and Jill discuss the uses of the LAW and its relationship to SIN. You can follow along on pp. 53-57 in Luther’s Small Catechism (2017 edition), Concordia Publishing House. The Law is God’s good and perfect will for his people, how they should live. Since the Fall (cf. Adam and Eve), humanity now lives in a condition of sin — even newborn babies. We cannot naturally know God or his ways. We need to be taught. The Law was given to instruct us in God’s ways, but also to reveal our need for a Savior. All have sinned except one — Jesus Christ. By grace through faith we are saved and receive the Holy Sprit, who now enables us to walk in God’s ways.
Next podcast will include a discussion on the first commandment.
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