8. More Writings from the "PETRA" = Fide School

Appendix C

Athanasius, c. 296-373⁵⁴³

Athanasius was born in Alexandria c. A.D. 296.⁵⁴⁴ In 312, bishop of Alexander of Alexandria caught sight of a group of boys imitating church services; one boy, Athanasius, played the part of the bishop and performed mock baptisms.⁵⁴⁵ Alexander immediately liked the boy and took him into his care.⁵⁴⁶ In fact, Alexander later appointed Athanasius to be his secretary and his archdeacon.⁵⁴⁷ In the year 325, Athanasius accompanied Alexander to the First Ecumenical Council of Nicea, and the young bishop distinguished himself for his ardent opposition to Arianism.⁵⁴⁸ On June 8, 326, Athanasius became the bishop of Alexandria.⁵⁴⁹ During his forty-six year bishopric, he was deposed and banished five times by members of the remaining Arian party.⁵⁵⁰ He died in year of 373.⁵⁵¹ In later years, Constantine the Younger would remember Athanasius as "the man of God”; Theodoret, would call him "the great enlightener"; and John of Damascus would hail him as “the corner-stone of the church of God."⁵⁵²

According to Athanasius, the “rock” of Matt 16:18 should be identified as Peter’s confession of faith. In one of his festal letters, Athanasius writes the following:

But ye are blessed, who by faith are in the Church, dwell upon the foundations of the faith, and have full satisfaction, even the highest degree of faith which remains among you unshaken. For it has come down to you from Apostolic tradition, and frequently has accursed envy wished to unsettle it, but has not been able. On the contrary, they have rather been cut off from their attempts to do so. For thus it is written, 'Thou art the Son of the Living God,' Peter confessing it by revelation of the Father, and being told, 'Blessed art thou Simon Barjona, for flesh and blood did not reveal it to thee, but My Father Who is in heaven,' and the rest. No one therefore will ever prevail against your Faith, most beloved brethren.⁵⁵³

Here, Athanasius states that no one will ever be able to prevail against the faith, which he seems to be equating with the “rock” of the Church. This is confirmed in one of his homilies on Psalm 11. There he writes: “In Thy saints, who in every age have been well pleasing to Thee, is truly Thy faith; for Thou hast founded the world on Thy faith, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”⁵⁵⁴ Thus, the “rock” for Athanasius appears to be a believer’s faith in the fact that Jesus is the Christ. Despite the fact that Athanasius had frequent contact with the Bishop of Rome⁵⁵⁵ and held the church there in high esteem⁵⁵⁶, it does not appear that he understood this verse to provide the pope with the apostolic office and authority of Peter.

Hilary, d. A.D. 368⁵⁵⁷

Hilary Pictaviensis is believed to have been born to wealthy parents in the town of Poitiers, France.⁵⁵⁸ Hilary embraced Christianity in the middle of his life, with his wife and his daughter, Apra.⁵⁵⁹ Around the year 350, he became bishop of Poitiers and took decided stance against Arianism, which was devastating the Gallic church at the time.⁵⁶⁰ For this, he has often been called the “Athanasius of the West.”⁵⁶¹ For his support of orthodoxy, he was banished by Constantius to Phrygia in Asia Minor, where Arianism maintained a strong foothold.⁵⁶² Here, between 356 and 361, he wrote the main work of his life, On the Trinity.⁵⁶³ He died quietly on Jan. 13, 368.⁵⁶⁴

On one hand, Hilary did not seem to have a problem asserting that Peter is the rock of the church. He states the following in his tractate on Ps. 131:

He [Jesus] took up Peter – to whom He had just before given the keys of the kingdom of heaven, upon whom He was about to build the church, against which the gates of hell should not in any way prevail, who whatsoever he should bind or loose on earth, that should abide bound or loosed in heaven – this same Peter … the first confessor of the Son of God, the foundation of the church, the doorkeeper of the heavenly kingdom, and in his judgment on earth a judge of heaven.⁵⁶⁵

Here, Hilary states that Peter was the one “upon whom [Christ] was about to build his church.” The apostle is seen to be the first confessor of the Son of God and the keeper of the gate of heaven, so clearly Peter is given special attention and honor. On the other hand, Hilary is equally (if not more so) rigorous in proclaiming that the “rock” in question is Peter’s faith, not the apostle himself. For example, in his treatise On the Trinity, Hilary states: “This is, therefore, the one immovable foundation, that is, the one blessed rock of faith, which confessed through the mouth of Peter: ‘Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God.’”⁵⁶⁶ He continues the “rock-faith” parallel in the same treatise. Later, he writes:

It is not the evangelical or apostolic faith to believe that He is the Son of God in name rather than in nature. If this name is one of adoption and therefore is not the Son because He came forth from God, I ask why did the blessed Simon make this confession, ‘Thou are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Do not all have the power to be born as sons of God through the sacrament of regeneration? … And the Father, by declaring, ‘This is My Son’ revealed to Peter that he should say: ‘Thou art the Son of God. The one who reveals is indicated by the words ‘This is,’ but the knowledge of the one who confesses by the words “Thou art.’ It is upon this rock of the confession that the Church of Christ rests. But the sense of flesh and blood does not reveal the knowledge of the confession …This faith is the foundation of the Church and the gates of hell are powerless against her.⁵⁶⁷

Again, Hilary declares that it is Peter’s faith that is the “rock” of the church. Therefore, the church is maintained and supported not by a single man (Peter), but by the faith that that man expressed in Jesus; that same faith is proclaimed by every true Christian. In other words, the Church of Christ is built on nothing less than the declaration that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah; he is the Son of God. For Hilary, faith in Jesus, not Peter, is the focal point of the verse. Therefore, it appears that Hilary’s understanding of Matt 16:18 is not at all concerned with a permanent apostolic see in Rome.

Ambrosiaster, c. 366-384⁵⁶⁸

This name was given to the author of a set of commentaries on the thirteen epistles of St. Paul; the medieval writers ascribed all but one of these works to St. Ambrose.⁵⁶⁹ An incidental remark on 1 Timothy 3:15 shows that the documents were probably written during the pontificate of Damasus (366-384).⁵⁷⁰ Erasmus was the first theologian to challenge this notion, and Ambrose is universally denied as the author of the works.⁵⁷¹ Many people, including “Hilary the Deacon” and Hilary, a layman and Proconsul of Africa, have been suggested as possible authors.⁵⁷² Whoever the author may be, there is little hope that the documents remain in their original form; copyists appear to have inserted many sayings from Augustine, Chrysostom, Jerome, and others into the work.⁵⁷³ Despite the problems with the writings, the commentaries use of the old Latin version and its reference to various readings, provide great help in the area of textual criticism.⁵⁷⁴

Like Ambrose, Ambrosiaster maintains that the “rock” of Matt 16 is Peter’s faith. In his Commentary on Ephesians, Ambrosiaster writes:

‘Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.' The above puts together New and Old Testaments. For the apostles proclaimed what the prophets said would be, although Paul says to the Corinthians: 'God placed the apostles first, the prophets second' (1 Cor. 12.28). But this refers to other prophets, for in 1 Cor Paul writes about ecclesiastical orders; here he is concerned with the foundation of the Church. The prophets prepared, the apostles laid the foundations. Wherefore the Lord says to Peter: 'Upon this rock I shall build my Church,' that is, upon this confession of the catholic faith I shall establish the faithful in life.⁵⁷⁵

According to Ambrosiaster, the prophets prepared the foundation of the Church, and the apostles were the foundation of the Church. The “rock” of the Church, though, is the catholic confession of faith in Jesus as the Christ. In other places, Ambrosiaster affirms the primacy of Paul in a way that would seem to be prejudicial to Peter.⁵⁷⁶ In his Commentary on Galatians, Ambrosiaster writes:

By the apostles who were somewhat distinguished among their colleagues, whom also he, Paul, because of their constancy calls 'pillars', and who had always been intimate with the Lord, even beholding his glory on the mount, by them he (Paul) says the gift which he received from God was approved; so that he would be worthy to have primacy in preaching to the Gentiles, even as Peter had the primacy in preaching to the circumcision. And even as he gives colleagues to Peter, outstanding men among the apostles, so he also joins to himself Barnabas, who was associated with him by divine choice; yet he claims the privilege of primacy granted by God for himself alone, even as it was granted to Peter alone among the apostles, in such a way that the apostles of the circumcision stretched out their right hands to the apostles of the Gentiles to manifest a harmony of fellowship, that both parties, knowing that they had received from the Lord a spirit of completeness in the imparting of the gospel, might show that they were in no way appointing one another.⁵⁷⁷

Although the above quotation does not specifically reference Matt 16, it does show that Ambrosiaster did not have a vision of Peter being the sole spokesman of the Church; Paul also wielded a great amount of authority (as did Barnabus). If Peter can claim to the foundation of the Church for the Jews, then Paul can claim to be the foundation of the Church for the Gentiles. In any case, Ambrosiaster does not appear to use this verse to affirm the succession of bishops from Peter or the perpetuity of the apostle’s office.

Theodoret of Cyr, c. A.D 393-458⁵⁷⁸

Theodoret was born at Antioch, probably c. A.D. 393.⁵⁷⁹ After distributing his property to the poor, he entered the monastery of Nicerte in c. 416 and was consecrated bishop of Cyrrhus in Syria in 423.⁵⁸⁰ He is chiefly known for his involvement in the theological disputes between Cyril of Alexandria and Nestorius. Theodoret was a friend and admirerer of Nestorius, and in a polemical work against Cyril, he explained that the term theotokos should only be applied to Mary in a figurative sense.⁵⁸¹ After the Council of Ephesus, he continued to oppose Cyril and the council’s findings against Nestorianism.⁵⁸² He was eventually deposed at the Latrocinian council and forced into exile.⁵⁸³ When the emperor Marcion ordered Theodoret to attend the Council of Chalcedon in 451, he obeyed and anathematized Nestorius by stating: “Anathema to Nestorius and to everyone who denies that the Holy Virgin Mary is the mother of God, and [to everyone] who divides the one Son, the Only-gotten, into two Sons.”⁵⁸⁴ After condemning his friend, Theodoret was restored to his bishopric; he died in 458, during the pontificate of Leo I.⁵⁸⁵

Like many of the fathers before him, Theodoret appears to have vacillated on the identity of the “rock” of Matt 16. In an epistle to John the Economus, Theodoret states:

Let us hear the words of the great Peter, 'Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.' Let us hear the Lord Christ confirming this confession, for 'On this rock,' He says, 'I will build my church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.' Wherefore too the wise Paul, most excellent master builder of the churches, fixed no other foundation than this. 'I,' he says, 'as a wise master builder have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.' How then can they think of any other foundation, when they are bidden not to fix a foundation, but to build on that which is laid? The divine writer recognizes Christ as the foundation, and glories in this title.⁵⁸⁶

Here, Theodoret seems to state that Jesus is the rock and foundation of the Church. Like the other members of this school of interpretation, Theodoret is heavily influenced by Paul’s words in 1 Cor 3. In other writings, though, Theodoret clearly identifies Peter’s faith as the pevtra. For example, in his Commentary on the Canticle of Canticles, he writes: “Surely, he is calling pious faith and true confession a rock. For when the Lord asked his disciples who the people said he was, blessed Peter spoke up … and the Lord answered … ‘I say to you, you are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church.’”⁵⁸⁷ In this text, Theodoret praises Peter’s faith. Again, in a letter to Eulalius, Theodoret writes: “Wherefore our Lord Jesus Christ permitted the first of the apostles, whose confession He had fixed as a kind of groundwork and foundation of the Church, to waver to and fro, and to deny Him, and then raised him up again.”⁵⁸⁸ Despite the fact that Theodoret calls Peter “the first of the disciples,” it is the confession, not the man, which grounds the Church. Thus, it appears that Theodoret does not use Matt 16:18 to lend support to the Petrine authority to the Bishop of Rome.

Cyril of Alexandria, d. A.D. 444⁵⁸⁹

Cyrillus became patriarch of Alexandria about the year 412. He was the nephew of Theophilus, who deposed and banished John Chrysostom.⁵⁹⁰ When Theophilus died on Oct. 15, 412, Cyril assumed his bishopric three day later.⁵⁹¹ He had hardly entered his new position when he closed all the churches of the Novatians in Alexandria, and seized their ecclesiastical property.⁵⁹² In the year 415, he used armed force to attack Jewish synagogues who opposed his authority in the city; some were even put to death.⁵⁹³ From 428 to his death in 444 his life was marked by the frequent Christological controversies.⁵⁹⁴ Most notably, he was the chief opponent of Nestorius at the Council of Ephesus in A.D. 431.

Like the aforementioned theologians, Cyril maintained that the “rock” of Matthew 16 remained Peter’s faith. In his Commentary on Isaiah, Cyril states the following: “When [Peter] wisely and blamelessly confessed his faith to Jesus saying, 'You are Christ, Son of the living God,' Jesus said to divine Peter: 'You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church.' Now by the word 'rock', Jesus indicated, I think, the immoveable faith of the disciple.”⁵⁹⁵ Thus, Cyril clearly links of the “rock” in question to the apostle’s faith. This is confirmed in his Dialogue on the Trinity. There, he writes: “ ‘And I tell you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.' The rock, I think, is nothing other than the firm and solid faith of the disciple.”⁵⁹⁶ Again, it is Peter’s faith that is linked to the “rock” in question. According to Catholic scholar Michael Winter, it was Cyril’s “preoccupation with Christological questions that influenced his exegesis of Matthew 16.”⁵⁹⁷ Even if that is the case, Cyril’s exegesis stands as it is: the apostle’s confession of faith, not the apostle himself, serves as the rock of the Church. Thus, it appears that Cyril does not use this verse to support the perpetuity of the papal office or the apostolic authority that it wields.

⁵⁴³Henry Wace and William Piercy, eds., A Dictionary of Early Christian Biography and Literature to the End of the Sixth Century A.D., with an Account of the Principal Sects and Heresies (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1999; reprint, 2nd), 53.

⁵⁴⁴Ibid.

⁵⁴⁵Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church, 3rd ed., vol. 3, Nicene and Post-Nicene Christianity A.D. 311-600 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1950), 886.

⁵⁴⁶Ibid.

⁵⁴⁷Ibid.

⁵⁴⁸Ibid.

⁵⁴⁹Wace and Piercey, Dictionary of Early Christian Biography, 54.

⁵⁵⁰Schaff, History of the Christian Church: Vol. 3:888.

⁵⁵¹Ibid.

⁵⁵²Ibid., 889.

⁵⁵³Letter 29. NPNF 2, 4:551. PG vol. 26, col. 1189.

⁵⁵⁴Commentary on Psalm 118. For English, see James Waterworth, A Commentary by Writers of the First Five Centuries on the Place of St. Peter in the New Testament and that of St. Peter’s Successors in the Church (London: Thomas Richardson, 1871), 50. See also PG 27:1191.

⁵⁵⁵See the section of Appendix B entitled “Pope Julius I.”

⁵⁵⁶In his Defense before Constantius, Athanasius writes: “When I left Alexandria, I did not go to your brother’s headquarters, or to any other persons, but only to Rome; and having laid my case before the Church (for this was my only concern), I spent my time in public worship” (Defense before Constantius 4; NPNF 2, 4:239; PG vol. 25, col. 599). Here, Athanasius is defending himself to the Emperor Constantius. In this brief excerpt, Athanasius states that he went to Rome to declare his orthodoxy to the Church. At a time when his orthodoxy was constantly being questioned, Athanasius believed that it was of the utmost importance to receive approval from Rome. Thus, it appears that he (like many of the other fathers) viewed Rome as a place of final appeal regarding matters of Christian faith and practice.

⁵⁵⁷Schaff, The History of the Christian Church, 3:959.

⁵⁵⁸Wace and Piercy, Dictionary of Early Christian Biography, 474.

⁵⁵⁹Ibid.

⁵⁶⁰Ibid.

⁵⁶¹Schaff, The History of the Christian Church, 3:959.

⁵⁶²Ibid.

⁵⁶³Ibid.

⁵⁶⁴Wace and Piercy, Dictionary of Early Christian Biography, 475.

⁵⁶⁵Tractate on Ps. 131.4. For English translation see Joseph Berington and John Kirk, eds., Faith of Catholics: Confirmed by Scripture and Attested by the Fathers of the First Five Centuries of the Church, vol. 2 (New York: Fr. Pustet, 1885), 15. See also CSEL 22: 663.

⁵⁶⁶Trinity 2.23. FOC 25:54; CIL 62:59-60.

⁵⁶⁷Trinity 6.36-37. FOC 25:205-206, CIL 62: 239-40.

⁵⁶⁸Wace and Piercy, Dictionary of Early Christian Biography, 15.

⁵⁶⁹F. L. Cross and E. A. Livingston, eds., Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, 2^nd ed. (London: Oxford University Press, 1974), 43.

⁵⁷⁰Wace and Piercy, Dictionary of Early Christian Biography, 15.

⁵⁷¹Ibid.

⁵⁷²Ibid.

⁵⁷³Ibid., 16.

⁵⁷⁴Ibid.

⁵⁷⁵Commentary on Ephesians 2.20. For English translation, see William Webster, The Church of Rome at the Bar of History (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1995), 178. See also CSEL 81:85-86.

⁵⁷⁶Michael W. Winter, St. Peter and the Popes (Baltimore: Helicon Press, 1960), 62.

⁵⁷⁷Commentary on Galatians 2.9-10. For English translation, see Edward Giles, Documents Illustrating Papal Authority A.D. 96-454 (London: S. P. C. K. Publishers, 1952), 122-123. See also PG vol. 17, col. 349.

⁵⁷⁸Cross and Livingston, Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, 1341.

⁵⁷⁹Wace and Piercy, Dictionary of Early Christian Biography, 958.

⁵⁸⁰Cross and Livingston, Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, 1341.

⁵⁸¹Ibid

⁵⁸²Ibid.

⁵⁸³Ibid.

⁵⁸⁴Wace and Piercy, Dictionary of Early Christian Biography, 961.

⁵⁸⁵Ibid.

⁵⁸⁶Epistle 146. NPNF 2, 3:318; PG vol. 81, col. 1396

⁵⁸⁷Commentary on Canticle of Canticles 2.14. For English translation, see Webster, The Church of Rome at the Bar of History, 180. PG vol. 81, col. 108.

⁵⁸⁸Epistle 77. NPNF 2, 3:273; PG 83:1250.

⁵⁸⁹Schaff, History of the Christian Church, 3:944.

⁵⁹⁰Ibid.

⁵⁹¹Wace and Piercy, Dictionary of Early Christian Biography, 236.

⁵⁹²Schaff, History of the Christian Church, 3:944.

⁵⁹³Ibid.

⁵⁹⁴Ibid.

⁵⁹⁵Commentary on Isaiah 4.2. For English translation, see Webster, The Church of Rome at the Bar of History, 175. See also PG 70, Col. 940.

⁵⁹⁶Dialogue on the Trinity 4.507. SC 237:149-150.

⁵⁹⁷Winter, St. Peter and the Popes, 74.

1. Introduction to the Ten Commandments

Related Media

Praise and Worship Time (10 minutes)

1. Opening Prayer

2. Sing songs on Choice

Tell the Bible Story (15 minutes)

1. Prepare to Teach

This week, you will be providing the children with a broad view of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and how Joseph's family ended up in Egypt. As you prepare to teach, skim the following chapters to refresh your memory on some key points in the history of Israel:

· Genesis 12:1-9 - The Call of Abram

· Genesis 15:1-21 - God's Covenant with Abram

· Genesis 21:1-7 - The birth of Isaac

· Genesis 24 - Isaac and Rebekah

· Genesis 25 :19-34 -Jacob and Esau

· Genesis 37 - Joseph

· Genesis 39-41 - Joseph's rise to power

· Genesis 46-47 - Jacob's family moves to Egypt

While these stories may be very familiar to you, I encourage you to take the time to skim through and reread these accounts. As you read, ask God for a new or greater understanding of His word.

2. Teach

In your own words, explain to the children a brief history of Israel. Be sure to include the following facts:

· The nation of Israel began with one man who chose to obey God: Abraham.

· God called Abraham and asked him to leave his home and go to the land God would show him.

· In faith, Abraham obeyed; because of Abraham's faith, God promised to make him into a great nation.

· Abraham and Sarah had one son, Isaac. Isaac and Rebekah and twin sons, Esau and Jacob.

· Jacob had a bit of a rough start, but in one life changing evening, he wrestled with God.

· Jacob built an altar at Bethel and called the place El Bethel because that was where God revealed Himself to Jacob.

· There, God changed Jacob's name to Israel.

· Jacob had 12 sons which would later become the 12 tribes of Israel.

· God orchestrated events so that Jacob, his sons and their households would move to Egypt where they grew in population into the nation of Israel (called the Hebrews).

· While in Egypt, Pharaoh, threatened by their large numbers, enslaved the Hebrew people.

· The Hebrew people cried out to God for deliverance.

· God raised one man, Moses, who would lead His people out of Egypt.

· After some Godly coercion (the ten plagues), Pharaoh let God's people go but later changed his mind and pursued them. God delivered His people from the Egyptians.

· Thus a new nation was born with God as its leader. God gave the nation of Israel the Ten Commandments which provided the moral law the people were to live by and follow.

As you provide the overview of the nation of Israel, resist the urge to camp on any one topic for very long. It's okay to just offer highlights. We want to provide the children with some background information and some of these highlights may sound familiar to some of the children. The goal here is to give the children a `big picture' view; to provide them with the setting behind why God gave the Hebrew nation the Ten Commandments.

Weekly Challenge (25 minutes)

As this is the introductory week, we'll spend most of the challenge time organizing your team and designing the team flag.

1. Before the Challenge

Determine how many teams you will have. The suggested team size is 8-12 students per team. Gather the supplies needed for the weekly challenge activity.

Flag Items:

· 1 piece of heavy weight muslin cloth approximately 2 ft. x 3 ft. per team

· Assorted colors of construction paper or felt pieces

· Iron-on transfer paper such as Heat & Bond or similar

· 1 dowel rod per team (will be used as a flag pole so recommended size is minimum ½ in)

· Colored bandanas (1 for every 2 children in the team colors you have preselected. There are many to choose from at Hobby Lobby stores or similar. They are also available for order online.) Cut the bandanas in half so that each child receives half that they wear each week to identify which team/house they belong to.

Challenge Item:

· 1 blank piece of paper per team

2. Execute the Challenge

a. Instruct each team to choose a team name from the list below (one of the twelve tribes of Israel) and a team color based on the colors of bandanas you have purchased:

House of Reuben	House of Simeon	House of Benjamin
House of Gad	House of Judah	House of Asher
House of Issachar	House of Zebulun	House of Dan
House of Ephraim	House of Manasseh	House of Naphtali

b. Design the team flags.

Each team will be given a piece of muslin cloth for your flag. Using the colored construction paper, have the children the words or shapes they would like to see on their flag. Have them pin the construction cutouts on their flag. Instruct the teams they must include the team name somewhere on the flag: House of _____.

Completing the flag should be done at home by an adult team leader. Cut a piece of Heat & Bond (or similar) large enough to fit the construction paper cutouts (of like colors) and iron on to the appropriate color of felt. Using the children's construction paper cutouts as patterns, trace the shape of letter onto the paper side of the Heat & Bond. (Be sure to reverse the image so that after you've cut the image out and turn it right side with the fabric facing out, it will be correct.) Cut the shapes/letters along the lines you traced. Peel off the paper backing and position the image on the flag according to the children's requests. Iron the image in place following the instructions provided with the Heat & Bond product. (See sample flags at end of lessons)

Sew on (or apply using Heat & Bond) a colored bandana to the flag according the color the team chose earlier.

Be sure to leave enough space on the bottom to apply the medals won by the team each week.

c. List the Ten Commandments.

Give each team a blank piece of paper. On your mark, the teams are to list the Ten Commandments in the correct order. The team that gets the most commandments in the correct order wins. If no team can write them in the correct order, the team that can list the most commandments in any order wins.

d. Apply the challenge.

Some students/teams may have difficulty listing all Ten Commandments in their correct order. Encourage them by letting them know by the end of this study, this task will be much easier. Not only will they be able to list the commandments, they should be able to explain what they mean and how they are relevant to their lives. Inform the teams they will also be working on memorizing the books of the Bible and some Key Passages. Let them know their memory work at home will be important and necessary for the weekly challenges.

Closing (10 minutes)

1. Award this week's medals based on the week's challenge.

2. Assign this week's memory work:

Books of the Bible: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans

Key Passage: The 10 Commandments - Exodus 20

3. Closing prayer.

4. Closing song of choice

2. No Other god's

Related Media

Commandment: "You shall have no others gods before me." (Exodus 20:3 NET)

Bible Story: The Burning Bush (Moses' Call) - Exodus 3-4

Goals-

Cognitive: The children will learn that God is the one true God; "I AM WHO I AM" (Ex 3:14).Affective: The children will purpose to make worship only God.

Books to know this week:

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans

Key passage(s) to know this week:

The 10 Commandments - Exodus 20

Praise and Worship Time (10 minutes)

1. Opening Prayer

2. Sing songs on Choice

Review Bible Books and Key Passage (5 minutes)

Have the children find the following books/passage in the Bible:

· Romans

· Luke

· Matthew

· The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20)

Tell the Bible Story (15 minutes)

1. Prepare to Teach

Review last week's Bible story notes.

Read Exodus 3 and 4.

2. Teach

Assign the following passages/verses to be read by the children:

· Exodus 3:3-4

· Exodus 3:11-12

· Exodus 3:13

· Exodus 3:14

In your own words, tell the story of Moses' encounter with God. Be sure to include the following:

After an incident in Egypt, Moses had to flee. He fled to the desert where he spent the next 40 years of his life.

While shepherding some sheep, Moses noticed a bush burning but not being consumed by the fire.

He neared the bush to investigate.

Have a child read Exodus 3:3-4

God call Moses from within the bush (3:4) and Moses responded "Here I am. God told Moses to remove his sandals for the ground he stood on was holy ground.

God told Moses He had heard the cries of His people and He was sending Moses to Pharaoh to bring His people out of Egypt.

Have a child read Exodus 3:11-12

Moses had some questions of God before he agreed. The first was `who am I that I should go?'

God assured Moses He would go with him.

Have a child read Exodus 3:13

Moses had a second question for God. "Suppose they ask `what is His name'? What shall I tell them?"

Have a child read Exodus 3:14

God responded by giving Himself a name: "I AM WHO I AM"

Explain to children the following

Names are extremely significant in Scripture

They are intended to reveal something about the person whose name it is.

Ask: What do we learn from the name God gave Himself: "I AM WHO I AM?"

After pausing for answers, teach the children:

We learn at least 3 things from this name of God:

God is a person and because God is a person, we can have fellowship with Him.

God is self-existent. He has no origins and therefore answers to no one.

God is self-sufficient. God has no needs. He did not need to create humans. He does not need us to do His work. When we begin to understand the self-sufficiency of God, we begin to realize our need for faith in Him alone. To trust in ourselves or in another is to say that we have found ourselves or other more trustworthy than God and that is foolishness.

Tell the children the following:

Moses had more questions for God and we'll cover those questions another time.

For now, as we focus on the first commandment, we need to understand why God should be the only god we worship.

He is all that ("I AM WHO I AM") and so much more!

What does Jesus say about this commandment?

When He is questioned about which is the greatest commandment, He responds "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." (Matthew 22:37)

Jesus associates Himself; equates Himself with God when He calls Himself "I AM" (John 8:58). Because Jesus is God, He too is a person, is self-existent, is self-sufficient. More importantly, He is worthy to be worshiped.

Pray

Praise God for who He is

Thank Him for sending Jesus so that we might be saved and so that we could know Him.

Pray God would reveal Himself to each child assuring them that He alone is God.

3. Explain the Family Attributes of God Family Activity

We learned a little about God today as we discussed the name He gave Himself. There are so many more attributes of God we can praise Him for. This week, as a family, think of other attributes (characteristics) of God and list them in the family activity sheet provided. Try to think of at least one per letter of the alphabet. Three have been done for you.

Weekly Challenge (20 minutes)

In this weeks challenge, we want to emphasize the fact that there is only one God and we are to worship no other gods but Jehovah God.

1. Before the Challenge

Gather the necessary supplies:

Supplies:

500 plastic eggs

1 gold coin

Colored paper or stickers (3 colors)

Books of the Bible cards (Matthew through Romans)

Key Passages Cards

Prepare the eggs for the challenge:

Assign a point value to each of the 3 colored papers/stickers.

Color 1 - 1 point

Color 2 - 2 points

Color 3 - 3 points

In 499 plastic eggs, place a colored paper/sticker. In 1 egg, place the single gold coin.

Put the eggs out on the lawn.

2. The Challenge

On your mark, have the children collect as many eggs as their team can collect. When all the eggs have been collected, have the team leaders tally the points for each team based on the assigned values.

The team that finds the single gold coin is the automatic first place winner regardless of the number of points they collected.

Give each team their books of the Bible cards (Matthew through Romans) and the Key Passage cards. On your mark again, have the teams put the books of the Bible (Matthew through Romans) in the correct order and match the key passage title to the reference.

When the team has placed the books of the Bible in the correct order and has matched the key passage cards, they are to wave their flag.

3. Apply the Challenge

Explain to the children that we do not need to fill our lives with things (money, power, friends, video games, etc). We need God to fill our lives. If the team that found the gold coin had not collected any other points, they still would have won because they found the one thing of most value. God is the one True God and He alone is worthy of our worship.

Closing (10 minutes)

1. Award this week's medals based on the week's challenge.

2. Assign this week's memory work:

Books of the Bible: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus

Key Passages:

The 10 Commandments - Exodus 20

The Model Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13

3. Explain Key Passage

During Jesus' time on earth, the disciples asked Him to teach them to pray. Jesus did as they asked and offered this prayer, found in Matthew 6:9-13 as a model prayer.

4. Closing prayer.

5. Closing song of choice (if time permits)

3. No Idols

Related Media

No Idols

(For instructions on how to use this study, see Welcome to The Ten Commandments)

Commandment: “You shall not make for yourself a carved image...” (Exodus 20:4a NET)

Bible Story: The Golden Calf – Exodus 32

Goals-

Cognitive: The children will learn the Israelites did not wait for Moses and returned to their Egyptian ways by building a golden calf to worship.

Affective: The children will consider what ‘idols’ they have and purpose to remove them from their lives.

Books to know this week:

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus

Key passage(s) to know this week:

The Ten Commandments – Exodus 20

The Model Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13

Praise and Worship Time (10 minutes)

1. Opening Prayer

2. Sing songs on Choice

Review Bible Books and Key Passage (5 minutes)

Have the children find the following books/passage in the Bible:

2 Corinthians

Titus

John

The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20)

The Model Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)

Tell the Bible Story (15 minutes)

1. Prepare to teach

Review last week’s Bible story notes.

Read Exodus 32.

Read through the Bible story notes prior to teaching.

2. Teach

Assign the following passages/verses to be read by the children:

Exodus 32:1

Exodus 32:2-3

Exodus 32:7, 9-10

Exodus 32:21

Exodus 32:24

Exodus 32:31-32a

Review where we left off last time:

Last week, we learned how God called Moses to bring the Israelites out of Egypt.

Moses had some questions for God…one of them was ‘What if they ask who sent me?’

God provided a name for Himself. He said “I Am that I Am.”

We learned the name of God tells us at least three things about Him. He is a person, He is self existent and He is self sufficient.

And since then:

God sent Moses to Pharaoh to lead his people out of Egypt. Pharaoh refused at first, but God sent the ten plagues and eventually, Pharaoh let the Israelites leave Egypt.

Moses led them into the desert on their way to the Promised Land. They had been in the desert for three months when they came upon Mt. Sinai (Exodus 19:1).

Moses went up on the mountain; a cloud (the glory of the Lord) covered the mountain and on the seventh day, God called Moses from within the cloud.

To the Israelites, the glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain.

Moses entered the cloud and stayed in the mountain for forty days and forty nights.

Have a child read Exodus 32:1

As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into more than a month, the people grew restless.

They asked Aaron to make a substitute god for them.

Have a child read Exodus 32:2-3

Surprisingly, Aaron agreed. He asked the people to gather all their gold.

NOTE: This was the gold they were supposed to use to build God’s tabernacle with. They used it to build an idol. (Exodus 3:21; Exodus 25:1-8)

When Aaron saw he had enough gold, he constructed a golden calf. When it was completed, he announced they would have a festival the next day. They offered burnt offerings, ate, drank, and worshiped in ways they should have not.

Why a calf? Calves, in that day, were common idols of the pagans. By worshiping a calf, they were rejecting God.

Have a child read Exodus 32:7

God was not happy!

Moses returned to the people to confront them about their sin.

Have a child read Exodus 32:21

Moses questioned Aaron: What did you do?

Aaron pleaded with Moses to not be angry with him. The people, he said, were prone to doing bad things. Aaron told Moses the people told him to make a substitute god for them to follow since Moses was gone and no one knew what had happened to you. They claimed they needed someone to lead them.

Aaron continued…

Have a child read Exodus 32:24

Aaron told Moses that he put the gold into the fire and ‘poof!’ out came a calf.

Remember, God was not happy with the people. God wanted to destroy them for worshiping the idol. Moses asked God to not destroy them.

Have a child read Exodus 32:31-32a

Moses asked God to forgive the people.

God did forgive them; but some died as a consequence for their sin.

Explain to children the following:

God wanted to destroy the people for worshiping the idol. This suggests He means it when He says do not worship idols.

Will God destroy us? Understand that this nation was brand new and needed to remain set apart. That was God’s intent from the beginning. This nation was to be different so that others might see the difference and come to believe in God because of it.

The important thing to know from this story is that we are not to create idols and worship them…not even idols of God.

Ask: What about if we create a statue that represents God? Is that okay?

No, it is not. Why not?

God said NO IDOLS, and no means no.

Idols diminish God’s glory –

Nothing created can ever accurately capture the Creator. To make something out of stuff (whatever the stuff is – even gold) lessons God. God is so far beyond all He created that we simply cannot create something that correctly represents God so we ought to not even try.

Idols can mislead the worshipper. Consider even the Bible. While we ought to take care of the Bible and treat it with the respect it deserves, we should not put the Bible above God, the one who wrote it. It can be easy for us to begin to worship the thing and forget to worship God.

We may not have statues that we worship, but we certainly have idols in our lives. Anything we use to fill a void in our lives that God should fill is an idol.

Like Moses prayed for the people, we should be praying for those that don’t know Him yet. We should invite them to join us so that they will know Him.

What does Jesus say about this commandment?

Jesus said, “Do not accumulate for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19)

When Jesus met the Samraitan woman at the well, He told her she didn’t have to worship in Jerusalem nor in Samaria, she was to worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:23). God is spirit and His worshippers should worship as Jesus directed, in spirit and in truth. No idols!

3. Pray

Praise God for who He is

Thank Him for the gift of the Bible that from it we can learn more about God.

Ask God to show us those things that we are using to replace Him and for the strength to get rid of them.

4. Explain the Idols Family Activity Sheet

This week, as a family, you are to make a list of those things that are most important to you. If God is not at the top of your list, pray and ask God to help you and your family make Him most important in your lives. Discuss as a family any potential things you might be using to fill voids in your life that only God should fill.

Weekly Challenge (20 minutes)

In this week’s challenge, we will practice destroying idols.

1. Before the Challenge

Collect the necessary supplies for this week’s challenge.

Supplies:

Water guns (1 per child)

Magic noodles (Hobby Lobby – Magic Nuudles biodegradable building blocks; $4.99)

These noodles look like the Styrofoam packing noodles but are made of cornstarch so they dissolve in water. A few days before the challenge, build an ‘idol’ of some sort with these noodles according to the instructions on the box and allow them to dry. One option is to build them in the form of a ziggurat, but any ‘idol’ will suffice.

2. The Challenge

Have each team form a circle and give a water gun to each team member (or have children bring their own water guns). Place the magic noodle ‘idol’ in the center of the team circle. On your mark, have the children begin shooting water at the ‘idol’. Allow them to continue to do so for a maximum of about 12 minutes. If a team completely destroys their ‘idol’, they are to raise their flag announcing the completion of their task. If the ‘idols’ have not been destroyed in the 12 minute timeframe, determine which team dissolved the majority of their ‘idol’ and declare a winning team.

Give each team their books of the bible cards – Matthew through Titus – and the Key Passages matching cards. On your mark, the teams are to arrange the books of the bible in the correct order and match the key passages cards. When the team is done, they are to raise their flags.

3. Apply the Challenge

Explain to the children we do not usually make idols these days although some religions still have icons that they worship. That does not mean we do not have idols though, and we need to spend some time in prayer asking God to show us what ‘idols’ we may have. What are we putting before God? Anything that fills a void in our lives that God is intended (and wanting) to fill can be an idol. Encourage the children to participate in the weekly family activity.

Closing (10 minutes)

1. Award this week’s medals based on the week’s challenge.

2. Assign this week’s memory work:

Books of the Bible: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, Revelation

Key Passages:

The 10 Commandments – Exodus 20

The Model Prayer – Matthew 6:9-13

A Messianic Psalm – Psalm 22 (‘Messianic’ means about Jesus)

3. Explain the Key Passage:

The Bible is the story of Jesus and even though Jesus is not introduced until the Gospels in the New Testament, there are prophecies about Jesus. Some of these are found in the book of Psalms. We call these psalms that speak of the coming Messiah (Jesus) Messianic psalms. Psalm 22 is one of the more popular psalms that speaks of the coming Messiah.

4. Closing prayer

5. Closing song of choice

4. Do Not Misuse God's Name

Related Media

(For instructions on how to use this study, see Welcome to The Ten Commandments)

Commandment: "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain..." (Exodus 20:4a NET)

Bible Story: Show Me Your Glory- Exodus 33:12-23

Goals-

Cognitive: The children will learn of Moses' request to see God's glory.

Affective: The children will understand God's name is holy, powerful and glorious.

Books to know this week:

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, Jude, Revelation

Key passage(s) to know this week:

· The Ten Commandments - Exodus 20

· The Model Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13

· A Messianic Psalm - Psalm 22

Praise and Worship Time (10 minutes)

1. Opening Prayer

2. Sing songs on Choice

Review Bible Books and Key Passage (5 minutes)

Have the children find the following books/passage in the Bible:

1. Philemon

2. Hebrews

3. Acts

4. 1 Thessalonians

5. The Model Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)

6. A Messianic Psalm (Psalm 22)

Tell the Bible Story (15 minutes)

Prepare to teach

Review last week's Bible story notes.

Read Exodus 33:12-23

Read through the Bible story notes prior to teaching.

Teach

Assign the following passages/verses to be read by the children:

· Exodus 33:12-13

· Exodus 33:14

· Exodus 33:15-16

· Exodus 33:17

· Exodus 33:18

· Exodus 33:19-20

· Exodus 33:21-23

Review where we left off last week:

· The people had sinned against God. They created an idol in the form of a golden calf and worshipped it.

· God was upset with the people but Moses prayed on their behalf and God did not destroy them. Some did, however, suffer the consequences of that sin.

· God told Moses He would not go with the people (Exodus 33:3) rather He would send an angel to lead them.

· Moses did not want an angel leading them; he wanted God to lead them.

Moses made three requests of God:

Have a child read Exodus 33:12-13.

· The first request was this: Moses wanted to know God. "Show me your , thatI may know You..." was Moses' request (Ex 33:13)

· What does this mean? To Know God?

· It could mean `awareness' of God; similar to knowing where something is located. I know where the elementary schools are.

· It could mean knowing something about God; I know who Michael Jordan is, but do I really know him? No. There is a difference.

· Then there is `knowledge by experience." I know about _____ (name a place you've been to) because we visited/lived there and experienced all that comes with visiting/living there.

· Yet these types of `knowing' are still less than the `know' that the Bible speaks of. Moses knew about God, He had experienced God, but he still wanted more.

· Moses wanted to know God such that his life would be changed.

Ask: What about you? Do you really know God? Is your life different because of your knowledge of God?

What was God's response to Moses' request? Have a child read Exodus 33:14.

· God told Moses His Presence would go with him.

Moses has a second request.

Have a child read Exodus 3:15-16

· Moses wanted God to lead them, not an angel. He told God "If your presence does not go with us, do not take us up from here." He was afraid people would think God abandoned His people and God would get a bad reputation.

· Moses was concerned for God's name.

And God's response?

Have a child read Exodus 33:17

· God would do as Moses requested and lead them Himself.

· All Moses had to do was ask.

Moses' third request?

Have a child read Exodus 33:18

· Moses asked to see God's glory.

· Moses was asking to see God face to face. What a bold request.

And God's response?

Have a child read Exodus 33:19-20

· God agreed to show Moses as much as He could without harming Moses.

· He told Moses He could not show Moses His face or Moses would die.

Have a child read Exodus 33:21-23

· God positioned Moses on a cleft in the rock and covered his face.

· He then allowed Moses to see His `back.'

Explain to children the following:

· We cannot fully comprehend what happened on that cleft that day.

· We do know that Moses experienced God in a way he had never experienced Him before.

Read Exodus 34:5-7

· The name of God sums up the character of God.

· Our God is slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness and so much more.

· This is why we need to revere His name and not use is flippantly when we text (OMG) or when we are upset at something.

Ask: How do we use God's name in vain these days? Will you commit to not do so?

What did Jesus have to say about this commandment?

· Jesus taught in Matthew 12:36 that we will all give an account for every worthless word we speak. We should be careful with the words we choose to use especially when using God's name.

· Jesus all taught in Matthew 6:9 as He was teaching the disciples how to pray, "Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored..." Jesus understood the significance of God's name. We should as well.

Pray

Praise God for who He is

Thank Him for language. It is through the words we find in Scripture that we know God.

Ask God to allow us to experience Him in ways we have never done so before.

Explain the Names of God Family Activity Sheet.

Names are important in Scripture. The names of God help us gain a better understanding of who God is. This week, as a family, you will be looking up some different names of God. You can find many of them by searching the name on www.bible.org.

Weekly Challenge (20 minutes)

In this week's challenge, we will putting our mouths and jaws to good use.

1. Before the Challenge

Collect the necessary supplies for this week's challenge.

Supplies:

· Lots of bubble gum (at least 60 pieces per team)

· ¼ piece of foam board for each team

· Disposable gloves (optional)

On the foam board, write out aword (your choice) and divide the word into at least 50 sections (see illustration below).

2. The Challenge

Each letter in divided into 4 or 5 sections. Instruct the children to chew gum long enough to make it sticky and then stick the chewed piece of gum in each section of each letter. When the team has filled each of the sections, they are to raise their flag announcing they are done.

Give each team their books of the bible cards - Matthew through Revelation - and the Key Passages matching cards. On your mark, the teams are to arrange the books of the bible in the correct order and match the key passages cards. When the team is done, they are to raise their flags.

3. Apply the Challenge

For many, all that chewing will cause discomfort in their jaws. Talking too much can also make our mouths hurt sometimes. We need to remember to use our words carefully, especially when using the name of God. We are to revere God and are to never misuse His name.

Closing (10 minutes)

1. Award this week's medals based on the week's challenge.

2. Assign this week's memory work:

· Books of the Bible: All New Testament books and Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy

· Key Passages:

· The 10 Commandments - Exodus 20

· The Model Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13

· A Messianic Psalm - Psalm 22 (`Messianic' means about Jesus)

· Imitating Christ's Humility - Philippians 2:1-11

3. Explain the Key Passage:

God has clearly told us what His expectations of us are, we are to be like Christ. One of Christ's most distinct attributes was His humility. He was God Himself and yet did not think twice about serving man. We too should aspire to be like Christ, humble and willing to serve others.

4. Closing prayer.

5. Closing song of choice.

5. Rest on the Sabbath Day

Related Media

(For instructions on how to use this study, see Welcome to The Ten Commandments)

Commandment: "Remember the Sabbath day to set it apart as holy." (Exodus 20:8 NET)

Bible Story: God Guides and Provides (manna and quail) - Numbers 10:11-13; 11:1-35

Goals-

Cognitive: The children will learn how the Israelites complained to Moses and to God. They will learn God provided Quail for the Israelites to eat.

Affective: The children will understand God values rest and spiritual refreshment; He values time for people to worship Him.

Books to know this week:

Key passage(s) to know this week:

· The Ten Commandments - Exodus 20

· The Model Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13

· A Messianic Psalm - Psalm 22

· Imitating Christ's Humility - Philippians 2:1-11

Praise and Worship Time (10 minutes)

1. Opening Prayer

2. Sing songs on Choice

Review Bible Books and Key Passage (5 minutes)

Have the children find the following books/passage in the Bible:

· 2 Peter

· Exodus

· Colossians

· Numbers

· The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20)

· Imitating Christ' Humility (Philippians 2:1-11)

Tell the Bible Story (15 minutes)

1. Prepare to teach

Review last week's Bible story notes

Read Numbers 10:11-11:35

Read through the Bible story notes prior to teaching.

2. Teach

Assign the following passages/verses to be read by the children:

· Numbers 10:11-13

· Numbers 11:1-3

· Numbers 11:4-6

· Numbers 11:18-20

· Numbers 1:21-22

· Numbers 11:23

Review where we left off last week:

· After the idol incident, God told Moses He would not travel with them but would send an angel instead.

· Moses was not satisfied with having an angel guide them; He wanted God to guide them into the Promised Land.

· Moses made three requests of God:

· I want to know You

· Do not move us if You are not going to lead us

· Show me Your glory.

· God showed Moses as much as He could without harming him. In doing so, God proclaimed His name.

· The name of God sums up His character. His name should be revered, not misused.

It's time to leave Mount Sinai.

Have a child read Numbers 10:11-13

· It was the 20^th day of the 2^nd month of the 2^nd year. The Israelites had already been in the desert for almost 1 year. (In Ex. 19:11, Scripture tells us they stopped there in the 3^rd month. Numbers 10:11 tells us it's the 2^nd month of the 2^nd year. All that Moses recorded between Exodus 19:11 and Numbers 10:11 all occurred during this time.)

· The verses that follow provide details as to what order they marched from the desert to Sinai. God is an orderly God and He gave them specific instructions which they were to follow.

Have a child read Numbers 11:1-3

· The people were complaining about their hardship. This angered God.

Ask: Why do you think the people's complaining angered God? (allow time for several answers)

Say: We'll discuss this further in a little bit.

· Fire from the LORD burned among the people so they went to Moses and again, Moses prayed on behalf of the people. God heard Moses and the fire died down.

Have a child read Numbers 11:4-6

· The `mixed multitude' or `rabble' were the non-Israelites that left Egypt with God's people (Ex. 12:38). Perhaps they did not share God's faith and if that is the case, then any inconvenience would be reason for them to complain.

· The sad part is that the Israelites joined them in their complaining. Rather than remembering what God had delivered them from, they were listening to these `rabble' and quickly became dissatisfied with what God was providing...manna.

Stop and reflect. Are you dissatisfied with something God has provided? Why? Perhaps it is because there are those who don't share your faith who are complaining and you have joined them in their grumbling? Be careful you do not forget all God has done for you. Rather than complain about the `manna,' thank Him for it.

· Moses heard the people were complaining. He knew God was becoming more and more angry and this troubled Moses.

· Moses asked God: Why have you afflicted your servant? Did I do something to upset you? They are not my children? They want meat; where am I supposed to get them meat?

· He also told God that this burden (leading these complaining people) was too heavy for him and he'd rather God take him now than have to listen to and lead these complaining people.

Have a child read Numbers 11:18-20

· God told them He would provide meat.

· They were going to eat meat not only for one day, or two or five or even twenty. They were going to eat if for a whole month; until it was coming out of their noses; until they hated it.

· God was doing this because they were telling God they were better off in Egypt.

Ask: Earlier I asked why was God upset about the complaining? Consider this:

1. Meat was only eaten on special occasions. It wasn't like it is now where we have meat at just about every meal. Meat was a luxury and should not have expected it in the desert.

2. They were making their time in Egypt seem much better than it actually was. They were discontent with God and with Moses and were thinking they had been happy in Egypt. They had forgotten they had been slaves there.

3. By claiming they were happy in Egypt, they were in essence saying this whole deliverance from God had been a huge disappointment.

Were God's actions vindictive? Was God being mean?

· No, God was not being vindictive. He was disciplining His people.

· God was trying to teach them to trust Him and His provision. He knows what is best.

· Why? Because they were about to face more trials in the Promised Land. They had to learn to trust God completely.

Have a child read Numbers 11:21-22

· Moses did not know how God was going to provide meat for all the people (600,000 men on foot) for a full month.

· He knew they did not have enough flocks or herds to feed them all for a month.

· Moses was looking at what they had not at what God could do.

And God's response?

Have a child read Numbers 11:23

· God asked Moses: Is my arm too short?

· He reminded Moses who He was and pretty much said, `you just watch and see what I can do'.

God provided the meat; but not without consequences. Many died because they wanted something for themselves that God had not chosen for them.

Explain to children the following:

· We need to be careful what we complain to God about.

· We should ask ourselves: Do we really want something that God doesn't want for us?

· Are we willing to pay the price; suffer the consequences for that which we demand of God?

Review the commandment: Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.

· This is something that God does want for us. He wants us to take a day to rest and reflect on Him. Doing so makes us different than those who do not know God.

· We don't observe Saturday as our holy day (as they did in Bible times). Christians observe Sunday in honor of Christ's resurrection.

· Whether we choose Saturday or Sunday as our day of rest, we should purpose to take at least one day and reflect on His goodness. Often we are tempted to pack in as much as we can because we don't have school or work on Sundays.

· When tempted, we should consider if we are perhaps taking something for ourselves that God does not want for us.

What does Jesus say about this commandment?

· Luke 13:10-17 records a time when Jesus healed on the Sabbath day and was rebuked by the religiuos leaders of the day. They accused Jesus of `working' on the Sabbath and were upset with Him about it.

· Jesus rebuked them by reminding them that healing is not `work.' The religious leaders were missing the point of resting on the Sabbath day. Jesus taught it was more important to have compassion on the woman than to get hung up on defining `work'

· In Mark 2:27 -28 reads: "Then he said to them, `The Sabbath was made for people, not people for the Sabbath. For this reason the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.'" Jesus was telling the his disciples it is okay to do good on the Sabbath.

3. Pray

Praise God for being the All Knowing (Omniscient) and All Powerful (Omnipotent).

Thank Him for all He has already provided for you.

Ask Him to help you remember to spend at lease one day per week resting and reflecting on Him.

4. Explain the Rest and Reflect Family Activity Sheet

Today, we discussed how the Israelites complained about not having meat. They wanted more than what God had graciously provided. We discussed how we should be careful not to complain to God about what we do not have rather we should thank God for what He has given us. God has given us so many blessings; He also wants and expects some things from us. This week's family activity focuses on helping us determine what God wants from us and looking at how richly He has blessed us.

Weekly Challenge (20 minutes)

This week's commandment reminds us to take a day to rest and reflect on Him. This week's challenge will emphasize the need for rest and spiritual refreshment. When we are not rested, we become ineffective (like buckets with holes in them). When we do not spend time refreshing ourselves spiritually, we become rested people with unrested minds.

1. Before the Challenge

Collect the necessary supplies

Supplies:

2 large buckets or storage containers per team

1 bucket per team with holes drilled in the bottom and sides of it (suggestion: sand toy type bucket)

Mark a fill line on one of the large buckets/storage containers per team. Place one bucket or storage container for each team at the designated starting point. Place the second large bucket or storage container (the ones marked with a fill line) approximately 15 feet away from the first. Place the hole-y buckets in the starting bucket/storage container.

2. The Challenge

On the leaders mark, the children will fill the hole-y bucket with water and place the bucket above their head as they run towards the second bucket. They are to dump whatever water is left into their second bucket. The team that fills their second bucket to the fill line first wins. If time permits, run the challenge a second or third time until time runs out.

Hand out the books of the Bible cards (NT and Genesis - Deuteronomy). The teams are to put the books of the Bible in the correct order, match the key passage with the correct scripture reference and locate that passage in the bible. When the team has completed the task, they are to raise their flag letting us know they are done.

3. Apply the Challenge

A hole-y bucket is not the most effective way to transport water. When we do not do as God asks and take at least one day for rest and reflection, we become as ineffective as the hole-y buckets. God knows what is best for us just as He knew what was best for the Israelites in the desert. If we believe this, we will strive to do as He asks including resting on the Sabath day.

Closing (10 minutes)

1. Award this week's medals based on the week's challenge.

2. Give the children the books of the bible and the key passage for the week:

· Books of the Bible: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, Revelation, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles

· Key Passages:

· The 10 Commandments - Exodus 20

· The Model Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13

· A Messianic Psalm - Psalm 22 (`Messianic' means about Jesus)

· Imitating Christ's Humility - Philippians 2: 1-11

· A Priestly Blessing - Numbers 6:24-26

3. Explain the Key Passage:

We often struggle to know what to say to people when they are leaving or moving away so we end up saying something like "Good Luck" or "God be with you." God has given us a blessing in Scripture that we can use when we are praying for people and wanting things to go well with them. This is often known as the "Priestly Blessing" or the "Aaronic Blessing" because God told Moses to have Aaron bless the people. Next time you do not know how to pray for someone or what to hope for them, try praying this blessing found in Numbers 6:24-26.

4. Closing prayer.

5. Closing song of choice.

Related Topics: Children's Curriculum

6. Honor Your Parents

Related Media

(For instructions on how to use this study, see Welcome to The Ten Commandments)

Commandment: "Honor your father and your mother..." (Exodus 20:12a NET)

Bible Story: 12 Men Went to Spy on Canaan (part 1) - Numbers 13

Goals-

Cognitive: The children will learn about the Israelites' lack of faith in God which resulted in their spending the next 40 years in the desert.

Affective: The children will understand it is important to trust God even when things look impossible in our own eyes.

Books to know this week:

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles

Key passage(s) to know this week:

· The 10 Commandments - Exodus 20

· The Model Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13

· A Messianic Psalm - Psalm 22

· Imitating Christ's Humility - Philippians 2:1-11

· A Priestly Blessing - Numbers 6:24-26

Praise and Worship Time (15 minutes)

1. Opening Prayer

2. Sing songs of choice

Review Bible Books and Key Passage (5 minutes)

Have the children find the following books/passage in the Bible:

1. Hebrews

2. Ruth

3. 1Thessalonians

4. 1 Kings

5. The Model Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)

6. A Priestly Blessing (Numbers 6:24-26)

Tell the Bible Story (15 minutes)

1. Prepare to teach

Review last weeks' Bible Study notes

Read Numbers 12-14 (Numbers 14 will be taught next week)

Read all the Bible story notes prior to teaching

2. Teach

Assign the following passages/verses to be read by the children:

· Numbers 13:1-2

· Deuteronomy 1:22-23

· Exodus 3:8

· Numbers 13:17-20

· Numbers 13:23

· Numbers 13:25

· Numbers 13:27-29

· Numbers 13:30

· Numbers 13:31-33

Review where we left off last week:

· The Israelites had been in the desert for almost a year.

· They had been complaining about not having meat so God sent them some quail.

· Moses wasn't sure how they were going to feed all these people some meat so he questioned God about it.

· God asked Moses "Is my arm too short?" He told Moses he would see whether of not what God says will come true.

· Of course, what God said did come true. The people had quail although, some died because of God's anger towards them.

And since then?

· Shortly after this, Moses' brother and sister (Aaron & Miriam) began talking about Moses because of his Cushite wife. They were jealous that God had spoke through Moses and not through them.

· God dealt with both of them (but we'll discuss this story at another time).

It's now been over a year since they left Egypt.

Have a child read Numbers 13:1-2

· God told Moses to go ahead and send out some men to explore.

· Before we assume this is God's idea, let's look at Deuteronomy 1:22-23.

Have a child read Deuteronomy 1:22-23

· They had reached their destination and were supposed to go in and take the land.

Ask: Whose idea was it to explore the land?

· It was the people's idea. Moses thought it was a good idea and we see in Numbers that God gave them permission to go and explore the land.

Now, what are they going to find? Let's look back at the beginning and see what God told Moses about where He was leading them.

Have a child read Exodus 3:8

· God was going to lead them into a good and spacious land.

· This was a land flowing with milk and honey.

· It was also the home of the Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites.

· So Moses knows that the land is not vacant. It is being lived in by some pagan people.

Let's continue.

Have a child read Numbers 13:17-20

· Moses asks the men to go explore Canaan. They were to

a) see what the land was like

b) see whether the people who live there are strong or weak

c) see if there were lots of people or just a few

d) see what the land was like; was it good or bad

e) see what kinds of towns they lived in

f) see if there are walls around the towns

g) see if the soil was fertile or poor

h) see if there were trees

g) bring back some fruit if they could

· Remember, they haven't had fruit in over a year. They've had manna and quail. Fruit would be absolutely wonderful right now.

· So the men did as Moses requested. They went into the land and started exploring. Here's what they found:

Have a child read Numbers 13:23

· They found fruit.

· They cut off a branch bearing one single cluster of grapes.

· It took two men to carry it.

· They also brought with them some pomegranates and figs.

Have a child read Numbers 13:25

· They spent 40 days exploring the land.

· Meanwhile, the rest of the people are sitting not far away.

The men returned and reported to the people. Have a child read Numbers 13:27-29; What did the people find?

· It did flow with milk and honey and they gave Moses the fruit sampling, BUT,

· They saw the people were powerful and the cities fortified and large.

· They saw that the Amalekits, Hittites, Jebusites, Amorites and Canaanites lived in the land

Ask: Remember what God told them...was what God said correct? Yes. He told them they would find people groups there and they did.

Have a child read Numbers 13:30

· Caleb saw where this conversation was going so he stopped it.

· He urged the people to go and take the land God had promised them.

· He told them they could do it.

Have a child read Numbers 13:31-33

· But the other men said `no, we can't do this'

· And they spread among the people a bad report about the land they had explored.

· They said the land `devours' those living in it

· They also said they saw giant like people

Note the last sentence in this chapter: "and we seemed like grasshoppers both to ourselves and to them."

Explain to children the following:

· They were looking at the situation through their own eyes, not through God's eyes.

· So what are they to do?

o What they found was not a surprise to God. He told Moses from the very beginning what they would find. He also told Moses He was giving them the land.

o Rather than taking the land, they requested spies be sent. That probably wasn't part of God's original plan, but sometimes God lets us do what we want to teach us a lesson on dependence on Him.

o They have spent over a year in the desert now and have witnessed God provision for them over and over again.

· What are they to do?

We'll see next week in `12 men went to spy on Canaan, part 2'

Review the commandment: Honor your father and your mother.

The complete verse reads like this: "Honor your father and your mother that you may live a long time in the land the LORD your God is giving to you." (Exodus 12:12 NET)

· When God promises something, we can hang tight to it because He will not disappoint us.

· The Israelites should do the same, correct? They should hang on to the promise that God said He would give them the land.

· We should hang tight to the promise that when we honor our parents, God will bless us.

· We should honor our parents because it is the right thing to do.

What does Jesus say about this commandment?

· In Matthew 15:4-6, Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of His day for not honoring their aging parents.

· Honoring your parents is more than just obeying them. Children (young and old) should show their parents respect.

· Yet, Jesus also taught that God should come first. Matthew 10:37 teaches we should love God more than our parents.

3. Pray

Praise God for who He is, the ultimate Promise Keeper.

Thank God for His many promises including this one tied to the commandment to honor our parents.

Commit to honor God by honoring those He has given us to care for us, our parents.

4. Explain the Family Activity Sheet

· When we're young, we honor our parents by obeying them.

· The first part of the family activity is to obey our parents.

· In the space provided, we're to list some of our chores. As we obey this week, have mom or dad initial the box letting us know you were honoring them with your obedience.

· Do this for at least 4 days.

· When we get older, we honor our parents by thanking them and saying good things about them.

· In the space provided, complete the sentences.

Weekly Challenge (20 minutes)

In this week's challenge, the children will be building a `house' using only swim noodles and masking tape. The goal is to build a structure (4 walls and a roof) that all the team members will fit in. The children will get extra credit for creativity.

1. Before the Challenge

Gather the necessary supplies.

Supplies:

· 8 swim noodles and 1 roll of masking tape per team

· Set out 8 swim noodles and 1 roll of masking tape per team.

2. The Challenge

On your mark, have the teams build a `house' using the noodles provided. The goal is to build a structure that will stand on its own and that all the team members will fit in/under.

The team to complete the structure - build a free standing building large enough to `house' all of their team members - wills the challenge.

Hand out the key passages and books of the Bible cards (NT and Genesis - 2 Chronicles). The teams are to put the books of the Bible in the correct order, match the key passages with the correct scripture reference and locate the passages in the Bible. When the team has completed the task, they are to raise their flag letting you know they are done.

3. Apply the Challenge

Explain to the children that building a stable home out of swim noodles may have seemed a little challenging. Building a stable home in the world is even more challenging. Our parents have a lot of responsibility. When we honor our parents by obeying them, it makes their God given tasks a little bit easier. The Israelites were left with a choice...obey God and take the land or obey men and not take the land. Obedience to God brings blessing. We know what the Israelites should do, but will they do it? You are faced with a choice...honor your parents just a God commanded or not. Again, obedience to God brings blessing. How will you choose?

Closing (10 minutes)

1. Award this week's medals based on the week's challenge.

2. Assign this week's memory work:

Books of the Bible:

Key Passages:

The 10 Commandments - Exodus 20

The Model Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13

A Messianic Psalm - Psalm 22 (`Messianic' means about Jesus)

Imitating Christ's Humility - Philippians 2: 1-11

A Priestly Blessing - Numbers 6:24-26

Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 5-7

3. Explain the Key Passage:

One of Jesus' most famous sermons is the one recorded in Matthew 5-7. It is called the Sermon on the Mount. In it, Jesus explained much about His expectations for us as believers. We should all be very familiar with the content found in this (as well as other) teaching of Christ.

4. Closing prayer.

5. Closing song of choice.

Related Topics: Children's Curriculum

7. Do Not Take Any Lives

Related Media

(For instructions on how to use this study, see Welcome to The Ten Commandments)

NOTE: You will need to preorder some supplies for this week's family activity sheet. For more information, read the explanation of the Family Activity for the week.

Commandment: "You shall not murder." (Exodus 20:13 NET)

Bible Story: 12 Men Went to Spy on Canaan (part 2) - Numbers 14

Goals-

Cognitive: The children will learn about the Israelites' lack of faith in God which resulted in their spending the next 40 years in the desert.

Affective: The children will understand God is slow to anger BUT He will judge and one day, it will be too late.

Books to know this week:

Key passage(s) to know this week:

The 10 Commandments - Exodus 20

The Model Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13

A Messianic Psalm - Psalm 22

Imitating Christ's Humility - Philippians 2:1-11

A Priestly Blessing - Numbers 6:24-26

Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 5-7

Praise and Worship Time (15 minutes)

1. Opening prayer

2. Sing songs of choice

Review Bible Books and Key Passages (5 minutes)

Have the children find the following books/passages in the Bible:

· Esther

· Revelation

· Psalms

· Matthew

· Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)

· The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20)

Tell the Bible Story (15 minutes)

1. Prepare to teach

Review last weeks' Bible study notes

Read Numbers 12-14

Read all the Bible story notes prior to teaching

2. Teach

Assign the following passages/verses to be read by the children:

a) Numbers 14:1-4

b) Numbers 14:7-9

c) Numbers 14:10

d) Numbers 14:20-23

e) Numbers 14:44-45

Review where we left off last week:

· Twelve men went to explore the land in Canaan.

· They returned after 40 days and reported it was all God said it would be.

· BUT, they also reported the people who live there were powerful and their cities were fortified

This is a warning for us... there should be no `buts' with God.

· They commented "we seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes."

· How sad, for if they had seen thing through God's eyes, things would be very different.

Allow the teams to work together in a small group for this first part. Instruct the small groups to read Numbers 14:1-4. They will be asked to describe/list the response of the people. What were they doing? After a few moments, have them report to the large group.

· They raised their voices and wept.

· They grumbled.

· They said `if only we had died in Egypt.'

· They wanted to choose a leader and go back to Egypt.

Have a child read Numbers 14:7-9

· Moses and Aaron were not happy.

· Joshua and Caleb (the 2 that were good) urged them to not be afraid. The men believed God was with them and they could take the land.

What is the response of the people this time?

Have a child read Numbers 14:10

· The people wanted to stone the men! How very sad and disappointing.

· The people had this attitude before.

· They were, in essence, accusing God of making a mistake in delivering them from Egypt.

We do not have to imagine what God's response was to this.

Have a leader should read Numbers 14:11-12

· God was ready to strike them down again... just get rid of them all.

· BUT Moses, He cared too much about God.

· Moses was concerned that the Egyptians would hear about the Israelites death and think God was not powerful; that He could not save the people. Moses did not want other nations to think badly about God so he asked God not to destroy the people.

NOTE: Moses was concerned about God's name and reputation more than about the people. Remember this...it will be important next week.

When pleading with God, Moses used God's own words:

He reminded God of what He told Moses in Ex 34:6 that God is slow to angr and abounding in love.

Moses asked God to forgive the people.

In verse 20, God agreed He would forgive them, BUT, there were consequences.

Have a child read Numbers 14:20-23

· God determined that everyone over the age of 20 who grumbled would not enter the Promised Land.

· They would wander the desert for 40 years...one year for every day the men explored Canaan

· The ten that spread the bad reports died (v.37)

· Only Joshua and Caleb would enter the Promised Land (v38)

The people heard all this and recognized they messed up. They want to go ahead and battle (Numbers 14:40). Moses told them not to because God was not with them and they will not succeed!

BUT, have a child read Numbers 14:44-45

· They went anyway and were defeated badly.

· They acknowledged their sin, but didn't take to heart the seriousness of God's judgment.

· It was simply too late.

What can we learn from this:

· The land was all God said it would be BUT the people were afraid and didn't want to take the land.

· God forgave them BUT the adults were going to die in the desert and would not enter the Promised Land

· God is slow to anger and abounding in love BUT He will judge and one day, it will be too late.

Review the commandment: You shall not murder. Some Bible translations use `kill' but `murder' is a more appropriate translation. Does this include war? What about this...what God wanted the Israelites to do? What exactly does this commandment mean?

· Murder is the unlawful killing of another human being - usually (but not always) premeditated.

Why should we not murder?

· God created human beings in His own Image.

· He values the life He created and we should too.

What does Jesus teach about this commandment?

· Jesus warns us against hate (Matt 5:21) because He understands hate can lead to more violent behavior like murder

· We need to guard against anger that turns into hate.

· Jesus goes a step further and suggests when we are wronged, we should `turn the other cheek' (Matthew 5:39). God's justice is always far better than our own.

3. Pray

Praise Him for who He is, the Creator of heaven and earth and the giver of all life.

Thank God for the life He's given you.

Ask Him to help you love as He does and to value life as He does.

4. Introduce the Family Activity Sheet.

Because God value the lives He has created, this week we are going to work at helping to sustain life. Rather than taking a life, we are going to give so that a life might be saved.

Watch the Rice Bowls video: www.ricebowls.org/video (or choose another charity focused on sustaining or extending life).

Explain to the children that at the end of the night, you will be handing out rice bowls (which you will need to preorder) for them to collect funds over the next month. As they fill their bowls, they are to return them to you. At the end of your Rice Bowl campaign, total the money and send it to the Rice Bowl organization.

You may choose another charity organization committed to sustaining or extending life if you prefer. Included with this lesson will be two versions of the family activity sheet. One will have the Rice Bowl announcement; the other will have a blank space where you can announce your charity of choice.

Weekly Challenge (20 minutes)

In this week's challenge, students will attempt to keep water balloon `grenades' from exploding.

1. Before the challenge

Gather as many water balloons as you can. The more you have the longer you can play. The recommendation is to gather approximately ten per child participating.

Fill the balloons with water and divide them evenly among the teams. Mark out a space for each team that spans 10 feet.

2. The challenge

The team leader (adult) will stand at one point and the children will stand approximately 10 feet away. On your whistle blow, the leader will toss water balloons to his/her team. The team that catches the most water balloons (unpopped) in the allotted time wins the challenge. The teams will then move indoors to complete the books of the bible part of the challenge.

Hand out the key passages and books of the Bible cards (NT and Genesis - Song of Solomon). The teams are to put the books of the Bible in the correct order, match the key passages with the correct scripture reference and locate the passages in the Bible. When the team has completed the task, they are to raise their flag letting you know they are done.

3. Apply the challenge

Just as we worked at keeping the water balloon `bombs' from `exploding', we want to control our temper and our emotions so that we do not explode and react in anger or hatred. The Israelites were so angry at Joshua and Caleb that they wanted to stone the men simply because these two wanted to trust God at His word and proceed into the Promised Land. We are all created by God and therefore, like God, we should value all life.

Closing (10 minutes)

1. Award this week's medals based on the week's challenge.

2. Assign this week's memory work:

Books of the Bible:

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges,Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel

Key Passages:

· The 10 Commandments - Exodus 20

· The Model Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13

· A Messianic Psalm - Psalm 22 (`Messianic' means about Jesus)

· Imitating Christ's Humility - Philippians 2: 1-11

· A Priestly Blessing - Numbers 6:24-26

· Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 5-7

· The Creation Story - Genesis 1

3. Explain the Key Passage

We believe in the beginning God created the earth and everything on it including mankind. The world will try to teach us that mankind evolved from a lower form of mammal into what we are today, but that is contrary to what the Bible teaches. Our belief in God's creation of the heavens and the earth as well as His creation of man is fundamental to our faith. Purpose to accept what Scripture teaches in faith and in spite of opposition and hold tight to your beliefs. God will honor your commitment to Him and His word.

4. Closing prayer

5. Closing song of choice

Related Topics: Children's Curriculum

8. Keeping your Promises

Related Media

(For instructions on how to use this study, see Welcome to The Ten Commandments)

Commandment: "You shall not commit adultery." (Exodus 20:14 NET)

Bible Story: Water from the Rock - Numbers 20:1-13

Goals-

Cognitive: The children will learn of the circumstances surrounding Moses' actions that displeased God and kept him from entering the Promised Land.

Affective: The children will understand when representing God needs to be done with the honor and respect due Him.

Books to know this week:

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel

Key passage(s) to know this week:

· The 10 Commandments - Exodus 20

· The Model Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13

· A Messianic Psalm - Psalm 22

· Imitating Christ's Humility - Philippians 2:1-11

· A Priestly Blessing - Numbers 6:24-26

· Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 5-7

· The Creation Account - Genesis 1

Praise and Worship Time (15 minutes)

1. Opening prayer

2. Sing songs of choice

Review Bible Books and Key Passages (5 minutes)

Have the children find the following books/passages in the Bible:

· Lamentations

· 1 Peter

· Acts

· Numbers

· The Creation Account (Genesis 1)

· Imitating Christ's Humility (Philippians 2:1-11)

Tell the Bible Story (15 minutes)

1. Prepare to teach

Review last week's Bible study notes

Skim Numbers 15-19

Read Numbers 20

Read all the Bible story notes prior to teaching

2. Teach

Assign the following passages/verses to be read by the children:

· Numbers 20:1-5

· Numbers 20:6-11

· Numbers 20:12-13

Review where we left off last week

· The Israelites refused to take the Promised Land.

· God determined because of this, they would wander the desert for 40 years.

· The Israelites realized they were wrong not to trust God and decided to fight the Amalekites anyway.

· Moses warned them not to but they did not listen. They fought and lost terribly.

So what happened after the loss to the Amalekites (Numbers 14) until this point?

· God gave instructions to the young people of the group; they were to present offerings when they arrived at the Promised Land (Numbers 15).

· Later, Korah and other leaders along with 250 men rose up against Moses (Numbers 16).

· God judged the men for their rebellion.

· The land opened up and swallowed Korah, his family and their belongings.

· Fire from heaven killed the other 250 men.

· God appointed Aaron as Priest (Numbers 17).

· God provided instructions on the priest's wardrobe and duties (Genesis 19).

· The Israelites wandered the desert for 37 years just as God said they would.

Select one child to act as Narrator for the impromptu dramas and divide the remaining children/teams into 2 groups. Assign Numbers 20:1-5 to one group and Numbers 20:6-11 to the other. The groups are to read the assigned passages and develop a short skit that they will share with the entire group. Allow them about 5-7 minutes to prepare.

After allotted time, bring the children back together and begin the performances. Provide the Narrator with the following script:

Narrator -

"Welcome to our desert drama! In the first month, the entire Israelite community arrived at the desert of Zin and stayed at Kadesh. This was the first month of their 40^th year in the desert.

Now, there was no water for the community to drink so the people, YES, AGAIN, gathered in opposition to Moses and Aaron.

Watch as our first group dramatizes what happened".

Allow the first group to present their skit.

Narrator -

"Tsk, tsk...will they ever learn not to complain?

Moses and Aaron left the people and went to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. There, they fell face down and the glory of the LORD appeared to them.

Watch as our second group continues our desert drama"

Allow the second group to present their skit.

Narrator -

"Once again, God was faithful in spite of all the complaining of the people. God gave the people the water they needed.

Alas, our story does not end here...

Listen closely as we see how God handled Moses and Aaron."

Thank all the performers and allow them to all take their seats. Ask the children the following questions:

What were God's instructions to Moses? He was to speak to the rock (Numbers 20:8)

What were Moses' actions? He struck the rock (Numbers 20:11)

Read Numbers 20:12

· God told Moses because he did not trust in Him enough to honor Him as holy in the sight of the people, Moses would not be allowed to enter the Promised Land.

Ask the children the following question:

What did Moses do that was so bad? Consider his past... he had done other things that displeased God but those things did not keep him out of the Promised Land. What made this different? (allow for answers)

Explain the following to the children:

· If we recall the very first complaint from the Israelites was also about water in Exodus 17:6.

· Now, close to the end, we see another complaint about water. The two almost act as bookends to the desert saga.

· The first time (Exodus 17), Moses did exactly as God told him to do

· This time, he did not. Moses struck the rock rather than speaking to it as God instructed.

So why is this something that will keep Moses and Aaron out of the Promised Land?

· God was not angry at the people. God wanted to show them His compassion and His provision for their needs.

· Moses was angry. He tired of all the people had put him through.

· When he responded to the people in anger, he made it appear as if God was angry.

· Moses misrepresented God.

· God was not pleased.

Explain: Remember, Moses was always concerned with God's reputation. Moses wanted to be sure the Egyptians and the Canaanites did not think God was something that He was not; weak nor powerless. Yet it was Moses, who did not honor God and who misrepresented Him to the people. Moses violated all he stood for over the last 40 years.

This did not change Moses' love for God nor did it change God's love for Moses. This action of Moses and Aaron, however, would result in discipline from God.

God takes this very seriously. When we, as Christians, represent God, we need to make sure we are honoring Him and giving Him the respect He deserves. We need to be sure we are representing God well.

Because of Moses' actions, neither he nor Aaron would enter the Promised Land.

Review the commandment:

· You shall not commit adultery. While the children are too young (and not married) to worry about breaking this commandment, they need to understand that we need to be faithful with any promise we make. If we are faithful with the small promises, we will be more successful at being faithful when we are adults.

· God is the best example of One who is faithful and keeps His promises. We should work at following His example and keep our word.

What does Jesus teach about this commandment?

· Jesus taught that it is the condition of the heart that leads to adultery. If we focus on what we do not have then other things will seem more appealing to us. If a husband or wife only notices what their spouse is not doing for them, they will quickly find someone who seems to do what their spouse does not. This will almost certainly lead to adultery.

· Paul wrote in Philippians 4:8 "...whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things." Rather than focusing on what we don't have, we should focus on those things that are good and true and praiseworthy.

3. Pray

· Praise God for always being faithful to us even when sometimes we are not faithful to Him.

· Thank Him for His many, many blessing to us.

· Ask Him to help us keep all the promises we make; the little ones as well as the big ones like marriage.

· Ask Him to help us represent Him well so that others will see Him in us and want to know Him.

4. Explain the Promises of God Family Activity Sheet.

This week we'll be looking at the different promises of God. Fill in the crossword puzzle with the promises mentioned in the passages listed. Some letters have been inserted to help guide you.

Weekly Challenge (20 minutes)

This week we will be repeating the Hole-y Buckets Challenge. We do this for two reasons. First, you've been at this for eight weeks now and some children may begin to lose interest. Children love to get wet and knowing they will do so may draw them in for a few more weeks.

Second, not keeping our promises makes us as useless as buckets with holes in them. This will be discussed further in the "Apply the Challenge" section.

1. Before the Challenge

Collect the necessary supplies

Supplies:

2 large buckets or storage containers per team

1 bucket per team with holes drilled in the bottom and sides of it (suggestion: sand toy type bucket)

2. The Challenge

Hand out the books of the Bible cards (NT and Genesis - Daniel). The teams are to put the books of the Bible in the correct order, match the key passage with the correct scripture reference and locate that passage in the bible. When the team has completed the task, they are to raise their flag letting us know they are done.

3. Apply the Challenge

A hole-y bucket is not the most effective way to transport water. Not keeping our promises makes us as useful as a bucket with holes in it. If we promise something to someone and then do not follow through, they learn not to trust us with the things we say and do. Moses spent 40 years in the desert protecting God's name and one error done in anger kept him from entering the Promised Land. When we do not keep our promises, our friends and family will still love us, God will still love us, but it may cost us something. Remember, if we are faithful with little things, we prove ourselves faith with big things.

Closing (10 minutes)

1. Award this week's medals based on the week's challenge.

2. Assign this week's memory work.

Books of the Bible:

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah

Key Passages:

· The 10 Commandments - Exodus 20

· The Model Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13

· A Messianic Psalm - Psalm 22 (`Messianic' means about Jesus)

· Imitating Christ's Humility - Philippians 2: 1-11

· A Priestly Blessing - Numbers 6:24-26

· Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 5-7

· The Creation Story - Genesis 1

· Hall of Faith - Hebrews 11

3. Explain the Key Passage

Hebrews 11 provides us with a list of great men and women of the Bible who remained faithful to God because of their faith in God. When we struggle to remain faithful, we can go to Hebrews 11 and read about the challenges these men faced and how they overcame them. We can learn how we can persevere through whatever challenges we face in our marriages (when we marry) and in life now so that we can be faithful to our friends, our family and to God.

4. Closing prayer

5. Closing song of choice

Script:

Narrator -

"Welcome to our desert drama! In the first month, the entire Israelite community arrived at the desert of Zin and stayed at Kadesh. This was the first month of their 40^th year in the desert.

Now, there was no water for the community to drink so the people, YES, AGAIN, gathered in opposition to Moses and Aaron.

Watch as our first group dramatizes what happened".

Allow the first group to present their skit.

Narrator -

"Tsk, tsk...will they ever learn not to complain?

Moses and Aaron left the people and went to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. There, they fell face down and the glory of the LORD appeared to them.

Watch as our second group continues our desert drama"

Allow the second group to present their skit.

Narrator -

"Once again, God was faithful in spite of all the complaining of the people. God gave the people the water they needed.

Alas, our story does not end here...

Listen closely as we see how God handled Moses and Aaron."

Related Topics: Children's Curriculum

9. Do Not Steal

(For instructions on how to use this study, see Welcome to The Ten Commandments)

Commandment: “You shall not steal.” (Exodus 20:15 NET)

Bible Story: Joshua is chosen to succeed Moses – Numbers 27:12-23

Goals-

Cognitive: The children will learn of Moses’ death.

Affective: The children will understand God prepares us for the tasks He would have us accomplish in our lifetime.

Books to know this week:

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah

Key passage(s) to know this week:

o The 10 Commandments – Exodus 20

o The Model Prayer – Matthew 6:9-13

o A Messianic Psalm – Psalm 22

o Imitating Christ’s Humility – Philippians 2:1-11

o A Priestly Blessing – Numbers 6:24-26

o Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5-7

o The Creation Account – Genesis 1

o Hall of Faith – Hebrews 11

Praise and Worship Time (15 minutes)

1. Opening Prayer

2. Sing Songs of choice

Review Books of the Bible and Key Passages:

Share the following situations with the children guiding them to identify the key passages:

Situation 1: You are in science class and your teacher begins discussing the beginning of the world. He/she tells you there was a ‘big bang’ and that is how life started. Your friend asks you if this is true. How do you respond? Where do you show your friend how life on earth began? (The Creation Story – Genesis 1)

Situation 2: You hear in Sunday School about the many people who had faith in God. You are having trouble with faith because you cannot see God and He seems not be talking to you in a way you can understand. Where in the bible would you go to learn about faith and can find a list of people who demonstrated such faith? (Hall of Faith – Hebrews 11)

Situation 3: We are all familiar with the WWJD phrase: What would Jesus Do? You also want to know WDJS: What did Jesus say? You hear Jesus preached to a crowd while He was alive on earth many times. Where would you find the sermon He gave while on a mountainside? (Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5-7)

Find the following books of the Bible:

o Romans

o Hosea

o Revelation

o Ruth

o Philippians

o Numbers

Tell the Bible Story (15 minutes)

1. Prepare to Teach

Review last week’s Bible story notes

Read Numbers 27:12-23

Read all of this week’s Bible story notes

2. Teach

The following passages/verses will be read by the children:

o Numbers 27:12-14

o Numbers 27:15-17

o Numbers 27:18-21

o Numbers 27:22-23

The following passages will be read by the leader:

o Deuteronomy 34:1-4

o Deuteronomy 34:5-8

o Deuteronomy 34:9-12

Review where we left off last time:

o The people had already been in the desert for 39 years.

o They were again complaining about the lack of water.

o Frustrated Moses went to God and asked about water.

o God told Moses to speak to the rock and water would flow.

o In his anger and frustration, Moses hit the rock (instead of speaking to it) and the water flowed.

o God was unhappy with Moses because Moses misrepresented God.

o Moses did not honor God in that situation.

o God told Moses he and Aaron would not enter the promised land.

What has happened since that incident?

o The people journeyed towards Moab.

o The Moabites had heard all God was doing for the Israelites and were afraid.

o Balak, King of Moab, summoned Balaam and asked Balaam to curse the Israelites.

o Balaam tried to curse the Israelites but God did not permit him to curse the Israelites.

o Instead, Balaam blessed the Israelites.

o The people were nearing the end of their time in the desert so Moses ordered another census to be taken.

o This brings us to Numbers 27.

Read Numbers 27:12-14

o Miriam and Aaron had already died and God told Moses his time had come.

o God reminded Moses why he is not leading the people into the Promised Land.

Ask the children the following question:

Why is God not allowing Moses to enter the Promised Land? (see verse 14)

Read Numbers 27:15-18

o Moses accepted he would not enter the Promised Land and asked God to appoint a leader to follow him.

o He did not want the people to be like sheep without a shepherd. (compare to Matthew 9:36)

Read Numbers 27:18-21

o God chose Joshua.

o Joshua had been in preparation for this responsibility for some time prior to his calling.

o Joshua had been Moses’ assistant for years.

o Joshua was one of the twelve who went on the exploration of Canaan.

o Joshua was also one of the two who thought the Israelites should take the land just as God had told them to thirty-eight years prior.

o God had prepared Joshua for this task and it was time for Joshua to step up and assume the role God had prepared him for.

Read Numbers 27:22-23

o Moses did just as God told him to.

o Joshua was taken before Eleazar and the whole assembly and was commissioned as the next leader.

Ask the children to turn to Deuteronomy 34 (the last chapter in Deuteronomy)

o Explain to the children in the book of Deuteronomy Moses recounted all they had experienced while in the desert.

o When he is done recounting, God called him back up into the mountain.

Read Deut 34:1-7

o God showed Moses the land His people would inherit.

o God reminded Moses of the promise He made to give them this land.

o Then, Moses died on the mountain.

o Moses was 120 years old, but note what Scriptures says: His eyes were not weak and his strength was not gone.

o The Israelites grieved Moses’ death for 30 days.

Ask the children: Why does God tell us that Moses’ eyes were not weak and that his strength was not gone?

o Moses did not die simply because he was old.

o Moses’ task was done so God took him to be with Him.

Read Deut 34:9-12

o God has wonderful things to say about Moses

o What might God say about you?

What do we learn from this?

o God prepared Joshua for the job. God has prepared you and will continue to prepare you for the job/task He has for you.

o When things are rough (like living in the desert for 40 years) know that God knows all about it and that He will use all you experience to prepare you for what He wants you to do.

o God does not waste experiences on us…He will use them.

o Joshua is different than Moses and his leadership will be different than Moses’.

o This is okay for we are all different people.

o This does not mean Joshua was better or worse of a leader than Moses, just different.

Review the commandment: You shall not steal.

We’ve been taught not to steal from a very early age.

Ask: What might we be saying about God and about our faith in God when we steal? (Allow for answers)

o When we steal, it is as if are telling God that what He has for us is not enough.

o We are telling Him that we need more.

o We need to trust that God will give us what we need when we need it and we need to guard against trying to take things for ourselves.

What does Jesus say about the commandment?

o Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:25-26 that He does not want us to worry about things such as what we will eat or drink or what we will wear.

o Jesus reminded us how God takes care of the birds and that we are more valuable to Him than the birds.

o We should trust God and all He provides for us because God knows exactly what we need.

3. Pray

Thank God for His perfect provision.

Thank God for preparing us to do the tasks He asks us to do.

Ask God to help us be content with His provision so that we might not be tempted to steal from others.

4. Explain this week’s Family Activity Sheet

God tells us not to steal. Instead of taking what is not ours, this week we are going to give from what is ours to those who may not have all they need.

For the next two weeks, we will be collecting food items to give to our neighborhood food pantry. Check with your local food pantry for a list of more commonly used/needed items.

Weekly Challenge (20 minutes)

In this week’s challenge, we will play a game that involves ‘stealing.’

1. Before the Challenge

Gather the necessary supplies:

Supplies

1 bandana per student

Cones to mark a playing area

2. The Challenge

Have the children put a bandana in their side pocket leaving enough of it out so that it can be easily grabbed by another (at least 6 inches). At the blow of the whistle, the children will attempt to pull out one another’s bandanas. If a child’s bandana is pulled out, the child will sit at the spot where his/her bandana was pulled out. While sitting, the child(ren) can still pull bandanas of those still in the game.

If time allows, play the game several time.

3. Apply the challenge

We are told not to steal by God. When we steal, we take for ourselves something that God has not given us and in doing so, tell God that what He’s given us is not enough. What happened when we ‘stole’ the bandana from one of players? (the player was taken out of the game and had to sit) There are consequences to our stealing both for us and for those we steal from.

Most importantly, however, when we obey His command to not steal, we honor Him. We should always strive to honor God in all we say and do.

Closing (10 minutes)

1. Award this week’s medals based on the week’s challenge.

2. Assign this week’s memory work:

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi

· Key Passages:

o The 10 Commandments – Exodus 20

o The Model Prayer – Matthew 6:9-13

o A Messianic Psalm – Psalm 22 (‘Messianic’ means about Jesus)

o Imitating Christ’s Humility – Philippians 2: 1-11

o A Priestly Blessing – Numbers 6:24-26

o Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5-7

o The Creation Story – Genesis 1

o Hall of Faith – Hebrews 22

o The Lord is my Shepherd – Psalm 23

3. Explain the Key Passage

There will be times in our lives when things are difficult and we need some assurance that God will always be with us. David had difficult times in his life and it was during one of those difficult times that he wrote what we now call Psalm 23. He wrote that God was his Shepherd and that God would always care for Him. When we have difficulties, we can turn to Psalm 23 and read David’s words for comfort.

4. Closing prayer

5. Closing Song of choice

Related Topics: Law, Children's Curriculum

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8. More Writings from the "PETRA" = Fide School

Athanasius, c. 296-373543

Hilary, d. A.D. 368557

Ambrosiaster, c. 366-384568

Theodoret of Cyr, c. A.D 393-458578

Cyril of Alexandria, d. A.D. 444589

From the series: "Upon This Rock": an Exegetical and Patristic Examination of Matthew 16:18 PREVIOUS PAGE | NEXT PAGE

From the series: Ten Commandments PREVIOUS PAGE | NEXT PAGE

1. Introduction to the Ten Commandments

Praise and Worship Time (10 minutes)

1. Opening Prayer

2. Sing songs on Choice

Tell the Bible Story (15 minutes)

1. Prepare to Teach

2. Teach

Weekly Challenge (25 minutes)

1. Before the Challenge

Flag Items:

Challenge Item:

2. Execute the Challenge

a. Instruct each team to choose a team name from the list below (one of the twelve tribes of Israel) and a team color based on the colors of bandanas you have purchased:

b. Design the team flags.

c. List the Ten Commandments.

d. Apply the challenge.

Closing (10 minutes)

1. Award this week's medals based on the week's challenge.

2. Assign this week's memory work:

Books of the Bible: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans

Key Passage: The 10 Commandments - Exodus 20

3. Closing prayer.

4. Closing song of choice

From the series: Ten Commandments PREVIOUS PAGE | NEXT PAGE

From the series: Ten Commandments PREVIOUS PAGE | NEXT PAGE

2. No Other god's

Commandment: "You shall have no others gods before me." (Exodus 20:3 NET)

Bible Story: The Burning Bush (Moses' Call) - Exodus 3-4

Goals-

Books to know this week:

Key passage(s) to know this week:

Praise and Worship Time (10 minutes)

1. Opening Prayer

2. Sing songs on Choice

Review Bible Books and Key Passage (5 minutes)

Tell the Bible Story (15 minutes)

1. Prepare to Teach

2. Teach

3. Explain the Family Attributes of God Family Activity

Weekly Challenge (20 minutes)

1. Before the Challenge

Supplies:

2. The Challenge

3. Apply the Challenge

Closing (10 minutes)

1. Award this week's medals based on the week's challenge.

2. Assign this week's memory work:

Books of the Bible: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus

Key Passages:

3. Explain Key Passage

4. Closing prayer.

5. Closing song of choice (if time permits)

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From the series: Ten Commandments PREVIOUS PAGE | NEXT PAGE

3. No Idols

No Idols

Commandment: “You shall not make for yourself a carved image...” (Exodus 20:4a NET)

Goals-

Books to know this week:

Key passage(s) to know this week:

Praise and Worship Time (10 minutes)

1. Opening Prayer

2. Sing songs on Choice

Review Bible Books and Key Passage (5 minutes)

Tell the Bible Story (15 minutes)

1. Prepare to teach

3. Pray

4. Explain the Idols Family Activity Sheet

Weekly Challenge (20 minutes)

1. Before the Challenge

Athanasius, c. 296-373⁵⁴³

Hilary, d. A.D. 368⁵⁵⁷

Ambrosiaster, c. 366-384⁵⁶⁸

Theodoret of Cyr, c. A.D 393-458⁵⁷⁸

Cyril of Alexandria, d. A.D. 444⁵⁸⁹