Internalization questions for 10 Commandments

Exodus 20.1-17.md

Scene 1: God's Introduction (Exodus 20:1-2)

\v 1 And God spoke all these words:
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\v 2 “I am the \nd Lord\nd* your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

1. Understanding the Setting:

   • Who is speaking in this passage?
   • What significant event has occurred before God spoke these words?

2. Comprehending God's Role:

   • How does God identify Himself in this verse?
   • What important act does God remind the people of?

Scene 2: No Other Gods (Exodus 20:3-4)

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\v 3 “You shall have no other gods before\f + \fr 20:3 \ft Or \fqa besides\f* me.
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\v 4 You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.

1. Exclusive Worship:

   • What command does God give about worshipping other gods?
   • Why do you think God emphasizes the exclusivity of worship?

2. Prohibition of Idolatry:

   • What are the people instructed not to make?
   • What three realms of creation does God mention when prohibiting images?

Scene 3: Avoiding Idolatry and Recognizing Jealous God (Exodus 20:5-6)

\v 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the \nd Lord\nd* your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,
\v 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

1. Understanding Worship Boundaries:

   • What actions are the Israelites forbidden to do with these images?
   • How does God describe Himself in relation to worship?

2. Generational Consequences:

   • What consequences does God mention for those who hate Him?
   • What promise does God give for those who love Him and keep His commandments?

Scene 4: Reverence for God's Name (Exodus 20:7)

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\v 7 You shall not misuse the name of the \nd Lord\nd* your God, for the \nd Lord\nd* will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

1. Respecting God's Name:
   • What command is given regarding God's name?
   • What is the consequence of misusing God’s name?

Scene 5: Observing the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-11)

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\v 8 Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
\v 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work,
\v 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the \nd Lord\nd* your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns.
\v 11 For in six days the \nd Lord\nd* made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the \nd Lord\nd* blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

1. Command to Observe:

   • What are the people instructed to remember and keep holy?
   • How many days are allocated for labor according to this passage?

2. Sabbath Requirements:

   • Who is supposed to rest on the Sabbath day?
   • Why does God say the Sabbath day should be kept holy?

Scene 6: Honoring Parents (Exodus 20:12)

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\v 12 Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the \nd Lord\nd* your God is giving you.

1. Respect for Parents:
   • What command is given regarding one's parents?
   • What promise is associated with obeying this commandment?

Scene 7: Prohibition of Murder (Exodus 20:13)

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\v 13 You shall not murder.

1. Sanctity of Life:
   • What clear command is given in this verse?
   • Why do you think the prohibition of murder is important?

Scene 8: Prohibition of Adultery (Exodus 20:14)

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\v 14 You shall not commit adultery.

1. Faithfulness in Relationships:
   • What command regarding marriage is given here?
   • How does this command uphold the sanctity of marriage?

Scene 9: Prohibition of Theft (Exodus 20:15)

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\v 15 You shall not steal.

1. Respecting Others' Property:
   • What action does God forbid in this verse?
   • Why is it essential to respect others' property?

Scene 10: Prohibition of False Testimony (Exodus 20:16)

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\v 16 You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

1. Integrity in Speech:
   • What does God command about speaking against your neighbor?
   • Why is telling the truth important in a community?

Scene 11: Prohibition of Coveting (Exodus 20:17)

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\v 17 You shall not covet your neighborʼs house. You shall not covet your neighborʼs wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

1. Guarding Against Envy:
   • What specific things does God command not to covet?
   • Why is coveting a harmful attitude?

Summary Questions:

1. Emotional Reflection:

   • How do the commandments reflect God's character and His relationship with His people?
   • Which commandment stands out to you, and why?

2. Visual and Embodied Understanding:

   • Imagine living in a community where these commandments are fully obeyed. How would it affect the relationships within the community?
   • How can embracing these principles impact your own life and relationship with God?

3. Spiritual Context:

   • How do these commandments help in understanding God’s will and purpose for His people?
   • In what ways does following these commandments demonstrate love for God and others?