Chapter 2: The First Core Teaching {Introduction only} #

GtKJ, pg. 37-38

The Ten Commandments #

Cat.VE, p. 38 // Cat.Hrd., p. 52

Supplemental Information #1: What are the Ten Commandments? #

The 10 Commandments are the Law of God. The two primary locations they are given in Scripture are Exodus 20:1-17 & Deuteronomy 5:6-21. The first time was during the Exodus, when God delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt. The second time was before Israel was about to enter into the promised land that God had given them – to remind them of where they came from (slavery), who delivered them (God), and who they were (God’s chosen people, the keepers of the promise given to Abraham and of God’s Word (the TORAH) given to them on Sinai in Exodus).

Supplemental Information #2: Why are the 10 Commandments important for us? #

The 10 Commandments tell us how to live our lives in a God pleasing way. Because we are creatures created and sustained by God, it also follows that by living life according to His Will, we will have a happier, healthier, more productive, and safer life. If you want a product that you buy to last, you take care of it by following the instructions that the manufacturer sent with it. The 10 Commandments are an “instruction book” for us on how it is best to live our lives. Going against God and His Word is sin and sin brings with it punishment, but that is not why God gave us the 10 Commandments. God has given them to us because He loves us, not because He wants to punish us.

Supplemental Information #3: Why do we call them “commandments”? #

The Hebrew word used is דָּבָר (“dabar”) which can be translated as many things, but primarily as “word, thing, or matter.” However, since in this context these are not just simple words that appear on a page and because they are literally translated, “not you will…” we associate “nots” or “shall nots” with “commands” or “commandments.” It should be understood, however, that the commandments were given by God as a gift, giving us a way to live our lives the way God wanted and that would bring us all the richness and fullness that life has to offer. The commandments were not given to “take our fun away” but rather to make our lives more abundant! (cf. John 10:10)

“Resistance to Authority” — “Two Tables” #

GtKJ, pg. 38-42

16. What is God’s will for out lives? #

Cat.VE, p. 39 // Cat.Hrd., p. 53

Supplemental Information #4: Fulfillment of the Law #

Because God demands our perfection and because we cannot be perfect (because of our hereditary disease of original sin), we needed a Savior — someone who could keep the Law perfectly for us. That is what Jesus Christ did for us. He came down and lived a perfect life for us and then “became sin” (II Corinthians 5:21) for us. In this way, Jesus has done what God required of us. Now, even though we are still sinful, our sins are not counted against us. For believers, God doesn’t look at our sinfulness, but He looks at Christ’s sinlessness. A summary might go something like this:

God demands a perfect fulfillment of the Law and payment for sin à We are sinful and cannot keep the Law nor can we pay for our sins à Jesus came down and fulfilled the Law perfectly and in doing so, paid for the sins of the world à We believe in Jesus à Jesus’ perfect fulfillment of the Law and payment for our sins “justifies” us (makes us perfect in God’s eyes) à God declares us “righteous” (perfect) because of what Jesus did à We can now be in God’s presence à We can live with Him forever in heaven.

Watch: “Law” #

bibleproject.com/explore/video/law

17. How did God give His Law to us? #

Cat.VE, p. 39 // Cat.Hrd., pg. 53-54

18. How does God use the Ten Commandments in our lives and the lives of others in this world? #

Cat.VE, pg. 39-40 // Cat.Hrd., pg. 54-55

Sin #

20. What is sin? #

Cat.VE, p. 40 // Cat.Hrd., p. 56

21. How did sin enter God’s good creation? #

Cat.VE, p. 40 // Cat.Hrd., p. 56

22. How did Adam and Eve’s disobedience affect us? #

Cat.VE, p. 40 // Cat.Hrd., pg. 56-57

23. How does original sin affect every human creature? #

Cat.VE, p. 41 // Cat.Hrd., p. 57

Watch: “KHATA – Sin” #

bibleproject.com/explore/video/khata-sin/

Watch: “PESHA – Transgression” #

bibleproject.com/explore/video/pesha-transgression/

Watch: “AVON – Iniquity” #

bibleproject.com/explore/video/avon-iniquity/

Law & Gospel #

10. What are the two great doctrines of the Bible? #

Cat.VE, p. 35 // Cat.Hrd., p. 49

11. What is the difference between the Law and the Gospel? #

Cat.VE, p. 35 // Cat.Hrd., pg. 49-50