September: Back to Basics
Ten Commandments & Beatitudes — 4 Weekly Lessons
Week 1: The Ten Commandments (Part 1)
God gave the Ten Commandments to Israel at Mount Sinai, beginning with the foundational relationship between God and his people. The first four commandments address our relationship with God: have no other gods, make no idols, do not misuse God's name, and remember the Sabbath. These are not arbitrary rules but relational principles. Having no other gods means giving God first place in our loyalties. Making no idols means not reducing God to something we can control. Keeping the Sabbath means trusting God enough to rest.
Discussion Questions
- What 'other gods' compete for first place in modern life?
- How can we make idols without realizing it?
- Why is Sabbath rest an act of faith and not just relaxation?
Activity
List the top five things that consume your time and attention. Discuss whether any of these has become an 'idol.'
The first and foundational commandment
Week 2: The Ten Commandments (Part 2)
The remaining six commandments address our relationships with other people: honor parents, do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, and do not covet. Jesus later deepened these by teaching that anger is the root of murder, lust is the root of adultery, and coveting is the root of theft. These commandments protect the foundational structures of human community — family, life, marriage, property, truth, and contentment. Together with the first four, they create a comprehensive framework for flourishing society.
Discussion Questions
- How did Jesus deepen our understanding of these commandments?
- Which of these six do you find most challenging to keep in spirit, not just letter?
- How do these commandments protect community and relationships?
Activity
Role-play modern scenarios where each commandment might be tested (workplace dishonesty, coveting on social media, etc.).
The protection of truth in community
Week 3: The Beatitudes (Part 1)
Jesus began his most famous sermon by turning the world's values upside down. Blessed are the poor in spirit — not the self-sufficient — for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn — not the carefree — for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek — not the powerful — for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness — not the satisfied — for they will be filled. Each beatitude reveals that God's kingdom operates on completely different principles than worldly success.
Discussion Questions
- Why does Jesus call the poor in spirit 'blessed'?
- How is the kingdom of God 'upside-down' compared to our culture's values?
- Which beatitude challenges your current assumptions the most?
Activity
Create two columns: 'World Says Blessed Are...' vs. 'Jesus Says Blessed Are...' Compare and discuss the differences.
The first beatitude — the doorway to the kingdom
Week 4: The Beatitudes (Part 2)
Jesus continued with more radical blessings: blessed are the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those persecuted for righteousness. Mercy receives mercy. The pure in heart see God. Peacemakers are called God's children. And those persecuted for doing right should rejoice because their reward in heaven is great. The final beatitude makes clear that following Jesus's way will bring opposition from the world. Yet Jesus frames this opposition not as defeat but as validation — the prophets before you were treated the same way.
Discussion Questions
- How can we be peacemakers in a world that seems to reward conflict?
- What does 'pure in heart' mean in practical terms?
- Have you ever experienced pushback for doing the right thing? How did it feel?
Activity
Identify a conflict in your community, school, or family. Brainstorm how to be a peacemaker in that specific situation.
Blessed are the peacemakers — they are called God's children