New City Catechism, Week 12 (Question 12)

Q: What does God require in the ninth and tenth commandments?

Children’s answer

A: Ninth, that we do not lie or deceive. Tenth, that we are content, not envying anyone.

Adult/older children’s answer

A: Ninth, that we do not lie or deceive, but speak the truth in love. Tenth, that we are content, not envying anyone or resenting what God has given them or us.

Video explanation:

Song to assist with memorization:

Relevant Scripture to read:

James 2:8

If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.

Children’s Activity (printable pdfs)

Younger Kids (pages 24 and 25)

Older Kids (pages 24 and 25)

Special thanks to Del Rey Church for sharing their New City Catechism kid resources with us!

Devotional questions for individual/family/group discussion:

  1. How has social media exacerbated our problems with the ninth commandment? Do you ever find it tempting to believe the worst about people that you oppose politically or otherwise?

  2. Can you think of times in the Bible when a Biblical character broke one of these commands, and it led to trouble?

  3. Specifically, how do you see these commands broken by Adam and Even in the Garden of Eden?

  4. Which one of these commands feel the most difficult to you? How do you see your need for forgiveness and growth?

  5. How are these commands fulfilled by Jesus?

For an additional “deeper” dive into this question and answer, check out this video from Dr. Michael Allen: