There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 East Cobb Presbyterian Church 4616 Roswell Road NE Marietta, GA 30062 ecpca.org Teen and Adult Guide
This summer, we've challenged our children to think about ways to serve at home, in their communities, and with those farther away. As adults, we can often feel that we never stop serving (at home, on the job, at church). But even small acts of service can be used by God to bless others. If any of these suggestions below seem overwhelming, please think about whether you could break one of them down into smaller parts, or perhaps partner with others to accomplish them. Serving at ECPC Prepare lunch ahead of time so you can invite a guest family over after church. Look for a flower bed that could use weeding (contact Ted Robinson or Dennis Carter). Add your name to the Meals Ministry (email Amy Masters). Add your name to the nursery substitute list (contact Nancy McQuillen). Check the small kitchen and see if it needs cleaning (contact Donna Minday). Offer to help sort donated supplies for Children s Ministries (contact Marj Swierenga). Invite your shepherding elder and his wife over for a meal. Write a note to someone who has blessed you and thank them. Serving at Summerhill (visit ecpca.org to find out more) Sign up to prepare food for a hot lunch. Volunteer to drive food down to Summerhill. Offer to serve a hot lunch at Summerhill and if you re experienced, do so with a newer family who has never done it! Purchase needed items and put them in the yellow collection barrel. Offer to care for younger children at church so that others can serve at Summerhill. Sponsor a child so he or she can attend Summerhill Summer camp. Contribute money to buy lawn equipment for Summerhill. Work at one of the scheduled Saturday workdays at Summerhill. Serving Those Farther Away Write a card of encouragement to one of our missionaries. Invite one of our local missionary families over to hear more about their ministry (Norman and Julie Beck, the Emersons, the Gregoire family, the Gurkin family) 32 About this Field Guide As a church family, we are taking a journey through the Decalogue or the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20. It s a daunting trek for most of us, because the law of God doesn t necessarily feel relational. Reading and studying the law can feel like a wedge of separation is being created. Because of this, we d often rather study the doctrines of justification or adoption. The Scripture s teaching on grace is warm and compelling. Grace makes us feel close to God, valued, and welcomed. But the law shouldn t feel isolating. It shouldn t push us away from God, but should draw us near to him. As New Testament believers in Jesus Christ, we understand that the requirements of righteousness have been met in Him. The law, and our failure to keep it, can t bring condemnation for those who are in Christ. So the law has no power to condemn us anymore. Furthermore, our position our standing with Christ is what motivates our obedience. Our obedience doesn t secure our position; rather, our obedience is the response of a heart secured by Christ. In addition, the law teaches us about our Heavenly Father. It tells us about his character and holiness. His image-bearers are called to live as He exists: in purity and holiness. So the law should be like reading God s character résumé. Isn t it great to know that God doesn t lie and isn t unfaithful to us? Finally, the law of God directs us into what loving God looks like. Sometimes we think that loving God means making grand gestures of sacrifice, but the law says that loving God looks like daily acts of worship and obedience. When I confront and repent of the anger in my heart (anger that leads down the path to murder) I m loving my neighbor and loving God. This is why Jesus can say that all the law is summarized in two statements: love God and love your neighbor. (Matthew 22:34-39) I want to encourage you to take this journey with us and allow God to use His law to draw you closer to him. Join us as we Grow in learning, thinking, and serving this summer. In Grace, Pastor Tim 1
What s Inside Scripture Our children are working this summer on hiding God s Word in their hearts. Each week, you will find a passage of scripture that matches what is in the Children s Field Guide. We encourage you to work on committing these to memory as well, or to use them for personal worship. Catechism The term catechism refers to a simple question and answer format, used to facilitate memorization of the basics of a set of beliefs. Historically speaking, churches and parents "catechized" their children to educate them about Christianity. The catechism included in this Field Guide is derived from the Westminster Shorter Catechism, written in the 1600s. Week Fourteen (August 21 27) What does Paul say about mankind s ability to keep the law of God in Romans 3:9-20? What hope does he explain in Romans 3:21-24? Scripture Writing Plan Writing out scripture is a simple way to spend a few minutes each day focusing your mind and heart on God. The scriptures contained within this Field Guide have been chosen to help prepare you for worship each week as you explore both Old and New Testament references to the Ten Commandments and their role in our lives. Preparation Questions The questions are designed to get you thinking throughout the week about the topics that we ll be exploring in the sermon each Sunday. Reflections In the section, we ve left some space for your own reflections. Perhaps you ve thought of some new ways God can use you to serve those in your home, your community, or far away. Or perhaps you re being challenged to stretch yourself to serve in ways you might not have thought of before. Use this space to jot your ideas, or your responses, to the ways God is using you for His service this summer. 2 31
Week Fourteen (August 21 27) There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh. (Romans 8:1-3) Scripture Writing Plan: Be an Alien August 21 1 Peter 2:11-12 August 22 Deuteronomy 10:12-13 August 23 Galatians 2:19-21 August 24 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 August 25 Hebrews 11:13-16 August 26 John 14:1-3 August 27 Joshua 23:14 Table of Contents Week 1 (May 23 28)........page 4 Week 2 (May 29 June 4).page 6 Week 3 (June 5 11)......page 8 Week 4 (June 12 18)....page 10 Week 5 (June 19 25)....page 12 Week 6 (June 26 July 2)...page 14 Week 7 (July 3 9).......page 16 Week 8 (July 10 16)... page 18 Week 9 (July 17 23)... page 20 Week 10 (July 24 30).....page 22 Week 11 (July 31 August 6)..page 24 Week 12 (August 7 13)...page 26 Week 13 (August 14 20)...page 28 Week 14 (August 21 27)...page 30 Ideas on Serving...page 32 30 3
Week One (May 23 28) What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, You shall not covet. (Romans 7:7) Week Thirteen (August 14 20) What does Paul say about these commands in Romans 13:8-10? Q. 76 How many commandments did God give on Mount Sinai? A. Ten commandments. Q. 77 Why should we obey the Ten Commandments? A. Because God is our Creator, Savior and King. In Galatians 5, Paul sums up the controversy between Jew and Gentile. Do believers need to be circumcised in order for God to pardon them? How does verse 6 summarize Paul s thoughts? Q. 78 What do the first four commandments teach? A. What it means to love and serve God. Q. 79 What do the last six commandments teach? A. What it means to love and serve my neighbor. Scripture Writing Plan: The Law Points to the Gospel May 23 Romans 7:7-8 May 24 Romans 3:19-20 May 25 Romans 3:21-24 May 26 Colossians 2:13-15 May 27 Psalm 32:5 May 28 Romans 8:1-4 4 29
Week Thirteen (August 14 20) There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh. (Romans 8:1-3) Week One (May 23 28) The Ten Commandments are divided into two sections. One deals with our vertical relationship, the other with our horizontal relationships. Read them over to discover the two sections in Exodus 20:1-17. Which section comes first? Why do you think that is? Q. 107 Can you keep the Ten Commandments perfectly? A. No. Since the fall of Adam, the only One who has been able to do this is Jesus. Q. 108 Of what use are the Ten Commandments to you? A. They teach me what is pleasing to God, and how much I need a Savior. Read Exodus 20:18-26. How did the people respond to the scene? Why did God create such a scene for speaking to them? Scripture Writing Plan: A Better Covenant August 14 Romans 8:1-4 August 15 Galatians 3:23-25 August 16 Hebrews 7:18-22 August 17 Jeremiah 31:31-34 August 18 Isaiah 53:10-12 August 19 1 Peter 1:18-21 August 20 John 3:16 28 5
Week Two (May 29 June 4) What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, You shall not covet. (Romans 7:7) Week Twelve (August 7 13) In Romans 7:7-8, how does Paul say our sin nature responds to the commandment not to covet? Q. 80 What do the Ten Commandments teach? A. To love God with all my heart, and my neighbor as myself. In 1 Timothy 6:6-10, what does Paul say about this commandment? Q. 81 Who is your neighbor? A. Everybody is my neighbor. Q. 82 Is God pleased with those who love and obey Him? A. Yes. God says, I love them that love me. How does Paul tell us to respond to this temptation in 1 Timothy 6:11? Q. 83 Is God displeased with those who do not love and obey Him? A. Yes. God is angry with the wicked every day. Scripture Writing Plan: Obedience for the Glory of God May 29 Romans 7:6 May 30 1 John 3:1-3 May 31 1 Peter 1:13-16 June 1 Micah 6:8 June 2 Matthew 22:37-40 June 3 Philippians 3:12-14 June 4 1 Corinthians 10:31 6 27
Week Twelve (August 7 13) There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2) Week Two (May 29 June 4) According to Paul in Romans 7:7-13, what function does the law serve? Q. 105 What is the tenth commandment? A. The tenth commandment is You shall not covet your neighbor s house; you shall not covet your neighbor s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor s. In Romans 7:21-24, Paul speaks about his inability. What hope does he offer in Romans 7:24 8:1-2? Q. 106 What does the tenth commandment teach you? A. To be content with whatever God chooses to give me. Scripture Writing Plan: Be Content August 7 Exodus 20:17 August 8 1 Timothy 6:6-10 August 9 James 4:1-3 August 10 Philippians 4:11-13 August 11 Hebrews 13:5-6 August 12 1 John 2:15-17 August 13 Romans 12:1-2 26 7
Week Three (June 5 11) What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, You shall not covet....for sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. (Romans 7:7, 11-12) Week Eleven (July 31 August 6) Moses commands us not to bear false witness. How does he expand on this in Exodus 23:1 and 23:7? How does Peter further explain this in 1 Peter 2:1? Q. 84 What is the first commandment? A. The first commandment is You shall have no other gods before Me. James talks about taming the tongue. Read James 3:1-12. What s the problem with the tongue? In what ways do you struggle with this? Q. 85 What does the first commandment teach you? A. To worship the true God, and Him only. Scripture Writing Plan: One True God June 5 Deuteronomy 5:6-7 June 6 Isaiah 46:8-11 June 7 Deuteronomy 4:39 June 8 Isaiah 44:6-8 June 9 1 Timothy 2:5-6 June 10 John 17:3 June 11 1 Timothy 1:17 8 25
Week Eleven (July 31 August 6) There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1) Week Three (June 5 11) In Romans 1:25, Paul zeroes in on the nature of sin. How does he define the core problem humanity faces? Q. 103 What is the ninth commandment? A. The ninth commandment is You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. Q. 104 What does the ninth commandment teach you? A. Never to lie, but to tell the truth at all times. According to Romans 8:15-17, how does the Spirit that dwells within us lead us to worship God? Scripture Writing Plan: Be Honest July 31 Proverbs 19:5 August 1 Galatians 6:9-10 August 2 Leviticus 19:11-12 August 3 James 3:9-10 August 4 James 1:26-27 August 5 1 Peter 3:8-9 August 6 Psalm 19:14 24 9
Week Four (June 12 18) And God spoke all these words, saying, I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me. (Exodus 20:1-3) Week Ten (July 24 30) Moses commands us not to steal. How does Paul expand on the commandment in Ephesians 4:28? Q. 86 What is the second commandment? A. The second commandment is You shall not make for yourself a carved image any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. How does Jesus conversation with the rich young ruler add to Paul s direction (Matthew 19:16-30)? Q. 87 What does the second commandment teach you? A. To worship God only as He commands, and not to worship God by using statues or pictures. Scripture Writing Plan: Reject idolatry June 12 Deuteronomy 5:8-10 June 13 Exodus 34:13-14 June 14 Isaiah 44:9-10 June 15 1 John 5:20-21 June 16 Deuteronomy 4:7 June 17 Exodus 15:11 June 18 1 Chronicles 16:25-27 10 23
Week Ten (July 24 30) And God spoke all these words, saying, I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me. (Exodus 20:1-3) Week Four (June 12 18) How does Paul describe false worship in Romans 1:21-23? Q. 101 What is the eighth commandment? A. The eighth commandment is You shall not steal. Q. 102 What does the eighth commandment teach you? A. Not to take anything that belongs to someone else. How does Jeremiah describe the foolishness of idolatry in Jeremiah 10:3-5? Scripture Writing Plan: Do Not Steal July 24 Ephesians 4:28 July 25 James 5:1-6 July 26 Proverbs 30:8-9 July 27 Deuteronomy 25:13-16 July 28 2 Thessalonians 3:10-13 July 29 Luke 16:10-13 July 30 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 22 11
Week Five (June 19 25) And God spoke all these words, saying, I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me. (Exodus 20:1-3) Week Nine (July 17 23) Moses commands us not to commit adultery (Exodus 20:14). Historically, adultery refers to sexual relations outside of marriage. What does that imply about the place for sexual expression? Q. 88 What is the third commandment? A. The third commandment is You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. How does Jesus expand on Exodus 20:14 in Matthew 5:27-30? Q. 89 What does the third commandment teach you? A. To treat God s name, word, and works with reverence. Scripture Writing Plan: Revere the Name of God June 19 Leviticus 19:12 June 20 Matthew 5:34-37 June 21 Psalm 99:1-3 June 22 Matthew 10:32-33 June 23 Romans 10:9-10 June 24 Psalm 50:14-15 June 25 Colossians 3:16-17 12 21
Week Nine (July 17 23) And God spoke all these words, saying, I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me. (Exodus 20:1-3) Week Five (June 19 25) Moses instructs the people to avoid using God s name in their testimony (Leviticus 19:12). Jesus expands on this in Matthew 5:34-35. How do these texts help us apply the commandment in Exodus 20:7? Q. 99 What is the seventh commandment? A. The seventh commandment is You shall not commit adultery. Q. 100 What does the seventh commandment teach you? A. To be pure in heart, language, and conduct, and to be faithful in marriage. How does James direct us in our commitments (James 5:12)? Scripture Writing Plan: Keep the Marriage Bed Pure July 17 Hebrews 13:4 July 18 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 July 19 Romans 13:8-10 July 20 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 July 21 Ephesians 5:3-4 July 22 Galatians 5:1 July 23 2 Timothy 1:9-10 20 13
Week Six (June 26 July 2) And God spoke all these words, saying, I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me. (Exodus 20:1-3) Q. 90 What is the fourth commandment? A. The fourth commandment is Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. Q. 91 What does the fourth commandment teach you? A. To work six days and keep the Sabbath day holy. Q. 92 What day of the week is the Christian Sabbath? A. The first day of the week, called the Lord s Day. Q. 93 Why is it called the Lord s Day? A. Because on that day the Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Q. 94 How should you keep the Lord s Day? A. I should rest from my daily work and faithfully worship God. Week Eight (July 10 16) Moses tells us not to murder in Exodus 20:13. How does Jesus expand this commandment in Matthew 5:21-26? What is the difference between the words kill and murder? Why does Moses choose the word murder? Scripture Writing Plan: Remember the Sabbath June 26 Deuteronomy 5:12-15 June 27 Matthew 11:28-30 June 28 Isaiah 30:15 June 29 Isaiah 56:1-2 June30 Hebrews 4:9-11 July 1 Deuteronomy 6:4-9 July 2 2 Timothy 3:14-17 14 19
Week Eight (July 10 16) And God spoke all these words, saying, I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me. (Exodus 20:1-3) Week Six (June 26 July 2) Ezekiel reminds God s people that the Sabbath points to something. What does he say in Ezekiel 20:12? Q. 97 What is the sixth commandment? A. The sixth commandment is You shall not murder. Q. 98 What does the sixth commandment teach you? A. Not to take anyone s life unjustly and not to sin when I am angry. When we fail to set apart a day for Sabbath rest which for Christians is historically the first day of the week, as the day Christ rose from the dead how does it affect us, according to Ezekiel 20:12? Scripture Writing Plan: Do Not Murder July 10 Genesis 9:6 July 11 Romans 12:18-19 July 12 Leviticus 19:17-18 July 13 Ephesians 4:25-27 July 14 1 John 2:9-11 July 15 Proverbs 25:21-22 July 16 Proverbs 14:30 18 15
Week Seven (July 3 9) And God spoke all these words, saying, I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me. (Exodus 20:1-3) Week Seven (July 3 9) Moses tells us to honor our father and mother. In Ephesians 6:1-3, Paul calls this the first commandment with a promise. How does the promise apply to us today since we aren t part of the nation of Israel? Q. 95 What is the fifth commandment? A. The fifth commandment is Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you. Q. 96 What does the fifth commandment teach you? A. To love and obey my parents and all others that God appoints over me. The command to honor our parents comes with a responsibility. What responsibility do parents and all in authority have according to Ephesians 6:4? Scripture Writing Plan: Honor your Father and Mother July 3 Proverbs 1:8 July 4 Ephesians 6:1-3 July 5 Ephesians 6:5-8 July 6 Colossians 3:23-24 July 7 Romans 13:1-2 July 8 Proverbs 23:22-25 July 9 Proverbs 1:5 16 17