Step by Step
Our Introduction to the Small Catechism
The Ten Commandments
Watch each video. Read the commandment and Martin Luther's explanation. Then, reflect on the study questions. We've included this fillable, desktop friendly, PDF you can download to your computer or print off to take notes and follow along.
You shall have no other gods.
Luther’s explanation: What does this mean? We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.
For further reflection or conversation:
- List several things that draw you away from God. Of these, which is most distracting?
- What keeps you from standing in awe of God?
You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain.
What does this mean? We should fear and love God that we may not curse, swear, use witchcraft, lie, or deceive by His name, but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks.
For further reflection or conversation:
- Why do you think people use God’s name as foul language so much?
- Google “names for God.” Which names are you most drawn to? Which names do you most often use?
You shall keep the day of rest holy.
Luther’s explanation: What does this mean? We should fear and love God that we may not despise preaching and His Word, but hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it.
For further reflection or conversation:
- Why does it matter that we gather for worship on Sundays?
- Bishop Eaton suggests that we should show up for worship “expecting something to happen.” What could that mean?
Honor your father and your mother, that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth.
Luther’s explanation: What does this mean? We should fear and love God that we may not despise our parents and masters, nor provoke them to anger, but give them honor, serve and obey them, and hold them in love and esteem.
For further reflection or conversation:
- Bishop Eaton says that parental care for children and the respect of children for their elders “is a part of God’s gift that holds a community together.” Where have you experienced this gift as a blessing?
- Some worry that this commandment invites “blind obedience” to authority, and yet St. Paul writes in Ephesians 6 that parents/elders are not to provoke their children. Offer your comments on the relationship between blind obedience and unhealthy provocation.
You shall not kill.
Luther’s explanation: What does this mean? We should fear and love God that we may not hurt nor harm our neighbor in his body, but help and befriend him in every bodily need.
For further reflection or conversation:
- Read Luther’s explanation to the 5th How do we break the commandment? How do we honor it?
- What happens to us when we wish ill will against our neighbor?
You shall not commit adultery.
Luther’s explanation: What does this mean? We should fear and love God that we may lead a chaste and decent life in word and deed, and each love and honor his spouse.
For further reflection or conversation:
- How do committed couples best honor one another?
- In adultery, we take something away from its original purpose and use it for our own self-serving needs, thereby making it less pure. With that in mind, are there ways to commit adultery outside of having sex with someone other than your partner?
You shall not steal.
Luther’s explanation: What does this mean? We should fear and love God that we may not take our neighbor’s money or goods, nor get them by false ware or dealing, but help him to improve and protect his property and business.
For further reflection or conversation:
- Bishop Eaton says that at the heart of this commandment is “to give our best so that our neighbor can give his/her best.” What are we stealing from our neighbor if we don’t give our best to our neighbor?
- How do the words “deliberate” and “intentional” affect your understanding of this commandment?
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
Luther’s explanation: What does this mean? We should fear and love God that we may not deceitfully belie, betray, slander, nor defame our neighbor, but defend him, speak well of him, and put the best construction on everything.
For further reflection or conversation:
- In explaining this commandment, Luther says that we should give our neighbor the benefit of the doubt. What does that have to do with not lying?
- Are we breaking the commandment when we automatically ascribe motive to someone without first speaking to them? Why or why not?
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house.
Luther’s explanation: What does this mean? We should fear and love God that we may not craftily seek to get our neighbor’s inheritance or house, nor obtain it by a show of right, but help and be of service to him in keeping it.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his cattle, nor anything that is his.
Luther’s explanation: What does this mean? We should fear and love God that we may not estrange, force, or entice away from our neighbor his wife, servants, or cattle, but urge them to stay and do their duty.
For further reflection or conversation:
- Why does it matter that we should “be of help and service to our neighbors in keeping what is theirs”?
- Bishop Eaton says that coveting is pernicious. It seems so harmless. But “there is an underlying violence in this deadly sin of coveting” because it drives us “not only to want more than our neighbor but to make sure that our neighbor has less.” Why is that detrimental to building healthy communities?