2. The Ten Commandments
Originally given to Moses on Mt. Sinai, the
Ten Commandments were a clear code of
conduct that God gave His people.
God has “sovereignty over the moral order” –
meaning that God decides what is good and evil,
not man.
Though made known to us by divine
revelation, the Ten Commandments also
express the natural law.
Why…?
3. The Ten Commandments
List of the Ten Commandments – see pg 109
In the Old Testament, we see that the
Israelites prosper when they follow the
Ten Commandments, and suffer when
they do not.
This principle still exists today.
We suffer when we do evil because evil acts
change us for the worse.
Conversely, we prosper when we do good,
because good acts change us for the better.
4. The Beatitudes
Beatitude literally means “bliss.” The
Beatitudes lead us to happiness.
Each Beatitude begins with “Blessed are” or
“Happy are”.
However, they are also very contrary to what
most people recognize as happiness!
5.
6. The Beatitudes
The basis of all happiness is love and giving of
oneself. The Beatitudes lead us in this.
They are more internal, focused on the heart,
with the goal that our hearts become like
Christ’s heart.
The Beatitudes, practiced often, will create
dispositions within us.
They point us to happiness on earth, but also
ultimate happiness with God in heaven.
8. The poor in spirit
Those who are detached from material possessions.
Also those who recognize that they need God.
Those who mourn
Those who are saddened by the suffering and
injustice in the world. Also those who suffer on behalf
of the Gospel.
The meek
Those who are humble and submit to God’s plans.
Though they may lack worldly power, they will
ultimately have victory.
9. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
Those who earnestly desire to bring Christ to others
so that they can find His peace, happiness, justice,
and healing.
The merciful
Those with a “heart for the miserable.”
The pure in heart
Those whose hearts are set on Him, wholeheartedly.
They want to please Him alone.
The peacemakers
Those who actively create peace.
10. Those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake
Those who face rejection, scorn, and suffering for believing
in God and spreading His message. They are promised
heaven.
11. Free write
Free write on the relationship between one of
the Beatitudes and one of the Ten
Commandments.