INTRODUCTION

God Gives the Ten Commandments (Part 1)

Bible Point:

Follow God’s rules.

Key Verse:

“You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3).

Big Picture:

Children will learn that God’s rules protect us.

God Gives the Ten Commandments (Part 1)

Exodus 19:16–20:21

Whether being first in line, winning first place, or being the first to eat, children love to be first. They understand what it feels like to be first for something. Preschoolers are also learning what it means to follow directions and follow the rules. This lesson is designed to help young children learn that we can follow God’s rules, and when we do, those rules help to keep us safe. One of God’s rules is to put God first in everything we do. When we put God first in our lives, it helps protect our hearts and guide our lives. Putting God first also shows how much we love and trust God, and helps others see our friendship with God. We can put God first in our lives by following God’s rules too, and when we do, our friendship with God grows even stronger.

BIBLE TIME!

Exodus 19:16–20:21 tells us to obey God. God called to Moses, and Moses went up a mountain to talk with God. God gave Moses Ten Commandments for the Israelite people to live by. The first two commandments tell us to love only God and put God first in our lives. God’s rules protect our heart and guide our lives, just like they did for the Israelites.

KEY VERSE

“Have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3).

BIBLE POINT

Follow God’s rules.

PLAY AND PRAY

Talk with your child about different ways he or she can show love for God by obeying and following God’s rules. Then act on those ideas together. For example, repeat with your child the Key Verse, have your child choose a song to sing to God, or listen as your child says a prayer.

ASK

•What are some ways we follow God’s rules?

•Why do you obey God?

Repeat this fun chant:

I love God; yes I do! (Point to yourself and nod.)

I love God! (Continue to point to yourself.)

How ’bout you? (Point to the other person.)

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Allow your child to choose a game to play outside. Then ask your child to tell you the rules of the game. Play the game together. Explain that just as we have rules to play games, God gave us rules for our lives.

ASK

•Why did God give us rules?

•Why does obeying rules help us?

READY, SET, GROW!

 This week your child learned that we love God. Your child committed to one of the following challenges to remember to tell others about his or her love for God. Help your child weave faith into life this week and follow through on the challenge!

•Tell someone in your family: “God is number one!” and sing a worship song together.

•Sing a worship song with your family. Tell your family that you’re singing because you want to obey God’s first commandment.