The Ten Commandments: The Sixth Commandment

Introduction: Everybody needs a friend. When you think of going to school or doing something fun after school or on a weekend, I bet your thoughts begin to include a friend or two or more. God made us to need one another. In fact, God said that it was “not good for man to be alone” and so he made a woman (Genesis 2). In this, God showed us that we don’t just need friends, but most people will need the very best of friends – a spouse. It’s probably something that’s already crossed your mind. Ever wondered who you might marry one day?

Today, we’re going to talk about the blessings of marriage. Sure, it’s not an easy topic to talk about at such a young age, but it’s one of the greatest gifts God has given to people. In fact, if it weren’t for marriage, most people wouldn’t exist. And, if it weren’t for marriage, the idea of living in a peaceful stable home to be happy would be an extreme rarity, most likely not even possible.

Let’s Review the Commandments and Consider the 6th: (PowerPoint Slide 2) 1 Question: Where can we find the 10 Commandments?

2 Question: Name as many commands as you can:

3 Question: What are the first five commandments?

4 Question: Can anyone guess the Sixth Commandment?

Always Remember: Before we continue, we should recall something about God’s rules that he gives us in the 10 Commandments. Remember that for young people, as well as old people, a list of rules might not sound like a lot of fun, but rules are important. Rules are made simply to keep us safe and happy. Could you give me examples of how rules keep us safe and actually make us happy when we keep them? Always keep that in mind when you think of God giving you his commandments. His commandments are like a safe or a safety box. He gave them with a purpose to keep us safe and some pretty important other things protected, so that you can be the happiest you can possibly be. The Sixth Commandment, for example, deals with marriage – one man and one woman committing themselves to each other for a lifetime to have children, companionship, and to remain pure. Again, if it weren’t for marriage, society would crumble because children would have no security of knowing if mom or dad would be there one day and not the next. Adults would be extremely lonely too. This world would be a terrible place, if there were no marriages. 5 Question: Can you remember the main reason why the commandments were given to you and me? (See Romans 3:20)

God Blesses Marriage: 1. Look at Genesis 2:18 & Ephesians 5:24-25. These two passages talk about marriage. Why did God create marriage: What does Genesis 2:18 teach us about marriage and what does Ephesians 5:24-25 teach us about how marriage should look?

2. Agree of Disagree. Marriage is to be a give and take relationship. The husband does half and the wife does half. Then it’s fair.

3. Read Genesis 1:28a and Psalm 127:3 and Psalm 113:9. These passages talk about one purpose for married couples. What is that?

4. Is the following situation okay? A young couple gets married but neither of the two wishes to have kids. Neither of them wishes to bring kids in the world, especially since the world is getting worse and worse.

5. What kind of people should we look for to marry? (1 Corinthians 7:39; 2 Corinthians 6:14)

6. Agree or disagree. It’s always best to marry a believer.

7. Agree or disagree. Two people should get married only when they’re in love. 8. Although we’ve been talking a lot about marriage, the Sixth Commandment says, “You shall not commit adultery.” What is adultery?

9. Divorce is when a married couple publicly says they are no longer married. What are the only two reasons the Bible says divorce is okay? Even, then, sin is present and needs to be repented of. (Matthew 19:9 and 1st Corinthians 7:15) 10. Is the following a Scriptural reason for getting a divorce? Teresa says that Todd and her have lost that loving feeling and so they’ve decided to call it quits on their marriage. She feels pretty good, though, because there are no hard feelings between Todd and her.

11. Today, there are people more and more saying that two men should be able to date or two women, or that two men could marry or two women. Such relationships are known as homosexuality. What does the Bible say about homosexuality in 1 Corinthians 6:9?

12. How should we answer someone who thinks homosexuality is okay or even says they might be “gay” (a homosexual)?

13. Agree or Disagree: God made some people to be homosexual.

Think of the ways Jesus kept the Sixth Command for you and me: (PowerPoint Slide 4)

How did Jesus keep this command for us? (Ephesians 5:22-30)

Homework: Go home today and pray for marriages. Ask God to bless moms and dads that are married and ask God to make their love for each other and their families grow. Pray that God would one day send you a wonderful Christian to help you have a happy home and happy children. Memorize: See if you can remember the 10 Commandments from God without looking. 1. You should have no other gods. 2. You should not take God’s name in vain. (In vain means – use something foolishly). 3. You should remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy. 4. Honor your mother and father that it may go well with you and so that you might have long life on earth. 5. You should not murder. 6. You should not commit adultery. (You ought to respect marriage). 7. You should not steal. 8. You should not bear false witness against a friend. (Talk bad about a friend). 9-10.You should not covet. (Covet – to want anything you’re not allowed to have).