God is the Giver of Law Basic 4 Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Lesson Note

What is “Law”?

Simple Definition

Law = A set of rules that everyone must obey

Characteristics of Law

• Laws tell us what is right and wrong
• Laws are made by people in authority
• Everyone must follow the law
• There are consequences for breaking the law
• Laws protect people and keep order

Examples of Laws

• “Do not steal”
• “Do not kill”
• “Children must go to school”
• “Drive on the right side of the road”
• “Pay your taxes”

God’s Laws

• God gave laws to Moses on Mount Sinai
• The most famous are the Ten Commandments
• God’s laws are perfect and never change
• They show us how to live good lives
• They help us know what pleases God

Difference Between Law, Rules, and Regulations

LAW

What it is:

• Made by government or God
• Must be obeyed by everyone in the country
• Breaking it has serious punishment
• Cannot be easily changed

Examples:

• Ten Commandments from God
• “Do not steal” (government law)
• “Do not murder” (government law)

RULES

What it is:

• Made by smaller groups (schools, families, clubs)
• Only applies to people in that group
• Punishment is usually lighter
• Can be changed more easily

Examples:

• “Raise your hand before speaking” (school rule)
• “No running in the hallway” (school rule)
• “Brush your teeth before bed” (family rule)

REGULATIONS

What it is:

• Detailed instructions on how to follow laws
• Made by organizations or departments
• Explains the specific steps to take
• Helps people understand how to obey laws

Examples:

• “Students must wear uniforms on Monday and Friday” (school regulation)
• “Library books must be returned within 2 weeks” (library regulation)
• “No phones during class time” (school regulation)

Summary Table

Reasons Why God Gave Laws

God gave laws for these important reasons:

To Show Us Right from Wrong

• Before God’s law, people didn’t know what was truly right
• God’s laws teach us what makes Him happy
• They help us make good choices
• They show us God’s perfect standards

To Protect Us

• Laws keep us safe from harm
• “Do not kill” protects our lives
• “Do not steal” protects our property
• Following God’s laws prevents many problems

To Help Us Live Together Peacefully

• Laws stop people from hurting each other
• They create order in society
• People know what to expect from others
• Communities become safer and happier

To Show Us We Need God

• When we try to keep all the laws, we realize it’s very hard
• We understand that we make mistakes (sin)
• This helps us see that we need God’s help
• It shows us we need Jesus to save us

To Guide Our Behavior

• God’s laws are like a map for life
• They show us the best way to live
• They help us treat others fairly
• They teach us to love God and people

To Reveal God’s Character

• God’s laws show us what God is like
• They reveal that God is holy and just
• They show that God cares about fairness
• They demonstrate God’s love for people

To Prepare for Jesus

• The Old Testament laws pointed to Jesus
• They showed people their need for a Savior
• Jesus came to fulfill all the laws perfectly
• Now we follow Jesus who helps us obey God

The Ten Commandments (God’s Most Important Laws)

1. Worship only God
2. Don’t make idols
3. Don’t use God’s name wrongly
4. Keep the Sabbath day holy
5. Honor your father and mother
6. Don’t murder
7. Don’t commit adultery
8. Don’t steal
9. Don’t lie about others
10. Don’t be jealous of what others have

Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

1. Law is a set of _______ that everyone must obey.
2. God gave laws to _______ on Mount Sinai.
3. The most famous laws from God are called the _______ Commandments.
4. Laws help us know _______ from wrong.

Exercise 2: True or False

1. Rules are the same as laws. _____
2. God’s laws never change. _____
3. Only adults need to follow laws. _____
4. Laws help us live together peacefully. _____