Holy Name University
Center for Religious Education and Mission (CREaM)
CHRISTIAN LIVING 10: GROWING AS HUMBLE SERVANTS OF GOD
UNIT 4 / Title: THE CHURCH AS MORAL SUPPORT
LESSON 1 / TOPIC: Following the Law in the Scriptures
Number of Hours: 3 hrs.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Course Learning Outcome/s: Lesson Learning Outcomes:
Given the lesson, the students At the end of the lesson, the students are able to:
will be able to: o Identify and discuss the laws in the scripture;
Differentiate and give (Cognitive)
examples of the o Express what would our society be like without the
different kinds of law. law; (Affective)
(natural law, divine o Search biblical verses or passages that highlight various
law) laws and commandments. (Psychomotor)
TEACHING-LEARNING ACTIVITIES (TLA)
Part I: Motivational Activities
Please open your bible and read Exodus 20:2-17.
What is the reading all about? Are these commandments important for us? Why?
What must we do if we have violated some of these commandments?
The Ten Commandments
I am the LORD your God. You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve.
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.
Honor your father and your mother.
You shall not kill.
You shall not commit adultery.
Prepared by: Mrs. Felicidad A. Auxtero // CREaM 2023
Holy Name University
Center for Religious Education and Mission (CREaM)
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
You shall not covet your neighbor's wife.
You shall not covet your neighbor's goods.
Who can give examples of biblical stories that shows not following the 10 commandments or
have violated these commandments? Another?
Part 2: EXPOSITION/ DISCUSSION/ DEEPENING
Different Laws, Different Goals
There are different laws with different purpose. Though varied, laws are important in
forming our conscience and guiding us to understand what is authentically morally good.
Laws may be classified under four headings:
Natural Law
Natural Law is the universal moral law grounded on our human nature and knowable
through human reason (cf VS 79). It is the set of rights and obligations that arise from our
basic dignity as persons and which we can discern by using our intellect. It does not mean
the “law of nature” which includes scientific laws but rather “the law of our human nature”.
All human persons experience the demands of natural law. By using our reason, we can
discover rights, obligations, principles, and values that are universally true for all persons
regardless of race, religion, or culture and that have remained immutable or unchanging
throughout the centuries. Natural law is grounded on these universal and timeless moral
values and is the foundation of the other kinds of laws.
The following are examples of natural laws:
1. What do not wish others to do to you, do not do to them (The Golden Rule)
2. Live in harmony with others.
3. Maintain your health and well-being.
4. Leave to everyone and give to everyone what is his or hers.
Prepared by: Mrs. Felicidad A. Auxtero // CREaM 2023
Holy Name University
Center for Religious Education and Mission (CREaM)
God Himself is the author of the natural law, which flows from our human nature. Our
nature as persons is not something we created or invented; it is the first gift that God ha
given all persons, empowering us to become free, responsible, and rational beings.
Divine Law
From Sacred Scripture, we discover moral laws revealed to us by God. Throughout history
and at various significant moments, God provided men and women with the grace to discern
His will and thereby formulate laws and codes according to His plan. We encounter God’s
revelation of His divine law in two important events.
1. The Old Testament: Moses and the Ten Commandments
Moses, though a Jew, was raised as an Egyptian prince and was called by God to lead His
people out of slavery. Moses witnessed the idolatry and the ills of the Egyptian society and
was called to give witness to God’s faithful love for the Jewish people. Through Moses, God
gave His people the Ten Commandments, or the Decalogue, to instruct them how to live as
His Chosen People.
For the Jews, the Decalogue was not merely a set of dos and don’ts handed down to them
through Moses, their leader. Rather, it was the greatest proof of God’s unconditional love
for them. They considered God’s law as a great gift that brought them hope, joy, and true
freedom.
As Christians, the Ten Commandments remain for us a fundamental moral law. This is
because the Decalogue is an essential part of Jesus’ own moral teachings. Christ perfectly
lived out the demands of the Ten Commandments throughout His life. Christ Himself said
that He came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it. Jesus affirmed the truth that only in doing
good, in performing our duties, in observing our moral obligations, in following the Ten
Commandments can we become truly free.
2. New Testament: Jesus’ Law of Love and the Beatitudes
In his letter to the Romans, St. Paul wrote, “Christ is the end of the law for the justification of
everyone who has faith”. (Rom 10:4) Certainly, St. Paul did not mean that the Old Law
expressed and summarized in the Ten Commandments must be considered worthless or
irrelevant. We must remember that Christ affirmed the value of the Decalogue for our
salvation. “Whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the
kingdom of heaven”. ( Mt.5:18-19)
Prepared by: Mrs. Felicidad A. Auxtero // CREaM 2023
Holy Name University
Center for Religious Education and Mission (CREaM)
Through Christ, we have come to know that God’s law is a law of love, a law of true freedom,
and a law of grace (cf CCC1972).
Part 3: INTEGRATION
For us Christians, following the law in the scriptures primarily involves adhering to the
teachings of Jesus Christ and the principles outlined in the New Testament, while also
recognizing the moral and ethical values found in the Old Testament. Here are some key
aspects of how a Christian can follow the law in the scriptures:
Love God and Love Others
Jesus emphasized the importance of loving God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and
strength, and loving one's neighbor as oneself (Mark 12:28-31). Christians are called to live
out this commandment in their daily lives, treating others with love, compassion, and
respect.
Follow the Commandments of Christ
Jesus summarized the law in the Old Testament by saying, "So whatever you wish that
others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew
7:12). Christians are called to follow the ethical teachings of Jesus, which include forgiveness,
humility, honesty, and righteousness.
Study and Apply the Bible
Christians are encouraged to study the scriptures regularly to gain a deeper understanding
of God's word and his teachings. This includes reading and reflecting on both the Old
Testament and the New Testament, as they complement each other in understanding God's
plan and purpose for humanity.
Seek Guidance from Church and Community
Christian communities, churches, and pastors provide guidance and support in
understanding and applying the teachings of the Bible. Participating in a local church
community can offer opportunities for fellowship, learning, and living out the principles of
the faith together.
Prepared by: Mrs. Felicidad A. Auxtero // CREaM 2023
Holy Name University
Center for Religious Education and Mission (CREaM)
Repentance and Forgiveness
Recognizing that everyone falls short of the standards set by God, Christians believe in the
importance of repentance for their sins. Through confession and seeking forgiveness,
Christians aim to reconcile with God and others.
Trust in God's Grace
Christianity emphasizes that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ and God's grace rather
than solely through adherence to the law. Christians believe that no one can perfectly follow
the law, and it is only through God's grace and mercy that they are forgiven and granted
eternal life.
Live a Life of Holiness
While salvation is by grace, Christians are encouraged to pursue holiness and strive to live a
life that honors God. This involves avoiding sinful behaviors and seeking to imitate Christ in
their actions and attitudes.
Following the law in the scripture holds profound significance as it serves as a moral
compass, guiding individuals towards righteousness, compassion, and divine love. The
scriptures, revered in various religious traditions, offer a set of principles and
commandments that promote harmonious living, justice, and respect for both God and
fellow human beings. By adhering to these teachings, individuals cultivate virtues, foster
empathy, and strive to align their actions with the divine will. Ultimately, embracing the law
in the scripture enables spiritual growth, strengthens communal bonds, and fosters a
profound connection with the sacred, paving the way for a life enriched with purpose,
integrity, and profound meaning.
References:
The Holy Bible Matthew 7:12, Exodus 20:2-17, Matthew 5:3-12
The Catechism of the Catholic Church:
The Great Commandment CCC 1822
The Ten Commandments CCC 2052
Prepared by: Mrs. Felicidad A. Auxtero // CREaM 2023
Holy Name University
Center for Religious Education and Mission (CREaM)
The Beatitudes and Moral Life CCC 1716
Freedom and Law CCC 1733
NOTE: TO BE USED FOR OTHER LESSON
Assessment # 2 Lights and Shadows
TOPIC: Following the Law in the Scripture
Name: ___________________________________ Class Schedule: ______________
Program and Year: _________________________ Date: ______________________
Lights/ The Best of Times Shadows/ The Worst of Times
What are the “lights” related to your What are the “shadows” related to your
topic? topic?
Reflective Questions:
Christ, the Light of the World, illuminates our understanding of moral issues. Which words,
teachings or deeds/attitudes of Christ reveal to us how a young disciple such as yourself is
called to respond to moral challenges related to your moral issues.
Prepared by: Mrs. Felicidad A. Auxtero // CREaM 2023
Holy Name University
Center for Religious Education and Mission (CREaM)
Assessment #1 Word Association
TOPIC: Following the Law in the Scripture
Name: ___________________________________ Class Schedule: ______________
Program and Year: _________________________ Date: ______________________
Instructions:
In the space below, list words associated with the word your teacher will write on the board.
Do not try to filter your thoughts; write down as fast as you can whatever word comes to
mind that is related to the word on the board. You have 1 minute to list as many words as
you can.
1. 9.
2. 10.
3. 11.
4. 12.
5. 13.
6. 14.
7. 15.
8. 16.
Reflection:
Prepared by: Mrs. Felicidad A. Auxtero // CREaM 2023
Holy Name University
Center for Religious Education and Mission (CREaM)
Did you get a high score or low score? Did the class in general get high scores
or low scores? What might be some reasons or explanations for the general performance of
the class?
Assessment #1 Biblical Scavenger Hunt
TOPIC: Following the Law in the Scripture
Name: ___________________________________ Class Schedule: ______________
Program and Year: _________________________ Date: ______________________
Instructions:
1. Group yourselves in 5.
2. Each group will search in the Bible the following biblical verses or passages that
highlight various laws and commandments.
3. Write down what each law entails. The team that finds the most correct answers
wins.
Prepared by: Mrs. Felicidad A. Auxtero // CREaM 2023
