Q58. What does the fourth commandment require?
The fourth commandment requires us to keep holy the special times God has set apart in his Word—especially one whole day in seven as a holy Sabbath to him.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Deuteronomy 5:12–14
“Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee. Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou.”
Genesis 2:2–3
“And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.”
Acts 20:7
“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.”
1 Corinthians 16:1–2
“Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What does the fourth commandment require?
- 2
What does it mean to keep a day "holy"?
- 3
What would it look like for you to treat Sunday differently from other days?
Illustration
At home, you have everyday plates and maybe special plates for holidays. The special plates are set apart for a different purpose. God set apart one day each week. It is not just another day off. It is a day that belongs to him, meant for worship and rest.
Application
Because God has set this day apart, ask him to help you give it the attention it deserves. This Sunday, ask your parents how your family can worship God together, whether at church or at home.