Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Romans 5:20
• Index of Scripture graphics and posts
Click for audio of today's lesson.
From the Word: But the law came alongside so that the transgression would abound; yet where sin abounded, grace abounded more. (Romans 5:20)
From the Confessions: The Large Catechism, Preface
However, it is not enough for them to learn and recite these parts accurately. Young people should also listen to preaching, especially during the time that is devoted to the Catechism, so that they may hear it explained, and may learn the meaning of every part. Then they will be able to repeat what they have heard, and when asked, give a correct answer. Preaching then, will not be without profit and fruit.
Pulling It Together: The Catechism is meant to accomplish two things: expose our sins, and reveal God’s grace. These very things may be easily overlooked if we view Catechism as a class one takes to memorize a little booklet. It must be understood. So, the church used to (and some still do) have the sermons during Lent focus on teaching the meaning of the Catechism. This may be where the practice started of having confirmands take notes on sermons.
A good preacher will be able to tie the Catechism in to every sermon, not just those preached during Lent. Nonetheless, we must redouble our efforts to instill the words and the meaning of the Catechism in our youth. That exercise begins with our own appreciation for and comprehension of the Catechism, indeed, of all Scripture.
Prayer: Teach me your Word, Lord, that I may obey you, yet be comforted by your grace when I do not. Amen.
Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.
The Spiritual Realms is a nine-session Bible Study series on Heaven and Hell and places beyond this world. Specifically, the study looks at the many “place names” that are found throughout Scripture, referring to spiritual realms of existence that underlie and comprise the universe God created. This Bible Study series is a challenging one, in that it explores realities of existence beyond what we know and experience everyday.
The study not only addresses matters of life, death, heaven and hell, it steadfastly affirms that Jesus Christ is at the center of all these things. Our ultimate faith and hope rest in Christ’s death and resurrection for our sake. We live in faith by the biblical promise that: “God raised the Lord, and will also raise us up by his power” (1 Cor 6:14).
Author
Rev. Mark E. Ryman serves as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC. Previously, Pastor Ryman has served other congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
Click Here For Content Archives