Sola Devotions

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 11:1–6

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2 Corinthians 11:1–6

From the Confessions: The Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Distinction of Meats

Lutherans have not taught about these things harshly or with a dislike of the ecclesiastical office, as some contend. Because of a misunderstanding of Church traditions, there was great need to warn the churches of these errors. For the Gospel compels us to teach the doctrine of grace and the righteousness of faith in the churches. These principal doctrines cannot be understood if people think that they earn grace by observances of their own choice.

Pulling It Together: The Lord insists that we teach his Word with patience and clarity. We must take a firm stand on matters of doctrine, for people's souls hang in the balance. Such was the case for the Lutherans in Wittenberg. God had reminded them of his grace and they would have been derelict in their calling had they simply gone on teaching religious traditions as the way to keep the Christian faith. Their churches were being deceived by traditions, imagining that they could somehow merit what can never be earned. God's grace is given—never attained by the things we do or how we do them. Saving righteousness is given through faith in Christ. Teaching this doctrine was hardly insurrection; it was faithful reformation of the Church that the Lutherans loved.

Prayer: Lord, keep me steadfast in your Word. Amen. 

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The Wise & The Foolish is a nine-session Bible study that focuses entirely on Jesus' "people parables"—what might be described as Discipleship Parables. These are the character stories that focus on the nature of discipleship and what it means to be a wise and faithful follower of Jesus. 

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