The Small Catechism – part 257
Scripture Text: 2 Thessalonians 1:11–12
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From the Word: 11 To this end we also pray always for you, that our God may deem you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every intention for good and work of faith in power; 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 1:11–12)
From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, Table of Duties
Certain passages of Scripture for various holy orders and positions, warning them about their duties and responsibilities:
For Slaves and Laborers
Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not with eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with good will as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is slave or free (Eph 6:5–8; Col 3:22).
Pulling It Together: There are over 40 million slaves in the world today. Far, far more feel enslaved by the workplace, though that is a far cry from any semblance of truth. Nonetheless, the same word goes for all. Do your work as though you were doing it for the Lord. In doing so, whether a slave or a free person, you bring glory to the name of Christ, and are worthy of your calling—both your vocational calling and your calling to be Christian: a slave of Jesus Christ. We are uncomfortable with such words, which may be an indicator of how deficient our service is to Christ.
Are you comfortable with being known as God’s slave? It will change how we act at work, at home, and at church—especially in committee meetings.
Prayer: May you be glorified, Lord, by my good intentions, at very least. Amen.
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The Wise & The Foolish is a nine-session Bible study that focuses on Jesus' "people parables" — or 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.
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.
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