Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 14:15, 21

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John 14:15, 21 

From the Confessions: The Smalcald Articles 

I have written only a few articles since, even without these, we have so many commands of God to observe in the Church, the state, and the family that we can never fulfill them. What is the use, what gain comes of many decrees and statutes made in a Council, especially when the chief matters, those commanded by God, are neither regarded nor observed? Do we actually think God is obligated to reward our guile while we tread his solemn commandments under foot? Our sins weigh upon us and keep God from being gracious to us, as we do not repent, and even want to defend our every abomination.

Pulling It Together: We busy ourselves with a kind of mundane yet exuberant piety, the machinations of religion, so that we might deceive ourselves (and others, I suppose) into thinking we are holy and righteous. God is not deceived (Gal 6:7). Neither, frankly, are we. So, we make more noise, more pretense, more outward show, hoping to drown out the reality that God’s will and commandments are ignored and not observed. Only when we are quiet before the Lord, do we know that he is God (Psa 46:10) and we are sinners.

Prayer: Help me, Lord God, to trust in your word instead of my works. Amen.

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The Sola Confirmation Series, written by the Rev. Steven E. King, is basic work-book style Confirmation curriculum. It is designed to serve as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.  Each book in the series can be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program. 

The Ten Commandments book is a ten-week unit, which includes one session on each of the Commandments. The Scripture focus in the Ten Commandment series is on Moses and the Exodus Cycle, with Bible Study lessons taken primarily from the Pentateuch.

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