Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 6:31–33

Click for larger image

Click above for larger graphic  • Image.  • Index of Scripture Graphics and posts by Scripture reference

  Click for a recording of today's lesson. 

Matthew 6:31–33

From the Confessions: The Small Catechism – part 36

The Second Commandment

You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain (for the Lord will not hold guiltless those who take his name in vain).

What does this mean?

Answer: We should fear and love God so that we do not use his name superstitiously or to curse, swear, lie, or deceive, but call upon him in every time of need, and worship him with prayer, praise, and thanksgiving.

Pulling It Together: Why does one need to lie or otherwise deceive in order to receive some necessary thing? God knows what you need, so ask your heavenly Father, and he will provide the needs of the day. The practice of deceit happens when one desires more than is necessary, or when there is lack of trust for what is needed. I do not recall sneaking food from the refrigerator or pantry when I was a boy. Mom and Dad made sure I had enough and more to eat. I trusted that they would provide for my needs every day. Even more, Jesus has promised that his Father will meet your needs. Trust—and give thanks.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for providing everything needed for my life. Amen.

Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.

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.

Holy Families! is an initiative of the North American Lutheran Church provided through a generous grant from the Thrivent Foundation, in honor of the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation (1517 AD to 2017 AD). Produced by Sola Publishing, this special initiative includes a number of Lutheran discipleship resources for families and congregations, including Daily Family Prayer Resources, Parent Pages, Faith Formation downloadable pages for children/families, Educational Videos, Parents' Video/Discussion Series on Faith Formation, Reformation Bible Study: In the Luther Household


Share this post


Click Here For Content Archives