The Small Catechism – part 158
Scripture Text: 2 Peter 3:11–13
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From the Word: 11 As all these things are to be obliterated, what kind of people are you obligated to be in holy and godly lives, 12 expecting and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and destroyed, and the elements will melt as they burn? 13 But, according to his promise, we are awaiting new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness resides. (2 Peter 3:11–13)
From the Confessions: The Small Catechism
The Introduction to the Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven.
What does this mean?
God encourages us to believe that he is truly our Father, and that we are truly his children, so that we may boldly and confidently pray to him, just as beloved children speak to their dear father.
How is this done?
God’s name is hallowed when his Word is taught in its truth and purity and we, as God’s children, lead holy lives in accordance with it. Grant this to us, dear Father in heaven. But whoever teaches and lives in ways other than what God’s Word teaches dishonors the name of God among us. Prevent us from doing this, heavenly Father.
Pulling It Together: How may we hallow God’s name but to believe his Word and act accordingly? This old world will not be around forever, and we even less time. All of creation awaits its destruction, when new and holy places will be given to those who have been reborn to live godly lives. As all is to be destroyed, it puts a fine point on the purpose of life. All of that stuff in your attic or basement or storage unit, everything packed away in drawers and closets and bank accounts, even those packages under the Christmas tree, will end in a cataclysmic apocalypse. Facebook disputes and arguments over the color of carpet or the expansion of the church building or whether to go to a second service, will be wiped out. Climbing the ladder of success will be reduced to nothing.
So, what kind of people should we be in the meantime? Holy. Godly. And how may we live such lives but by believing God’s Word and doing it? This is the petition given legs, the hallowing of the name of our heavenly Father.
Prayer: May your name be holy among us, Father. Amen.
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The Smalcald Articles are often considered Luther's theological Last Will and Testament. Written in easy-to-understand language, this study is presented in a discussion formation with assigned readings from the Scriptures and the Book of Concord. Included in the study is a shorter work by Philip Melanchton called "The Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope."
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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