Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 6:63

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From the Word: It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no advantage. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit, and are life. (John 6:63)

From the ConfessionsThe Large Catechism, The Ten Commandments

The Second Commandment

You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

So, you now understand what it is to take God’s name in vain. To reiterate, it is either simply to lie and to use God’s name for something that is not so, or to curse, swear, trick, and in short, to practice any kind of wickedness.

Pulling It Together: Why is it that God is so concerned with words, that we speak the truth and use his name, his reputation, with care? Words, true words, create life. They create faith in Christ Jesus, which leads to eternal life. Lies lead to death. Misuse of God’s name, using it for personal gain and evil, leads to the ultimate loss. Hearing the truth, however, leads to faith, revivifying spirit and bringing life (Rom 10:17).

Prayer: Help me listen, Father, more than I speak. Amen.

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Living Faith, a Believer's Guide to Growing in Christ is a discipleship resource based on Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. This 12-part Bible study by Pastor Brack East is designed to help individuals grow more deeply into a living faith in Jesus, while interacting with other believers in a life-to-life setting of three or four people. Such settings around the Word of God have proven to be part of the workshop of the Holy Spirit, and Luther’s Small Catechism has stood the test of time as a reliable guide to growing in faith. 


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