The Small Catechism – part 55
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 4:15–16
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Click for a recording of today's lesson.
From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, The Fourth Commandment
Honor your father and your mother, (that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God is giving you).
What does this mean?
Answer: We should fear and love God so that we do not show contempt for our parents and others in authority, nor provoke them to anger, but respect, obey, serve, love, and honor them.
Pulling It Together
They say that imitation is the sincerest or best form of flattery. That must be very true for parents. It is satisfying and rewarding when children reproduce their parents’ good character and conduct. Biological parents are not the only ones pleased when children imitate their examples. No doubt, Jesus was pleased when his disciples understood and duplicated his teaching and lifestyle. Paul too, wanted his spiritual children — his disciples — to imitate him. We honor our biological and spiritual parents when we pay attention to them and duplicate their way of life.
Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to listen to those whom you have given me as teachers and guides. Amen.
Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.
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Author
Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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