The Small Catechism – part 83
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Romans 13:11–14
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, The Sixth Commandment
You shall not commit adultery.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that in matters of sex we are chaste and disciplined in our words and actions, and that husband and wife love and honor each other.
Pulling It Together: We tend to consider the Sixth Commandment only in terms of sex. Yet, unfaithfulness to one’s spouse — whether human or divine — begins in the heart. It then, spreads to the lips and only afterwards, to the whole body. Both Paul and Luther teach us that appropriate Christian character goes beyond fleshly considerations: to words, and ultimately, to the heart. These follow the course of Jesus’ teaching, that evil intentions spring from the heart and find expression in the outward parts (Mark 7:14-23). So, the Small Catechism rightly urges chastity in terms of love, not merely sex, and in right words and actions, not simply sexual immorality. Faithfulness is a heart matter that unless armored by a right fear and the bright love of God, will end in the darkest deeds of human behavior.
Prayer: Remind me throughout this day, Holy Spirit, that I have put on the nature of Christ Jesus through baptism; and help me walk in that newness of life. 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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