Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Galatians 2:4–5
Luther taught that we are only able to know God as God makes himself known to us: through his Word and through the Sacraments. There was no room special revelation...
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Isaiah 1:18
There is only one thing worse than not being permitted to meet with those who disagree with you. Meeting with them, only to hear them speak in a manner that is unreasonable, is even worse.
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Peter 3:14–15
When you are brought before a group you should not have anxiety about what you should testify, since the Spirit will teach you in the moment the words that need to be spoken.
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 2 Timothy 2:24–26
Up to this point in the Lutheran Confessions, we have largely had the writings of Philip Melancthon, professor of Greek at the University of Wittenberg, and friend of and collaborator with Martin Luther in the Protestant Reformation.
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Psalm 119:105
We cannot reason our way to God. Nor can traditions light the way to divine truth. Human institutions are unable to direct us to God.
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: John 8:31–33
What is able to set you free: human traditions or the Word of God? Abide in one and lack assurance and peace. Abide in the other and know perfect peace.
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Acts 5:29–31
The old saying, “Do as I say but not as I do,” is applicable to pharisaical instruction. Jesus is teaching that we ought to observe right teaching of the Scripture, though not necessarily imitate the actions of those teaching.
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Galatians 1:8–9
Christians are called to lives of submission. We are to honor our parents, deferring to their authority. We are to obey earthly authorities, as well as church leadership.
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Luke 10:16
The Lutheran reformers wanted to proclaim a clear word of Scripture. Human traditions that promised God’s favor were summarily dismissed in favor of God’s gracious favor being freely given through faith, for Christ’s sake.
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 13:12–14
It is amusing to consider the things that each Christian group focuses on, as though they were God’s perpetual commandments.
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: James 1:25
What right does anyone have to insist that we do certain things in order to be forgiven? Christ has set us free; so we are truly free (John 8:36).
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Acts 6:1–4
Let the power of bishops—indeed, the power of the whole Church—reside in the Word alone, sola Scriptura. If the Spirit cannot make his case through the Word alone, is a bishop able to make new laws that are effective where God is not?
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 John 2:24–27
What is it that you heard from the beginning other than that you are saved by believing on Jesus Christ? That you must or must not do certain things in order to be forgiven and saved came later when people tried to foist their religious brand upon you.
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Colossians 2:20–23
Eternal life begins during this earthly life. It starts within us by faith. First, we are forgiven and made righteous before God through faith in his Son.
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Acts 15:6–11
The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation. Nothing needs to be added to the Gospel in order to make it effective for the forgiveness of sins, justification, or eternal life.
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 8:8
What should shine forth from the Church above all other things? Buildings? Traditions? Fund raisers? The pastor? Denominational programs? The youth group? Style of worship?
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Galatians 1:6–9
No pastor, bishop, priest, or pope has the right to determine rules for apprehending eternal life when those rules have no authority from the Gospel.
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Hebrews 4:12–13
The Reformation slogan, sola Scriptura, should be kept close in our thoughts. Much doubt and anxiety may be avoided, if God’s Word is our rule of faith and practice.
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Matthew 5:20
If our righteousness must exceed that of religious experts, then what are we to do? We are to understand what righteousness actually is.
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