Sola Devotions

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 2 Timothy 2:22–23

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2 Timothy 2:22–23

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

Good folks from all over have complained about this burden for a long time, either for themselves or for others whom they saw to be in danger. But no popes listened to these complaints. It is no mystery how this rule has greatly injured public morals, and what vices and shameful lusts it has produced. Rome still reads and recognizes in the satires its own morals.

Pulling It Together: The churches and seminaries should be places where people may safely flee the passions—not run straight into them, and with more abundance and variety than was known elsewhere. Bishops, pastors, and professors ought to lead the flight from lust, empowering their charges to stand against the riotous arguments that rationalize these vices. Nonetheless, wherever they find themselves, in the university or in the workplace, they may call upon the Lord with a pure heart, knowing that there is abundant forgiveness through Christ as they resist the world as the Word prescribes.

Prayer: Guard me, Lord, that I may stand with you for your Word. Amen.

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Author

Mark Ryman

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.