Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope – part 47

Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope – part 47

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Proverbs 11:14

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Today’s Scripture Jigsaw

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From the Confessions: Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope 

Since the decisions of Synods — not of popes — are the decisions of the Church, it is especially incumbent on kings to check the license of the popes, and to act so that the Church is not robbed of her power of judgment and decree from the Word of God. As the rest of the Christians must censure all other errors of the pope, they must also rebuke the pope when he eludes and impedes the true inquiry and true judgment of the Church.

Pulling It Together

If a leader makes decisions that are firmly settled in Scripture, there would at least be the counsel of the Word and the Spirit. Most of the church would be glad of such wise guidance, for on the other hand, judgments without the counsel of Scripture are generally made without wisdom, and too often from personal interest. Unchecked, these one-sided decisions eventually lead to abuse of power, and worse, a lack of divine direction.

Prayer: Help me, Father, to listen to the counsel of others. Amen

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