Concerning Political Order – part 9
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 2:1–2
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
This entire topic concerning civil affairs has been so clearly set forth by our theologians that many people who are occupied in the state and in business have declared how they have greatly benefited. Before, troubled by the opinion of the monks, they were in doubt as to whether the gospel permits public office and business. Accordingly, we have repeated these things here so that outsiders may understand that the kind of doctrine which we follow does not undermine the authority of magistrates and the worth of civil ordinances. Rather, our position strengthens their positions. The importance of these matters has been greatly obscured by foolish monastic opinions, which prefer the hypocrisy of poverty and humility to the state and the family, even though the latter have God’s command, while the Platonic community does not.
Pulling It Together: As God has established all civil authorities, he would have us pray for them — whether we like them or not. Christian love demands that we hold them before God in prayer. Moreover, wisdom compels us to pray for them, since the sound leadership of public servants is a benefit to us, providing us with “a peaceful and quiet life.”
Prayer: Help me, Lord, to lift up all those in high positions. Amen
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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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