Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope – part 60

Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope – part 60

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 5:17–18

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 

We have spoken of ordination, which is the only thing, as Jerome says, distinguishing bishops from other elders. Therefore, there is need of no discussion about other duties of bishops. Nor is it necessary to speak of confirmation, nor of the consecration of bells, which are almost the only things they have kept for themselves. Yet, something must be said about jurisdiction.

Pulling It Together

Beware of bishops, pastors, and elders who busy themselves with duties that range often from the ministry of Word and Sacrament. Even in the overseer’s duty of ordination, this ministry of the office is celebrated — often in the best and highest manner. However, when it gets down to the office being “celebrated” by meetings and other human deliberations, the danger can be that the human is being lifted above the divine. But let those who oversee well, tending to the ministry of the gospel, be honored among us.

Prayer: Help me, God, to honor those who look to my care in Christ. Amen

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