The Small Catechism – part 17
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 3:4–6
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Click for a recording of today's lesson.
From the Confessions: The Small Catechism
So, pastors and preachers, it is up to you. Our office has become a different thing from what it was under the pope; it is now significant and salutary. Accordingly, it now involves much more trouble and labor, danger and trials — and what is more, little reward and gratitude from the world. But Christ himself will be our reward if we labor faithfully. To this end, may the Father of all grace help us, to whom be praise and thanks forever, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Pulling It Together: Gratitude from the world? Too often, it seems like there is not much gratitude even from the church. That is a reason why a minister’s sufficiency must come from God. If a minister must rely upon self-sufficiency, burnout will ensue. So, we must press on, keeping the focus on the prize at the finish (Philippians 3:14). We might then look back with clearer eyes and heart, and see that the Spirit of God had been at work in our ministries all along.
Prayer: Keep me focused on you, Lord. Amen.
Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.
Share this post
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.
Click Here For Content Archives