The Small Catechism – part 182
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Jeremiah 23:6
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Small Catechism
The Sixth Petition
And lead us not into temptation.
What does this mean?
God indeed tempts no one to sin, but we pray in this petition that God would guard and protect us from this, that the devil, the world, and our sinful nature may not deceive us or lead us into false belief, despair, and other great and shameful sins, but pray that when we are tempted in these ways, we may finally prevail and gain the victory.
Pulling It Together: Do not be tempted to believe the claims others make about what you need to do in order to be saved. Instead, hang on with faith in what Christ did for you. Hold fast to the Head (Colossians 2:19), not to things a small part of the body performs. You have “fullness of life” (Colossians 2:10 RSV) in Christ, not in yourself. Your faith is in him. You were buried with him in baptism, so how can that dead flesh of yours do anything that merits life? The legalistic demands of small-hearted brethren have been “nailed to the cross” (Colossians 2:14 RSV) along with all your sins.
So, do not be anxious about what others say you must do. Usually, that happens when one is overly concerned with someone’s opinion of you. Do not seek to be acknowledged for what you do. Rather, be known by what the Lord has done. Gladly share his reputation, his name. You are a Christian. The Lord is your righteousness — not you.
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for giving me your righteousness. Amen.
Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.
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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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