The Small Catechism – part 58
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Philippians 2:14–15
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, The Fourth Commandment
Honor your father and your mother, (that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God is giving you).
What does this mean?
Answer: We should fear and love God so that we do not show contempt for our parents and others in authority, nor provoke them to anger, but respect, obey, serve, love, and honor them.
Pulling It Together: God expects us to behave for our parents the way we would act in his presence. Therefore, we are to obey our parents as we would obey God: without complaining or asking why. Grumbling disobedience shows a lack of love. Moreover, it would be an indication that we are no different from the stubborn, rebellious, and wicked children around us. We are to esteem our parents more highly than this, and in doing so, we shine so brightly that we bring honor to God as well.
Prayer: Lord, work your salvation out of me in good works that bring glory to you and honor to my parents’ name. 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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