The Third Commandment in Luther's Small Catechism

Luthers Small Catechism The Third Commandment

The Third Commandment Exodus 20: 8 Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it Holy The Third Commandment given only to Israel. In Christ the commandment like all ritual practices of the old covenant(days, ceremonies) find their fulfillment. They are now obsolete, Christ has come. Disciples are made holy by the Word of God not by days, seasons, disciplines, or spiritual practices. Luther realized that nature teaches us our bodies need rest according to our Creator s design.

The Third Commandment Charles Arand: The Sabbath commandment was intended to serve the needs of God s human creatures for rest and refreshment. Mark 2: 27 The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath . A spiritual Sabbath is necessary so we might hear the Word of God. It is not limited to the 7thday or Sunday in the NT. Luther: Sunday exists for the sake of the sermon. To Luther the pulpit is an eschatological battleground when Christ s truth is attacked by and triumphs over the devil s lie

The Third Commandment Disciples find their rest in Jesus righteousness, not in their own activities. It has been stated in our day , people work at their play, worship their work, and play at their worship. The Third Commandment orients the time of the disciples back to the First Commandment as we fear and love God, cherish His Word, and devote time to hear it.

The Catechism: The Third Commandment Remember the Sabbath day by Keeping it Holy What does this mean? Hold God s word sacred and learn it. Central thought: When we set aside time for rest, how do we spend time? Luke 10: 38-42 (Mary and Martha). Why does Jesus commend Mary and not hardworking Martha? What is the Sabbath day? A day of rest to ponder the power and goodness of God in His work of creation. Exodus 20: 8-11

The Third Commandment Catechism The graciousness of God s work of redemption Deuteronomy 5: 12, 15 Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, you were slaves in the land of Egypt and the Lord your God brought you out, the Lord your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day . What are some features of the Sabbath in the Old Testament? Time for physical rest. Exodus 23: 12 Six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; that your ox and your donkey may have rest..

The Third Commandment Catechism The Sabbath provided time for spiritual rest through worship and devotion to God s Word and promises. Leviticus 23 God gives days and seasons of worship for Israel. 7thday (Saturday) rest for people and animals 7thyear land rested 50thyear all debts cancelled How do we fear and love God in keeping the Third Commandment? By not despising or neglecting His Word.

The Third Commandment Catechism Failing to gather in worship to receive God s Word and Sacraments. Hebrews 10:25 Do not neglect to meet together, as is the habit of some.. Rejecting or disregarding God s Word. Luke 10: 16 The one who hears you hears Me, and the one who rejects you rejects Me, and the one who rejects Me, rejects the one who sent Me . 1Samuel 15: 10-23 Saul rejected God s word. We fear and love God by taking time to reflect on His Word by

The Third Commandment Catechism Treasuring God s Word as sacred: Psalm 119: 105 Your word is lamp to my feet and a light to my path Psalm 1 Blessed is the one whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and meditates on His law day and night. Luke 2: 8-20 birth of Jesus Devoting ourselves to His Word(private and public worship) Acts 2: 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the breaking of bread and the prayers Luke 11: 28 Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it

The Third Commandment Catechism What is the significance of the Sabbath for the church today? God no longer requires us to observe the Sabbath day and other particular holy days of the OT, the commandment continues to apply to our Christian life and worship. Colossians 2: 16-17 We continue to need not only physical rest, but rest from the impossible tasks of trying to seek security, righteousness, and salvation through our efforts. Mark 6: 30-31. Hebrews 4: 10 The Sabbath a sign pointing to Jesus who gives us spiritual rest from the the burden of our sins.

The Third Commandment Catechism Matthew 11: 28 Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Revelation 14: 13 Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Blessed indeed , says the Spirit, that they rest from their labors .. God wants us to be regularly engaged in His Word and carry it in our hearts and upon our lips Colossians 3: 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Therefore, Christians gladly hear God s Word and set aside time for worship on Sunday.

The Third Commandment Catechism Recall the wonders of God and observing seasons and special holidays Romans 14: 5-6. Matthew 12: 1-8 Why is it vital for us to gather together with fellow Christians in public worship? The Word of God calls believers to gather together for public worship for several reasons: God is present as His Word is proclaimed and His sacraments administered Matthew 28: 18-20 In worship, our Shepherd Jesus speaks through the mouth of the shepherd(pastor) whom He has called to care for our souls(Acts 20: 28)

The Third Commandment Catechism We hear God s Word at a set place and time. Sunday worship is a public testimony to our faith in Christ and His resurrection from the dead on the first day of the week (Luke 24: 1) Believers are still sinners who need encouragement we receive from one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Hebrews 10: 25) What is valuable about liturgical worship? Follows a pattern: Christ speaks His Word and gives His Supper; the church receives and answers in confession, thanksgiving, and petition. The liturgy keeps us focused on Christ