The Reformation

 

Luther's "Little Instruction Book"

 

In 1529, Luther published a Small Catechism that presented the foundations of the Lutheran faith in simple, everyday language.  It was designed for use by ordinary people, and has served as a basic text for those studying for confirmation ever since. Luther explains the Ten Commandments, the Apostle's Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the sacraments of Baptism and Communion, and talks about confession.  He also offers basic guidelines for conducting morning and evening devotions, and saying table grace.

 

In Appendix III, Luther suggests specific Bible passages that can help members of a household improve their relationships and with each other.

 

For Children

Ephesians 6:1-3

 

 1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

 2Honor your father and mother 

 3So that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on earth.

Luther provides this explanation for the Fourth Commandment

You must honor your father and mother.

Q. What does this mean?

A. We must fear and love God, so that we will neither look down on our parents or superiors nor irritate them, but will honor them, serve them, obey them, love them and value them.

 

 

For Young People

1 Peter 5:5-6

5You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. 

 6Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time

 

For Everyone in General

Romans 13:8-10

 8Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. /p>

 9For this, "You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall no covet," and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

10Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

 

1 Timothy 2:1-2

 1First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,

 2for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

 

"If everyone will learn this art, the whole household will fare well."