Table of Duties

There are 12 posts tagged Table of Duties (this is page 3 of 4).

Table of Duties—To Husbands

For our summer catechesis, we are studying the Table of Duties from the Small Catechism. This week we consider our station and vocation as husbands. I recommend you listen here: 2013-07-14 Catechesis – To Husbands

The Catechism: Table of Duties—To Husbands: 1 Peter 3:7; Colossians 3:19

Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. 1 Peter 3:7 1st+
Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Colossians 3:19 1st+

Prayer for Husbands

O Lord Jesus, by Your Word and Spirit, fashion the men of Your Church into husbands made in Your image, who love their wives and sacrifice themselves for them, even as You gave Yourself for us, Your bride the Church. Teach them to respect their wives and to treat them with tenderness, compassion, and lovingkindness. Deliver them from all pride and arrogance so that they do not take advantage of their wives, but honor them as joint heirs of the gracious gift of life. In Your holy name we pray. Amen.

Table of Duties – Of Citizens

For our summer catechesis, we are studying the Table of Duties from the Small Catechism. This week we consider our station and vocation as citizens. I recommend you listen here: 2013-07-07 Catechesis – Of Citizens

The Catechism: Table of Duties—Of Citizens

Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s. Matthew 22:21 1st+
5 It is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes, if revenue, then revenue, if respect, then respect, if honor then honor. Romans 13:5-7 3rd+
1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – .2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior. 1 Timothy 2:1-3 2nd+
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good. Titus 3:1 1st+
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 1 Peter 2:13-14 4th+

Prayer of a Christian Citizen

Merciful Father, grant us faith to pray for the civil authorities and to trust that You will accomplish Your good and gracious will through them. Teach us to live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness and to be ready to do whatever is good in service to others in our community and nation, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Table of Duties – Of Civil Government

For our summer catechesis, we are studying the Table of Duties from the Small Catechism. This week we consider “Of Civil Government.” I recommend you listen here: Podcast

The Catechism: Table of Duties—Of Civil Government: Romans 13:1-4

1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 1st+
2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 2nd+
3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 3rd+
4 For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 4th+

Theses of Civil Government:

1. God works through the civil rulers to accomplish His purposes in the world.

2. God works in the secular kingdom for the sake of His Church, or the spiritual kingdom.

3. God works His purposes through both good and evil rulers:

  • To punish wickedness
  • To reward those who do well

4. Nations often receive the evil rulers they deserve as part of God’s judgment.

5. Evil rulers misuse the authority given to them by God even though He was the one to  establish them in their office.

6. Christians are called to trust in God by honoring the civil authorities, even when the civil authorities are hostile to the Christian faith or persecute the Church.

7. Christians are called “to obey God rather than men” whenever the demands of the civil law violate the Word of God (Acts 5:29).

Prayer for the Civil Government

Heavenly Father, give us civil authorities who will serve with integrity and faithfulness, for the maintenance of justice, the punishment of evil doers, and for the praise of all those who do well. Christians faith in Your gracious providence, so that we might honor the civil authorities and contribute to the common welfare of our nation, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.