Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Romans 11:8–11
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From the Word: 8 As it is written, God gave them a spirit of stupefaction, eyes that would not see, and ears that would not hear, to this very day.
9 And David says,
Let their table become a snare and a trap,
a baited trap, and payback for them.
10 Let their eyes be darkened so that they may not understand;
and bend their back forever (Romans 11:8–11)
From the Confessions: The Large Catechism, The Ten Commandments
The First Commandment
You shall have no other gods before me.
For example, the heathen who put their trust in power and authority elevated Jupiter as the supreme god. Others, who were bent upon riches, happiness, pleasure, and a life of ease, worshiped Hercules, Mercury, Venus, or others. Women with child, venerated Diana or Lucina, and so on. Everyone made a god of that to which the heart was inclined, so that even in the minds of the heathen, to have a god means to trust and believe.
Pulling It Together: Minerva is the Roman counterpart to the modern idol of work and industry. There is nothing wrong with a day’s work or of being industrious. But when one puts their trust in the bending of the back, in human labor, in, as they say, working your way up the ladder, it can become a spiritual problem. If one trusts and believes in their works, in religious devotion and good deeds, he has elevated self over God. His mind is dark and confused. If he puts such trust in his works, may he bend his back forever. The Lord God is whom we must trust, even when our good works fail us.
Prayer: Give me enlightened eyes, Lord, that I might always hope in you alone. Amen.
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Go and Tell, unit 2 in the Word of Life Series, is a resource for those looking to develop small groups built around the Word of God. This model of small-group ministry is an excellent tool for evangelism since it is rooted in prayer and Scripture. Its primary focus is to empower those who believe in Jesus Christ to be comfortable sharing their faith and inviting others to experience a transformed life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Meant for use in Small Group gathering, each of the six sessions is based on a primary Scripture text, with intentional time for reflection. There are questions, prayer, faith sharing, and mini evangelism case-studies. The series would be helpful for those involved in starting a Bible study fellowship, house church, or mission congregation. It can also be used by established congregations to aid in establishing a small group ministry.
Author
Rev. Mark E. Ryman serves as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC. Previously, Pastor Ryman has served other congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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