How are we to learn God´s Word?

We are to learn God´s Word with a receptive and humble heart because God Himself is speaking to us and He wants to save us through this Word. The Apostle Peter writes:

1 Pet. 2:2: As new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby.

What kind of a book is the Small Catechism?

When Doctor Martin Luther (1483 - 1546) served as an inspector of congregations, he discovered that there was a desparate need of instruction in Christian doctrine in the congregations. The members and even some of the pastors were not acquainted with the basic doctrines of the Christian religion. This prompted Luther to write the Small Catechism in the year 1529. Into this small book he collected from the Bible the chief doctrines of the Christian religion. The book was well received by the people. It was included among the confessional books of the Lutheran Church, and is still used as a book of instruction in all confessional Lutheran churches.

Assignment: Check in Catechism and see what the chief articles of the Christian faith are.

Why should we learn to know God´s Word?

Our Lord Jesus Christ has already in Holy Baptism made us disciples of His. He wants us to learn to know God’s Word and to be saved through it. He has said:

Matt. 28: 18-20: All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.

In order that this earnest wish of our Savior can be fulfilled, it is necessary that we learn God´s Word point by point in an orderly fashion. The Small Catechism and its explanation will help us do this.

Note: Jesus also wants those who have not received a Christian Baptism as infants to learn God´s Word and to be baptized in the name of the Triune God.