Small Catechism & Ten Commandments

The Small Catechism reflects the long history of catechesis, in which people coming into the faith entered into a period of instruction in preparation for baptism. Luther altered the order of traditional catechisms, shaping his to reflect his theology. It begins with the Ten Commandments and moves on to the Apostles’ Creed, which tells who God is and what God has done and is doing to save us. It then looks to the Lord’s Prayer, which provides a model of our lives as Christians as we call on and depend on God.

Ten Commandments

They help us understand who God is and what God wants. They also highlight why we need a Savior. Look up the Ten Commandments in your Small Catechism. What phrase shows up at the beginning of each of Luther’s explanations for the commandments?

Lord’s Prayer

Gives us a pattern for a lifetime of personal prayer. Look up the Lord’s Prayer in your Small Catechism. What does Luther say our ‘daily bread’ includes?

The Apostles’ Creed

The basic confession of the Christian faith. Look up the Apostles’ Creed in your Small Catechism. What does Luther say the First Article means?

The Sacraments

For Luther, there are only two: Baptism, the celebration of God’s adoption of us; and Holy Communion, how God feeds and forgives us. Look up Baptism in your Small Catechism. What does Luther say Baptism does for us?

If God knows we can’t keep the commandments, and God is going to forgive us anyway why bother giving them to us?

Work on memorizing the Ten Commandments.