An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism · Martin Luther
II. WHAT IS COMMANDED.
We should CALL UPON HIM. God has given us His name so that we might call upon Him for His help and grace. [Ps. 145:18+] IN EVERY TIME OF NEED. We should call upon God in every time of trouble, danger or distress. [Ps. 50:15+] But if we call upon God only in times of special need, and do not call upon His name at other times also, we are not keeping this commandment. AND WORSHIP HIM [Col. 3:16] in our hearts, in our homes and in church, WITH PRAYER [Matt. 7:7+] for ourselves and for others, [I Tim. 2:1, 2] PRAISE [Ps. 145:1] for His majesty and glory and wonderful works, AND THANKSGIVING for temporal and spiritual blessings. [Ps. 106:1+] QUESTIONS.--1. What is meant by God's name? 2. What does this second commandment forbid and command? 3. How is God's name taken in vain thoughtlessly? 4. How is God's name taken in vain intentionally? 5. Define cursing? 6. Define swearing? 7. What kind of swearing is forbidden? 8. What kind of swearing is permitted? 9. When taking a legal oath, what must we be careful to do? 10. Define conjuring, lying, and deceiving by God's name? 11. What is the right use of God's name? 12. Why should we call upon God? 13. When should we call upon Him? 14. Where shall we worship Him? 15. How shall we worship Him?
II Tim. 3:5. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. Matt. 15:8. This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips: but their heart is far from me. Ps. 143:18. The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. Ps. 50:15. Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and then shalt glorify me. Matt. 7:7. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Ps. 106:1. Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever. READING.--Balaam, Numb. 22; Herod's Oath, Matt. 14:1-12; Saul and the Witch at Endor, I Sam. 28. ILLUSTRATIONS.--_Cursing_: Job 3:1-7. Shimei, II Sam. 16:5-14. _Swearing_: Herod; Peter, Matt. 26:89-75. _Conjuring_: Saul at Endor; Bar-jesus, Acts 13:1-12. _Lying and Deceiving_: The Pharisees, Matt. 23:13-38. _Calling on God's Name_: Jesus, Matt. 26:39-44; John 17: Jacob, Gen. 32:9-12; The First Christians, Acts 2:42.
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