Dr. Luther’s Small Catechism lesson for the week of November 8, 2015:
[IX] TABLE OF DUTIES
CONSISTING OF CERTAIN PASSAGES OF THE SCRIPTURES, SELECTED
FOR VARIOUS ESTATES AND CONDITIONS OF MEN, BY
WHICH THEY MAY BE ADMONISHED TO DO
THEIR RESPECTIVE DUTIES
DUTIES SUBJECTS OWE TO GOVERNING AUTHORITIES
“Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matt. 22:21). “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. Therefore one must be subject, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For the same reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay all of them their dues, taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due” (Rom. 13:1, 5-7). “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way” (1 Tim. 2:1-2). “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for any honest work” (Tit. 3:1). “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right” (1 Pet. 2:13, 14).[1]
[1]Tappert, T. G. 2000, c1959. The book of concord : The confessions of the evangelical Lutheran church. Fortress Press: Philadelphia