From Luther’s Small Catechism . . .
As the head of the family should teach them in a simple way to his household.
The First Commandment
You shall have no other gods.
What does this mean? We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.
The Second Commandment
You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God.
What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not curse, swear, use satanic arts, lie, or deceive by His name, but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks.
The Third Commandment
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not despise preaching and His Word, but hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it.
The Fourth Commandment
Honour your father and your mother.
What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not despise or anger our parents and other authorities, but honour them, serve and obey them, love and cherish them.
The Fifth Commandment
You shall not murder.
What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not hurt or harm our neighbour in his body, but help and support him in every physical need.
The Sixth Commandment
You shall not commit adultery.
What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we lead a sexually pure and decent life in what we say and do, and husband and wife love and honour each other.
The Seventh Commandment
You shall not steal.
What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not take our neighbour’s money or possessions, or get them in any dishonest way, but help him to improve and protect his possessions and income.
The Eighth Commandment
You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour.
What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbour, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way.
The Ninth Commandment
You shall not covet your neighbour’s house.
What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not scheme to get our neighbour’s inheritance or house, or get it in a way which only appears right, but help and be of service to him in keeping it.
The Tenth Commandment
You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbour.
What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not entice or force away our neighbour’s wife, workers, or animals, or turn them against him, but urge them to stay and do their duty.
Looking to learn more?
These explanations, and more, can be found in Luther’s Small Catechism. To obtain your own copy of the catechism, get in touch with your local Lutheran Church–Canada congregation or purchase one through Concordia Publishing House. You can also read The Small Catechism Online Here.
The Small Catechism
For centuries, Christians have used three important texts as a basic summary for teaching the Christian faith and life: the Ten Commandments, Creed, and Lord’s Prayer. Martin Luther helpfully included biblical passages on Baptism, Confession, and the Lord’s Supper. The Small Catechism, written by Luther in 1529, includes these texts along with brief explanations. The Small Catechism can be a helpful tool in teaching the faith at home in a simple way. You can read The Small Catechism Online Here.
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