Heidelberg 114 & 115- keeping the Law

²²For I delight in the law of God in my inmost self, ²³but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind, making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. ²⁴Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? ²⁵Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with my mind I am a slave to the law of God, but with my flesh I am a slave to the law of sin. (Romans 7:22-25)

Thoughts: No one can keep God's law perfectly.  That doesn't mean we should chunk all the law of God.  Just because many- maybe all- break the speed limit does not need we should stop putting out speed limit signs.  There are some who want to hold out the worst sins today as if they were not sins.  Why would this happen?  Perhaps it is an effort to try to eliminate their own shame by eliminating shame altogether. Shame and guilt are debilitating as is the Law- that convicts us of our wrong.  Yet they are useful to point out where we are wrong and point us toward the need of God's forgiveness and Christ's atonement.  But the Law also shows us the right way to live (not lying, not committing adultery, not stealing, honoring parents, keeping time for God- etc.).  Just as no human is perfect, no church is perfect.  

Prayer: Help me to have grace toward others and myself.  Thank you for your grace and love that help me to keep the Law as good as I do.  

Q & A 114

Q. But can those converted to God obey these commandments perfectly?

A. No. In this life even the holiest have only a small beginning of this obedience.1 Nevertheless, with all seriousness of purpose, they do begin to live

according to all, not only some, of God’s commandments.2

1 Eccles. 7:20; Rom. 7:14-15; 1 Cor. 13:9; 1 John 1:8-10
2 Ps. 1:1-2; Rom. 7:22-25; Phil. 3:12-16

Q & A 115

Q. Since no one in this life can obey the Ten Commandments perfectly, why does God want them preached so pointedly?
A. First, so that the longer we live the more we may come to know our sinfulness and the more eagerly look to Christ for forgiveness of sins and righteousness.1 Second, so that

we may never stop striving, and never stop praying to God for the grace of the Holy Spirit, to be renewed more and more after God’s image, until after this life we reach our goal: perfection.2

1 Ps. 32:5; Rom. 3:19-26; 7:7, 24-25; 1 John 1:9
2 1 Cor. 9:24; Phil. 3:12-14; 1 John 3:1-3

Heidelberg 113- No Coveting

25Whom have I in heaven but you?

And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

26My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart

and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:25-26)

Thou shalt not Covet. 

Thoughts: It is God's will that our will and desires be controlled.  Only God owns all He sees.  "To want it all" may sound romantic and super-human but it is not good for us.  We are limited in time and space, but also limited by who we are.  To want what we cannot or should not have means our desires are not controlled.  This command commends curbing desires for things and temporary stuffs or relationships in light of what is eternal and lasting.  But the way to curb things is to not leave our desires in a vacuum, but to place our desires on God and not on things on this earth.  Hating sin is refusing to place our desires on it.  Loving God means putting our affection and passion on Him. 

Prayer: Change my heart, my desires, O Lord.  

Q & A 113

Q. What is the aim of the tenth commandment?

A. That not even the slightest desire or thought contrary to any one of God’s  commandments should ever arise in our hearts. Rather, with all our hearts we should always hate sin and take pleasure in whatever is right.1

1 Ps. 19:7-14; 139:23-24; Rom. 7:7-8

Heidelberg 112- Do not Lie

²⁸And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind and to things that should not be done. ²⁹They were filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, covetousness, malice. Full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, craftiness, they are gossips, ³⁰slanderers, God-haters, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, rebellious toward parents, ³¹foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. ³²They know God’s decree, that those who practice such things deserve to die—yet they not only do them but even applaud others who practice them. (Romans 1:28-32)

Thoughts: "Thou shalt not bear false witness" or "You shall not lie."  What a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.  Lying affects many things-  breaking promises, cover-ups, slander and gossip.  The reason to speak the truth is God is true- and wants our words to match reality as close as possible.  We are not only called not to lie- but we are called to "love the truth."  

Prayer; Lord, let me be a person of integrity and honesty. 

Q & A 112

Q. What is the aim of the ninth commandment?

A. That I never give false testimony against anyone, twist no one’s words, not gossip or slander, nor join in condemning anyone rashly or without a hearing.1 Rather, in court and everywhere else, I should avoid lying and deceit of every kind; these are the very devices the devil uses, and they would call down on me God’s intense wrath.2 I should love the truth, speak it candidly, and openly acknowledge it.3 And I should do what I can to guard and advance my neighbor’s good name.4

1 Ps. 15; Prov. 19:5; Matt. 7:1; Luke 6:37; Rom. 1:28-32
2 Lev. 19:11-12; Prov. 12:22; 13:5; John 8:44; Rev. 21:8a>
3 1 Cor. 13:6; Eph. 4:25
4 1 Pet. 3:8-9; 4:8

Heidelberg 109 & 110 - No Stealing

⁵Be sure of this, that no fornicator or impure person, or one who is greedy (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Eph. 5;5)

Thoughts; Stealing is a matter of the heart and is the opposite of generosity.  Thus "Thou shalt no steal" could also mean- "thou shalt be generous.: Being honest and full of integrity is part of being generous and not stealing. 

Prayer: Lord, keep me from stealing, but also help me from getting a hard heart toward those in need. 

Q & A 110

Q. What does God forbid in the eighth commandment?

A. God forbids not only outright theft and robbery,punishable by law.1 But in God’s sight theft also includes all scheming and swindling in order to get our neighbor’s goods for ourselves, whether by force or means that appear legitimate,2 such as inaccurate measurements of  eight, size, or volume; fraudulent merchandising; counterfeit money; excessive interest; or any other means forbidden by God.3 In addition God forbids all greed4 and pointless squandering of his gifts.5

1 Ex. 22:1; 1 Cor. 5:9-10; 6:9-10
2 Mic. 6:9-11; Luke 3:14; James 5:1-6
3 Deut. 25:13-16; Ps. 15:5; Prov. 11:1; 12:22; Ezek. 45:9-12;Luke 6:35
4 Luke 12:15; Eph. 5:5
5 Prov. 21:20; 23:20-21; Luke 16:10-13

Q & A 111

Q. What does God require of you in this commandment?

A. That I do whatever I can for my neighbor’s good, that I treat others as I would like them to treat me, and that I work faithfully so that I may share with those in need.1 1 Isa. 58:5-10; Matt. 7:12; Gal. 6:9-10; Eph. 4:28

Heidelberg 108 & 109 Unchastity

¹⁸Shun fornication! Every sin that a person commits is outside the body; but the fornicator sins against the body itself. ¹⁹Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? ²⁰For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)

Thoughts: Fornication is basically sex outside of marriage.  Our bodies are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, and we are called to live in holy ways.  Sexuality is a beautiful thing if done within the healthy and holy parameters of scripture.  All we are is meant to honor God- even our bodies and even our sexuality.  The marriage bed is undefiled- it is made holy.  But those who risk sex without the commitment of vows before God- are saying their sexuality is not God's business.  The Creator who made us, and shapes reality makes us His business.  God's love is real for us.  It is out of love that God seeks to protect our hearts and our bodies in marriage.  

Prayer: Lord, help me to control my body.  Let my body and mind honor you.  

Q & A 108

Q. What does the seventh commandment teach us?

A. That God condemns all unchastity,1 and that therefore we should thoroughly detest it2  and live decent and chaste lives,3 within or outside of the holy state of marriage.

1 Lev. 18:30; Eph. 5:3-5
2 Jude 22-23
3 1 Cor. 7:1-9; 1 Thess. 4:3-8; Heb. 13:4

Q & A 109

Q. Does God, in this commandment, forbid only such scandalous sins as adultery?

A. We are temples of the Holy Spirit, body and soul, and God wants both to be kept clean and holy. That is why God forbids all unchaste actions, looks, talk, thoughts, or desires,1 and whatever may incite someone to them.2

1 Matt. 5:27-29; 1 Cor. 6:18-20; Eph. 5:3-4
2 1 Cor. 15:33; Eph. 5:18

Heidelberg 105 & 106 No Murder

¹²“In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. (Matthew 7:12)

²¹“You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ ²²But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. (Matthew 5:21-22)

Thoughts: Life is a precious gift not to be thrown away or degraded as if it were useless.  The value of life does not depend on our ability to understand its value- but on the One who gives it.  In our culture we have heard of gangs having initiation rites of shooting others- as if the gang is more important than God or human life.  We have seen too many crazed shootings in movie theaters, schools, and now even churches- like Emmanuel AME in Charleston.  As we move away from our faith in Jesus- we move away from the restraint that has kept us back.  All the laws- gun laws, flag laws, extra police may help in restraining us- but the ultimate restraint is the Spirit of God teaching us to value what God values.  Without the inner restraint of faith- we do not value that we are made in the image of God; that each person is one for whom Christ has died; or that God alone who gives life should be the One to take it.  In an age in which we can artificially prolongue life, we need to remember the addage to "do no harm."  When we look at ISIS beheading children for not fasting at Ramadan or killing Christians because of their faith- we should take a hard look at these catechism questions.  Value life; value people; treat people with respect. 

Prayer:  Lord, giver of life.  In life and in death I belong to  you.  Help me to value others as you value them. 

Q & A 105

Q. What is God’s will for you in the sixth commandment?

A. I am not to belittle, hate, insult, or kill my neighbor— not by my thoughts, my words, my look or gesture, and certainly not by actual deeds— and I am not to be party to this in others;1 rather, I am to put away all desire for revenge.2 I am not to harm or recklessly endanger myself either.3 Prevention of murder is also why government is armed with the sword.4

1 Gen. 9:6; Lev. 19:17-18; Matt. 5:21-22; 26:52
2 Prov. 25:21-22; Matt. 18:35; Rom. 12:19; Eph. 4:26
3 Matt. 4:7; 26:52; Rom. 13:11-14
4 Gen. 9:6; Ex. 21:14; Rom. 13:4

Q & A 106

Q. Does this commandment refer only to murder?

A. By forbidding murder God teaches us that he hates the root of murder: envy, hatred, anger, vindictiveness.1 In God’s sight all such are disguised forms of murder.2

1 Prov. 14:30; Rom. 1:29; 12:19; Gal. 5:19-21; 1 John 2:9-11
2 1 John 3:15

Q & A 107

Q. Is it enough then that we do not murder our neighbor in any such way?

A. No. By condemning envy, hatred, and anger God wants us to love our neighbors as ourselves,1 to be patient, peace-loving, gentle, merciful, and friendly toward them,2 to protect them from harm as much as we can, and to do good even to our enemies.3

1 Matt. 7:12; 22:39; Rom. 12:10
2 Matt. 5:3-12; Luke 6:36; Rom. 12:10, 18; Gal. 6:1-2; Eph. 4:2; Col. 3:12; 1 Pet. 3:8
3 Ex. 23:4-5; Matt. 5:44-45; Rom. 12:20-21 (Prov. 25:21-22)

Heidelberg 103 & 104 Sabbath and Honoring Parents

²³Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. ²⁴And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, ²⁵not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Heb. 10:23-25)

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ²“Honor your father and mother” —this is the first commandment with a promise:³“so that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”⁴And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.  (Ephesians 6:1-4)

Thoughts: Today is John Calvin's birthday (as I write this 7/10).  He had tremendous influence on this catechism- especially on the question about honoring father and mother as applying to all those in authority.  The keeping of the Sabbath is restricted more here than in the Westminster/Scottish thought- to merely coming to worship on the Christian Sabbath (the other confessions speak of deeds of love and mercy only being allowed along with worship).  But the heart of the worship of God is found in both of these.  Keeping our time with God is important.  If we say we love someone but do not give them time- then we are fooling ourselves.  If we say we love God but squeeze Him out of our time and days then we too are fooling ourselves.  Keeping the Sabbath is a concrete way of measuring our devotion to God.  Respecting authority is also a sign of respecting God.  Families are gifts from God (He places the lonely in families).  Sabbath and family go together under the loving God table/half of the commands because they both elicit love for God. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to keep my appointment with you each week and to keep my family in love. 

Q & A 103

Q. What is God’s will for you in the fourth commandment?

A. First, that the gospel ministry and education for it be maintained,1 and that, especially on the festive day of rest, I diligently attend the assembly of God’s people2 to learn what God’s Word teaches,3 to participate in the sacraments,4 to pray to God publicly,5 and to bring Christian offerings for the poor.6 Second, that every day of my life I rest from my evil ways, let the Lord work in me through his Spirit, and so begin in this life the eternal Sabbath.7

1 Deut. 6:4-9, 20-25; 1 Cor. 9:13-14; 2 Tim. 2:2; 3:13-17; Tit. 1:5
2 Deut. 12:5-12; Ps. 40:9-10; 68:26; Acts 2:42-47; Heb. 10:23-25
3 Rom. 10:14-17; 1 Cor. 14:31-32; 1 Tim. 4:13
4 1 Cor. 11:23-25
5 Col. 3:16; 1 Tim. 2:1
6 Ps. 50:14; 1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 8 & 9
7 Isa. 66:23; Heb. 4:9-11

Lord’s Day 39

Q & A 104

Q. What is God’s will for you in the fifth commandment?

A. That I honor, love, and be loyal to my father and mother and all those in authority over me; that I submit myself with proper obedience to all their good teaching and discipline;1 and also that I be patient with their failings—2 for through them God chooses to rule us.3

1 Ex. 21:17; Prov. 1:8; 4:1; Rom. 13:1-2; Eph. 5:21-22; 6:1-9;Col. 3:18-4:1
2 Prov. 20:20; 23:22; 1 Pet. 2:18
3 Matt. 22:21; Rom. 13:1-8; Eph. 6:1-9; Col. 3:18-21