The Sheep of Christ
Do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
2 TIMOTHY 4:5
+
The Sheep of Christ
In spiritual sheepherding, that is, in the kingdom of Christ, one should, therefore, preach to the sheep of Christ . . . not the Law of God, much less the ordinances of men, but the Gospel, which the prophet with metaphorical words calls a rod of comfort and a staff of comfort. For through the Gospel, Christ's sheep obtain strength in their faith, rest in their hearts, and comfort in all kinds of anxieties and perils of death. Those who preach this way conduct the office of a spiritual shepherd properly, feed the sheep of Christ in a green pasture, lead them to the fresh water, restore their souls, keep them from being led astray, and comfort them with Christ's rod and staff. Where men hear such preachers, they should believe for certain that they are hearing Christ Himself. They should also acknowledge such preachers as right shepherds, that is, as servants of Christ and stewards of God (1 Corinthians 4:1), and pay no attention at all to the fact that the world proclaims and damns them as heretics and seducers. Those who preach something else than the Gospel . . . are horrible wolves and murderers that do not spare the flock of Christ, but scatter, torture, and slaughter it not only spiritually but also bodily . . ..
From Commentary on Psalm 23 (Luther's Works 12:171)
2 TIMOTHY 4:5
+
The Sheep of Christ
In spiritual sheepherding, that is, in the kingdom of Christ, one should, therefore, preach to the sheep of Christ . . . not the Law of God, much less the ordinances of men, but the Gospel, which the prophet with metaphorical words calls a rod of comfort and a staff of comfort. For through the Gospel, Christ's sheep obtain strength in their faith, rest in their hearts, and comfort in all kinds of anxieties and perils of death. Those who preach this way conduct the office of a spiritual shepherd properly, feed the sheep of Christ in a green pasture, lead them to the fresh water, restore their souls, keep them from being led astray, and comfort them with Christ's rod and staff. Where men hear such preachers, they should believe for certain that they are hearing Christ Himself. They should also acknowledge such preachers as right shepherds, that is, as servants of Christ and stewards of God (1 Corinthians 4:1), and pay no attention at all to the fact that the world proclaims and damns them as heretics and seducers. Those who preach something else than the Gospel . . . are horrible wolves and murderers that do not spare the flock of Christ, but scatter, torture, and slaughter it not only spiritually but also bodily . . ..
From Commentary on Psalm 23 (Luther's Works 12:171)
Posted in Daily Devotions
Recent
Archive
2022
January
In One SpiritHe is ComingA Light for the NationsDepart in PeaceThe BenedictionWise Men SeeTrusting in the EmptinessWilted BlossomsConceiving TroubleWhat Comfort?SolaceWorn OutTorn With WrathLike a WarriorA Pure PrayerHeavenly WitnessA Ready GraveA Pledge for YouA Byword of the PeoplesHold OnNight into DayWhere is My Hope?
2021
January
The Arm of GodSigns and PromisesThe Calling in Your HeartOur Active GodAmazing HelpThe Purpose of BaptismHave Courage to BelieveToo Soon ForgottenThe Unexpected ChangeSustained by TrustHe Who Bears All SinsA Wonderful VictoryWhen God SpeaksOur Faithful ShepherdThe Purpose of ScriptureOne Little WordThe Supreme ConsolationA Thorn in the FleshNever Doubt RedemptionThis Is the VictoryLet Your Faith Be FirmA Pure Dwelling PlaceBuilding an Eternal HouseGlorious PromisesNoble and Necessary ChastisementOur New MotivationGod Will Preserve His ChurchGod's Will, Christ's PurposeOur Savior DefinedFalse Saintliness
February
The True Center of SalvationThe Purpose of GovernmentWhat Is a Good Work?The Chief DoctrineA Simple ExplanationJoyful NewsHarmless NoiseIn God's HandsTreasure in Weak VesselsThe Pure, Clear WordWas It Better Before?Responsibility to OthersTrue EqualityA Broad InterpretationThe Flesh Is WeakWhen Pity Is WrongNo Sin AllowedTake the High RoadGod Is TrueSetting an ExampleThe Spirit Giveth LifeThe Christian LawBeware of False ShepherdsThe Lofty and the LowlyIn the Hour at HandLearning to CallWhen the Wicked SucceedTake up Your Cross
March
On Godly BehaviorThe Sheep of ChristThe Calm after the StormOn Becoming a ChristianEternal FoodConcerning Knowledge and PowerFight PowerfullyThe Yoke of ChristThe Obedient ChristThe Fulfillment of the LawDivine RighteousnessThe Gospel Is PublicTo Live as a ChristianThe Promise of GodlinessWhy Is Christ Punished?Blind Human NatureHave Faith Like ChildrenThe Spirit of TruthWaiting for GodTo Know God