Thursday after Trinity IX - Devotion in semi-Exile

Lection for Thursday Trinity IX
1 Samuel 31:1-13      1 Corinthians 7:1-24
Luther’s Small Catechism was written to equip ‘the head of the household’ to teach the basics of the Christian faith. What we call the Six Chief Parts was intended also to be devotional, one part prayed on each day of the week to prepare for coming to the Sacrament on Sunday. So, today’s devotion is actually that which was intended to be read/prayed on Thursday.

Knowing the perfect and holy Law of God revealed to us in the three persons of the Trinity to Whom we come in prayer, we now rejoice in the gifts that Christ purchased, and delivers to us – today remembering and rejoicing in the miraculous waters of Holy Baptism.

Today’s devotion is from Luther's Small Catechism
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
AS THE HEAD OF THE FAMILY SHOULD TEACH IT IN A SIMPLE WAY TO HIS HOUSEHOLD

First
What is Baptism?
Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s word.
Which is that word of God?
Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matt. 28:19)

Second
What benefits does Baptism give?
It works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.
Which are these words and promises of God?
Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Mark: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16)

Third
How can water do such great things?
Certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water. For without God’s word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul says in Titus, chapter three:
“He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying.” (Titus 3:5–8)

Fourth
What does such baptizing with water indicate?
It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.
Where is this written?
St. Paul writes in Romans chapter six: “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Rom. 6:4)

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