Today we explore Section 3 of the Catechism and the Table of Duties. What role does this section (the table of duties) play in the Catechism? Luther refers to these as “holy orders” but, how is Luther framing this in a radically different way of understanding that term than was taught in his day (and might even still be understood by some today)? How are we to understand these duties as paired in couplets of vocational relationships? What are God’s vocational expectations for those who serve in the pastoral office? And how are hearers of God’s Word to relate to who preach God’s Word? What is the vocational relationship between government and citizens? How does the Fourth Commandment inform our understanding of this relationship? What is the vocational relationship between husbands and wives in marriage, and parents and children? What is the vocational relationship between employees and employers? How are we to understand the couplet of youth and widows? What is the vocational relationship? How do the texts listed for everyone summarize our vocational expectations for our Christian life in the world?

Rev. Mark Bestul joins host Rev. Sean Smith to discuss vocation.