“For these are not lazy or dead, but are creative, living words.” Luther’s Large Catechism 

Luther has much to say about God’s Word in his Large Catechism explanation of the Third Commandment. Here are some excerpts.

“Whenever God’s Word is taught, preached, heard, read, or meditated upon, then the person, day, and work are sanctified…Therefore, I constantly say that all our life and work must be guided by God’s Word, if it is to be God-pleasing or holy.” (LC 92)

The Word is so important that set times are appointed for preaching and teaching it (Sundays and Wednesdays at Zion). Unwillingness to hear and learn God’s Word is a sin, especially at the time appointed for this. “So much depends upon God’s Word. Without it, no holy day can be sanctified. Therefore, we must know that God insists upon a strict observance of this commandment and will punish all who despise His Word and are not willing to hear and learn it, especially at the time appointed for the purpose.” (LC 95)

“Know, therefore, that you must be concerned not only about hearing but also learning and retaining God’s Word in memory. Do not think that this is optional for you or of no great importance. Think that it is God’s commandment, who will require and account from you about how you have heard, learned, and honored His Word.” (LC 98) More than simply hearing it, we must learn and honor the Word.

“Likewise, those fussy spirits are to be rebuked who, after they have heard a sermon or two, find hearing more sermons to be tedious and dull. They think that they know all that well enough and need no more instruction. That is exactly the sin that was previously counted among mortal sins and is called akadia (i.e. apathy or satisfaction). This is a malignant, dangerous plague with which the devil bewitches and deceives the hearts of many so that he may surprise us and secretly take God’s Word from us.” (LC 99) 

“Let me tell you this, even though you know God’s Word perfectly and are already a master in all things; you are daily in the devil’s kingdom. He ceases neither day or night to sneak up on you and to kindle in your heart unbelief and wicked thoughts against these three commandments and all the commandments. Therefore you must always have God’s Word in your heart, upon your lips, and in your ears. But where the heart is idle and the Word does not make a sound, the devil breaks in and has done the damage before we are aware. On the other hand, the Word is so effective that whenever it is seriously contemplated, heard, and used, it is bound never to be without fruit.It always awakens new understanding, pleasure, and devoutness and produces a pure heart and pure thoughts. For these are not lazy or dead, but are creative, living words. And even though no other interest or necessity moves us, this truth ought to urge everyone to the Word, thereby the devil is put to flight and driven away.” (LC 100-102. Emphasis mine) I pray these truths urge you to God’s Word.