Renouncing the Devil (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

Renouncing the Devil (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

Renouncing the Devil is Section VII of The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction, Michael Ferrebee Sadler's 1872 expansion of the Church Catechism in question-and-answer form.

Summary

Sadler begins the treatment of baptismal renunciation with the devil and his works. The section emphasizes spiritual conflict, resistance to temptation, and the Christian duty to reject evil personally.

Sadler's Text

Sadler's catechetical treatment of this topic is anchored in the statement, "The devil and all his works." He further explains the section by saying, "He is the chief of the evil angels: of the angels which kept not their first estate. (Jude 6)"

Theological Themes

• Baptismal renunciation
• Spiritual warfare
• Temptation
• Moral vigilance

Scripture References

The following references are representative biblical texts used or implied in this section of Sadler's catechetical exposition:

• 1 John 3:8
• John 8:44
• Ephesians 6:17
• Matthew 4:4, 7
• 2 Corinthians 4:4
• John 14:30

Anglican Context

This section is connected chiefly with the Book of Common Prayer baptismal office and the opening clauses of the Church Catechism, especially the language of Christian name, sponsors, renunciation, faith, and obedience. Sadler's treatment reflects nineteenth-century Church of England catechesis and should be read as a historical Anglican source alongside current provincial formularies and catechetical resources.

See Also

• The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction
• Baptism
• Church Catechism
• Book of Common Prayer
• Godparents