Episode Overview

Podcast: The Westminster Shorter Catechism with Sinclair Ferguson
Episode: Question & Answer 46
Date: December 5, 2025
Main Theme:
This brief episode explores the meaning of Question 46 in the Westminster Shorter Catechism, focusing on what is required in the first commandment. It emphasizes the foundational aspects of Christian discipleship: knowing, acknowledging, and worshipping the one true God. Designed as a daily digest for believers, the episode encourages listeners to grasp and share the essentials of biblical faith.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

What Is Required in the First Commandment?

• Direct Quotation of the Catechism
  At the core of the episode, the host recites and explains the official answer from the Westminster Shorter Catechism regarding the first commandment (00:09):

  "The first commandment requireth us to know and acknowledge God, to be the only true God and our God, and to worship and glorify him accordingly."

• Elements Required by the First Commandment

  • Knowledge of God: Understanding who God is—a foundation for true worship.
  • Recognition and Acknowledgment: Affirming in heart and life that God is not just one god among others, but the only true God.
  • Personal Relationship: Accepting God "as our God," highlighting an intimate and personal faith.
  • Worship and Glorification: Responding to this knowledge and relationship through worship and by bringing honor to God.

The Importance for Discipleship

• The episode hints at the importance of starting with these basics before moving on to "the meat" of deeper doctrines, encouraging pastors, teachers, and parents to help others, especially the young and new believers, savor the "solid food" of Scripture by first grounding them in the essentials.

Memorable Quote

• Catechism Answer (00:09):

  "The first commandment requireth us to know and acknowledge God, to be the only true God and our God, and to worship and glorify him accordingly."
  — Sinclair Ferguson, reading the Catechism

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:02 — Introduction of Question 46: "What is required in the first commandment?"
• 00:09 — Recitation and brief exposition of the Catechism’s answer.

Tone and Language

• The episode maintains a concise, reverent, and instructional tone true to both Sinclair Ferguson and the catechetical tradition—with a focus on clarity, memorability, and faithfulness to biblical truth.

Summary

This succinct episode grounds listeners in the heart of the first commandment, calling them to know, acknowledge, and worship the one true God as the first step in Christian discipleship and spiritual growth. It serves as a reminder of the catechism's foundational role in helping believers, families, and congregations enjoy and glorify God—to know both the "milk and meat" of God’s Word.