This study evaluates social-historical and theological aspects of sermons from orthodox Lutheran theologians from 1550 to 1750. By researching the transformation of theological teachings into social ethical norms, the author inquires into confessionally bound norm and value conceptions the theologians bring into the discurs about 'life words' emerging in the early modern period. Thereby, the author provides a contribution to the actual research debate concerning Lutheran confessionalization and social disciplining as well as the modernization debate and the relations between folk and learned culture.