Pr. DFD

Saturday, August 29, 2026

Proper 18 (Pentecost 15)

Pentecost 15 -Proper 18
Series A

Ezekiel 33:7–9
Romans 13:1–10
Matthew 18:1–20

Living as Humble Little Children of the Father

True greatness is not self-sufficient strength, but humility like that of a little child. The greatness of child-like faith receives all good things as gracious gifts from our Father in heaven. Apart from such faith, “you will never enter the kingdom of heaven,” but whoever is humbled like a little child will be “the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:3–4). Though in our sin we deserve to be “drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matt. 18:6), we have instead been drowned (“buried”) with Christ in Baptism and then raised to the new, humble life of a child of God. The Lord sends His watchman to warn us with a word from His mouth, in order that we may not die in our iniquity, but be turned from our pride and selfishness to live (Ezek. 33:7–9). Thus we live in humility and faith before God as well as in love for our neighbor, which “is the fulfilling of the law” (Rom. 13:10). In the reverent fear of God, we do no harm to our neighbor, but we “pay to all what is owed to them” (Rom. 13:7) and we “owe no one anything, except to love each other.” (Rom. 13:8).

Proper 18 -

Romans 13:1-10

Grant, merciful Lord, to Your people pardon and peace that they may be cleansed from all their sins and serve You with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, Our Lord, who lives and reigns...

In the Lessons for this week we encounter sinners. What shall we do with our fellow sinners and how shall we deal with them?

In the Gospel lesson (Matthew 18:15-20) Jesus teaches what we should do to be reconciled to those who sin against us.

Ezekiel in the Old Testament lesson (33:7-9) reports that God expects us to warn the sinner, who, if he repents, will live. Paul in the Epistle lesson urges obedience to the officials and law of government and teaches that love is the way to obey the law.

The Hymn of the Day - LSB #373, "By Grace I’m Saved, Grace Free and Boundless" speaks of the power we as Christians possess to carry out this task. It is found in the mercy and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ who has called and saved us according to His grace and favor. We place our confidence in God and enjoy His blessings, even in times of trouble.

Civil governments have been given their authority by God. Thus, the Christian submits himself to that rule which God has established, and exhorts others to do the same. St. Paul also tells us how we are to live with our fellow man: letting love for the neighbor guide all our actions and dealings. This love is not of ourselves, but flows from Christ, who first loved us.

v. 1. every person, no matter their status, is to be subject to the governing authorities.

to be "subordinated" does not mean inferior. W/in the creation...recognize you position in God's order.

v. 2. resists - "to set ones' self in opposition."

appointed - ordinance which God appointed - an office - the embodiment of the person serving in the office.

The government is God's arm...to receive punishment from the state is to receive God's punishment.

v. 3. good or bad conduct is by God's definition. Government is not the definer of good or evil. We know the law by nature. To be foolish is to flee from it

v. 4. God's servant - deacon - official service - a religious cast -

Incurring wrath is a badge of the office. God's wrath is final and ultimate.

v.5 notice first "fear of wrath" and second "conscience" uses of the law.

v.6 - 7 Paying of taxes is our obligation. Death and taxes are certain. Taxes are part of God's positive work. Death is God's "opus alienum"

v.8 - love is our only "Debt" thus we pray "forgive us our debts"

v. 9 - all commandments come to a head , "love your neighbor as yourself" this is how it is done...all this falls under the #4 commandment This love is God's love from a divine perspective. Only was we can love is in Christ.

v. 10 - love does no wrong. Every law, including that which would have us submit to government authorities, is fulfilled in love.

The thesis of Paul’s argument is in verse 1a, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities.”

Reasons why the Roman Christians are to submit to the authorities.

First, no authority exists except from God, and all authorities that exist have been instituted by God (13:1b).

Second, rulers are not a terror to good conduct but rather to bad (13:3a).

Third, the authority/ruler is God’s servant in three ways:

1. for the Romans’ good,

2. to execute wrath on the wrongdoer,

3. by being busy with “this very thing,” that is, collecting taxes (13:4a, 4c, 6b).

Paul intersperses his reasons with examples and consequences, such as at 13:2 where he notes the results of resisting authority. He also makes a noticeable shift from making statements of fact (indicative mood) to a command “pay to all what is due them” (imperative mood) at 13:7, - thus connecting submission to the authorities with a duty to pay taxes and offer revenue.

The reasons (facts) for submission to the governing authorities are fundamental to Paul’s command that the Roman Christians fulfill their civic obligations.

In summary, Paul is arguing that because the authorities were instituted by God, and continue to serve both God and the Christian, believers must submit to their rule. The rulers of Rome are to be respected and obeyed for reasons of conscience and their possible wrath. (13:5)

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I. Christians submit to the authorities because civil authority is God's institution and, as such, will punish wrongdoers and praise those who do good. (13:1-5)

A. Christians submit to civil authority because God has appointed that authority. (1-2a)

B. Christians submit to civil authority because the civil authorities will punish those who resist them (2b-3a) and will praise and do good to them that obey. (2b-4)

C. Christians submit to civil authority because of the punitive action of the state (i.e. wrath) and also because of conscience. (5)

II. Christians submit to civil authorities (who give themselves to collecting taxes)by giving back to them whatever is owed, whether taxes, dues, respect or honor. (13: 6, 7)

A. Christians pay taxes because God has appointed the state to receive taxes and they persist in collecting them. (6)

B. Christians demonstrate submission to civil authorities by giving back to each authority what is owed, whether taxes, revenue, respect or honor. (7)

– Romans 12:9-21 Living as Humble Little Children of the Father

A Prayer in times of affliction and distress: Almighty and most merciful God, in this earthly life we endure sufferings and death before we enter into eternal glory. Grant us grace at all times to subject ourselves to Your holy will and to continue steadfast in the true faith to the end of our lives that we may know the peace and joy of the blessed hope of the resurrection of the dead and of the glory of the world to come;

True greatness. Is not found in self-sufficient strength. That alone runs counter to our culture today which boasts, “Only the strong survive.” Rather, it is rooted in humility. Like that of infants and children. παιδίον Which always trusts. Always hopes. Always perseveres. This love. - Bears all things. Believes all things. Hopes all things. Endures. All things.[1]

The greatness of child-like faith receives all good things as gracious gifts from our Father in heaven. Apart from such faith, “you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” But whoever is humbled. As a little child. Is considered, “the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” [2]

How then shall we live? We live in humility. In faith before God. And in service toward our neighbor. Which is always motivated by love.

We live in humility and faith before God and in love for our neighbor.

1. This is shown by “serving the Lord.” V. 11

Paul is specific regarding attitudes which lead to certain actions and outcomes. Rejoice in hope. Be patient in tribulation. Be constant in prayer. V.12

A. Rejoice in hope. ἐλπίδι

1. Rejoice with patient perseverance with those who rejoice. V. 15a

Says Jesus, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice, celebrate, and be exceedingly glad; because great is your reward in heaven; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.”[3] Paul expresses the same sentiments when he writes, “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him.”[4]

It is indeed a privilege to suffer. But your life is not lived in the abstract. Rather, you live on behalf of Christ and with Christ. And for Christ. Thus we rejoice in the confidence that we belong to Him. You are a sheep of His fold. A lamb of His flock. A sinner of His own redeeming.

2. We also “weep with those who weep.” V. 15b You can have unwavering confidence that Christ will act on your behalf. We should therefore not hesitate to pour out our hearts to Him in prayer concerning our personal grief. How comforting it is to know that Jesus understands our pain and provides the comfort that we so sorely need! Without a doubt, the primary source of consolation is our compassionate heavenly Father.[5] He is the foremost example of empathy. He has assured His people: “I myself am the One comforting you.” —Isaiah 51:12; Psalm 119:50, 52, 76.

B. Paul encourages us to be patient in tribulation. We each will face difficult days. Paul points us to Christ. Who will shepherd you. Under the most difficult times.

1. Bless those who persecute you. V. 14a – Says Jesus, “But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone takes your cloak, do not withhold your tunic as well.” - Luke 6:27-29

2. Bless and do not curse them. V. 14b – Jesus continues, “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” - Luke 6:35

C. Be constant in prayer.

1. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. V. 17 Paul does not mean to be politically correct. Rather he encourages us. This is love in action. Repay no one evil for evil. But take thought for what is honest and proper and noble [aiming to be above reproach] in the sight of everyone.

2. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. V. 18 If you regard someone who has done evil in a haughty, disrespectful way, then you are guilty of not doing all that is possible to live at peace with that person. Paul speaks of our attitude toward that person. It means to think about and to help meet others' genuine needs, including the needs of people who do not like us.

3. But why? What’s the point? Does Paul argue that by doing good to an enemy you will increase God's judgment on that person? We are not to have any part in repaying evil in our personal relationships. Love is to be genuine. My love for an enemy isn't genuine if I am motivated by the idea that any kindness shown increases God's punishment on that person! There are people placed into your life for only one purpose – that you may love them.

2. In the reverent fear of God. We do no harm to our neighbor.

Luther, commenting on this section of Scripture reminds us, “Faith is a living, unshakeable confidence in God's grace. It is so certain, that someone would die a thousand times for it. This kind of trust in and knowledge of God's grace makes a person joyful, confident, and happy with regard to God and all creatures.

This is what the Holy Spirit does by faith. Through faith, a person will do good to everyone without coercion, willingly and happily. He will serve everyone; suffer everything for the love and praise of God, who has shown him such grace.

It is as impossible to separate works from faith as burning and shining from fire. Therefore be on guard against your own false ideas and against the chatterers who think they are clever enough to make judgments about faith and good works but who are in reality the biggest fools. Ask God to work faith in you; otherwise you will remain eternally without faith, no matter what you try to do or fabricate.”[6]

A. “Let love ἀγάπη be genuine. V. 9 This love. Refers to divine love. What God prefers. To literally see that person as they are – one for whom Christ died. Thus Paul would also write, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.[7]

1. This love. Abhors. Detests. Hates. ἀποστυγοῦντες What is evil. This is the only time Paul will use this phrase. It is a love devoid of evil.

2. This love. Holds fast to what is good. It is love connected to Christ. Who went to the cross to redeem you and make you His own.

B. Love φιλαδελφίᾳ one another. V.10

1. With brotherly affection. Give preference. “For you have been taught by God how to love one another.”[8] This love. Is self-evident. It is constant. It simply exists. It can do none other.

2. Outdo one another in showing honor. Honor is an act of grace. It is giving someone else what they don’t always deserve and can never earn.

3. Honor is the opposite of shame. Shame drives people away. Shame marks people as outcasts. Unloved. And unvalued. A shamed person says, “If you really knew everything about me you wouldn’t love or value me.” But honor draws people into community. Honor says, “I know everything about you and I love and value you.” Honor is rooted in the cross. This is the demonstration of Christ’s mercy and love. You belong to Christ. That is why you have honor.

Genuine love is not simply being nice to people. Genuine love has a moral orientation toward the good we desire. When we show love toward someone, we are moving them toward Christ and His goodness. To love someone is not simply to cater to specific likes and dislikes of that person. It is rather to act toward them in ways that help them experience more of Jesus. Showing them His goodness love and care.

Words –1,500

Passive Sentences – 3%

Readability – 77.8

Reading Level – 4.5

Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas Higher Things

[1] 1 Corinthians 13

[2] Matthew 18:3–4

[3] Matthew 5:11-12

[4] Philippians 1:29

[5] 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4

[6] Luther’s Commentary on Romans 12

[7] Philippians 2:5-9

[8] 1 Thessalonians 4:9

Friday, August 28, 2026

August 29 — Saturday prior to Pentecost 14- (Proper 17)

The hymn of the day, Hail, Thou Once Despised Jesus (LSB #531), connects the suffering of Jesus with our salvation and shows that the glory of God is revealed in the suffering and death of His Son. ‘Worship, honor, power, and blessing / Thou art worthy to receive’ because ‘Thou didst suffer to release us…Thou universal Savior, Bearer of our sin and shame.’

Our hymn was written by John Bakewell. (1721-1819) When Bakewell was about 18 years old, he was deeply touched by a book he read and turned his thoughts to the Lord. By the time he was 23, he was preaching the gospel in his own neighborhood. Later he became associated with the Wesley’s and their work in London.

From 1749 he preached at the “Greenwich Royal Park Academy”. He not only preached the word but wrote several hymns as well.

On his tombstone, in City Road Chapel (buried near to John Wesley) appears the following inscription

“Sacred to the memory of JOHN BAKEWELL, late of Greenwich, who departed this life March 18, 1819, aged ninety-eight. He adorned the Doctrine of God, Our Savior, eighty years, and preached His glorious gospel about 70 years.

“Hail Jesus enthroned in glory

There forever to abide;

All the heavenly hosts adore Thee,

Seated at Thy Father’s side;

Worship, honor, power, and blessing,

Thou art worthy to receive;

Loudest praises without ceasing,

Meet is for us to give. ”

This hymn was written in 1757.[1]

[1] https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/114

Thursday, August 27, 2026

August 28 — Friday prior to Pentecost 14- (Proper 17)

Matthew 16:21–28—In Sunday’s Gospel account, Jesus tells the disciples very clearly what must become of Him: ‘suffer many things ,be killed, and on the third day be raised.’ This is the plan of God for our salvation, which is why Jesus speaks so harshly to Peter when he contradicts Him. The theology of the cross—that salvation entails suffering—is difficult for the natural man to accept. This is why so many Christians in our world are theologians of glory—looking away from the cross and focusing on temporal blessings, rather than seeing the blessings we have by the cross and by suffering; hence the focus on self.

After St. Peter confessed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, our Lord “began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” Matthew 16:21. Upon hearing this “theology of the Cross,” Simon Peter stumbled into a self-centered “theology of glory.” But the glory of God is revealed in the Passion and Cross of His incarnate Son.

Jesus begins to show His disciples what He must endure to win salvation. ”From that time on Jesus began to explain to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things.”(v.21) Suffering is a part of the Christian life. It’s focus is not on self rather it’s focus is on Christ and Him crucified. So, keep your eyes focused upon Jesus.

Prayer for humility: O God, You resist the proud and give grace to the humble. Grant us true humility after the likeness of Your only Son that we may never be arrogant and prideful and thus provoke Your wrath but in all lowliness be made partakers of the gifts of Your grace;[1]

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

August 27 2020— Thursday prior to Pentecost 14- (Proper 17)

Romans 12:9–21—St Paul has spent much of his letter to the Romans showing how we are saved by grace alone through faith alone. But faith always manifests itself in love, especially toward our neighbor.

By His Cross Jesus has redeemed the world, and in His Resurrection He has vindicated all who trust in Him. Thus the Christian life is a discipleship of self-sacrificing love. Since Christ Jesus has reconciled us to God, we “live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18). By the certainty of His Cross and Resurrection, we “rejoice in hope,” and we are “patient in tribulation” and “constant in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

Prayer in times of affliction and distress: Almighty and most merciful God, in this earthly life we endure sufferings and death before we enter into eternal glory. Grant us grace at all times to subject ourselves to Your holy will and to continue steadfast in the true faith to the end of our lives that we may know the peace and joy of the blessed hope of the resurrection of the dead and of the glory of the world to come;[2]

[1] Luther's Commentary on Romans 12

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

August 26 - Wednesday prior to Pentecost 14 – (Proper 17)

Jeremiah 15:15–20 - The faithful prophets, such as Jeremiah, suffered persecution and rejection in anticipation of Jesus’ Cross. Yet the Lord did not abandon them; He remembered them, and He was with them to deliver them.

Jeremiah calls upon the LORD to deliver him from the assaults and slander of his enemies. On what basis—his own righteousness? No; like David in the psalm for Sunday (above), Jeremiah pleads on the basis of his trust in the Lord: ‘I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts.’ We can call upon the LORD in our times of trouble for the same reason: we belong to Him. Though the proclamation and preaching of His Word, and through the holy Sacraments, God makes us His own and delivers us from the tyranny of sin.

In Jeremiah 15:19-21 God offers a response to the prophet’s complaint. As is often the case in Scripture, God answers the prayers of the people not with the response they want to hear. We are offered this reminder, “The hazard of such honest prayer, as we shall see, is that Yahweh can be equally honest and therefore abrasive in response to prayer.” [1]

Jeremiah 15:20 is nearly a verbatim quote of 1:18-19, “And I for my part have made you today a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall, against the whole land -- against the kings of Judah, its princes, its priests, and the people of the land. They will fight against you; but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, says the LORD, to deliver you.”

A Prayer for patience: O God, by the patient endurance of Your only-begotten Son You beat down the pride of the old enemy. Help us to treasure rightly in our hearts what our Lord has borne for our sakes that, after His example, we may bear with patience those things that are adverse to us;[2]

[1] Walter Brueggemann, A Commentary on Jeremiah: Exile and Homecoming (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998), 114.

³ https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=2189

Monday, August 24, 2026

August 25 - Tuesday prior to Pentecost 14 – (Proper 17)

Psalm 26— Psalm 26 is simply titled A Psalm of David. Attempts to place it at a specific time in David’s life are unsure. It shares themes with many psalms, but notice that despite the danger of evil associates, David remained confident that he would not slip, and that he would securely stand in an even place.

The psalmist, David, asks the LORD to vindicate him—clear his name—of false accusations. For what reason? Because David has ‘trusted in the LORD without wavering’—he belongs to the LORD by faith.

Though Christ has died to forgive every one of our sins, the devil will try to throw our transgressions in our face, and make us despair of salvation. In such situations, we must call upon the LORD to vindicate us—not because we are without sin, but because Christ has redeemed us from sin and its eternal consequence and, by faith, we belong to Him. Says St. Paul, ‘There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.’ - Romans 8:1

C.S. Lewis has been mention to say, “Many people have a very strong desire to meet celebrated or ‘important’ people, including those whom they disapprove…. But I am inclined to think a Christian would be wise to avoid, where he decently can, any meeting with people who are bullies, or lascivious, cruel, dishonest, spiteful and so forth. Not because we are ‘too good’ for them. In a sense we are not good enough. We are not good enough to cope with all the temptations, nor clever enough to cope with all the problems, which an evening spent in such society produces.”[1]

Collect for Psalm 26 – Lord Jesus, Lamb without stain, image of the Father’s glory; Give us the strength to avoid sin and be faithful to you always. Lead us to the place where God dwells in his glory, that we may praise him with joy among his saints now and forever.[3]