Time in the Word - Pentecost 9 - Proper 13

Time in the Word
God Provides our Needs
Proper 13
 July 31 – August 5 2017

The day emphasizes God’s love in providing for all our needs. Our physical needs are met by Christ in the feeding of five thousand. In the Old Testament lesson we are invited to come to God for spiritual food. God also provides us with love form which we cannot be separated by the world. (Epistle lesson) Compassion motivates Jesus to feed the five thousand. Love causes God to invite us to come and enter into a covenant with Him. God, moreover, will not allow the world to separate us from His love.  In the Collect for the day we acknowledge that God has given us all we have and we ask that our material wealth might be a blessing rather than a curse. 

Collect for Proper 13 –Heavenly Father, though we do not deserve Your goodness, still You provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may acknowledge Your gifts, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Monday, July 31, 2017 – Psalm 105:39-43 - This is the Psalm portion from which the Introit for next Sunday is taken. The antiphon is taken from verse 1, “Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples!”  The psalmist encourages us to give thanks. We give thanks to God through our praises. We call upon Him in prayer. These two commands – to call upon the name of the Lord and to praise Him – highlight the rest of the psalm in which the author gives ten imperatives or exhortations. Praise and prayer are expressions of devotion to the Lord. The Psalmist throughout the Psalm will encourage the reader to celebrate the Lord’s past saving acts and to trust Him for future deliverance and blessing. 

Notice at the end of verse 1 we are to tell of the Lord’s mighty deeds among the peoples (among the nations).  Missions cannot be separated from the work we do. We reach out to others as we praise the name of our Lord. 

Tuesday, August 1, 2017–Isaiah 55:1-5 – God offers food for our souls (spiritual needs). God calls thee hungry and thirsty to come to Him for spiritual food and drink.  Can we buy without money or credit cards? There are some things that cannot be bought at any price. Can we buy love, friendship, happiness, or peace? Can we buy friendship with God? The best things in life are not for sale. They come as gifts from God.

Wednesday, August 2, 2017 – Romans 9:1-5 – God blesses us with inseparable love (emotional needs). Paul is desperately concerned for non-Christian Jews. Christ deals with the anxiety for non-Christians especially Jews who had accepted the Gospel. He is so concerned that he would be willing to be excluded from the Kingdom if it were the price of getting the Jews into the Kingdom.

Thursday, August 3, 2017 – Matthew 14:13-21 – God through Christ provides food for our bodies. Jesus feeds five thousand people with five loaves and two fish. 

Here is the heartbeat of the miracle. It is a greater factor than the power to bring food for 5,000 out of five loaves of bread. Because of His love for the hurting and the hungry, Jesus is moved to help and heal. 

The people are not in a position to help themselves; it is at the end of the day; they are far from civilization; they are out of supplies.  To get food at that time and in that place demanded a miracle. This account teaches that Jesus is not only able but willing to help. Contrast this with many contemporary instances when people in trouble are ignored when they cry for help.

The power of the miracle is Christ. The 5,000 are fed with five loaves. He asks that the loaves and fish be brought to Him. He takes the food, gives thanks and breaks the bread until all are fed. The tremendous truth in this act is that man is little and Christ can do great things. This reminds us also that a common meal in the home or out in a field can be a sacramental act of love when the bread is blessed and shared.

Friday, August 4, 2017 –Psalm 136:1-9 – This Psalm is suggested for next Sunday. The theme of thanksgiving continues in the suggested Psalm for this coming week. It is a liturgy of praise to the Lord as Creator and as Israel’s redeemer. Verses 7 to 9 echo Genesis 1:16.

Saturday, August 5, 2017 – Luke 1:68-79 – This passage is the inspiration for the hymn “Jesus Has Come and Brings Pleasure.” {LSB 53}. They are the words of Zachariah as he prophesied concerning Christ at the circumcision of his son John. The words of the prophet are clear. Jesus, the Messiah from the house of David has the power to save and heal. 

Sources: 

LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO

LECTIONALRY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES A © 1980 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OH

Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts Jesus feeds the 5,000 © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use. 

Pentecost 8 - Proper 12

Romans and the Reformation
A sermon series commemorating the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation
30 July – Proper 12 – Romans 8:28-39


Some of you are engineers. While some of you are draftsmen and accountants and bookkeepers. A lot of you are farmers. While some of you are machinists or work in the medical field. Some of you may be students with many of your teachers sitting in this very room. In your world mathematical formulas are extremely important. Facts and figures make sense to you!

There is symmetry to the Scriptures…

The heart of Psalm 23 is the phrase, "For Thou art with me." There are exactly 26 Hebrew words before that phrase. And 26 words after it.

What's more, the numerical value of the letters in the divine name, “Yahweh,” equals 26. His name is the first Hebrew word in the psalm, and He is the "Thou" who is "with me."

The abiding presence of the Good Shepherd with us--when we're in the valley of the shadow of death, or surrounded by enemies--is the beating heart of this psalm. 1

We have now come to the crown jewel of St. Paul’s letter to the Romans. By these words you know the Father’s continual goodness…

“Almighty and everlasting God, give us an increase of faith, hope and love, that, receiving what You have promised, we may love what You have commanded; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.” Amen  2

God’s continual goodness
Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ

Forever in God’s Love

These words. Are usually read at funerals. For the comfort of the bereaved. These words. Are a comfort. At all times. Not only at the time of death. Probably the one thing that gives Christians a sense of security. Your peace. Is the assurance of the Father’s love and care. Lose the Lord’s love. And all is lost. To be separated from God’s concern is to be apart from His mercy, acceptance and of life itself. 

You are forever in God’s love and care because –

1. Christ conquered our enemies at the cross. “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come…”  V. 38

No sin. No attempt of the enemy. Can steal the loving care of God from your life. That makes you more than conquerors through Christ who loves you. The Christian life is not a playground. But a battleground. Some want to live on easy street. They want to kick back. And just count their blessings. That isn’t the way it works. “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places." —Ephesians 6:12 But for you fights the valiant one. Whom God Himself elected!

A. Not even tribulation. Nothing in your present experience. Nor anything to come. Can separate you from the Father's love in Christ. Nothing in all of time. Present or future. Can separate you from God's love.

B. According to Paul, death is the final enemy.  Nothing in this life. And nothing in death can separate a believer from God's love. The two things we fear most; dying and living, are not threats to your eternal life. Whether we live or die. We are in His love. Jesus won't ever let us go. We have security that is a matter of life and death.

C. Evil powers. They surround you. On every side. But you are in Christ. Nothing will befall you without His knowledge or consent. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.” – Matthew 10:29 “Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns--and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:26   

Transition: Dankness cannot put out darkness. Only light can do that. The light of Christ.   

2. Faith in Christ gives us the victory. “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” V. 37 We are conquerors only “through [Christ] who loved us.” At another time Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Christians do conquer. But not on their own power. It is Christ who gives the strength to overcome all enemies. “…for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” – 1 John 4:4

A. That great exchange. God’s mercy in place of and replacing your misery and sin.

B. Purchased and won for you at the bloody cross. That was the purpose of Christ’s suffering and death. That you might be His own. And live under Him in His kingdom. And serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness. Just as He is risen from the dead. Lives and reigns to all eternity.3   “…even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:28

Transition: The problems of this world are here and now. They are all around us. We do not war against flesh and blood. You do not war against people. They are merely being used. You war in order to set them free. How do we war? Through Jesus Christ. Because He already defeated those evil powers on His cross.  Expressing the Father’s love.  

3. The Father’s love will not let you go.  “…no powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” V. 39 Nothing in the universe can separate us from the love of God. It is impossible. Because on the cross Christ defeated all evil powers. In Christ you conquer. What does it mean to be separated from the love of God? Sin is separation from God. To be apart from God is to be deprived of God’s light, life, and love. Separation is the worst possible experience. This, then, constitutes good news. No suffering or evil power can separate you from the love of God.

Satan lacks the power to steal your eternal destiny. He cannot separate you from the love of God. Nothing you face worries God in the least. If you are His children through faith in His Son, then you have His pledge of love and protection. Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand." - John 10:27–29

A. You are loved. “This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” - 1 John 4:8-10

B. You are forever in Christ’s care. In baptism, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit and marked as Christ’s own forever. In baptism, the Father claims you as His own children. And tells you that you are loved.  You are joined with the family of faith, the Church, the Body of Christ. As you are incorporated into the life and the mission of Christ’s work in the world. 

Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
Words – 1,075
Passive Words – 7%
Readability – 85%
Reading Level –3.5

1.   Blog post from Chad Bird posted July 26, 2017
2.   Collect for Proper 12, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis.
3.  Explanation to the 2nd Article of the Apostles’ Creed, Luther’s Small Catechism © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis.

Time in the Word - Pentecost 8 - Proper 12

Time in the Word 
Proper 12
July 24-29, 2017

Three parables of the nature of the kingdom of God are told by the Savior in the Gospel for this coming week. Three parables are directed to the disciples concerning the kingdom. The first two deal with the kingdom as being of top value worthy of any sacrifice to gain it. The third parable concerns are similar to wheat and the weeds parable, the separation of the good and the wicked on Judgment Day. Jesus asks the disciples if they understand these parables. They claimed that they understood. Consequently, they were to be scribes trained for the kingdom who bring out of the treasure the old and the new. 

The old truths are to be applied to the new conditions in the world. These are addressed in our Epistle and Old Testament lessons for the coming week.

Collect for Proper 12 –Almighty and everlasting God, give us an increase of faith, hope, and love that, receiving what You have promised, we may love what You have commanded; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Monday, July 24, 2017 – Psalm 105:2-6 –This is the Psalm portion from which the Introit for next Sunday is taken. The antiphon is taken from verse 1, “Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known His deeds among the peoples!” The psalmist exhorts us to worship the Lord. Thus, we are called upon to give thanks to God through our worship and praise. When we call upon God and as we give thanks, our worship shall be blessed. Praise and prayer are the two expressions of our worship. As we recall the many acts of kindness the Lord has given to us, we will trust in Him and share with others what He has done. We will make known among the people His many deeds.

Tuesday, July 25, 2017– Deuteronomy 7:6-9 - The Lord is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love. We are loved and blessed because the Lord first loved us. Yet this love must be reciprocated by His people to others. Thus in the New Testament we are reminded, “We love because He first loved us” {1 John 4:19}.

Wednesday, July 26, 2017 – Romans 8: 28-39 -The Father spared not His own Son but gave Him up for us all. These words are read at many Christian funerals. They have comforted many troubled hearts. They have soothed and given encouragement to many who are troubled. St. Paul’s words are sure. No charge can be brought against the Christian because the Father has already pronounced a verdict! Not guilty! How so? No one can condemn God’s elect. Christ has died for you. He is alive at the right hand of God. He is interceding for you.

Thursday, July 27, 2017 – Matthew 13:44-52 – Christ treasures the world, and so He redeems it. Jesus likens the kingdom of God to a treasure, something of supreme worth. 

It is a treasure of infinite worth because it is the kingdom of God. This includes Jesus, the priceless treasure, the riches of grace, and the wealth of God’s love. This treasure is discovered by accident. It is always found where no one expected it. 

The kingdom of God can be a surprise. It may come in unexpected ways and places. Must we ask whether the average Christian considers Christianity the top treasure? Both the farmer and the merchant sold all their goods to get the treasure.

This implies that the two men considered all their possessions to be inferior to the treasure or the pearl. It was a matter of establishing priorities. Because the treasure and pearl were evaluated as the best, the price of total sell-out, or exchanging all other possessions, was considered worth the price.

When a person finds a treasure, how can he help but be overjoyed? If a merchant has been looking for the perfect pearl for years and then finds it, is there any wonder that he would be as happy as can be? Many church members lack the joy of being Christians. They are not happy about their religion. Could this be the reason? They have not found the treasure or the pearl of Christ.

Friday, July 28, 2017 –Psalm 125 -This Psalm is suggested for next Sunday. This psalm speaks of Israel’s peace in testimony, prayer, and benediction. Bible scholars believe it was written after the exile when those held in Babylonian captivity were allowed to return to the Jewish homeland. This psalm was most likely prayed as part of the liturgy in the Jewish worship service. Thus, the Psalms we pray in worship reach back into the Old Testament. Through the centuries, our prayers have remained constant. 

Saturday, July 29, 2017 – Joshua 24:16 –This passage is the inspiration for the hymn, “From God can nothing move me” {LSB 524}. The people react to Joshua’s commitment to serve the Lord. The people respond, “We will not serve other gods.” If we say of the Lord, “He is our God,” we cannot serve any other. 

Sources:
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LUTHERAN WORSHIP © 1980 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LECTIONALRY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES A © 1980 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OH
Artwork by Ed Riojas, © Higher Things

Pentecost 7 - Proper 11

Romans and the Reformation
A Series of Sermons Commemorating the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation
July 23, 2017 - Proper 11 - Romans 8:18-23

Total Loss for Permanent Gain - Why do believers suffer?

“Mom...why are there mosquitoes? That give people malaria? Why are there germs? That make us sick?”

“Mom...I saw on the news a bad flood that killed a lot of people. Why are there floods? And earthquakes? And hurricanes? And tornadoes? Why are there famines? Why do some people starve to death?”

“Why did my friend at school get cancer? Why did Grandma get sick…and die?”

“Mom, why do people set off bombs? Why do people do bad things? To hurt each other?”

Maybe your kids have asked you questions like these. I know mine have. Probably you’ve wrestled with them yourself.

How does all of this make sense to you?  How can a loving, all-powerful God allow terrible suffering that is in the world? Some become agnostics or atheists because they cannot come up with satisfactory answers to such questions.

Since none of us are exempt from suffering and death. It’s important that we understand what the Bible teaches on this difficult topic. The topic of brokenness in this world. 

As we continue with our reading and reflecting on Paul's letter to the Romans, Paul would give us this perspective. We live in an interim period. Now we have suffering. Later, permanent glory. Now we are children of God. But not fully. 

In this transitional period on earth, we wait, groan, and long for the end of this pilgrimage. What we endure today is a temporary loss for a permanent gain of glory as children of God. Both creation and creatures groan for redemption. That's what Paul is getting at this morning. "We wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies." 

In this period of transition.

1. We wait for redemption.

2. We groan because of suffering.

3. We long for permanent gain.

1. We wait for redemption – “For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.  And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies." Romans 8:19, 23

ALL BELIEVERS SUFFER BECAUSE OF MAN’S FALL INTO SIN.

This needs to be stated because; there is a pervasive false teaching that God wants every Christian to be healthy, wealthy, and above all else successful. Purchase this product. Follow this program. Practice these steps and the blessings of God will follow. After all, God wants you to have your best life now. 

They say, “If you’re sick or poor, then you need to claim your healing or your wealth by faith.” Those who teach these lies are preying on people’s greed and their natural longing to be in good health. But, you will never see one of these false teachers live to be 120. They all succumb to disease and death at about the same age as the rest of us. Do not fall for their teaching!

Paul himself suffered terribly. When he was call on the road the Lord told Ananias the prophet whom He sent to open Paul’s eyes “for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.”  (Acts 9:26)Paul often mentions the trials that he endured, which would have driven most to despair.  (See 2 Cor. 11:23-28).

Our Lord Himself was a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief (Isa. 53:3). He came to this world of suffering to bear our sins through His own suffering and death. So why should we think that somehow we will be exempt from suffering?

In the sovereign purposes of God, some suffer more and some suffer less. But none are exempt. It’s a part of living in this fallen world.

2. We groan because of suffering – “For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. -   "And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies."- Romans 8:22-23

The present time is marked by sufferings because of man’s fall into sin.

Paul mentions “the sufferings of this present time.” v.18. He was not referring to an especially difficult period in history, but to the entire present age. The whole history of creation since the fall is marked by suffering. The history of nations is marked by struggles and catastrophes—wars, natural disasters, internal conflicts, power struggles, and crimes. 

The history of individuals is also in large part a history of trials—the trials of growing up, figuring out what to do with your life, whom you will marry, rearing children, working through struggles in your marriage, providing for your needs, growing old and facing declining health and finally, death.

But, why? Why do we suffer? How should we as Christians think about these difficult matters? 

3. We long for permanent gain - "For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God."  - Romans 8:19

To persevere in present sufferings with hope, keep your eyes on the future glory that God has promised us.  Paul wants us to understand two certainties… 

First, the present time is marked by sufferings because of man’s fall into sin. 

Second, the future will be marked by glory for believers as God fulfills all His promises to us. The practical conclusion is, if we keep our eyes on the future promised glory, then we can endure present sufferings with perseverance and hope.

Keep your eyes on the future promised glory and you will persevere in present sufferings with hope.

Paul anticipates us thinking, “But, I can’t see this future glory.” His reply is, “Yes, that’s the very nature of hope.” If you can see it all, then it’s not hope. Our salvation includes hope because we don’t receive it all in this life. The hope of our salvation is not uncertain, as when we say, “I hope it doesn’t rain on my picnic tomorrow.” Rather, it is absolutely certain because of the many promises of God, who cannot lie. But we hope for it because we have not yet received all that has been promised. So Paul concludes (8:25), “But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.” The key to persevering in suffering with hope is to keep your eyes on the promised future glory.

It's summer. Those who subscribe to the B1G network know that especially during the summer months, highlights from previous games are aired. 

If you’ve ever watched your favorite team live, or in person, it's only natural to become anxious as the game progressed. Especially if it was close. If your team fumbled or threw an interception, you groaned because you didn’t know the outcome. You hoped they would win, but your hope was uncertain. Maybe you even got depressed when they were far behind.

But if your team came from behind and won in the last seconds of the game and later you watched a replay of the game, your whole attitude is different. You don't despair when they fumbled. Or fell behind. Because you knew how it all would turn out. Knowing the certainty of the future glory gave you hope to persevere through the setbacks.

If we become anxious or depressed in trials and lose hope, it’s because we’ve forgotten the absolutely certain outcome: Future glory forever with Christ! Yes, there is present suffering because we live in a fallen world. But God has promised future glory. Keeping that in view will enable you to persevere any suffering with hope.

Words –1,300
Passive Sentences –5%
Readability – 73.5%
Reading Level -6.0

Time in the Word - Pentecost 7 - Proper 11

Time in the Word
Proclaimed Word of God
Proper 11
July 17-22 2017

There is a tension between the faithful and the unfaithful. The unfaithful are the weeds of the parable in the Gospel, while the wheat is God’s faithful people. In the final judgment, the unfaithful are excluded while the faithful are accepted by God. In the Old Testament lesson the faithful acknowledge God to be the one and only God. For the faithful who are weak, the Spirit intercedes for them. The prayers of the faithful are echoed in the great hymn of the church, “Lord keep us steadfast in Thy Word.” 

Monday, July 17, 2017 – Psalm 86:1-15 – This is the Psalm portion from which the Introit for next Sunday is taken. The antiphon is taken from verse 6, “Give ear, O lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace.” In our need we pray to the Lord because out of His kindness and love our Lord answers each prayer.

Tuesday, July 18, 2017– Isaiah 44:6-8 – The faithful believe in the one true God. There is no god but God. It could be that Isaiah in these words is recalling a song of Moses, which describes God as “the Rock” (see Deuteronomy 32:4, 15, 30-31). This metaphor of the Lord is also common in the book of Psalms (see Psalm 18:2).

Wednesday, July 19, 2017– Romans 8:18-27 – The faithful have the Spirit intercede for them. The Spirit intercedes for those who do not know how to pray. Both creation and creatures groan for redemption. Paul sees redemption in its cosmic perspective. With Adam the whole creation fell and the ground was cursed. It is in a state of decay and the whole creation groans for redemption from its bondage of decay and death. Nature is tooth and fang and it exists on the principle of “dog eat dog.” Paul sees the release of nature’s bondage when there will be a new heaven and a new earth at the time of the Savior’s return. Humanity’s sin pollutes nature, ravishes the good earth, and threatens creatures with extinction. Human beings share in this longing for redemption which by faith in Christ we now experience in part. With creation we long for the full redemption of our bodies when Christ returns.

Thursday, July 20, 2017 –Matthew 13:24-30; 36-43 – The faithful enter heaven in the parable of the wheat and the weeds. The parable of the wheat and weeds and Jesus’ explanation of its meaning is given here. Jesus gives this parable because he is criticized for associating with sinners and outcasts (verses 24-30). The allegorical explanation of the parable is the product of the early church as the parable applied to it in its day (verses 36-40).

The parable teaches that we are not to judge who is a true or false Christian. We are not to weed out the weeds because in doing so, we would destroy the wheat. On the Day of Judgment, God will judge and separate the weeds and the wheat. Until that time comes the church needs to have patience and forbearance of the weeds among the wheat.

The wheat (good) and the weeds (bad) are in the kingdom, not in the world. We could understand it if the parable applied to the world where there are all kinds of people. The kingdom of heaven is the kingdom of God, and the kingdom of God is God’s realm, God’s people, the church. The church of God consists of good and evil, wheat and weeds.

Friday, July 21, 2017 –Psalm 119:57-64 – This Psalm is suggested for next Sunday. This section falls under the Hebrew letter “Heth.” The Lord is the psalmist’s true homestead because it is God’s law that fills the earth with all that makes life secure and joyous. So God’s promises are his hope and God’s righteous laws his delight.

Saturday, July 22, 2017 – This passage is the inspiration for the hymn “In holy conversation” {LSB 772}. The eternal consequences of sin are more serious than any physical ailment. Thus we look to Christ who has borne our diseases and carried our sorrows.

Collect for Proper 11– O God, so rule and govern our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that, ever mindful of Your final judgment, we may be stirred up to holiness of living here and dwell with You in perfect joy hereafter; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Sources: 
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL © 1942 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LECTIONALRY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES A © 1980 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OH
Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.

Pentecost 6 - Proper 10

Romans and the Reformation
A Series of Sermons Commemorating the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation
16 July – Proper 10 – Romans 8:12-17

Heirs with Christ

As “the rain and the snow come down from heaven.” And “waters the earth…making it bring forth and sprout.” (Isaiah 55:10) So the Word of God accomplishes the purpose for which the Father speaks it. Granting joy and peace through the forgiveness of sins. Producing the fruit of faith. Demonstrating acts of charity. Kindness. And love. In the lives of those who are called by His name. 

Christ Jesus. The Incarnate Word.  Opens our ears to hear.  Opens our minds to understand. And penetrates our cold broken hearts. To believe His Word.  Lest the evil one come. And snatch it away. He thus transforms our rocky hearts into good soil. Which, clings to the Gospel. And, “indeed bears fruit.” (Matthew 13:23). 

The Preaching of the Word of Christ Bears the Good Fruits of Faith and Love making us Heirs with Christ.

1. Well, of course, it's all about Jesus.

A. He is Himself the first-fruits of all who “have received the Spirit of adoption as sons.” (Romans 8:15).

B. Believers have received the Holy Spirit. For Paul, whoever confesses Jesus as Lord does so by the power of the Spirit. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3). That is evidence enough for being a person in Christ. They have thus already been adopted as God’s children. By faith and baptism and through the power of the Spirit they have a new relationship with God. 

C. There is evidence of this whenever they cry out “Abba, Father.” The word “Abba” is an Aramaic term for “father.” Abba was usually the word used in the home, as children addressed their fathers. 

It is easier for a child to use a two-syllable word ending in a vowel than to use a single syllable word ending with a consonant. Every parent knows this! At ten months, Daniel can now say, "Momma" "Dadda" and "Egg!" “Daddy” is easier to say than “Dad,” “Mommy” is easier than “Mom.” 

But “Abba” is the word used by Jesus in the crucifixion scene in the Gospel of Mark. Jesus prayed, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible… ” The use of “Abba” must also have been characteristic of Jesus’ prayers, as in the use of “Father” in the Lord’s Prayer.1  God would by these words tenderly invite us to believe that He is our true Father, and that we are His true children, so that with all boldness and confidence we may ask Him as dear children ask their dear father. 2  This term was familiar to the Christians at Rome. The audience to whom Paul is writing.  

D. Being a son makes you an heir. And a member of the family. Being a citizen gives you rights, privileged, responsibilities. The Inheritance is yours. Because you belong to Christ. 

2. Thus being “led by the Spirit of God,” we are not afraid, but we cry out in faith to our Father in heaven. (Romans 8:14–15) 

A. Fear leads to isolation. This leads to withdrawal. Which leads to depression. Which leads to alienation. Which leads to death. Notice the downward spiral.

  

B. Which was Luther's journey. How can I find a loving God? One who is not angry? Luther finally understood what Paul wanted: to preach a righteousness that was a gift—a gift by which God mercifully justifies us through faith in His Son. Paul was not describing a cold-hearted standard that could only lead to our condemnation. That would hardly be Gospel, “good news!” Paul was speaking of the righteousness of God that was revealed at the cross—God’s great love for us. When Luther realized this, his whole world turned upside down, the bitter became sweet, and the locked door sprang open: 

“I extolled my sweetest word with a love as great as the hatred with which I had before hated the word ‘righteousness of God.’ Thus that place in Paul was for me truly the gate to paradise.”  While wrestling with Paul, Luther found himself also wrestling with God, and like Jacob of old, Luther would never be the same. 3

3. For as we suffer with Christ, the beloved Son we look for a glorious future.

A. So shall we “also be glorified with Him.” (Romans 8:17). One characteristic of the son is that he is his father’s heir. So it is with the Christian. He, too, has an inheritance—an inheritance of glory which he will share with Christ. But he must not be surprised if, before sharing the glory, he also shares the sufferings. All who suffer for the sake of the gospel are regarded as suffering with Christ. They “drink of the cup” that He drank.

B. Yet, any suffering we endure will only last for a season. We have this promise. You shall live and reign with Christ throughout all eternity.

1. Then in glory. A place chosen especially for you! You shall reign with Him.

2. Yet even now. As we serve our neighbor. Says St. Paul “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”   (Galatians 5:14)

a. So tomorrow. When you wake in the morning. And your feet hit the floor…Thank God. As the devil says to himself, “oh, know…she’s up!  Its and opportunity to praise God as you serve your neighbor.  S0, stop your griping. It won’t help anybody. 

b. Instead…Pick up a shovel.

c. And go merrily about your business. With a grateful heart. 

Words –995
Passive Sentences –5%
Readability –79%
Reading Level -4.6
Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

 1.     In Matthew 6:9; the Greek “pater” of the prayer is probably a translation of the Aramaic Abba).

 2.    Explanation to the Introduction to the Lord’s Prayer Luther’s Small Catechism.

  3.  LW 34:337

Time in the Word - Pentecost 6 - Proper 10

Time in the Word
Proclaimed Word of God
Proper 10
 July 10-15, 2017

The main theme of our readings for the coming week is the Word of God; nature is used to explain the Word. Like seed, the Word is scattered and is received by various kinds of hearers. As the rain and snow cause nature to produce, God’s Word also is certain to accomplish God’s purpose. The Epistle lesson gives us that purpose: the redemption of the whole creation. The suggested hymn of the day “Almighty God Your Word is Cast” (LSB #577) harmonizes with the theme of the Word. 

Collect for Proper 10 – Blessed Lord, since You have caused all Holy Scripture to be written for our learning, grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit. One God, now and forever.

For the work of the congregation – Almighty God and Lord, as You have called us to labor in Your vineyard, so grant us now Your presence. Enlighten and guide us by Your Word that in all matters of deliberation we may always consider the best interests of Your church and this congregation. Let Your Holy Spirit rule and direct our hearts that, in the spirit of Christian love, we may present and discuss matters and be kindly disposed toward one another, to the end that all we say and do may please You; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 

A prayer before we study the Word – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, without Your help our labor is useless, and without Your light our search is in vain. Invigorate the study of Your holy Word that, by due diligence and right discernment, we may establish ourselves and others in Your holy faith.

Monday, July 10, 2017 – Psalm 103:15-19 - This is the Psalm portion from which the Introit for next Sunday is taken. The antiphon is taken from verse 8, “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” This verse is a summation of the Father’s love and compassion for this fallen world. He desires not the death of the sinner but that all would come in repentance. He desires the redemption of all. Thus He plants the seeds of faith into our hearts that by His grace a harvest may come.

Tuesday, July 11, 2017– Isaiah 55:10-13 – God’s Word accomplishes His purpose.  The Word of God has within it an inherent, latent power. Jesus compared the Word to seed. A seed has within it the power of life, to break out of its shell and to grow into a plant. The Word, like a seed, has power to accomplish the purpose for which it was created and sent. It is a lively Word, a living Word. Herein is the secret of powerful preaching. Whenever the Word is proclaimed, the Word, finding fertile soil, will produce remarkable results by transforming lives and creating faith. The secret of great preaching is not in the preacher, not in his personality, wisdom, or techniques. For this reason, biblical preaching is the most effective kind of preaching.

Wednesday, July 12, 2017– Romans 8:12-17 –The purpose of God’s Word is redemption. Both creation and creatures groan for redemption. We can have both death and life in us. Though dead, we can live and though living we can be dead. There is one type of life — existence, the physical, natural, earthly life. It is the life of the flesh which results in sin and death. There is possibly another life. It is the one with God lived in faith. This life is the product of the Spirit received at baptism. Through baptism a person is born again in the Spirit, adopted as a child of God and now lives in the Spirit of righteousness. The new person knows he is related to God, because the Spirit witnesses to our spirits that we are God’s offspring.

Thursday, July 13, 2017 – Matthew 13:1-9 (18-23) –Various kinds of hearers of God’s Word are examined – the parable of the seed and sower. For an effective sermon it takes sower, seed, and soil. Apparently no fault can be found with the sower (Jesus), or with the seed (Word). The problem is with the soil (the hearer). Only the good soil brings a harvest. That may be the situation, but what can be done about the three kinds of soil that do not produce? The parable has nothing to say about this problem. It is simply stating a fact of reality. The preacher needs to be concerned about making good listeners out of his congregation.

Jesus said, “He who has ears....” Who does not have ears? The truth is proclaimed to all people regardless of condition of life. It reminds us that God desires all to be saved, all to have the good things of God’s grace. Christianity is a universal religion, a faith for every person. The responsibility to accept the Word is the hearer’s. If one rejects it, it is his own fault. It is not God’s will for any person to be ignorant of the truth or to be lost in his relationship with God.

Friday, July 14, 2017 –Psalm 65:1-13 – This Psalm is suggested for next Sunday. The key verse is verse 5, “By awesome deed Thou dost answer us in righteousness, O God our salvation. Thou who are the trust of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest sea.”

Saturday, July 15, 2017 –Mark 4:3-9 – This passage is the inspiration for the hymn, “Almighty God, Your Word is Cast” {LSB 577}.  The sower goes out to sow his grain. God’s Word will work where it is planted. We trust Him to do His work. All He asks of us is to faithful in the sharing of Christ’s living Word. 

Sources: 

LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, LECTIONALRY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES A © 1980 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OH

Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.