To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen (Ro 16:27).
Maybe this has happened. You ask a question of someone or want a comment from someone and the person looks up—in the air or to the sky or toward the ceiling. (Rubbing the chin or scratching the head is optional.) As if the answer or observation is going to be there. It is not a bad thing. It may be because he is just considering how to reply or it is that she is just contemplating how to respond. There is a glance up before something comes out.
In a sense, that is where James wants our eyes to be in order to be wise—upwards. Get your wisdom from above.
Perhaps we need to define wisdom. With the first semester of school underway, we might think of the student who is all about the accumulation of information from instructors or the acquisition of insight from professors. And nothing wrong with that. That is useful when it comes to quizzes and tests or helpful when writing papers or reports. But we can aim a bit higher. Even more than reciting the books of the Bible in order or remembering some Bible passages from catechism class. Wisdom from above is a way of thinking and a manner of living.
Real wisdom is knowing that Jesus has come from above (Jn 3:31)—just like every good and perfect gift (Ja 1:17). He appeared to be our Savior—One who was lifted up on a cross for our sin and raised from a tomb for our freedom (Ro 4:25). The apostle Paul once pointed out: Jesus is “wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption” (1 Co 1:30). We stand before God, dressed in Jesus’ perfection (Jesus is our righteousness), set free from sin and separate from it (Jesus is our holiness.) because Jesus has paid the price with his blood to release us (Jesus is our redemption.). Jesus explained that to his disciples very clearly and concisely: “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise” (Mk 9:31). Don’t miss that: death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit has recorded that for us in the Holy Scriptures which are able to make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Ti 3:15). That wisdom comes from God to us—from above.
But the book of James is like a follow up with the doctor. You have a procedure done and then schedule another appointment for him to see how you are healing. The faith in our hearts will show in our lives. And so James inquires in order for us to evaluate: “Who is wise and understanding among you?” (Ja 3:13). Faith goes on display through our noble behavior. “Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom” (Ja 3:13). There is a genuine gentleness. That is not weakness, but wisdom.
How does that look? Sometimes we learn through contrasts. We know the difference between hot and cold because we have experienced them. James begins with wisdom “from below.” The difference is detectable from what is “from above.” “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth” (Ja 3:14). Exhibit A is the discussion of the disciples (or better, disagreement). Jesus was focusing on ascending an instrument of torture and they were fixated on climbing a ladder of promotion—arguing “about who was the greatest” (Mk 9:34). I wonder if they were a little nicer than some of those TV commercials about his coming November. Speaking arrogantly and falsely does not reflect wisdom.
In fact, James can conclude: “Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven” (Ja 3:15). And then he adds three ugly qualifiers. “But is …”
“Earthly” (Ja 3:15)—opposite of heavenly.
“Unspiritual” (Ja 3:15)—according to our sinful, human nature.
“Of the devil” (Ja 3:15)—demonic. And Satan’s goal is to devour and destroy (1 Pe 5:8), pulling us away from God and pulling us down to hell.
And then James highlights what it leads to: “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (Ja 3:16). Selfish actions—demanding one’s own way at the expense of others (a “me first” outlook)—results in no good thing. We see that play out over and over again in our community and in our country. Not to mention, sin can grow, starting with an attitude in our hearts and coming out in an action in our lives (Ja 1:14,15)—coveting something could end up in stealing, wanting something that is not ours to making it ours.
James does not stay there or stop there. And that is valuable. There is a different kind of wisdom. And there is quite a lineup. “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is …” (Ja 3:17)
“first of all pure”—There is no moral defect as an unwanted additive in food, but definite integrity.
“then peace-loving”—It fosters peace. It might look like allowing another to merge on the highway rather than speeding up to cut him off, or an employee not talking under one’s breath about a boss or a child behind a parent’s back, or siblings not arguing whose turn it is to wash the dishes.
“considerate”—It remains steadfast even in the face of injustice. Jeremiah typifies that. He continued to proclaim the truth even when those around him plotted against his life—leaving it in the Lord’s hands. “To you I have committed my cause” (Je 11:20). Or as the psalmist David had us sing: “In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge; deliver me in your righteousness” (Ps 31:1).
“submissive”—There is a willingness to obey as one observes the speed limit on the road.
“full of mercy and good fruit”—Fall is right around the corner. A common decoration is a cornucopia. It is a horn-like wicker tube from which fruit or vegetables spill out. Such is a wise life—overflowing with beneficial works—fruits of faith, like apples on a tree. There are kindness and compassion, for example.
“impartial”—There is no prejudice.
“sincere”—There is no hypocrisy, a phony pretense or show. [Notice the last two positive qualities we describe negatively—what it is not.]
So does that describe your last week? This morning? If we are fair, we fail. So then what? We go back to the peace that Jesus gives (Jn 14:27)—perfect peace between us and God, purchased on Good Friday and provided by Easter Sunday. All is right between us and God.
Those who know peace sow that peace like seeds. “Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness” (Ja 3:18). And we are “blessed” (Mt 5:9) as we do that in our homes and in our churches and in our relationships—planting kernels of peace which leads to a plentiful crop of peace.
There are also those who look down before they have a reaction or a comeback. I don’t know if it is to hide embarrassment or to buy time. But not us. We look up—not to a mountaintop guru, but a merciful God. Get your wisdom from above. It is not a bunch of facts and figures. It is faith and fruitfulness. We are truly wise.
We read from James 3:13-18:
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.
15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.
16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen! (Re 7:12).
September 22, 2018
St. John Lutheran Church Sermons
Monday, September 24, 2018
Monday, September 10, 2018
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost (September 9)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Eph 1:3). Amen.
How is your day so far? Perhaps you haven’t had enough time to formulate an opinion yet. Possibly you would put it into the category of “normal.” You got up and got ready. You showered and shaved. And now you are sitting here. It is an ordinary Sunday.
That was not the case for a lame man. His life was completely changed. He would say and we could state it: This is no ordinary day because of extraordinary deliverance and because of extraordinary delight. We read from …
Acts 3:1-10
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, who has all power and deserves all praise,
I don’t know when any given day goes from normal to abnormal. We all woke with things that bug us or bother us. Each of us has them—to various degrees. And they are real—for you and for me. My concerns. Your cares. And it will be that way this side of heaven. It will never be painless or pain-free.
But here is the reminder. Even though they are made up words, our day is not “Jesus-less” or “Jesus-free.” For that reason, …
This Is No Ordinary Day
1. Because of extraordinary deliverance (1-8a)
2. Because of extraordinary delight (8b-10)
1. Because of extraordinary deliverance (1-8a)
It just may be me. I am not sure where to put the stress on the adjective. Is it extraordinary? Or is it extraordinary? It refers to something phenomenal. That describes what occurred with a crippled man. This is no ordinary day because of extraordinary deliverance.
There was no indication that the present day was going to be different from the previous day. After Jesus ascended into heaven, the believers assembled in the temple courts (Acts 2:46), gathering around God’s Word. So it is not surprising that Luke reports: “One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon” (Acts 3:1). The ninth hour was one of the three hours of prayer. The others were 9:00 AM and sunset. Peter and John are mentioned together and often worked together. So far, pretty ordinary—Peter and John making their way to the temple.
And there was that nameless man. For 40 years he had struggled with the same situation—he had no use of his legs (Acts 4:22). Since there was no welfare system, he went about his daily activity, stationed in his usual place like people position themselves at stoplights here in town. “Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts” (Acts 3:2). He was at the mercy of passersby for charitable gifts. So far, pretty ordinary—this man making a living at the temple.
But that all changed. Peter and John met this man. They were strolling and he was soliciting. “When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money” (Acts 3:3). He stretched out his hand for some help—a coin of some sort, if they could spare some change.
The two men stopped. Who wouldn’t feel for this one with his withered legs? “Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, ‘Look at us!’” (Acts 3:4). Peter wanted his undivided attention as a teacher does with her students. No looking down or looking up. “Eyes right here.” Could this be his payday? He was ready. “So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them” (Acts 3:5).
Was he upset at what Peter uttered next? “Silver or gold I do not have” (Acts 3:6). What good was that? But there was more, much more. Bigger and better. A student wants a day off of school around Christmas time and he gets a two week of vacation. “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts 3:6). He requested some money and received a miracle. “Taking him by the right hand, he [that is, Peter] helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong” (Acts 3:7). Four decades of an ailment reversed with a few words from a disciple. And it was immediate. No physical therapy or fancy exercises like after knee surgery. “He jumped to his feet and began to walk” (Acts 3:8). No stumbling or staggering like a toddler’s first steps. We can only imagine what that must have been like. This is no ordinary day because of extraordinary deliverance.
When Jesus was on earth, he performed miracles—just like he did in the region of the Decapolis (Mk 7:31). There was that man who had deafness in his ears and difficulty with his speech. Jesus gave him the ability to hear clearly and talk correctly. Mark even recorded the Aramaic word: “‘Ephphatha!’ (which means, ‘Be opened!’)” (Mk 7:34). He fulfilled what the prophet Isaiah predicted: “Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy” (Is 35:5,6). Those were marks of the Messiah whom God promised to send to save from sin (Is 34:4).
What Peter did was not by himself of on his own. That ability came from Jesus—“In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts 3:6). In other words, “by the power of and the authority of Jesus.” This is an example of one of the signs that the apostles did (Acts 2:43). Jesus gave them that capability to back up their message. They were his instruments. The people could connect the dots. What Jesus did, his followers do. They must be from him. And those proofs confirmed their message about Jesus who came to rescue all from the stranglehold of sin and Satan. That let them proclaim that significance.
When we hold our tin cup up to God, what are we looking for? Since we have nothing to offer him, he offers us everything. Instead of a dollar or two (and that does come from him too), we get deliverance from sin and Satan. Instead of some pocket change, we get a perfect change. He sends away our sin because he set it on Jesus’ cross and supplies us with Jesus’ holiness. What he has, he gives to us—the removal of guilt and the eternity with him. And he follows that up with good and perfect gifts on earth—other things (Ja 1:17; Ro 8:32). This is no ordinary day with an extraordinary deliverance from the Lord—undeserved gifts to us.
2. Because of extraordinary delight (8b-10)
It really makes no difference how we pronounce it—extraordinary or extraordinary. The meaning remains the same. It is something remarkable. That depicts what transpired with a paralyzed man. This is no ordinary day because of extraordinary delight.
There was no stopping him. How could anyone? Can you picture him trying out his new legs? This was not a sad dream, but sheer delight. “Then he [that is, the lame man] went with them [that is, Peter and John] into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God” (Acts 3:8). All three are significant—walking, jumping, and praising. He checked out his long stride and vertical leap. But the words of worship were not directed to Peter, but to God. He was the One to honor for what had taken place.
It certainly drew the notice of those who had congregated on the temple grounds. “When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him” (Acts 3:9,10). They were almost beside themselves with astonishment at what was so unusual. This gave Peter an opportunity to address them with a lengthy explanation (Acts 3:11ff.). But this is no ordinary day because of extraordinary delight.
There may have been other beggars there that day who were not healed. Jesus didn’t come to get rid of all physical problems. He came to take care of our spiritual issues. And he did. That doesn’t make him powerless to handle the others. That reminder is in place. He can and does keep some suffering from us. We praise him for that. But when there is hurt or heartaches, cancer or colds, if he doesn’t clear them up, he bears us up—strengthening us and supporting us each day. We praise him for that too. In them we look to the Lord. Through them we lean on the Lord. Even others take note as we take comfort in his goodness and faithfulness. This is no ordinary day because of extraordinary delight in the Lord—undeniable gratitude from us.
So what about today? Normal? Whatever that is for a Sunday—an afternoon nap in a comfy chair or a nice lunch in front of the TV since football is back on. Or any other day. It doesn’t matter. This is no ordinary day because of extraordinary deliverance and because of extraordinary delight. God cancels our sin and keeps us strong. With the psalmist we sing: “Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live” (Ps 146:1). Amen.
Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen! (Re 7:12).
September 9, 2018
How is your day so far? Perhaps you haven’t had enough time to formulate an opinion yet. Possibly you would put it into the category of “normal.” You got up and got ready. You showered and shaved. And now you are sitting here. It is an ordinary Sunday.
That was not the case for a lame man. His life was completely changed. He would say and we could state it: This is no ordinary day because of extraordinary deliverance and because of extraordinary delight. We read from …
Acts 3:1-10
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, who has all power and deserves all praise,
I don’t know when any given day goes from normal to abnormal. We all woke with things that bug us or bother us. Each of us has them—to various degrees. And they are real—for you and for me. My concerns. Your cares. And it will be that way this side of heaven. It will never be painless or pain-free.
But here is the reminder. Even though they are made up words, our day is not “Jesus-less” or “Jesus-free.” For that reason, …
This Is No Ordinary Day
1. Because of extraordinary deliverance (1-8a)
2. Because of extraordinary delight (8b-10)
1. Because of extraordinary deliverance (1-8a)
It just may be me. I am not sure where to put the stress on the adjective. Is it extraordinary? Or is it extraordinary? It refers to something phenomenal. That describes what occurred with a crippled man. This is no ordinary day because of extraordinary deliverance.
There was no indication that the present day was going to be different from the previous day. After Jesus ascended into heaven, the believers assembled in the temple courts (Acts 2:46), gathering around God’s Word. So it is not surprising that Luke reports: “One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon” (Acts 3:1). The ninth hour was one of the three hours of prayer. The others were 9:00 AM and sunset. Peter and John are mentioned together and often worked together. So far, pretty ordinary—Peter and John making their way to the temple.
And there was that nameless man. For 40 years he had struggled with the same situation—he had no use of his legs (Acts 4:22). Since there was no welfare system, he went about his daily activity, stationed in his usual place like people position themselves at stoplights here in town. “Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts” (Acts 3:2). He was at the mercy of passersby for charitable gifts. So far, pretty ordinary—this man making a living at the temple.
But that all changed. Peter and John met this man. They were strolling and he was soliciting. “When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money” (Acts 3:3). He stretched out his hand for some help—a coin of some sort, if they could spare some change.
The two men stopped. Who wouldn’t feel for this one with his withered legs? “Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, ‘Look at us!’” (Acts 3:4). Peter wanted his undivided attention as a teacher does with her students. No looking down or looking up. “Eyes right here.” Could this be his payday? He was ready. “So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them” (Acts 3:5).
Was he upset at what Peter uttered next? “Silver or gold I do not have” (Acts 3:6). What good was that? But there was more, much more. Bigger and better. A student wants a day off of school around Christmas time and he gets a two week of vacation. “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts 3:6). He requested some money and received a miracle. “Taking him by the right hand, he [that is, Peter] helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong” (Acts 3:7). Four decades of an ailment reversed with a few words from a disciple. And it was immediate. No physical therapy or fancy exercises like after knee surgery. “He jumped to his feet and began to walk” (Acts 3:8). No stumbling or staggering like a toddler’s first steps. We can only imagine what that must have been like. This is no ordinary day because of extraordinary deliverance.
When Jesus was on earth, he performed miracles—just like he did in the region of the Decapolis (Mk 7:31). There was that man who had deafness in his ears and difficulty with his speech. Jesus gave him the ability to hear clearly and talk correctly. Mark even recorded the Aramaic word: “‘Ephphatha!’ (which means, ‘Be opened!’)” (Mk 7:34). He fulfilled what the prophet Isaiah predicted: “Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy” (Is 35:5,6). Those were marks of the Messiah whom God promised to send to save from sin (Is 34:4).
What Peter did was not by himself of on his own. That ability came from Jesus—“In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts 3:6). In other words, “by the power of and the authority of Jesus.” This is an example of one of the signs that the apostles did (Acts 2:43). Jesus gave them that capability to back up their message. They were his instruments. The people could connect the dots. What Jesus did, his followers do. They must be from him. And those proofs confirmed their message about Jesus who came to rescue all from the stranglehold of sin and Satan. That let them proclaim that significance.
When we hold our tin cup up to God, what are we looking for? Since we have nothing to offer him, he offers us everything. Instead of a dollar or two (and that does come from him too), we get deliverance from sin and Satan. Instead of some pocket change, we get a perfect change. He sends away our sin because he set it on Jesus’ cross and supplies us with Jesus’ holiness. What he has, he gives to us—the removal of guilt and the eternity with him. And he follows that up with good and perfect gifts on earth—other things (Ja 1:17; Ro 8:32). This is no ordinary day with an extraordinary deliverance from the Lord—undeserved gifts to us.
2. Because of extraordinary delight (8b-10)
It really makes no difference how we pronounce it—extraordinary or extraordinary. The meaning remains the same. It is something remarkable. That depicts what transpired with a paralyzed man. This is no ordinary day because of extraordinary delight.
There was no stopping him. How could anyone? Can you picture him trying out his new legs? This was not a sad dream, but sheer delight. “Then he [that is, the lame man] went with them [that is, Peter and John] into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God” (Acts 3:8). All three are significant—walking, jumping, and praising. He checked out his long stride and vertical leap. But the words of worship were not directed to Peter, but to God. He was the One to honor for what had taken place.
It certainly drew the notice of those who had congregated on the temple grounds. “When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him” (Acts 3:9,10). They were almost beside themselves with astonishment at what was so unusual. This gave Peter an opportunity to address them with a lengthy explanation (Acts 3:11ff.). But this is no ordinary day because of extraordinary delight.
There may have been other beggars there that day who were not healed. Jesus didn’t come to get rid of all physical problems. He came to take care of our spiritual issues. And he did. That doesn’t make him powerless to handle the others. That reminder is in place. He can and does keep some suffering from us. We praise him for that. But when there is hurt or heartaches, cancer or colds, if he doesn’t clear them up, he bears us up—strengthening us and supporting us each day. We praise him for that too. In them we look to the Lord. Through them we lean on the Lord. Even others take note as we take comfort in his goodness and faithfulness. This is no ordinary day because of extraordinary delight in the Lord—undeniable gratitude from us.
So what about today? Normal? Whatever that is for a Sunday—an afternoon nap in a comfy chair or a nice lunch in front of the TV since football is back on. Or any other day. It doesn’t matter. This is no ordinary day because of extraordinary deliverance and because of extraordinary delight. God cancels our sin and keeps us strong. With the psalmist we sing: “Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live” (Ps 146:1). Amen.
Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen! (Re 7:12).
September 9, 2018
Monday, September 3, 2018
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Ephesians 6:10-20)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Eph 1:2). Amen.
Tomorrow is Labor Day. It is our annual commemoration of the contributions of the American worker to the well-being of our nation. Certainly nothing wrong with that. We recognize that the ability to work is a gift of God and from God. Honest effort promotes an ongoing economy.
Not to take away from tomorrow, but today we focus on a different strength—not inside of us, but outside of us. Be strong in the Lord. There is an enemy and there is an armory. We read from …
Ephesians 6:10-20
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, who protects us perfectly,
Our country is at war. That is serious. Perhaps at times we forget that. We thank the men in women in the armed forces for their service. I know that we have other holidays for them, but we are grateful that their labor is to keep us safe.
Christians are at war. That is significant. Possibly on occasion we overlook that. And Satan smiles. But the Savior supplies. And so the imperative is not impossible.
Be Strong in the Lord
1. There is an enemy (10-12)
2. There is an armory (14-20)
1. There is an enemy (10-12)
It can be a bit of an exaggeration. I appreciate the attempt of a color commentator to get our attention with fancy phrases when it comes to an NFL preseason game or an opening weekend college matchup. “It is a battle of epic proportions.” Even if it is a rivalry, that is an overstatement. It is not a matter of life and death. Just a win or a loss. That is not the case with the apostle Paul. He is not being dramatic, but realistic. It is a contest of comic magnitudes. As he enlightens us, he encourages us. Be strong in the Lord. There is an enemy.
As Paul concludes his letter to the Christians in the city of Ephesus, he closes with a command as they faced the future skirmishes of temptation. “Finally, be strong” (Eph 6:10). But they didn’t have to work that up like a workout at the gym—not from themselves, but from their Savior (Jos 1:6-9). “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Eph 6:10). They would find help in connection with and in the sphere of the Lord (Eph 1:3). He is the One who is above all and over all. In love, he has the capability to accomplish anything and the ability to finish everything. We keep on turning to him for strength (Ps 46:1). Be strong in the Lord. He makes the powerless powerful.
Paul tells us to dress for success. “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Eph 6:11). He will describe that in more detail in a bit. But he emphasizes the fact that we have an enemy (1 Pe 5:8). And the slanderer is stealthy and sneaky as he tries to convince us to relax our moral standards in a situation. He is crafty and cunning as he persuades us to remove a major teaching in the Scripture. “Did God really say?” (Ge 3:1). It is not out of his curiosity, but for our confusion. But we can hold our position against his deception. “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Eph 6:10).
And Satan is not alone in trying to do us harm. And Paul heaps up terms to highlight that it is not a batch of ragtag ruffians, but a bunch of well-trained warriors. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph 6:12). In a wrestling match, the opponent is obvious. One can grab on to him as he grapples with him. But not us. The foe is unseen and invisible. And they have tricky moves in their arsenal and slippery tactics at their disposal. They have a few more years of experience than we do of expertise. It would be like us taking on an Olympic gold medalist on the mat. We would be no match for that kind of a professional.
Paul is not trying to scare us, but prepare us like a sergeant with his troops on the frontline of a foreign conflict. There needs to be a healthy respect for the other side. We need to keep that in mind and not underestimate them thinking that we are too smart to be sucked in the first time or too sturdy to stumble the second time. The battle is bad. And the fight is fierce. Be strong in the Lord. We can. There is an enemy. But “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Eph 6:10). We are.
2. There is an armory (13-20)
I cannot imagine a scenario that football player would head out onto the field for a game (again, not the battle) in street clothes. That would be foolish not to put on the uniform with the momentum and muscle of the participants nowadays. He would be risking severe injury. Paul would contend the same about a legionnaire. We head into combat clothed. Be strong in the Lord. There is an armory.
When Paul penned this epistle, he was under house arrest, awaiting his trial in Rome. He may have been tied to a soldier. So he employs a military illustration using the standard equipment of an infantryman. We are not unarmed. We have some major hardware. “Therefore [that is, since you have an enemy] put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (Eph 6:13). Note that it is not an “if,” it is a “when”—“when the day of evil comes” (Eph 6:13). Sometimes it is fast and furious; other times it is slow and steady. But the devil watches and waits with patience, pokes and prods for our weakness—what distracts us and what disturbs us. It may be different for all of us. But where is our Achilles’ heel? That is where that great Greek hero was vulnerable because that is where his mother held him as she dipped him in the River Styx. We are not invincible on our own. Jesus pointed that out. “For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly” (Mk 7:21,22). Satan works off that and with that.
But be strong in the Lord. There is an armory. God outfits us very well. We take it up and strap it on.
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist” (Eph 6:14). The belt safeguarded the midsection. And the belt of truth is invaluable to us. Because when the devil opens his mouth out spew lies because he is “a lair and the father of lies” (Jn 8:44). He tries to convince you what God really thinks of you—that he doesn’t take an interest in you either with his compassion or care.
But we have the truth. Jesus is the truth (Jn 14:6). And so is God’s Word (Jn 17:17). Jesus explains and the Bible expresses that God does love you. He demonstrated that by giving his Son so that we would have the forgiveness of sins and the home in heaven (Jn 3:16). We sing with the psalmist: “Oh, how I love your law! [that is, instruction, teaching]” (Ps 119:97). And we will follow the admonition of Moses: “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it” (Dt 4:2). We will not tamper with it, but trust in it.
“with the breastplate of righteousness in place” (Eph 6:14). That might be like a bullet-proof vest. But this is better than Kevlar. The devil can accuse us of sin (and he would be right because we don’t measure up to God). But God clears our account of any accusation (Ro 3:21-26). That is because Jesus carried our sin so God can cancel our guilt. God put it all on Jesus so he can place Jesus’ holiness on us (2 Co 5:21).
“with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” (Eph 6:15). We have the good news that all is right between us and God (Eph 2:16,17). Like cleats, we have good traction and firm footing. We will not falter or fall.
“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Eph 6:16). This was long and covered the whole body to ward off flying and fiery projectiles. Maybe we compare it to a going up against flamethrower. It was to start a fire and have it spread. But what we believe can snuff out what the devil tries to shoot at us.
“Take the helmet of salvation” (Eph 6:17). A blow to the head could/would be dangerous, if not deadly. It wouldn’t just put them in concussion protocol or lead to CTE. But Jesus rescued us, redeemed us. The devil can’t destroy us because Jesus has delivered us.
“and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph 6:17). We can read what the Holy Spirit has recorded for us (2 Pe 1:20,21; He 4:12,13). We can apply it to what is happening in life to where we are going in death. When we question God’s presence, he reminds us that he will never leave us (He 13:5). When he calls us to his side, we will reside in paradise (Lk 23:43). But in order to swing the sword of the Spirit, we need to stay in the Word—in Sunday worship, in Bible Class, in confirmation class, in Little Lights, in home devotions. We will continue to dig into and dive into it to ward off the devil (Ja 4:7).
Furnished in such a way with every piece in place, don’t set it down or let it slip it off. Be strong in the Lord. There is an armory.
But there is one more formidable weapon in the fine arsenal. Prayer—speaking to the one true God. Paul gives us a quick lesson on that gift which is our battle-cry.
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions” (Eph 6:18). There is no certain instant—whenever. Every moment—morning, evening, at night.
“with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Eph 8:18). There is no specific issue—whatever. Everything—from giving thanks to getting things.
“With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints” (Eph 6:18). There is no special individual—whomever. Everyone. Look around at you fellow holy ones. They need your prayers as you need theirs in the fray as the devil comes at us with all his fury.
The apostle also appeals to them: “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should” (Eph 6:19,20). Paul is not shy in asking for their prayers. And he is precise. He requests boldness and openness whenever he starts to speak while he is in custody.
In the same way, pray for your pastor and pastors, professors, teachers, missionaries all around the world so that they proclaim the good news with confidence and conviction. (In a few weeks we will be hearing from one who serves in Africa.) Be strong. There is an armory. The victory is ours.
On Tuesday we will return to what we celebrate on Monday—to our various labors, from school to office to factory. It is fine to take a day off—especially to thank the Lord for what we achieve through him and by him. We also pray that we promote a good work ethic for the advancement of our country. There is another area that we want to be strong in. Our spiritual warfare. But we don’t enter the melee alone. Be strong in the Lord. There is an enemy—the devil and his ugly horde. But they are defeated through the power of Christ’s death and resurrection. And be strong in the Lord. There is an armory. Definitively wear them and win decisively with them. Onward. Amen.
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love (Eph 6:24). Amen.
September 2, 2018
Tomorrow is Labor Day. It is our annual commemoration of the contributions of the American worker to the well-being of our nation. Certainly nothing wrong with that. We recognize that the ability to work is a gift of God and from God. Honest effort promotes an ongoing economy.
Not to take away from tomorrow, but today we focus on a different strength—not inside of us, but outside of us. Be strong in the Lord. There is an enemy and there is an armory. We read from …
Ephesians 6:10-20
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, who protects us perfectly,
Our country is at war. That is serious. Perhaps at times we forget that. We thank the men in women in the armed forces for their service. I know that we have other holidays for them, but we are grateful that their labor is to keep us safe.
Christians are at war. That is significant. Possibly on occasion we overlook that. And Satan smiles. But the Savior supplies. And so the imperative is not impossible.
Be Strong in the Lord
1. There is an enemy (10-12)
2. There is an armory (14-20)
1. There is an enemy (10-12)
It can be a bit of an exaggeration. I appreciate the attempt of a color commentator to get our attention with fancy phrases when it comes to an NFL preseason game or an opening weekend college matchup. “It is a battle of epic proportions.” Even if it is a rivalry, that is an overstatement. It is not a matter of life and death. Just a win or a loss. That is not the case with the apostle Paul. He is not being dramatic, but realistic. It is a contest of comic magnitudes. As he enlightens us, he encourages us. Be strong in the Lord. There is an enemy.
As Paul concludes his letter to the Christians in the city of Ephesus, he closes with a command as they faced the future skirmishes of temptation. “Finally, be strong” (Eph 6:10). But they didn’t have to work that up like a workout at the gym—not from themselves, but from their Savior (Jos 1:6-9). “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Eph 6:10). They would find help in connection with and in the sphere of the Lord (Eph 1:3). He is the One who is above all and over all. In love, he has the capability to accomplish anything and the ability to finish everything. We keep on turning to him for strength (Ps 46:1). Be strong in the Lord. He makes the powerless powerful.
Paul tells us to dress for success. “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Eph 6:11). He will describe that in more detail in a bit. But he emphasizes the fact that we have an enemy (1 Pe 5:8). And the slanderer is stealthy and sneaky as he tries to convince us to relax our moral standards in a situation. He is crafty and cunning as he persuades us to remove a major teaching in the Scripture. “Did God really say?” (Ge 3:1). It is not out of his curiosity, but for our confusion. But we can hold our position against his deception. “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Eph 6:10).
And Satan is not alone in trying to do us harm. And Paul heaps up terms to highlight that it is not a batch of ragtag ruffians, but a bunch of well-trained warriors. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph 6:12). In a wrestling match, the opponent is obvious. One can grab on to him as he grapples with him. But not us. The foe is unseen and invisible. And they have tricky moves in their arsenal and slippery tactics at their disposal. They have a few more years of experience than we do of expertise. It would be like us taking on an Olympic gold medalist on the mat. We would be no match for that kind of a professional.
Paul is not trying to scare us, but prepare us like a sergeant with his troops on the frontline of a foreign conflict. There needs to be a healthy respect for the other side. We need to keep that in mind and not underestimate them thinking that we are too smart to be sucked in the first time or too sturdy to stumble the second time. The battle is bad. And the fight is fierce. Be strong in the Lord. We can. There is an enemy. But “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Eph 6:10). We are.
2. There is an armory (13-20)
I cannot imagine a scenario that football player would head out onto the field for a game (again, not the battle) in street clothes. That would be foolish not to put on the uniform with the momentum and muscle of the participants nowadays. He would be risking severe injury. Paul would contend the same about a legionnaire. We head into combat clothed. Be strong in the Lord. There is an armory.
When Paul penned this epistle, he was under house arrest, awaiting his trial in Rome. He may have been tied to a soldier. So he employs a military illustration using the standard equipment of an infantryman. We are not unarmed. We have some major hardware. “Therefore [that is, since you have an enemy] put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (Eph 6:13). Note that it is not an “if,” it is a “when”—“when the day of evil comes” (Eph 6:13). Sometimes it is fast and furious; other times it is slow and steady. But the devil watches and waits with patience, pokes and prods for our weakness—what distracts us and what disturbs us. It may be different for all of us. But where is our Achilles’ heel? That is where that great Greek hero was vulnerable because that is where his mother held him as she dipped him in the River Styx. We are not invincible on our own. Jesus pointed that out. “For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly” (Mk 7:21,22). Satan works off that and with that.
But be strong in the Lord. There is an armory. God outfits us very well. We take it up and strap it on.
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist” (Eph 6:14). The belt safeguarded the midsection. And the belt of truth is invaluable to us. Because when the devil opens his mouth out spew lies because he is “a lair and the father of lies” (Jn 8:44). He tries to convince you what God really thinks of you—that he doesn’t take an interest in you either with his compassion or care.
But we have the truth. Jesus is the truth (Jn 14:6). And so is God’s Word (Jn 17:17). Jesus explains and the Bible expresses that God does love you. He demonstrated that by giving his Son so that we would have the forgiveness of sins and the home in heaven (Jn 3:16). We sing with the psalmist: “Oh, how I love your law! [that is, instruction, teaching]” (Ps 119:97). And we will follow the admonition of Moses: “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it” (Dt 4:2). We will not tamper with it, but trust in it.
“with the breastplate of righteousness in place” (Eph 6:14). That might be like a bullet-proof vest. But this is better than Kevlar. The devil can accuse us of sin (and he would be right because we don’t measure up to God). But God clears our account of any accusation (Ro 3:21-26). That is because Jesus carried our sin so God can cancel our guilt. God put it all on Jesus so he can place Jesus’ holiness on us (2 Co 5:21).
“with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” (Eph 6:15). We have the good news that all is right between us and God (Eph 2:16,17). Like cleats, we have good traction and firm footing. We will not falter or fall.
“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Eph 6:16). This was long and covered the whole body to ward off flying and fiery projectiles. Maybe we compare it to a going up against flamethrower. It was to start a fire and have it spread. But what we believe can snuff out what the devil tries to shoot at us.
“Take the helmet of salvation” (Eph 6:17). A blow to the head could/would be dangerous, if not deadly. It wouldn’t just put them in concussion protocol or lead to CTE. But Jesus rescued us, redeemed us. The devil can’t destroy us because Jesus has delivered us.
“and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph 6:17). We can read what the Holy Spirit has recorded for us (2 Pe 1:20,21; He 4:12,13). We can apply it to what is happening in life to where we are going in death. When we question God’s presence, he reminds us that he will never leave us (He 13:5). When he calls us to his side, we will reside in paradise (Lk 23:43). But in order to swing the sword of the Spirit, we need to stay in the Word—in Sunday worship, in Bible Class, in confirmation class, in Little Lights, in home devotions. We will continue to dig into and dive into it to ward off the devil (Ja 4:7).
Furnished in such a way with every piece in place, don’t set it down or let it slip it off. Be strong in the Lord. There is an armory.
But there is one more formidable weapon in the fine arsenal. Prayer—speaking to the one true God. Paul gives us a quick lesson on that gift which is our battle-cry.
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions” (Eph 6:18). There is no certain instant—whenever. Every moment—morning, evening, at night.
“with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Eph 8:18). There is no specific issue—whatever. Everything—from giving thanks to getting things.
“With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints” (Eph 6:18). There is no special individual—whomever. Everyone. Look around at you fellow holy ones. They need your prayers as you need theirs in the fray as the devil comes at us with all his fury.
The apostle also appeals to them: “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should” (Eph 6:19,20). Paul is not shy in asking for their prayers. And he is precise. He requests boldness and openness whenever he starts to speak while he is in custody.
In the same way, pray for your pastor and pastors, professors, teachers, missionaries all around the world so that they proclaim the good news with confidence and conviction. (In a few weeks we will be hearing from one who serves in Africa.) Be strong. There is an armory. The victory is ours.
On Tuesday we will return to what we celebrate on Monday—to our various labors, from school to office to factory. It is fine to take a day off—especially to thank the Lord for what we achieve through him and by him. We also pray that we promote a good work ethic for the advancement of our country. There is another area that we want to be strong in. Our spiritual warfare. But we don’t enter the melee alone. Be strong in the Lord. There is an enemy—the devil and his ugly horde. But they are defeated through the power of Christ’s death and resurrection. And be strong in the Lord. There is an armory. Definitively wear them and win decisively with them. Onward. Amen.
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love (Eph 6:24). Amen.
September 2, 2018
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