Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Zelwyn Heide, pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hannover, ND and Zion Lutheran Church in New Salem, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Timothy 2:14-26. As Timothy fights the good fight of faith, he must not engage in worthless quarrels. No pastor is given to fight for the sake of fighting or for the sake of winning an argument. Such quarrels only harm hearers and may even spread the disease of false teaching. Instead, pastors are called to handle the Word of truth in such a way that those who hear will be called to repentance and faith in Christ. In this, they are shown to be tested and approved as one who is not ashamed of God or His Gospel. As Timothy particularly faces a false teaching concerning the resurrection of the dead, Paul gives him the confidence that God knows who belongs to Him and will make it plain on the Last Day. This encourages Timothy to flee from dishonorable youthful passions and pursue the honorable fruit of the Spirit. As Timothy and all pastors do so, they are giv

Rev. Shawn Linnell, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blair, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Timothy 2:1-13. As Paul faces his impending execution, Paul writes to his dear son Timothy so that he would not find strength in himself, but be strengthened by God through the grace that is found in Jesus. Yet Paul is not myopic; he keeps in mind the needs of the whole Church as he encourages Timothy to entrust the Word of God to other faithful men. Paul commends to Timothy the example of a soldier and an athlete, encouraging him to remain focused on the task given by Christ as Timothy endures toward the end. The example of the farmer reminds Timothy that he too must receive the Gospel that he is given to preach. This Gospel centers on Jesus, who is risen from the dead and will not fail to raise Paul or any of His Christians. Though Jesus’ servants may be bound as He once was, His Word is never bound. This serves as an encouragement to Timothy to endure as Paul does for the sake of the Church. Even a

Rev. David Vandercook, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in North Little Rock, AR and Shepherd of Peace Lutheran Church in Maumelle, AR, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Timothy 1:8-18. Although the Gospel brings with it suffering at the foolishness of the cross, Christians do not run from such suffering because the cross is truly God’s power to save. Therefore, Christians are not ashamed of the Word or of its servants. Those who serve as pastors are not saved or called because of their own works, but solely because of God’s grace. That grace is evident in God’s election to salvation from before the ages, which He has also shown forth in the death and resurrection of His Son. Paul is not ashamed of this and is imprisoned for it, and he urges Timothy to the same fearlessness. He must confess sound doctrine, choosing faithfulness over everything else. Though others in Ephesus have fallen into shame, Paul urges Timothy to remember God’s mercy by which Onesiphorus and all Christians are saved. “The Word

Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Timothy 1:1-7. Paul’s imprisonment adds a sense of urgency to his second letter to Timothy. Because the Apostle senses that his death is near, he writes to Timothy once more, not only to ask him to come visit him in prison, but especially to urge him to faithfulness in sound doctrine. The affection that Paul and Timothy share for each other in the faith is evident as Paul greets the young pastor and gives thanks for him. The Christian faith they both confess is the continuation of the faith taught in the Old Testament, which was given faithfully to Timothy by his mother and grandmother. For this reason, Paul urges Timothy to fan into flame God’s gift, for His gift alone enables Timothy to go about the task he has been given. “The Word is Trustworthy” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the three pastoral epistles: 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus. These three letter

Rev. Tim Storck, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Chesterfield Township, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Timothy 6:11-21. Paul concludes his first letter to Timothy by repeating his charge to the young pastor. Not only must he flee from false doctrine and the love of money, but he must run toward the good gifts that God gives through His Word. The fight of the faith leads to resurrection and eternal life for Timothy and his hearers. His bold confession of the faith before the world is given in the presence of God the Father, who gives life, and in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, who made the good confession Himself as He suffered for the salvation of sinners. Because He will return at the appointed time set by the Father, Timothy is given boldness to proclaim the truth until that Day. Until that Day, the rich in possessions must remain rich in good works, and Timothy and all Christians must hold onto the good deposit of teaching that delivers Christ crucified for sinners. “The

Rev. Kurt Cockran, pastor at Faith Lutheran Church in Tucson, AZ, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Timothy 6:3-10. As Paul begins to bring his first letter to Timothy to a close, he again reminds the young pastor of the importance of sound doctrine. Only the healthy words of Jesus Christ can bring true spiritual health and godliness. Those who teach anything different, though claiming great knowledge, actually understand nothing. They would either fall into the distraction of quarreling over obscure passages or into the danger of questioning the clear truth of God’s Word. Paul instructs Timothy to rebuke such false teachers, all the while caring for those who have been misled as false learners. Paul particularly points out how false teaching leads toward the idolatry of riches. The desire to be rich and the love of money can lead to all kinds of evil, even to a forsaking of the truth. God gives great gain to His people through contentment with His gifts for this life and the next. “The Word is Trust

Rev. Clint Poppe, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Timothy 5:17-6:2. Paul gives further instructions concerning the lives of Christians within their various God-given vocations. Certainly all those who are older ought to be treated with special honor, but Paul also commands double honor for those who serve as elders, that is, pastors, within the Christian congregation. Not only should they be treated with respect because of the office of preaching and teaching they bear, but they also should be supported physically by those who hear and learn. Any pastor who persists in false teaching or sinful living must be rebuked, as must any Christian, in order to bring about repentance. Such purity comes not from what is or isn’t consumed, but rather from the good news about Jesus, which Timothy is charged to preach. “The Word is Trustworthy” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the three pastoral epistles: 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus. T

Rev. Sam Wirgau, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Timothy 5:1-16. Paul begins to instruct Timothy concerning the lives of Christians in the Church within their various vocations. The overarching reality of the interactions of pastors and parishioners within the Church is the fact that Christians have been united within the family of God. They are not to treat each other as enemies or strangers, but as fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters. Paul first applies this larger truth to the matter of Christian widows. A widow is one whose vocation has changed in a tragic way, yet this does not change the Lord’s faithfulness. He cares particularly for widows, and He commands His Church to do the same. A widow’s family must be first to step up to give the needed care. Where no family members are left, the family of God is quick to care for the widow in practical, physical ways. The widow herself continues in prayer and supplication because her hope continu

Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Timothy 4:6-16. Paul encourages Timothy to be a good servant of Jesus by clinging to the good doctrine that he has received. Old wives’ tales are useless in this; Timothy must be trained in godliness. This proper piety of faith in the forgiveness of sins that comes on account of Christ is good both for this life and the next. The Word is trustworthy to declare to us the hope that we have in the God who gives life from the dead through faith in Jesus. Even though he is young, Timothy must command and teach these things as he also sets an example of holy living to the congregation. He must take up the task of a pastor diligently and willingly, keeping a close watch on his teaching for the sake of delivering God’s gift of salvation that is found only in the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ. “The Word is Trustworthy” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the three pastoral epistles: 1 Timothy, 2

Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Timothy 4:1-5. Paul returns to the central theme of faithfulness to the truth of God’s Word in the face of all lies. He reminds Timothy of Jesus’ words from Matthew 24:24 that false prophets will arise in the time between Jesus’ ascension and return. These false prophets depart from the faith because they fall into lies that come from the father of lies, the devil. Their consciences are seared because they are looking for a righteousness of their own apart from the righteousness freely declared by grace through faith in Christ. They seek this righteousness of their own in their works according to the Law. They go beyond the Law concerning God’s good gifts of marriage and food and teach others to find their righteousness in these man-made works instead of in Christ. The false teaching that Paul urged Timothy to fight is the same false teaching that was exposed during the Reformation. From this herita

Rev. Tim Eden, pastor at Bethel Lutheran Church in Bryan, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Timothy 3:8-16. Qualifications for deacons follow immediately after qualifications for overseers. Though the two lists share many similarities, deacons are not required to have the ability to teach. This may indicate that these two are separate offices in the church. Nonetheless, deacons play a vital role in Christian congregations in their service. They hold to the Christian faith with confidence and build up the household of God in which they serve. This household of God is His Church, built on the true confession of Christ crucified and risen. This central truth shapes the Church to be a pillar and buttress of the entire truth God speaks in His Word. In His Word, God reveals the mystery of who He is through His Son Jesus Christ, who was born, crucified, raised, and ascended for sinners. The Church proclaims this truth among the nations so that sinners will be brought to saving faith in Him. “The Word is

Rev. Caleb Adams, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bend, OR, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Timothy 3:1-7. The second trustworthy saying of the pastoral epistles highlights the pastoral office. Whether called "overseer," "elder," or "pastor," this God-given office is given the important task of proclaiming the Gospel publicly and administering the Sacraments in accordance with Christ’s institution. A man who desires this task desires a good thing, though he must desire it for Christ’s glory and not his own. God equips those men He calls into this office with His gifts; most of the qualifications listed deal with the man’s character. He is to be above reproach, an overarching term that covers the rest. Though this does not mean the pastor is sinless, it does mean that others should not be able to make the charge of a life of sin stick. Both pastors and congregations should approach this qualification, along with the rest, with humility and prayer in considering which men are ordained as pastors

Rev. Harrison Goodman, pastor at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Timothy 2:8-15. Paul’s instruction concerning the roles of men and women within the Church must always be seen in light of the gift that God has given us all in Christ. The clergy receive His Word as a gift, and so they are given to lift up their hands in prayer as an outward confession of the inward faith in their hearts. Women, who are far more than their body parts, are likewise given the outward confession of modesty because of the inward faith that stems not from vanity or pride, but the knowledge of God’s gifts. True godly adornment for the Christian woman is the gift of good works in her vocations in which she has the freedom won for her by Christ. The Church is the place in which she gladly receives all good from Christ, learning His Word from those He has appointed to teach. To reverse what God has given by ordaining women into an office He has not given to them is to fall into s

Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Timothy 2:1-7. As Paul has urged Timothy to steadfast faith, now he directs him to pray for it. Such prayer is directed to God for all, particularly for those in positions of civil authority. No statement is made concerning whether or not we find their policies agreeable; God’s Word directs us to pray even for rulers hostile to Christianity, even for one like Nero. God directs us to pray in this way because one of the reasons He has established civil authority is to provide an environment in which His people are free to live quiet, godly lives. This is to an even greater end; God desires salvation for all. He has won salvation for all in His Son Jesus Christ, who alone is the mediator between God and sinners. He has brought us back to God by paying the ransom of Himself through His death on the cross. This is the message that Paul and all pastors are given to proclaim. “The Word is Trus

Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at the Northeast Kansas Lutheran Partnership, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Timothy 1:12-20. Paul thanks Christ Jesus as the One who called him and judged him to be faithful. This was not due to anything Paul had done, but was solely the declaration of God that made him so. God did this despite Paul’s formerly blasphemous and violent ways against Christ and His Church. Paul was shown mercy in his ignorance, as God’s grace overflowed even more than Paul’s sin. Paul reminds Timothy that all of God’s Word is trustworthy, particularly as he sums it up concisely: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” Such wonderful news leads Paul to praise the one true God with great joy. He again encourages Timothy in the important spiritual battle that he will wage as a pastor. Even when that battle requires the drastic step of excommunication, the purpose is always to lead sinners in repentance to the One who came for them: Christ Jesus. “The Word is

Rev. Andy Wright, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Keystone, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Timothy 1:1-11. Paul wrote his first letter to Timothy to give him instruction in his service as pastor to the church at Ephesus. By acknowledging his office of apostle, he writes with the humility that his authority comes only from God. He writes with care and concern for his spiritual child, Timothy, to encourage him in the important task he has been given from God. Paul warns against those who would teach any false doctrine. Only healthy teaching that accords with God’s Word can bring forth a good conscience and sincere faith. Although there are those who would misuse the law to seek justification from works, Paul reminds Timothy that the law is good. Its goodness shows sinners that their evil, so that having been instructed in sound doctrine, they would see Christ their hope in the gospel of the glory of the blessed God. “The Word is Trustworthy” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes t

“The Word is Trustworthy” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the three pastoral epistles: 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus. These three letters are named after their recipients, two young pastors in the Christian Church. St. Paul gives instruction to these two men concerning the doctrine and life of the congregations where they are given to serve. In these epistles, the Apostle teaches both pastors and congregations of all times and places that the sound doctrine from God’s Word is faithful to save sinners in Christ Jesus. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund, where your investments help support the work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Syn

Rev. Kyle Mietzner, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Anchorage, AK, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 31:10-31. The conclusion of the book of Proverbs is an acrostic poem extolling the wife of strong character. There is advice to be found here, primarily for a young man who desires to marry. Above all, he should seek a faithful Christian wife. Advice, however, is not all this acrostic poem has to offer. Primarily, this text speaks of Christ and His bride, the Church. These words reveal who the Church is in her Savior, Jesus. He has washed her in the water and Word of Holy Baptism, and so she is spotless and blameless before Him. This is the reality that is declared in confession and absolution; for the sake of Christ, our sins are forgiven. “Wisdom and Instruction” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Proverbs. Although Proverbs is perhaps best known for its short sayings full of practical advice, the one true God has so much more in this book of wisdom. True wisdom

Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 31:1-9. The name “Lemuel” means “dedicated to God.” Though absolute certainty is not possible, this may very well be a pseudonym for King Hezekiah. He has learned wisdom from his mother, a faithful woman who passed the Word of God to her son. She gives him wisdom particularly for his service as a king concerning three topics. She warns against adultery as harmful not only to the king, but to his kingdom as well. She warns against drunkenness as leading the king to sins against both God and his subjects, while commending the enjoyment of God’s gift of alcohol in God-pleasing ways. She exhorts kings to speak up for justice for those who are the most defenseless. All earthly kings who would be godly aspire to such an example; Jesus is the King who has lived this wisdom perfectly for us. “Wisdom and Instruction” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Proverbs. Although Pro

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 30:1-33. Although Agur son of Jakeh remains unknown to us, his wisdom in Proverbs 30 reflects the books of Moses and the rest of the book of Proverbs. In the first part of the wisdom he records, he laments his weariness in looking for wisdom in all the wrong places. Wisdom is found in the Son of God and the Word that He has given. Agur recognizes that sins against neighbor go hand in hand with sins against God and prays for protection from both. In the second part of the wisdom he records, Agur uses several lists that draw their imagery from the natural world. With a character similar to riddles, the Word of God here invites us to ponder deeply and reflect at length on the wisdom that He gives us in His Son. “Wisdom and Instruction” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Proverbs. Although Proverbs is perhaps best known for its short sayings full of practical advice, the one