Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Dr. Adam Filipek, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church and Immanuel Lutheran Church, both in Lidgerwood, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 16:8-24. The LORD gives true wealth in His wisdom, which Solomon continues to record. Christians may have less earthly wealth in this life than those who gain great riches through injustice. Yet Christians retain God’s gift of a good conscience in Christ as they walk toward the true riches of resurrection. Such divine wisdom applies not only to the lowly, but to the mighty, even kings. They have been placed in an office established by Christ in order to punish evil and reward good. For that reason, any evil a king commits is particularly abominable; when he acts according to the office he has been given, subjects act in wisdom through their obedience. In this and many other ways, wisdom shows its value above all else because wisdom points us to Christ. Rather than giving into pride, Christians recognize their standing before God in humility and rejo

Rev. Jeff Hemmer, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 15:20-16:7. Solomon continues to speak the divine wisdom that gives shape to sanctified Christian living. Following the LORD’s commandments brings benefit, as He has promised. Though folly may delight the one who doesn’t know any better, the Christian rejoices in the path of life the LORD has given. In this way, the future reality of resurrection shapes life now. Those who despise this wisdom ultimately harm only themselves. Because of the fear of the LORD, the Christian recognizes the need for correction and instruction in the LORD’s Word. In all things, the Christian commits himself to the LORD and His way, which He reveals in His Word. He alone can establish our ways. “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 mo

Rev. Christopher Jackson, pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Algoma, WI and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Forestville, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 15:1-19. Proverbs, along with the rest of wisdom literature in God’s Word, has the goal of molding our perspective to accord with God’s perspective. This begins to happen in Christians through faith given by the Holy Spirit. Starting from this right fear of the LORD, Christians are unafraid of God’s omniscience and omnipresence because we know that He has declared us righteous in His Son. The rest of the divine wisdom Solomon speaks in this section flows from this reality. God tunes our lips to speak in concert with Him so that His wisdom, knowledge, and life sound into this world. The Lord accomplishes this through His Word, as He corrects, rebukes, and disciplines us. True wisdom receives this as the love from God that it truly is. As the wisdom recorded in the book of Proverbs presents a picture of the ideal man, we come to see a p

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 14:1-35. Solomon continues to write concerning the wisdom founded on the fear of the LORD. This basis is a necessary lens through which to see each individual proverb. The wisdom by which anyone builds a lasting household is more than economic or social principles; a lasting household is built upon the wisdom of forgiveness that is found in Christ alone. Such upright living only comes when we bow in humility before the LORD. Because He has made Himself our Brother in Christ Jesus, He knows the bitterness and sorrows of our hearts. Though sometimes we do not see the reality of these proverbs in this temporal life, faith trusts what God’s Word says. In this, the fear of the LORD provides a refuge for us and our children. The fear of the LORD is the true fountain of life in the midst of the desert of our sin. “Wisdom and Instruction” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of

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 Proverbs 13:1-25. The Ten Commandments are constantly in the background of the divine wisdom in Proverbs. Solomon continues to bring them to bear in a variety of ways. The fact that children are a product of their parents’ instruction has implications for faithful living for both children and parents according to the 4th Commandment. Laziness and the desire to get rich now through dishonesty stand in contrast to the diligent work that the LORD has given according to the 7th Commandment. The Word of the LORD does bring blessing to those who hear and believe it, according to the 3rd Commandment. Even if this is not fully experienced in this life, the LORD keeps His promise finally in the resurrection. All of these various topics come together in the 1st Commandment, which teaches us to fear, love, and trust in God above all things. In th

Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 12:1-28. Because the LORD is God and we are not, we will receive correction and discipline whenever He gives His knowledge. Wisdom receives this gladly; it is utter foolishness to reject the LORD’s reproof. This first verse provides the necessary attitude toward the wisdom given in the rest of the chapter. Solomon touches on matters concerning favor before the LORD, marriage, work, words, and daily bread. In this wisdom, we see a picture of Jesus as the One who is truly wise; by His wisdom, He has earned our salvation. “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 begins with the fear of the LORD. Christians walk His way of righteousness rather than the way of wicked

Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor at Peace Lutheran Church in Finlayson, MN and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bruno, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 11:1-31. Wisdom from the LORD extends into our daily activities. Christians do not leave their Baptism in the church sanctuary; they take that God-given identity into their vocations concerning business and family. Pride would lead us to think that we know better than God and that we can get away with what we think is right; wisdom is found in true humility that recognizes that what God says is good and true. Such wisdom does bring earthly blessings, not only for ourselves, but for our families and communities. At the same time, Christians recognize that these temporal blessings point us forward to the eternal blessings in the new creation. “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 mu

Rev. Joel Haak, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 10:1-32. Solomon pivots from his addresses to his sons and poems concerning wisdom, but he never leaves that context behind. Each of the individual sayings in the bulk of the book of Proverbs must be understood in light of the fact that true wisdom begins with the fear of the LORD. That connection is immediately apparent as Solomon speaks of a wise son, one who has received the faith that has been taught. That faith makes itself apparent in this life right now; Solomon particularly addresses the matter of diligent work and faithful use of the tongue in this section. There are blessings received right now by the righteous who live according to the wisdom that God gives. At the same time, the final fulfillment comes in the resurrection, when God delivers to us eternal life and security in the righteousness that is ours by faith in Christ. “Wisdom and Instruction” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron

Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at the Northeast Kansas Lutheran Partnership, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 9:1-18. Solomon brings the first part of the book of Proverbs to a climax. Lady Wisdom speaks yet again. She has established an everlasting house, the Church that is founded on Christ and the confession of who He is. Within her house, she sets a feast of food for everlasting life received through faith in Jesus. Those who have partaken of her bounty call out to others that they too might join the feast. Scoffers refuse to hear and believe, even attacking those who do. Those who fear the LORD enter into the house of Lady Wisdom to receive instruction for eternal life. Lady Folly may look and sound like Lady Wisdom in some respects, but those who seek after the fare she offers only go to death. The matter is clear. Those who desire life must follow after the wisdom that comes only from Christ crucified and risen. “Wisdom and Instruction” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the b

Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Hebron, CT, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 8:22-36. Solomon’s personification of Wisdom is more than a poetic device in this text. As we see the role Wisdom played in creation, we see that Wisdom actually is a Person: the Son of God. A careful reading of the text keeps us from any anti-Trinitarian errors that would see the Son of God as a created being. Instead, the Son of God, begotten of the Father from eternity, precedes all creation and is responsible with the Father for all creation. The Father delights in His Wisdom as He creates, and His Wisdom in return delights in His creation, a glorious truth that is evident particularly in the redemption won by Jesus. All who trust in this Wisdom of God are blessed, for they receive true life in Jesus Christ. “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

Rev. Brady Finnern, pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Sartell, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 8:1-21. Lady Wisdom speaks once again. All of her words stand in sharp contrast to the adulterous woman from the previous chapters. Lady Wisdom’s address is universal; she calls to everyone. Her words bring prudence and sense. Because the words of Wisdom are the words of God, Wisdom always speaks the truth and brings value greater than any earthly wealth. Wisdom’s characteristics mirror the characteristics of the Christ as the prophet Isaiah reveals Him. Any earthly ruler who would be faithful listens to Wisdom’s call. As we hear Wisdom’s words, we cannot help but hear Jesus’ words. The way of Wisdom is the way He walks in order to be the way of salvation for sinners. In Him, we have an inheritance of heavenly treasure surpassing all other riches. “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

Rev. Sam Wirgau, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 7:1-27. Solomon’s tenth address to his son once again picks up the warning against adultery; yet the First Commandment remains in view along with the Sixth. God gives His Word as a treasure which we look at constantly so that it reflects from our eyes. This treasure must be our constant companion, as close to us as our closest relative or friend, because temptations are always present. This is certainly true of adultery, both in Solomon’s day and ours. The forbidden woman calls the unsuspecting young man into the darkness. She shrouds her temptation in religiosity and pleasure, deceptively banishing any fear of being caught. Once the senseless one has followed her, he soon discovers that the result is only death. Solomon lays the trap bare so that his son can avoid it, lest he become like even those many strong ones who thought they could never fall. As we see that Satan’s temptations toward id

Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 6:20-35. Solomon proclaims the importance of the wisdom given in God’s Word by making use of the imagery found in Deuteronomy 6. God’s Word is given by parents to children to guard and guide them in every aspect of life. The wise king instructs his son with this Word particularly in this text as a guard against adultery. Though adultery may appear to offer goodness, it is actually evil. The temptation is to see adultery as victimless, a sin without any real price. The reality is that adultery, whether it starts with prostitution or pornography, only grows and grows into death. Upon further reflection, adultery is completely senseless, especially when viewed in light of the goodness of God’s gift of marriage. In speaking of the temptation toward adultery several times, Solomon lays the groundwork for his later reflection concerning the temptation toward folly. As God’s Word exposes our sin again

Rev. Sean Daenzer, director of worship for the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod and chaplain for the International Center, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 6:1-19. Placed between two addresses that speak against adultery, Solomon’s eighth address to his son may seem to address small matters. However, faithfulness in small matters tends toward faithfulness in large matters, just as faithlessness in small matters easily leads to faithlessness in large matters. Knowing that a man’s word is his bond, Solomon warns his son against putting up security for a stranger, lest the stranger’s debt become his own. Such teaching naturally leads into the matter of diligent, self-disciplined work. In this, a lazybones can learn from the example of the ant. Instead of a little rest here and a little rest there adding up to poverty, Solomon urges his son to do the work given to him. Along with the sluggard, the worthless man is dangerous. His entire person shows his wickedness; though he thinks he stands above t

Rev. Hans Fiene, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Crestwood, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 5:1-23. Solomon reveals both the true allurements of adultery and its devastating results in order to instruct his son to avoid such wickedness. The Scriptures are full of examples of men and women whose lack of satisfaction with the God-given marriage bed led to all kinds of ruin in their lives. Solomon himself knew what adultery had done to his own father and mother, David and Bathsheba. That he does not shy away from the Word of God when it touches his own life and history in this way shows how sharp Solomon’s wisdom truly was. Solomon does not only speak of the disastrous consequences of adultery. He also extols marriage, directing his son to find delight in his wife. God’s blessed gift is a reminder of His faithfulness to His people. “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 sh

Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cullman, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 4:20-27. Today’s text is the sixth of Solomon’s ten addresses to his sons. The number “ten” suggests completion and also brings to mind the LORD’s Ten Commandments. This address speaks largely toward matters concerning the 8th Commandment. God’s Word demands our attention; we dare not take His commands for granted. Keeping His wisdom before our eyes and in our hearts, we receive His life and healing. Such life and healing from the Word was made complete in the ministry of Jesus. His Word flows from those who believe as a spring of life. In this way, the words we speak are the overflow of saving faith. This faith keeps our eyes focused forward along the way of wisdom that the LORD gives. To the right and to the left is danger; the LORD keeps our feet walking straight through His Word. “Wisdom and Instruction” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Proverbs. Although

Rev. Harrison Goodman, pastor at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 4:10-19. When Solomon tells his son to hear, he teaches us that wisdom must be received. Wisdom does not come from inside a person, but it is a gift that comes from the Word of the LORD. This is the path of righteousness, with which Jesus identifies Himself: “I am the Way.” Because this way is given by grace, those who walk on it do not stumble, for they are in Christ. They are placed there by His instruction, which is life. Doctrine must norm life; if life norms doctrine, both will be harmed. The path of the wicked is unbelief; Solomon warns in no uncertain terms against it. Those who walk on it do not find comfort in the grace of God, so they can only look for it in their vain attempts at self-justification. Their food is not the LORD’s gracious gift of Himself, but only a cheap imitation. This way of lawlessness is darkness that leads to ignorant stumbling; only in the light o

Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 4:1-9. Solomon occupies the role of father teaching wisdom to his sons because he was once a son who was taught wisdom by his father. Jesus is the fulfillment of this. He receives all things from the Father and gives it faithfully to His Church. The Church now constantly occupies both places as Solomon did, constantly hearing the Word of God and faithfully repeating the Word of God. In this way, Christians keep God’s commandments. This includes obedience, but it is far greater than that. We treasure and hold onto all the Words that God has given us. He has acted in remembrance of us, and so our remembrance of His Word is not only cognitive recall, but affects our faith and life. Such wisdom recognizes that wisdom cannot come from within us; we are the poor in spirit who must be filled with the wisdom that Jesus alone can give through faith in His salvation. Clinging to that wisdom

Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 3:21-35. The wisdom of Proverbs is not pragmatism. The wisdom of Proverbs is faith in the one true God. Solomon teaches Christians to have as their daily adornment God’s Word, which in every place points us to Christ as the Savior. He is the Cornerstone upon whom our lives are secure. In Him, this life has nothing for us to fear, whether waking or sleeping. In this way, the heavenly wisdom of Proverbs is real and concrete, bearing fruit in this life. God’s love in not withholding His good gift from us is mirrored in the lives of His Christians. His love is fully seen in His gift of justification by grace through faith. Those who have been humbled by His Law are lifted up through the saving news of His Gospel. God shows this mercy through the propitiation given by His Son, Jesus Christ. “Wisdom and Instruction” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Proverbs. Although

Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, associate pastor and headmaster at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 3:1-20. The LORD promises blessings to those who receive and keep His commandments. When our lives are normed by the LORD’s will in His Word, He promises His temporal blessings. This is true even as we recognize the incompleteness in this life due to our own sin, leading us to long for the final fulfillment in the resurrection of the dead. The LORD’s loving-kindness is our true wealth which brings us His grace and favor. For this reason, we trust in Him and His Word instead of our own understanding. Such humility leads us toward the LORD and away from evil, bringing us peace and rest. Our offerings are a matter of worship of the LORD, who promises to provide more than we need in this life, including the discipline necessary to keep us as His children. The one who holds onto this precious wisdom from the LORD is blessed, for this wisdom is true wealth. By th