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 Chris...
Oct 28, 2020•56 min
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 li...
Oct 27, 2020•53 min
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 direc...
Oct 26, 2020•54 min
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. P...
Oct 23, 2020•54 min
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...
Oct 22, 2020•55 min
“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 i...
Oct 22, 2020•2 min
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 r...
Oct 21, 2020•55 min
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 k...
Oct 20, 2020•54 min
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 han...
Oct 19, 2020•55 min
Rev. Dr. Ryan Tinetti, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Arcadia, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 29:1-27. The proverbs copied by Hezekiah’s men come to a conclusion, speaking wisdom to all Christians as part of the Lord’s royal priesthood. Discipline is necessary for Christians; to refuse to receive it, to refuse to give it, or to abuse it is to harm both parties. Christians know the joy of God’s righteousness for themselves and their rulers; even when this is not seen in...
Oct 16, 2020•57 min
Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, associate pastor and headmaster at Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 28:1-28. Though unbelievers face the world with fear, Christians have boldness because their confidence is in Christ. Such confidence in Christ allows us to reflect honestly upon what the Proverbs reveal concerning our lives; we know that when we turn to Him in repentance, He responds with His mercy and forgiveness. In that forgiveness, Christians pray th...
Oct 15, 2020•55 min
Rev. Gaven Mize, pastor at Augustana Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hickory, NC, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 27:1-27. The wisdom recorded in the book of Proverbs puts our confidence in the LORD who reigns over today and tomorrow. This faith keeps us both from the worry that thinks tomorrow is out of control and from the boasting that assumes tomorrow is under our control. In that confidence, Christians are set free to go about the simple daily vocations in which God gives us ...
Oct 14, 2020•56 min
Rev. Paul Pater, pastor at Shepherd of the Ridge Lutheran Church in North Ridgeville, OH and Hope Lutheran Church in Sheffield Village, OH, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 26:1-28. The proverbs of Solomon copied by Hezekiah’s men in this section give very vivid imagery to teach the wisdom of avoiding the way of the fool, the sluggard, and the gossip. Though a fool may not listen to wisdom, the threat of punishment does sometimes move him in the right direction. There is wisdom in...
Oct 13, 2020•56 min
Rev. Chris Hull, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Tomball, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 25:1-28. The proverbs of Solomon were not meant to be read and used only once. The men of Hezekiah who copied them about three hundred years later is an example of the faithful use of the Word of God. God conceals in order to reveal in the way of His choosing and in the way in which we can receive Him. This happens through faithful preachers searching His Word and proclaiming it truthf...
Oct 12, 2020•54 min
Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee’s Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 24:23-34. Solomon provides another compilation of sayings of wise people that he has edited under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. In these verses, he primarily deals with three topics: courtroom conduct, wise and foolish speech, and diligent labor. The matter of judgment without partiality finds its foundation in the character of God. Though Christians may not always...
Oct 09, 2020•55 min
The Lord is faithful, and His Word is powerful, both for parents and their children. Join Pastor Timothy Appel to ponder Proverbs 22:16 in this Sharper Iron podcast short. Proverbs 22:6 6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. “Wisdom and Instruction” is ...
Oct 08, 2020•7 min
Rev. Matt Ulmer, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bishop, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 24:1-22. Solomon’s compilation of wise sayings continues. Christians might be tempted to become envious of evil men due to their success with earthly wealth. Yet this is the way of folly, for when Christians desire to be with such men, they fall into the same sins. Rather, the only lasting household is built by wisdom. This is true in terms not only of material blessings, but in ter...
Oct 08, 2020•55 min
Rev. Joel Heckmann, pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Okarche, OK, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 23:15-35. As Solomon continues to recount the thirty sayings of wisdom, he once again implores his son to listen. The wisdom that Solomon speaks is centered in a proper fear of the LORD, which is not the terror that a slave experiences before his master, but the respect and honor that a son has toward his father. This proper fear of the LORD trusts His Word of promise for the ...
Oct 07, 2020•57 min
Rev. Nate Hill, pastor at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Winchester, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 22:17-23:14. The book of Proverbs transitions into a new section which is often called “The Words of the Wise.” Solomon was led by the Holy Spirit to write, compile, and adapt many wise sayings to teach godly wisdom. His introduction to this section makes clear that his purpose is that those who listen who put their trust in the LORD. With that end in mind, Solomon speaks co...
Oct 06, 2020•55 min
Casting lots is a great equalizer between powerful contenders, because the LORD is more powerful than either one. Join Pastor Timothy Appel to ponder Proverbs 18:18 for this Sharper Iron podcast short. Proverbs 18:18 18 The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders. English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. “Wisdom and I...
Oct 05, 2020•8 min
Rev. Jason M. Kaspar, pastor at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in La Grange, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 22:1-16. The wisdom of Proverbs provides a catechism that directs us back to the Ten Commandments. The value of having a good reputation drives the Christian to the 8th Commandment to recognize the same need to defend the neighbor’s reputation. The Christian Church is the place where rich and poor meet together under the Lordship of the one true God. His wisdom provides t...
Oct 05, 2020•55 min
Rev. Jacob Dandy, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church and School in Terra Bella, CA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 21:1-31. The LORD’s rule over all creation is at the heart of this chapter of Proverbs. Even kings, who might think they can do whatever they want, remain under the authority of the one true God. His righteousness and justice, given to us through faith in Christ, direct all wisdom as Christians begin to live in it even now in matters of hard work, family life, and hones...
Oct 02, 2020•55 min
Lots seem to be pure chance, but the LORD rules over chance. Join Pastor Timothy Appel to ponder Proverbs 16:33 for this Sharper Iron podcast short. Proverbs 16:33 33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. “Wisdom and Instruction” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes ...
Oct 01, 2020•9 min
Rev. Andrew Jagow, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, VA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 20:1-30. God’s Word in Proverbs invites us to chew on His wisdom. We meditate upon what He says in this book in light of everything else He teaches us in Holy Scripture. This particular chapter has many verses that point us clearly to Christ. He is the faithful friend whose deeds match His words. He is the pure and sinless One who gives us His holiness through faith in Him. His...
Oct 01, 2020•54 min
Rev. Mark Barz, pastor at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 19:13-29. The LORD is the source of all wisdom; He alone is wise and capable of being God. In giving us the fear of the LORD, He gives us wisdom to recognize how the world that He created operates and how we fit into it. This is true in the value of family; the way of wisdom sees family as a blessing and receives it as such. Though we sinners have failed to keep the command...
Sep 30, 2020•55 min
Rev. Tim Koch, pastor at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank, SD, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 19:1-12. The Proverbs of Solomon must be read within the larger context of the Christian faith taught in God’s Word. From that context, they invite us to use them in the various contexts we face in life. Solomon speaks to that variety of contexts within these verses. Integrity, acting consistently according to the Word of God, is far more valuable than earthly wealth. When raw desire ...
Sep 29, 2020•57 min
Rev. Matt Wietfeldt, director of admissions and director of the Christ Academy program at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 17:25-18:24. Solomon again speaks of the value of God’s gift of family. Children who heed their parents’ instruction in the way of wisdom find blessing for themselves and provide joy to their parents as well. It is foolish to isolate oneself from parents and from the larger Church; in this community, God gives ...
Sep 28, 2020•54 min
Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 17:7-24. Solomon continues to teach the benefit of the way of divine wisdom in contrast to the harm that comes from following the way of folly. The mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart. Each of us must examine, then, both what we speak and what we hear. Where conflict arises, Christian wisdom does not seek escalation, for growing strife is from the devil. Instead, Christian ...
Sep 25, 2020•54 min
Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 16:25-17:6. Solomon repeats a previous proverb as he warns against following after whatever seems right in human sight. Only when our thoughts are shaped by the LORD in His Word can we walk the way of life. When a man’s heart is worthless or dishonest, his words will match. Wisdom recognizes both when silence is necessary and when speaking up in defense of a neighbor is require...
Sep 24, 2020•54 min
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...
Sep 23, 2020•56 min
