Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Church in Austin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study James 1:19-27.

The Word of God that begets Christians has ongoing effects. This Word is not heard only once. Instead, Christians are quick to listen to God. His Word produces a similar effect toward our neighbor; we are quick to listen and slow to speak so that we do not fall into anger, which would seek to justify sin instead of rejoice in God’s free righteousness. The implanted Word that saves our souls rids us of filthiness and wickedness. This Word is so powerful that it produces deeds when it is heard. One who does not act on the Word has forgotten what the Word has said about himself and about Christ. The Christian rejoices in the freedom God has shown him and the blessings that are given as he does lives according to the powerful Word. True religion is not found in the empty words of a man, but in the efficacious Word of God that directs our attention to those for whom God cares and away from the deceit of the world.

“Wisdom from Above” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Epistle of St. James. Contrary to what some might claim, this short epistle does not contradict St. Paul. Instead, St. James makes different, yet complementary, points concerning the Christian life. Written in a style similar to the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, this insightful epistle comforts, confronts, and strengthens Christians to live a life of good works that flow from God’s gift of faith, even in the midst of trials.

Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Hebron, CT, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study James 1:12-18.

Christian joy in the midst of trials is founded in God’s verdict declared in Christ: “Blessed.” The tests of faith reveal what is genuine, God’s gift of His kingdom in which His people reign with His Son. These trials are not temptations from God, however. His intent is never to draw us toward base, unworthy, or evil things; He never places us into a situation where the only option is to sin. Rather, our own lustful desire baits us in this way, seeking to trap us in sin. James lays out a deadly progression. Desire leads to sin, and sin leads to death. At each point, the Holy Spirit calls us to repentance lest we continue down that deadly path. God’s way is not such deception. He is the Father of lights, more reliable than even these markers of times and seasons, for He is their Creator. He only gives His good and perfect gifts. He has already done this through His Word of truth that has made us the firstfruits, for we have received salvation in Christ and await the resurrection of the dead on the Last Day.

“Wisdom from Above” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Epistle of St. James. Contrary to what some might claim, this short epistle does not contradict St. Paul. Instead, St. James makes different, yet complementary, points concerning the Christian life. Written in a style similar to the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, this insightful epistle comforts, confronts, and strengthens Christians to live a life of good works that flow from God’s gift of faith, even in the midst of trials.

Rev. Shawn Linnell, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blair, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study James 1:5-11.

Christians who lack wisdom in the midst of their trials are not directed inward to themselves. Instead, St. James focuses their attention on God, who gives without rebuking His dearly loved children. This promise enables Christians to cry out to God, not as their enemy, but as their dear Father in heaven, according to the example of Psalm 73 and Job. In this God-given wisdom, all Christians are drawn closer to Christ. The lowly are drawn closer to Christ in the riches of His grace freely given. The rich are drawn closer to Christ in the toppling of their idols that otherwise might stand in the way. As all Christians are thus drawn closer to Christ, they are drawn closer to each other in the Church. Such love from Christ and extended to others is a testimony to the whole world of what Jesus has done.

“Wisdom from Above” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Epistle of St. James. Contrary to what some might claim, this short epistle does not contradict St. Paul. Instead, St. James makes different, yet complementary, points concerning the Christian life. Written in a style similar to the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, this insightful epistle comforts, confronts, and strengthens Christians to live a life of good works that flow from God’s gift of faith, even in the midst of trials.

Rev. Dr. Curtis Giese, Professor of Religion and Interim Director of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Concordia University, Texas, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study James 1:1-4.

After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His half-brother James and changed him completely. During Jesus’ earthly ministry, James thought Jesus was crazy. Yet the mercy and grace of God pursued James to convert him to the true faith. This resurrection reality is evident throughout the epistle of James, written very early in the history of the Church. St. James writes to the New Testament people of God who share the faith of Abraham. They are dispersed throughout the world awaiting the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. As they eagerly expect that Day, their trials bring them joy because these trials refine their faith. Those things which would distract them from trusting Jesus are burned away so that they, like Abraham, see more clearly the work of God in His Son. In this, they are complete in Christ already, even as they await the perfect freedom from sin that will be theirs soon when Jesus returns in glory.

“Wisdom from Above” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Epistle of St. James. Contrary to what some might claim, this short epistle does not contradict St. Paul. Instead, St. James makes different, yet complementary, points concerning the Christian life. Written in a style similar to the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, this insightful epistle comforts, confronts, and strengthens Christians to live a life of good works that flow from God’s gift of faith, even in the midst of trials.

“Wisdom from Above” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Epistle of St. James. Contrary to what some might claim, this short epistle does not contradict St. Paul. Instead, St. James makes different, yet complementary, points concerning the Christian life. Written in a style similar to the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, this insightful epistle comforts, confronts, and strengthens Christians to live a life of good works that flow from God’s gift of faith, even in the midst of trials.

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 Synod. Visit lcef.org.

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 Romans 16:17-27.

St. Paul concludes his epistle to the Romans with a firm warning concerning false teaching, a warm greeting from his companions, and a glorious doxology to the one true God. Though no particular false teaching seems to be in view throughout the epistle, the Apostle knows that false teachers still cause divisions and lead people astray from the one true faith. He therefore urges Christians to avoid their deceptive flattery and cling instead to the true teaching of God’s Word. This truth delivers the victory of Christ over Satan to us, which will be made fully manifest on the Last Day. Those who send their greetings to the Christians in Rome add color and context to the epistle as a whole, quite likely placing St. Paul in Corinth when he wrote. The concluding doxology ties together the key of the entire epistle, the Gospel that has been proclaimed to all nations for saving faith in Jesus Christ. All glory belongs to God through Him!

“The Righteousness of God for You” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. Human righteousness cannot save, because all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. Only the righteousness of God can bring life and forgiveness to sinners. This is the righteousness that He has fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the righteousness that is revealed in the Gospel, the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. This is the righteousness that is not earned, but is freely given by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Romans 16:1-16.

If we skip over St. Paul’s greetings to particular Christians in the church at Rome, we miss the reality of individual brothers and sisters in Christ and a portrait of the first century church. In the names of those St. Paul greets, we see the reality that God calls people by His grace regardless of their nationality or economic status. Men and women alike are given their place among those who belong to Christ Jesus by faith. Individuals like Phoebe provided financial means to support the work of the church. Others, such as Prisca and Aquilla, worked alongside St. Paul on behalf of the Gospel. Some, such as Phlegon and Olympas, are practically unknown to us other than this mention in St. Paul’s epistle. Yet all of them are known by the one true God, and all share together in the familial life of Christ and His church.

“The Righteousness of God for You” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. Human righteousness cannot save, because all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. Only the righteousness of God can bring life and forgiveness to sinners. This is the righteousness that He has fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the righteousness that is revealed in the Gospel, the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. This is the righteousness that is not earned, but is freely given by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

Rev. Brady Finnern, pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Sartell, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Romans 15:22-33.

St. Paul speaks to the church at Rome concerning his travel plans. Although his missionary work in the east has so far prevented him from visiting them, he intends for that to change soon. Though he has never visited these Christians in person before, he knows that his visit will be a mutual benefit for both himself and for them. Together they will be filled by the gifts of the Lord Jesus Christ. That truth leads Paul also to ask for their physical help in sending him on toward Spain. Such sharing of spiritual and material blessings is the reality behind the offering that Paul takes to the saints in Jerusalem. This Christian stewardship is not founded on guilt, but on the free riches of God in Christ Jesus. From that foundation, Paul asks for the Roman Christians to pray for his continued work and speaks the reality of God’s peace to them.

“The Righteousness of God for You” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. Human righteousness cannot save, because all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. Only the righteousness of God can bring life and forgiveness to sinners. This is the righteousness that He has fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the righteousness that is revealed in the Gospel, the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. This is the righteousness that is not earned, but is freely given by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

Rev. Joel Heckmann, pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Okarche, OK, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Romans 15:14-21.

Although we might be tempted to skip over sections like this text, St. Paul fills even his transition toward the close of his epistle with rich theology in Christ. The Apostle encourages the Roman Christians by reminding them of Christ’s goodness that has been given to them in the instruction in the Christian faith. His writing to them was an important reminder, for no Christian can ever receive too much teaching in the Word of God. This Word of God reveals Christ as the center for Jews and Gentiles; the priestly service of the Old Testament has been fulfilled in Him so that His benefits extend to all. This work has been done by the Triune God through St. Paul. Through St. Paul’s apostleship, Christ has been fulfilling His promise to extend His good news to all nations, so that what the prophet Isaiah had foreseen over eight hundred years earlier had come to pass. The Suffering Servant, Christ crucified and risen, had been made known to the Gentiles.

“The Righteousness of God for You” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. Human righteousness cannot save, because all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. Only the righteousness of God can bring life and forgiveness to sinners. This is the righteousness that He has fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the righteousness that is revealed in the Gospel, the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. This is the righteousness that is not earned, but is freely given by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

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 Romans 15:8-13.

Christ Jesus gives the united voice of praise not only to the strong and weak in faith, but to Jew and Gentile. His service to the circumcised was not due to anything inherent in them; rather, Jesus showed God’s truthfulness to save by the grace that He had promised since the very beginning. The Gentiles are united in the glory given to God not due to their own works, but due to God’s mercy freely given to them in Christ. This truth is proclaimed throughout the Old Testament. St. Paul brings several passages from the Scriptures together to show forth the truth that God’s victory in Christ has always been intended for Jews and Gentiles alike. Together, they confess His deeds of salvation and sound forth His praise. Such praise is given in hope, the confident expectation that Christ will return to raise the dead and take all Christians to their eternal home with Him.

“The Righteousness of God for You” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. Human righteousness cannot save, because all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. Only the righteousness of God can bring life and forgiveness to sinners. This is the righteousness that He has fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the righteousness that is revealed in the Gospel, the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. This is the righteousness that is not earned, but is freely given by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.