Sexagesima Sunday, 2019
Pastor Gregory L. Jackson
The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16
The Gloria Patri
The Kyrie p. 17
The Gloria in Excelsis
The Salutation and Collect p. 19
The Epistle and Gradual
The Gospel
Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
The Sermon Hymn # 339 All Hail the Power
2 Corinthians 11:19 For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. 20 For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. 21 I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. 22 Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. 23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool ) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. 24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen,in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? 30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. 31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not. 32 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: 33 And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands. 12:1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
KJV Luke 8:4 And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: 5 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. 8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. 9 And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? 10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. 11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. 13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. 14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. 15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
Sermon Background - Clearing Paul's Name
One of the clever remarks about the Apostle Paul is that he seldom resisted the urge to praise himself. That is good for a chuckle during a seminary class or while reading an article. Today fewer will even get the joke.
Today's lesson is the finest example of self-praise, but many people grossly misunderstand it because of skeptics using it to mock Paul. The message is just the opposite of their caricature.
Point 1 - The Corinthians put up with fools - false teachers. These false teachers constantly boast about themselves even though they have accomplished nothing. They also mock Paul in their effort to become the leaders even though they have done nothing.
Point 2 - Paul asks them, So you put with fools, these false teachers who came in after all the work was done? Since you "suffer fools gladly" - welcome foolishness - I will play the role of fool for your benefit.
Point 3 - Paul's autobiography shows how much he has suffered physically, and they know it (though seem to forget). "I can boast like a fool, too." He is using the Jewish argument - from the lesser to the greater. That is - If you can be impressed by their empty boasting, I will do them many times better. Maybe you will listen to me.
Point 4 - Paul boasts in his weakness because anything worthwhile comes from God to prove God's power.
The false teachers of today would like to prove that Paul hated women, that he was a braggart and a tough guy to know. The brag passages sometimes show his weakness, which we all have, but also contrast with his boasting of the cross. It is important to remember that when skeptics try to make us dislike Paul on a personal basis, they are really trying to make the Scriptures a book about religion, not the Truth revealed by God. Once the authority of the Word is subordinated to man's wisdom and perspective, it ceases to be the Word of God authoritatively for all believers.
Notice also the play on words in Paul's letters - wisdom and foolishness. The wisdom of the world is foolishness to God, and the wisdom of God is foolishness to the world. That shows how the anti-God forces wean people away from the truth.
God Works in Weakness To Reveal His Power and Grace
2 Corinthians 11:19 For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. 20 For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.
This is a difficult text at first, because people have laid so much sarcasm on Paul and his language here. That has the desired effect among false teachers - to make others look away from it and miss the extraordinary lesson. That also makes it easier to bypass the conclusion showing Paul had a unique experience even beyond seeing the risen Christ.
These fools are the false teachers that did nothing to start the congregation but now want to take it from Paul. I have known various Church Growth experts, and they act just like this. They thing whatever they covet is already theirs to grab. They never stop boasting about themselves. They write books about how great they are, which make for hilarious reading a few years later.
Paul identifies the false teachers doing the following -
- They enslave you.
- They consume you.
- They demand payment from you.
- They praise themselves, world without end.
- They slap your face (insult you, or physically attack you).
21 I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.
If the false teachers want to compare themselves to Paul, he is happy to oblige. So Paul is willing to become a fool since the Corinthians welcome foolishness. This is a paradox, a seeming contradiction, and very skillfully done. The critics of the Bible and Bible translations seem to have very little sense of language - including their own. They are largely humorless, too. This is ironic humor, Paul playing the fool to shame the false teachers.
I have heard through the back-channels that I do not know any Greek. That came, in one instance, from a WELS pastor I had never met. Very well, since they know so much Greek and I so little, I will suspend my Greek classes and attend their classes in NT Greek on the Net. Unfortunately, I cannot find any of theirs, and we are on the third set - the Gospel of John, Romans 3, and the Gospel of Mark next.
22 Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. 23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool ) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
Paul is almost duplicating the conflict between Jesus and his opponents. We often find that experts are experts because where they belong or where they were born (as if they had something to say about that). The opponents in John said, "We have Abraham for our father." Jesus replied, "Before Abraham was, I AM," identifying Himself as God, the voice from the Burning Bush, Exodus 3.
Paul has claims similar to his opponents, though not one of them has suffered in the least. This boasting is good for us, because we see how much Paul suffered physically in his ministry.
24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
The Reformation was an era no different from Paul's. Faithful Christians were persecuted, thrown in dungeons, beaten, killed, and driven into exile. Even distinguished leaders like Chemnitz were driven in exile from the place where he was called to be a bishop, just as Paul Gerhardt was expelled from his congregation in Berline for being a faithful Lutheran. (The father of modern theology, F. Scheiermacher, helped promote such actions in his day through the Prussian Union - Lutherans and Calvinists united.)
We should also remind ourselves of many Lutheran pioneers in America who suffered many hardships to become educated, to serve and start congregations. W. Passavant avoided an easy congregational call so he could start charitable institutions and promote faithfulness to Lutheran doctrine (the pledge at Maywood Seminary, merged out of existence. Cubs Stadium is standing on the land he bought with his own funds to start a Lutheran seminary in Chicago. The local blockheads would not listen, so he did that on his own).
Christians are being persecuted and killed today.
26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
This is typical oration style, using repetition to make his points. Paul has endured everything for the Gospel, which has been planted and grown in Corinth. Any of his faults are fatal to his reputation, but the false teachers are forgiven everything. Below is Luther's timely description of false teachers:
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False Teachers Use Work of Others
J-635.1
"Note the master hand wherewith Paul portrays the character of false teachers, showing how they betray their avarice and ambition. First, they permit true teachers to lay the foundation and perform the labor; then they come and desire to do the work over, to reap the honors and the benefits. They bring about that the name and the work of the true teachers receive no regard and credit; what they themselves have brought—that is the thing. They make the poor simple-minded people to stare open-mouthed while they win them with flowery words and seduce them with fair speeches, as mentioned in Romans 16:18. These are the idle drones that consume the honey they will not and cannot make." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VII, p. 110. Second Sunday in Lent. 2 Corinthians 11:19-33; 12:1-9; Romans 16:18.
False Doctrine IsTolerated
J-636.1
"And such false teachers have the good fortune that all their folly is tolerated, even though the people realize how these act the fool, and rather rudely at that. They have success with it all, and people bear with them. But no patience is to be exercised toward true teachers! Their words and their works are watched with the intent of entrapping them, as complained of in Psalm 17:9 and elsewhere. When only apparently a mote is found, it is exaggerated to a very great beam. No toleration is granted. There is only judgment, condemnation and scorn. Hence the office of preaching is a grievous one. He who has not for his sole motive the benefit of his neighbor and the glory of God cannot continue therein. The true teacher must labor, and permit others to have the honor and profit of his efforts, while he receives injury and derision for his reward."Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VII, p. 110f. Second Sunday in Lent. 2 Corinthians 11:19-33; 12:1-9. Psalm 17:9.
God Punishes Ingratitude by Allowing False Teachers
J-637.1
"In the second place such teachers are disposed to bring the people into downright bondage and to bind their conscience by forcing laws upon them and teaching works-righteousness. The effect is that fear impels them to do what has been pounded into them, as if they were bondslaves, while their teachers command fear and attention. But the true teachers, they who give us freedom of conscience and create us lords, we soon forget, even despise. The dominion of false teachers is willingly tolerated and patiently endured; indeed, it is given high repute. All those conditions are punishments sent by God upon them who do not receive the Gospel with love and gratitude."
Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VII, p. 111. Second Sunday in Lent. 2 Corinthians 11:19-33; 12:1-9. John 5:43.
False Teachers Flay Disciples to Bone
J-638.1
"In the third place, false teachers flay their disciples to the bone, and cut them out of house and home, but even this is taken and endured. Such, I opine, has been our experience under the Papacy. But true preachers are even denied their bread. Yet this all perfectly squares with justice! For, since men fail to give unto those from whom they receive the Word of God, and permit the latter to serve them at their own expense, it is but fair they should give the more unto preachers of lies, whose instruction redounds to their injury. What is withheld from Christ must be given in tenfold proportion to the devil. They who refuse to give the servant of truth a single thread, must be oppressed by liars."
Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VII, p. 111f. Second Sunday in Lent. 2 Corinthians 11:19-33; 12:1-9.
Avarice in False Teachers
J-639.1
"Fourth, false apostles forcibly take more than is given them. They seize whatever and whenever they can, thus enhancing their insatiable avarice. This, too, is excused in them."
Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VII, p. 112. Second Sunday in Lent. 2 Corinthians 11:19-33; 12:1-9.
They Lord It Over Us
J-640.1
"Fifth, these deceitful teachers, not satisfied with having acquired our property, must exalt themselves above us and lord it over us...We bow our knees before them, worship them and kiss their feet. And we suffer it all, yes, with fearful reverence regard it as just and right. And it is just and right, for why did we not honor the Gospel by accepting and preserving it?"
Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VII, p. 112. Second Sunday in Lent. 2 Corinthians 11:19-33; 12:1-9.
We Are Dogs and Foot-Rags
J-641.1
"Sixth, our false apostles justly reward us by smiting us in the face. That is, they consider us inferior to dogs; they abuse us, and treat us as foot-rags." Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VII, p. 112. Second Sunday in Lent. 2 Corinthians 11:19-33; 12:1-9.
False Teachers Are Peacocks
J-642.1
"The peacock is an image of heretics and fanatical spirits. For on the order of the peacock they, too, show themselves and strut about in their gifts, which never are outstanding. But if they could see their feet, that is the foundation of their doctrine, they would be stricken with terror, lower their crests, and humble themselves. To be sure, they, too, suffer from jealousy, because they cannot bear honest and true teachers. They want to be the whole show and want to put up with no one next to them. And they are immeasurably envious, as peacocks are. Finally, they have a raucous and unpleasant voice, that is, their doctrine is bitter and sad for afflicted and godly minds; for it casts consciences down more than it lifts them up and strengthens them."
What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, II, p. 642.
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28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? 30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. 31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.
Another part of Paul's pain is the burden of his responsibilities and his deep concern for others. At this point he has moved from external suffering to his inner suffering. So the main point of his proclamation is going to be made.
12:1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Lenski: "He is using a club to demolish the fake pretenses of the
false apostles who play themselves up as "superlative or superfine apostles" (11:5; 12:11). The task of wielding this club is forced upon Paul. The Corinthians derive no profit from it. They are only to witness what Paul is doing to these fake apostles."
Paul is not going to describe what cannot be told, but that fostered a whole line-up of people who got on TV to speak about their journeys to heaven and back. That was started by a fake account from a boy, which the father wrote and earned all the money from it. Soon the flight paths to heaven were busier than O'Hare at Christmas. The modern braggarts rested their glory on story-telling, and that morphed into angel messages later
5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
Paul could glory but he is really making a transition to his weakness. This is best understood through the modern examples of glorying false teachers. They say, "Pay attention to me - I have 5,000 members in church on Sunday." The next one has 15,000, and on it goes. They never align themselves with the Sower and the Seed, which gives all glory to the Word. No, they talk about their great results. If they have great results, they must be experts. So they conclude. Everyone is expected to think they are infallible and they are above the Scriptures. They do not say that, but their followers act that way, as expected. Many hangers-on want to share the glory, money, and luxuries too.
I am especially tickled by those who are experts but have almost no experience as parish pastors. We hear from "theologians" with no training and congregational experts who specialize in grabbing bureaucratic positions.
Many times the congregational wisdom comes from business fads being recycled - or pop psychology - or statistical studies. Yet, in all these years I have not found those methods in the Bible.
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
Many look for something outward, such a problem with his eyes. However, that kind of problem evokes sympathy rather than scorn. I heard from a speaker yesterday was seated in a chair and interviewing two celebrities. He used his digital device to review his notes, but by putting in his earplug for a few seconds at a time. I did not know with certainty that he was blind until he was escorted away. Then I thought, "That man is masterful in speaking, because he remembered his questions in great detail and never fumbled, as sighted people do when reading with reasonably good eyes.
Our wonder-dog Sassy constantly evokes sympathy and love because she does so much with three legs.
I agree with Luther that Paul's thorn in the flesh was emotional, which is in harmony with his tremendous apostolic efforts, his responsibilities, and his sensitivity. His scattered flocks were in constant danger from all kinds of threats, doctrinal and moral.
This leads to one of the greatest verses for all people, because we experience weakness, exhaustion, depression, and futility. Many of my graduate students suffer and have trouble doing their work because of it.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
For example, every parent with a special child - who does not fit the norms for physical or other accomplishments - will wonder, "Why can't my child be like all the rest?" Over time, the special characteristics are no longer problems but attributes. As Luther said in his 1 Peter commentary, they are like jewels. They adorn the child, especially since God gives so much in other areas when certain qualities seem short or missing.
Our neighbor Mike was born with very little in eyesight, strength, and "normal" intelligence. His family worked with him 59 years to help him become strong, sighted, and able to communicate. He helped his neighbors and worried about them. His observations were often brilliant though some conversations were Delphic and needed an interpreter. He was in every way an asset on our little block and deeply missed. We all had to say, "Look at how much Mike did because his mother, sister, and brother loved him." And Jesus, too, because he was a believer.
It is easy to find people who have born with all normal functions, often superior abilities, and yet broken by not seeing those attributes as gifts from God.
I doubt whether this lesson is taught more than a few places, because it does not glorify man and man's works, but God's power and grace.
For that reason, this is the most comforting passage of all for those suffering inwardly, where no one can see. For some, it is grieving the loss of a loved one, which leaves us weak and helpless. Luther said that about losing his favorite daughter. He urged others not to suffer so much, but that loss left him flattened. For others, it is a disposition, which is inherited. Musicians and artists are known for being sensitive, which is both good in perfecting their work but painful in other ways.
In all that we do, this passage should be kept in mind, because all the important work is done by God, to show His grace is sufficient, to show that His power is made perfect in weakness.
Those ministers who really think they do it all are always demolished when it goes poorly for them. Paul said remaining a Christian believer is a good accomplishment when serving as a pastor. I see some humor in that, but it is also painfully true, especially today. There are more forces against the minister (society, denominational leaders) than for him. The biggest apostates I know about (famous, names withheld) said their fathers were poor but respected all over town. They were sad that was no longer true. Both were earning stellar wages (non-believers of the worst sort) leading people astray.
Every congregation, pastor, and denomination drone should study the lesson from the Gospel and realize the living Seed of the Word has the power, not the arm flinging the seed in all directions. We are certainly admonished to be faithful, but we have no idea - nor should we - about the results of our efforts.
- We should be careful about the purity of the Word taught.
- Secondly, we should be anxious to share it as many ways as possible.
- Finally, we should trust the power of the Spirit in God's Word.
