Lord, Increase My Faith!

by Pastor Edwin Lehmann on September 30, 2022 in

The Sermon for the 17th Sunday after Pentecost                                                October 2, 2022
Text: Luke 17:1-10                                         CW-21 Series C                           22:2344

Theme: Lord, Increase My Faith.

Lord, one of the greatest concerns I have as a Christian is that I would fall from faith. To fall from faith means to fall outside of Your Kingdom – lost forever. It is my greatest concern for the Bible warns that “it is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift and shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the Word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance” (Hb.6:4f). So, You admonish, “Be careful that you do not fall” (1Co.10:12). “It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance.” This is serious! It is my greatest concern. And so I pray, “Lord, Increase My Faith!”

I. Increase it because I need it.
I dare not look at myself and think that because I am the type of person who I am, that this could never happen to me. I’m not a drug dealer; I’m not grossly immoral; I don’t play on the weaknesses of others for my personal gain; I try not to offend others; I’m a fairly decent guy who tries to lead a good life. Surely, to fall from faith and to not stand by You could never happen to me.
But the Israelites of the Old Testament times often felt that way. So did the Apostle Peter. He would never disown You, the Savior. Even if all the rest of the disciples would fall away, Peter would never deny Jesus. He promised. But then he sat by the campfire of Your enemies. Tempted he denied You three times. Only Your grace retained him. I dare not think of myself as invincible in myself, for then I would underestimate the power of sin and the forces of evil aligned against us daily. Lord, Increase My Faith. I need it!
I need it because there are times that I really do underestimate the power of sin in my life. You told us that “temptations to sin are sure to come.” A more precise translation of Your words would be, “It is impossible for things that cause people to sin not to come.” It’s impossible that they don’t happen.
Due to the devilishness that is found in this fallen world there will
be wicked men who will always be setting deathtraps of sin for me. They will bait those traps in all kinds of ways to destroy my faith. Satan will see to it that people are caught. Lord, Increase My Faith so that it doesn’t happen to me. I need it.
Deathtraps, that’s the key idea here behind the words “temptations to sin.” It conjures up a very vivid picture.
It refers to a trap which has been baited to catch an animal. It reminds me of the times when, as a child, I would try to catch a rabbit that hung around the porch of our house. I set a trap for it. I put out a box held up by a stick. On the stick I tied a string with a carrot dangling from it as bait. If the rabbit would try to get the carrot, he would trigger that box to fall on top of him, and I would catch him, alive. But that is not what happens with “deathtraps to sin.” Satan uses them to destroy my faith, to kill it and crush me eternally.
Lord, You warn that as I walk in this world, such deathtraps are being set. They will come. In fact, You said that it is impossible for them not to come. That is the devilish nature of sin in this world. “Watch out!” You cry. “Don’t get caught!” But there is more. I must take care lest I am the cause of such deathtraps for others that crush faith from them.
It can come through a misplaced word, an inappropriate gesture, an inconsiderate act, etc. Although I am a Christian, I can do or say things that are causes of offense to others. Even in Your most holy life, Your words and actions were causes of offense to some people.
I remember the time that tax collectors and sinners were flocking to You. You had dinner with them in their homes. When the scribes and Pharisees saw it, they muttered against You: “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” They took offense at You, the Savior, even though You were never guilty of any sin, nor did you ever tempt anyone. Such things happen in an ungodly world.
“Well, I can’t do anything about that,” I’m tempted to say. “If You as the Savior couldn’t do anything about it, I can’t either.” And that is true. But there is a difference between someone evilly taking offense wrongly, all on his own, and giving offense through my carelessness. You want me to be careful so that such things should not come from me and work to destroy a person’s faith for then “it might be better that a millstone be hung around my neck, and I be thrown into the sea than that I should cause a little one to sin.”
Lord, You are so serious and protective of those who believe in
You, especially the little ones. So You tell me, “Watch yourself!”
As a rule, little children trust us as their elders and expect us to be wiser than they are. If a child were to say, “I believe that Jesus is the Son of God and my Savior,” and someone would laugh at him and say, “That’s foolishness!” that child would be confused and wonder whether he is right in believing in Jesus. That person would have offended him. Or, if a child were to hear me use bad language, he might be tempted to do the same. The bad example influences the child to sin. Lord, I must be careful. Increase My Faith! I need it.
It’s an ironic thing how our culture is very careful with safety, especially the safety of children. We’ve got childproof medicine bottles, child labor laws, required vaccinations, and so on. If we are that careful with our children’s bodies and physical lives, wouldn’t we want to be even more careful with their souls and eternal lives?
But it isn’t only children that can be led astray. It can happen to any believer since any believer is God’s dear child. It could be especially harmful to new believers in the faith.
I want to take care so that I am not the influence behind anyone’s sin. Only one thing will help me, Lord – Your grace to me in Christ. It forgives my sin and weakness. It restores me to God. It strengthens me to resist such bad behavior. It helps me see what I need to do for the eternal good of others. It helps me be strong enough to confront others when they are living in dangerous sin. And it helps me forgive others seven times over when they have often sinned against me. All these things are so hard for me in my weak and sinful nature. Thank goodness for Your grace and mercy that forgives, strengthens, and renews me to live a life of faith in You as my Savior. Such a life is a big task, beyond my human abilities. So, I pray with the disciples, Lord, Increase My Faith. I need it!

II. For it is my duty to serve You, not myself.
To illustrate that, You told the story of a servant coming in from the fields after a long, hard day’s work. When that servant came into the house, he was tired and dirty, probably hungry too. Surely, I would think that a good master would tell him, “Take a break. Clean up. Sit down and eat.” But, no, the master told him, “Prepare my supper first and serve me. After that you may eat.”
It seems unfair. But in reality it is a servant’s duty to serve. And the faithful servant doesn’t give it a second thought.
So it is in our lives of faith. We should care that it is our duty to serve You, Lord, first, always, not ourselves. You are our Creator, our Master, our Savior. It’s our duty to do whatever You lay before us. But whatever You lay before us is not a heavy burden. It’s certainly not as heavy as the burden You bore for us on the cross. “Come to me,” You say, “all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Mt.11:28f).
Even with such a precious promise, there are times when we chafe and protest: “I’m a free man. I’m no one’s servant.” Well, that’s not exactly true. Everyone is a servant. Either I serve God, or I am slave to the devil. The first is a tremendous role to have, filled with favor and grace. The second is most awful. The first leads to eternal happiness through faith; the second leads to eternal damnation through unbelief. The first leads to everlasting freedom; the second leads to horrifying bondage forever.
To serve You, my Savior, is a duty. But it is a duty motivated by love and gratitude. You set me free to serve You, redeemed by Your blood, purchased and wrested from Satan’s grip so that I might be Your own and live under You in Your kingdom. And what a kingdom it is where You set me free from bondage to the devil. And it’s all received by faith and faith alone in what You have done for us. In joy and gratitude I want to serve You all the days of my life because there was a time when I was lost….but no longer!
This is why I pray for more faith. Even if my faith should only be small as a little mustard seed, You promise that it will do great things in Your kingdom as I humbly fulfill my duty to serve You.
We are all unworthy servants. But look what You have made us – heirs of eternal things. I don’t want to miss out on that. Faith is the only way it is received. So I pray for myself and my friends: Lord, Increase Our Faith because we need it as we fulfill our gracious duty to serve You. God grant it to us for Jesus’ sake. Amen.


 Zion Lutheran Church of Springfield

(A member congregation of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod)

4717 S Farm Rd 135 (Golden Avenue)

Church phone: 417.887.0886                                      Pastor’s cell phone: 417.693.3244

www.zionluthchurch.com                                           email: revelehmann@gmail.com

You can also find us on Facebook

The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost     October 2, 2022

“The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’” Luke 17:5

 F o r   O u r   V i s i t o r s

The family of Zion welcomes you as we worship the Lord today. We encourage children to worship with us. However, if you need to leave with your child, there is a nursery room to the right as you exit the sanctuary. The rest rooms are located in the hallway between the sanctuary and the fellowship hall. Visitors, please sign our guest book to the right, just outside the sanctuary. We’re glad that you are here and pray that through our worship the Lord grants you peace.

U p o n  E n t e r i n g   G o d’ s   H o u s e

 “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He is my fortress and I will never be shaken. Trust in Him at all times; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge” (Psalm 62).

W h a t   T h i s   S u n d a y   i s   A b o u t

Lord, Increase Our Faith. Christ is the foundation of the Christian life. Faith links us to Him, and “without faith it is impossible to please God.” So it was that earlier Church fathers coined the phrase: Sola Fide – by faith alone. Through faith we are saved; by faith we live; in faith we die and rise to eternal life. Faith is critical, and Christians want to grow stronger in it so that they can stand firm throughout the tests of time.

But faith in any old thing will not due. It is only by faith in Christ Jesus that we are saved. We need to grow stronger in it. Although a weak faith saves, it can suffer adversity that threatens its existence, and it finds it harder to live the Christian life. A weak faith also does not enjoy the blessings of stability that a stronger faith experiences. With such obstacles confronting a faith, we say: “Lord, increase our faith.”

To that end we pray: Almighty God, in Your bountiful goodness keep us safe from every evil of body and soul. Make us ready with cheerful hearts and a strong faith to do whatever pleases you; for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

– T h e   W o r d   o f   G o d   f o r   T o d a y –

Old Testament Lesson: 1 Chronicles 29:1-2,10-18

King David knew that everything he had was given to him by the hand of God. So it was that in faith he led the way in bringing offerings for the building of the temple. He would not build it. The construction would fall to his son, Solomon. Yet he would lead the way in its preparation.

Epistle Lesson: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5,11-12  

As Paul begins his second letter to the Christians in Thessalonica, he thanks God for their growing faith. Their faith enabled them not only to grow in love for one another, but it also helped them stand firm in the face of persecution.

Gospel Lesson: Luke 17:1-10            

Jesus instructs His disciples on matters of faith. When He mentions certain qualities that a Christian will show, the disciples ask Him to increase their faith. For such a stronger faith they must depend more and more upon God’s grace alone to do the works of faith.

O u r   P r a c t i c e   o f H o l y   C o m m u n i o n

Out of deep love for the truth of God’s Word and precious souls, we follow the practice of Close Communion in our congregation. This has been the practice of Christians for centuries and reflects the Bible’s teaching on unity of faith in the reception of the Supper (1 Cor.10:17). It does not judge a person’s heart but anticipates agreement in that which God says. Since we do not wish to put anyone in the position of declaring such agreement with us before study in the Word is possible, we ask that only those who are communicant members of this or another Wisconsin Synod or ELS congregation come to receive the Sacrament.

The Organist: Jane Rips                 The Preacher: Pastor Edwin Lehmann

Point to Ponder: “Even God Himself cannot give heaven to the person who does not believe, for through faith and faith alone you will be saved.” — Martin Luther on The Necessity of Faith

“Know that you are a servant overwhelmed by very much obedience. You must not set yourself first…Do not boast of yourself if you have served well, as you should have done. The sun obeys, the moon complies, and the angels serve. Let us not require praise from ourselves.” — St. Ambrose on Luke 17:7-10

Outline of  Our Worship

The Preparation

Opening Thoughts on the Service

Opening Hymn: #605

Order of Worship:     The Service: Setting One with Holy Communion:  page 154-160

Prayer of the Day

The Ministry of the Word

1 Chronicles 29:1-2,10-18

Psalm 62

2 Thessalonians 1:1-5,11-12

The Gospel Acclamation pg.161

Luke 17:1-10

Hymn: #797

Sermon: Luke 17:1-10     Lord, Increase My Faith!

Hymn: #942

The Nicene Creed pg.162

Our Response to the Word

Prayer of the Church: pg.164

The Offering

The Lord Blesses Us

Preparation for Holy Communion     Hymnal page 165-169

(Visitors: Please read the box on  page 2 regarding Holy Communion)

Distribution

Distribution Hymns: #661 & 748

Thanksgiving & Blessing     Hymnal page 170

Silent Prayer


The Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost – Series C

Old Testament Lesson: 1 Chronicles 29:1-2,10-18 All Is from God’s Hand

1King David said this to the whole assembly: “My son Solomon, the one God has chosen, is young and inexperienced. The work is great because this citadel is not for a man. It is for the Lord God. 2According to all my strength, I have provided these things for the house of my God: gold for the gold items, silver for the silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron, wood for the wooden, onyx stones and settings, antimony, stones of many different colors, every kind of precious stone, and alabaster in abundance.”

10David blessed the Lord in the presence of the entire assembly. He said: “Blessed are you, Lord, the God of Israel, our father, from eternity to eternity. 11To you, O Lord, belong greatness, power, glory, victory, and majesty, because everything in the heavens and on the earth belongs to you. You, Lord, are exalted as head above everything. The kingdom belongs to you. 12Riches and honor come from you. You are ruling over everything. In your hand are power and strength. It is in your power to make anyone great and strong. 13Now, our God, we are thanking you and praising your glorious name. 14Who am I? Who are my people that we are able to offer willingly like this? For everything comes from you. What we have given to you came from your hand. 15We are aliens and temporary residents before you, as were all our fathers. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no hope of staying. 16Lord, our God, all this abundance, which we have provided for building a house for you, for your holy name, is from your hand. This abundance belongs to you. 17I know, my God, that you test the heart, and you take pleasure in uprightness. In the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered these things. Now with joy I see your people, who are present here to bring the offering freely to you. 18Lord, the God of our fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, preserve forever this purpose and way of thinking in the heart of your people. Direct their heart to you.”

Epistle Lesson: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5,11-12 Faith Grows by God’s Power

1Paul, Silas, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3We are always obligated to thank God for you, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love that each and every one of you has for one another is increasing. 4So we ourselves boast about you in God’s churches in regard to your patient endurance and faith in all your persecutions and in the trials that you are enduring. 5This is evidence of God’s righteous verdict that resulted in your being counted worthy of God’s kingdom, for which you also suffer.

11For this reason, we are always praying for you, that our God will make you worthy of your calling and use his power to fulfill every good desire and work of your faith, 12so that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you and you in him, in keeping with the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ.

Gospel Lesson: Luke 17:1-10 We Are Unworthy. Lord, Increase Our Faith

1Jesus said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! 2It would be better for that person if a millstone were hung around his neck and he would be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. 3Watch yourselves. “If your brother sins, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him. 4If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to you and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.”

5The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”

6The Lord said, “If you had faith like a mustard seed, you could tell this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. 7Which one of you who has a servant plowing or taking care of sheep will say to him when he comes in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at the table’? 8Won’t the master tell him instead, ‘Prepare my supper, and after you are properly dressed, serve me while I eat and drink. After that you may eat and drink’? 9He does not thank the servant because he did what he was commanded to do, does he? 10So also you, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants. We have only done what we were supposed to do.’”

The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) copyright © 2019 The Wartburg Project.


        C a l e n d a r     &     A n n o u n c e m e n t s     f o r     Z i o n     L u t h e r a n     C h u r c h

Today

Oct.2

Monday

Oct.3

Tuesday

Oct 4

Wednesday

Oct.5

Thursday

Oct.6

Friday

Oct.7

Sat.

Oct.8

Next Sun.

Oct.9

9:00 am

Divine Worship Service

with Holy Communion online -Facebook

10:15 am

Fellowship & Bible Study

 

Pentecost 17

11 am

Bible Class

Choir practice for those available

 

  9:00 am

Divine Worship Service

online – Facebook

 10:15 am

Fellowship & Bible Study

Choir

 

Pentecost 18

 

A Brief Bible Study on God’s Word for Today

Faith is the very foundation of the Christian life. Faith, worked by the Holy Spirit through the gospel, allows us to do great things for the Lord and see eternal life as our ultimate goal.

The Gospel Lesson: Luke 17:1-10 (answers are found on the back side)

  1. Why are both of Jesus’ commands in verse 3 so difficult for sinful human beings?
  2. How can faith do such great things?

Those We Remember In Our Prayers: Greg Miller; Lou Schulz; William & Laurie Moon; Pauline Jaeger; Kirsten Jaster (Laurie Moon’s sister); Greg Pierson (the Long’s son-in-law); Libya, Jodi Milam’s granddaughter, diagnosed with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis; Elizabeth Lisenby; Barbara Long; Lois Wiese.

Choir Practice With the variety of schedules that our members have, we are proposing holding choir practice on Sundays, following the Bible study hour. Jane would be leading the practice on Sundays. In addition, for those who are available on Thursdays following the Midweek Bible Class, we would review the music for those who could join us then. Let us know your thoughts on this proposal and if you would be able to help in preparing songs for the worship service.

LWMS Fall Rally this year will be held at Martin Luther LC, St. Louis, on Saturday, Oct.15. If you are able to attend, see Pastor for a ride. The emphasis this fall is on home missions with Pastor Scott Henrich from Knoxville, TN, as the afternoon speaker. A sign-up sheet is on the LWMS board in the hallway so that we can give the host ladies a count for the noon meal.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, Oct.11 – Elders, Trustees, and Monthly Church Council Meetings beginning at 6 pm

Saturday, Oct.15 – LWMS Missouri Valley Circuit’s Fall Rally at Martin Luther LC, St. Louis

Towards the end of October TBA, God-willing and fishermen able, Peace will hold their fall fish fry and invite you to it

Friday-Sunday, Nov.11-13 – LWMS Annually Sponsored Women’s Retreat at Heit’s Point (near Lincoln, MO)

The Week in Review

Last Sunday Worship: 24; Bible Class: 21; Midweek Bible Class: 5; Offering: $2,972; Ballou Memorial: $250.

 Next Sunday’s Lessons:               

Pentecost 18: Genesis 8:15-22; 2 Corinthians 9:10-15; Luke 17:11-19  (CW-21, Series C)

Answers to Today’s Gospel Lesson Brief Study:

  1. It is not a popular thing to tell someone they are wrong in what they are doing. It also goes against the wisdom of this world to forgive and not exact punishment from someone who has wronged us.
  2. In faith we remember that we are redeemed sinners bought back with the blood of Christ. In love we look out for the spiritual welfare of our brothers and sisters and are eager to share the message of forgiveness and peace in Jesus.

This week I am praying for……    



Pastor Edwin Lehmann

Preacher: Pastor Edwin Lehmann