The Sunday Sermon

The Ten Commandments Part 3b

By Martin Luther

Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy

Exodus 20:8

How, then, does such sanctification take place? Not in this manner, that [with folded hands] we sit behind the stove and do no rough [external] work, or deck ourselves with a wreath and put on our best clothes, but (as has been said) that we occupy ourselves with God's Word, and exercise ourselves therein. (Deuteronomy 4:29; Job 8:5; Luke 12:31;)

And, indeed, we Christians ought always to keep such a holy day, and be occupied with nothing but holy things, i.e., daily be engaged upon God's Word, and carry it in our hearts and upon our lips. But (as has been said) since we do not at all times have leisure, we must devote several hours a week for the sake of the young, or at least a day for the sake of the entire multitude, to being concerned about this alone, and especially urge the Ten Commandments, the Creed, and the Lord's Prayer, and thus direct our whole life and being according to God's Word. (Ezekiel 20:19; Psalm 61:8; Proverbs 8:30, 34;) At whatever time, then, this is being observed and practiced, there a true holy day is being kept; otherwise it shall not be called a Christians' holy day.

For the Word of God is the sanctuary above all sanctuaries, yea, the only one which we Christians know and have. For though we had the bones of all the saints or all holy and consecrated garments upon a heap, still that would help us nothing; for all that is a dead thing which can sanctify nobody. But God's Word is the treasure which sanctifies everything, and by which even all the saints themselves were sanctified.(Psalm 119:89, 103, 105, 140, 160; Psalm 19:10; Proverbs 7:1-4; Proverbs 8:17-19;) At whatever hour then, God's Word is taught, preached, heard, read or meditated upon, there the person, day, and work are sanctified thereby, not because of the external work, but because of the Word which makes saints of us all. Therefore I constantly say that all our life and work must be ordered according to God's Word, if it is to be God-pleasing or holy. Where this is done, this commandment is in force and being fulfilled.

On the contrary, any observance or work that is practiced without God's Word is unholy before God, no matter how brilliantly it may shine! (James 2:18-26)

Scripture as used above

Deuteronomy 4:29;

Job 8:5;

Luke 12:31;

Ezekiel 20:19;

Psalm 61:8;

Proverbs 8:30, 34;

Psalm 119:89, 103, 105, 140, 160;

Psalm 19:10;

Proverbs 7:1-4;

Proverbs 8:17-19;

James 2:18-26;