The Sunday Sermon

The Ten Commandments Part 3c

By Martin Luther

Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy

Exodus 20:8

Therefore the force and power of this commandment lies not in the resting but in the sanctifying so that to this day belongs a special holy exercise. For other works and occupations are not properly called holy exercises, unless the man himself be first holy. But here a work is to be done by which man is himself made holy, which is done (as we have heard ) alone through God's Word. ( Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4; Deuteronomy 8:3;) For this, then, fixed places, times, persons, and the entire external order of worship have been created and appointed, so that it may be publicly in operation. Therefore, so much depends upon God's Word that without it no holy day can be sanctified, we must know that God insists upon a strict observance of this commandment, and will punish all who despise His Word and are not willing to hear and learn it, especially at the time appointed for the purpose. ( 1 Kings 9:6-9; Nehemiah 1:9;)

Therefore not only those sin against this commandment who grossly misuse and desecrate the holy day, as those who on account of their greed or frivolity neglect to hear God's Word or lie in taverns and are dead drunk like swine; but also that other crowd, who listen to God's Word as to any other trifle, and only from custom come to preaching, and go away again, and at the end of the year know as little of it as at the beginning. For hitherto the opinion prevailed that you had properly hallowed Sunday when you had heard a mass or the Gospel read; but no one cared for God's Word, as also no one taught it. Now, while we have God's Word we nevertheless do not correct the abuse; we suffer ourselves to be preached to and admonished, but we listen without seriousness and care. (Mark 4:3-23;)

Know, therefore, that you must be concerned not only about hearing, but also about learning and retaining it in memory, and do not think that it is optional with you or of no great importance, but that it is God's commandment, who will require of you how you have heard, learned, and honored His Word. Likewise those fastidious spirits are to be reproved who, when they have heard a sermon or two, find it tedious and dull, thinking that they know all that well enough, and need no more instruction. (a) (1 Corinthians 3:2; Hebrews 5:12-13; 1 Peter 2:2;) For just that is the sin which has been hitherto reckoned among mortal sins, and is called _achedia_, i.e., torpor or satiety, a malignant, dangerous plague with which the devil bewitches and deceives the hearts of many, that he may surprise us and secretly withdraw God's Word from us. (b)

For let me tell you this, even though you know it perfectly and be already master in all things, still you are daily in the dominion of the devil, who ceases neither day nor night to steal unawares upon you, to kindle in your heart unbelief and wicked thoughts against the foregoing and all the commandments. Therefore you must always have God's Word in your heart, upon your lips, and in your ears. But where the heart is idle, and the Word does not sound, he breaks in and has done the damage before we are aware. (Mark 3:27;) On the other hand, such is the efficacy of the Word, whenever it is seriously contemplated heard, and used, that it is bound never to be without fruit, but always awakens new understanding, pleasure, and devoutness, and produces a pure heart and pure thoughts. (Isaiah 55:11;) For these words are not inoperative or dead, but creative, living words. (Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 147:15;) And even though no other interest or necessity impel us, yet this ought to urge every one thereunto, because thereby the devil is put to flight (James 4:7;) and driven away, and, besides, this commandment is fulfilled, and this exercise in the Word is more pleasing to God than any work of hypocrisy, however brilliant. (Matthew 6:19-20;)

(a) Editor’s thought - The ancient Greek philosopher Socrates summed it up nicely by saying;

“As for me, all I know, is that I know nothing.”

(b) Editor’s note - Satiety - Properly, fullness of gratification, either of the appetite or any sensual desire; but it usually implies fullness beyond desire; an excess of gratification which excites wearisomeness or loathing; state of being glutted.

Synonyms - Repletion; satiation; surfeit; cloyment. Source Webster’s Dictionary Edition 1828

Scriptures as quoted above

Matthew 4:4;

Luke 4:4;

Deuteronomy 8:3;

1 Kings 9:6-9;

Mark 4:3-23;

1 Corinthians 3:2;

Hebrews 5:12-13;

1 Peter 2:2;

Mark 3:27;

Isaiah 55:11;

Hebrews 4:12;

Psalm 147:15;

James 4:7;

Matthew 6:19-20;