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The following reading from the CONCORDIA edition of the Book of Concord is for the Epistle, James 3:13-4:10 for the Pentecost 17, Proper 20, series B, September 23, 2012. It is from Large Catechism, Longer Preface, pages 353-354. When we humble ourselves and submit to God's Word we receive the wisdom from above to defeat the devil and evil thoughts. Click here for the reading formatted for the back of a standard CPH bulletin. Pastor Doug May
Catechism study is a most effective help against the devil, the world, the flesh, and all evil thoughts. It helps to be occupied with God's Word, to speak it, and meditate on it, just as the first Psalm declares people blessed who meditate on God's Law day and night. Certainly you will not release a stronger incense or other repellant against the devil than to be engaged by God's commandments and words, and speak, sing, or think them. For this is indeed the true "holy water" and "holy sign" from which the devil runs and by which he may be driven away [James 4:7]. For this reason alone you ought gladly to read, speak, think, and use these things, even if you had no other profit and fruit from them than driving away the devil and evil thoughts by doing so. For he cannot hear or endure God's Word. God's Word is not like some other silly babbling… St. Paul says in Romans 1:16, it is "the power of God." Yes, it is the power of God that gives the devil burning pain and strengthens, comforts, and helps us beyond measure. What need is there for more words? If I were to list all the profit and fruit God's Word produces, where would I get enough paper and time? The devil is called the master of a thousand arts. But what shall we call God's Word, which drives away and brings to nothing this master of a thousand arts with all his power? The Word must be the master of more than a hundred thousand arts. (paragraphs 10-12)
These are excerpts from the Book of Concord.
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