Grace Lutheran Church Texts for Sunday Readings
September 2 , 2007
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
First Reading Proverbs 25:6–7
The Book of Proverbs is known as wisdom literature. Proverbs presents a view of life that is orderly, simple, and practical. The truth of the advice on humility in the presence of the ruler is self-evident.
6 Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence
or stand in the place of the great;
7 for it is better to be told, "Come up here,"
than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.
What your eyes have seen
Second Reading Hebrews 13:1–8, 15–16
The conclusion of the letter to the Hebrews contains many suggestions for the conduct of life, all of which are shaped by God's love toward us in Jesus Christ.
Let mutual love continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. 3 Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. 4 Let marriage be held in honor by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and adulterers. 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, "I will never leave you or forsake you." 6 So we can say with confidence,
"The Lord is my helper;
I will not be afraid.
What can anyone do to me?"
7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 15 Through him, then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
