Sermon: Sunday, September 7, 2025
Sermon Theme: Decisions with the Holy Spirit
Bible Readings:
Wisdom 9:13–19
Philemon 9b–10,12–17
Luke 14:25–33
Dear friends of the Gebetsatelier,
Today's readings confront us with a challenging truth: Anyone who wants to follow God must make decisions, count the cost, let go of possessions, relativize relationships – and ultimately trust that God's Spirit will guide us.
This message challenges us. It doesn’t offer immediate comfort.
But it lifts us up when we accept it.
At the center is the question: What really matters to me – and am I ready to shape my life accordingly?
Summary and Interpretation of the Three Bible Readings
The first reading from the Book of Wisdom describes how difficult it is for people to know God’s will.
Our thoughts are limited, our bodies weigh down our souls, and even what seems obvious is hard for us to grasp.
But God helps us: Through His Holy Spirit, He gives us wisdom and straightens our paths.
Interpretation of Wisdom 9:13–19
(theologically grounded, with historical background and practical application)
1. Introduction to the Text
The verses Wisdom 9:13–19 are the conclusion of a longer prayer by Solomon asking for divine wisdom (Wisdom 9:1–18).
They are a deep reflection on the limits of human understanding and the need for divine revelation.
At the heart is the question: How can anyone know what God wants?
> “Who can know God’s counsel, or who can conceive what the Lord intends?” (Wisdom 9:13)
This text has moved people for centuries – especially those who face suffering, uncertainty, and major decisions while seeking God’s will.
2. Historical Context
The Book of Wisdom was likely written in the 1st century BC in Alexandria, the Hellenistic capital of Egypt, where a large Jewish community lived.
That community was strongly influenced by Greek thinking – especially Plato’s philosophy and Stoic ethics.
The book blends Jewish theology with Greek philosophy, such as ideas about the limits of human reason or the impact of the body on the soul.
In Wisdom 9, King Solomon speaks – but not in a historical sense.
This is a literary meditation on wisdom.
It reflects the spiritual struggle of many Jews living in the diaspora: How can I live by God’s standards in a complex world when I barely understand it?
3. Key Theological Messages
a) Human Limitation
According to verse 14, humans are uncertain thinkers:
> “The deliberations of mortals are timid, and unsure are our plans.”
This contrasts with the pride of ancient rationalism.
Instead, it echoes biblical statements about the foolishness of people without God’s help (cf. Jeremiah 10:23 or Proverbs 3:5).
The text says even obvious things – “what is within reach” (v. 16) – are hard to understand.
How much less can we know heavenly things?
b) Need for Divine Revelation
Verse 17 makes it clear: No one can know God’s plan unless God sends His Spirit.
> “Who ever knew your counsel, except you had given Wisdom and sent your Holy Spirit from on high?”
This reminds us of Pentecost (Acts 2) and Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 2:10–14:
God’s Spirit enlightens the heart.
Without it, we cannot understand Him.
c) The Effect of Divine Wisdom
Wisdom brings orientation:
> “Thus were the paths of those on earth made straight.” (v.18)
Wisdom is not just knowledge – it is guidance.
It always has an ethical and practical focus: It helps us know “what pleases God.”
4. Comments from Study Bibles
The New Jerusalem Bible (Catholic) explains that “wisdom” in the Old Testament is not just intelligence, but the ability to live in harmony with God’s will.
Wisdom is God’s gift that “enables a person to find the right balance in the tensions between body and spirit.”¹
The Stuttgarter Erklärungsbibel (Protestant) notes that the phrase “earthly tent” (v.15) reflects Hellenistic thought, but remains anchored in Jewish theology:
The body is not despised but seen as part of creation – yet as something that limits us.²
The Stuttgarter Studienausgabe (Catholic) emphasizes that divine wisdom here is portrayed as a “supernatural guiding force” that gives direction in a world that would otherwise be dark and confusing.³
5. Practical Application
We all face hard decisions:
– Should I keep the secure job or take a new path?
– How do I handle suffering and illness I can’t explain?
– How do I find out what God wants from me?
This text reminds us: We don’t have to figure it all out by ourselves.
It’s not weakness to ask God for help – it’s strength.
Those who trust God’s wisdom live more deeply.
After a tragic event, a young man said:
“I don’t understand God – but I still want to ask Him for help.”
That attitude is true humility – and the path to wisdom.
In a world full of advice, podcasts, and opinions, this text invites us to seek God as the source of understanding.
That’s not running away from responsibility – it’s the beginning of real responsibility.
6. Connection to Jesus Christ
Early Christians saw Jesus as the personified wisdom of God (cf. 1 Cor 1:24; Col 2:3).
His incarnation is the answer to Wisdom 9’s question: How can we know God’s will? – Through Christ.
> “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
7. Conclusion and Appeal
God’s Spirit gives wisdom – not just for clever thoughts, but for good decisions.
Those who pray receive guidance.
Those who trust God will not stay lost.
And those who realize how little they know are closer to the truth than those who think they know everything.
The Gospel of Luke
In the Gospel reading from Luke, Jesus calls people to radical discipleship:
Whoever does not leave everything – family, possessions, even their own life – and carry their cross, cannot follow him.
Jesus urges people to reflect, like a builder or a king:
Whoever doesn’t plan carefully will fail.
Likewise, everyone must consider what discipleship is worth to them.
Interpretation of Luke 14:25–33
(theologically grounded, with historical background and practical application)
1. Introduction to the Text
Luke 14:25–33 belongs to the so-called radical sayings of Jesus.
Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem (cf. Luke 9:51), where the cross and death await him.
More and more people are following him – maybe out of curiosity, maybe out of excitement.
But Jesus makes it clear:
Anyone who truly wants to follow him must be ready to leave everything behind – even family, possessions, and their own life.
This discipleship is not a hobby, but a whole way of life.
> “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, even their own life, such a person cannot be my disciple.” (v. 26)
2. Historical and Cultural Background
In the ancient world, family, honor, and property were core values.
Loyalty to one’s parents was deeply rooted in Jewish thinking (cf. Exodus 20:12).
Jesus does not literally demand hatred or severing ties – “hate” here is a Semitic exaggeration to stress the priority of God’s kingdom.
The point is that no relationship – not even family – can take precedence over faithfulness to Christ.
The phrase “carry their cross” (v. 27) is familiar to us today but was a shocking image back then:
The cross was a Roman instrument of torture – whoever carried it was a condemned person on their way to execution.
So Jesus describes discipleship as deliberate self-sacrifice, not casual participation.
The two parables (building a tower and going to war) illustrate this:
Anyone starting something big must count the cost.
In the same way, disciples of Jesus must understand what they are committing to.
3. Key Theological Messages
a) Discipleship Requires Resolve
Jesus doesn’t accept half-heartedness.
Like a builder who calculates or a king who plans, we must consider if we are truly ready to follow Jesus – with everything that entails.
b) Discipleship Means Letting Go
Not everyone must give up all their possessions.
But everyone is invited to consider nothing untouchable – not even their own property.
Everything we have should be available to God.
c) Discipleship Goes Against the Crowd
Verse 25 says: “Large crowds were traveling with him.”
But Jesus knows that numbers don’t equal true discipleship.
Following him is not a trend, but a choice to go against the flow.
4. Comments from Study Bibles
The Stuttgarter Erklärungsbibel emphasizes: *“This passage speaks to all who want to follow Jesus. It warns against cheap discipleship. Whoever doesn’t give up everything cannot follow him.”*¹
The New Jerusalem Bible explains: *“The two parables stress the necessity of decision. One must know what they’re getting into – like a builder or a king. Discipleship is not for the careless.”*²
The STAMPS Study Bible adds: *“Discipleship means devotion, willingness to sacrifice, and submitting one’s will to God’s. Jesus speaks plainly – not to discourage, but to create honesty.”*³
5. Practical Application
Many of us know this feeling:
We start something with excitement – volunteering, a Bible course, a new season of life – and soon realize:
It takes strength. It demands sacrifice.
We must decide: Do I go on – or give up?
Jesus invites us not to follow him lightly, but honestly.
Discipleship doesn’t mean we must be perfect from the start.
But it does mean: I am willing to align my life with Jesus.
After a mission trip, a young man said:
“I realized I couldn’t plan my whole career and fully live for Jesus at the same time.
I had to choose – and I chose.”
Those words say it all:
Jesus does not want to be an afterthought.
He wants to be the center.
6. Letting Go in Everyday Life
What does that look like today?
– Giving time to pray, to help, to listen
– Letting go of money to support others
– Reassessing relationships that pull us away from Jesus
– Enduring criticism when others mock our faith
Discipleship doesn’t only appear in grand gestures, but in quiet moments:
A father praying with his kids in the morning.
An employee staying honest despite the cost.
A retired woman helping in her church, even when she’s tired.
7. Connections to Other Bible Passages
Jesus speaks about this many times:
> “Whoever wants to save their life will lose it. But whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” (Luke 9:24)
“No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)
“Seek first the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 6:33)
These statements show:
Discipleship is not an addition to life – it is a life decision.
8. Conclusion and Appeal
Discipleship is not a feeling, but a conscious decision – it costs our life, but gives it meaning.
Jesus does not call us to mediocrity, but to devotion.
Not to popularity, but to truth.
Not to compromise, but to clarity.
And he leads the way – with the cross on his shoulders and love in his heart.
The Letter to Philemon
Recommendation: Read the whole letter to Philemon. It’s less than 30 verses.
Explanation of the Letter to Philemon
(cf. Stuttgarter Neues Testament, annotated study edition (Catholic), 3rd ed. 2024, pp. 762–763)
The Letter to Philemon is a short, personal letter from Paul.
He names Timothy as co-author, but probably wrote the text himself.
The recipient is Philemon, a Christian with a large house where a church gathers.
Also mentioned are Apphia (likely Philemon’s wife), Archippus (probably their son), and the house church.
Paul begins with a prayer:
He thanks God for Philemon’s faith and his love for other Christians.This section is filled with gratitude, joy, and hope.
The main part begins in verse 8.
Paul asks Philemon for something important – but kindly, not forcefully.
It’s about the slave Onesimus.
He had likely run away and come to Paul in prison.
There, he found faith and was baptized.
Paul now calls him his “child.”
For Paul, Onesimus is no longer just a slave, but a brother in faith.
He is “useful” – which is what the name Onesimus means.
Paul would like to keep him, but wants Philemon’s consent. He stresses that Philemon should decide freely – not by force, but out of love.
So Paul asks: Take Onesimus back, but no longer as a slave – as a brother in Christ.
This changes everything about their relationship.
Philemon should receive him as he would receive Paul himself.
Paul even says: If Onesimus owes you anything or has harmed you, charge it to me – I write this in my own hand.
That’s a powerful act of responsibility.
The letter ends with personal greetings and a short blessing.
Here are five practical appeals based on the Letter to Philemon:
1. Be willing to give people a second chance – even if they’ve disappointed you.
Just as Paul pleads for Onesimus, we are called not to focus on the past but to see the person who has changed.
2. Don’t judge others by their social status – see them as brothers and sisters.
Philemon should no longer see Onesimus as a slave, but as an equal brother – and so should we treat everyone with dignity, from CEOs to the homeless.
3. Act not out of pressure or duty – but from a free heart.
Paul wants Philemon to act out of love, not obligation.
We too should give, help, or say yes out of inner conviction.
4. Stand up for others when they can’t do it themselves.
Paul takes on responsibility for Onesimus – a model for us to advocate for those without a voice.
5. Let your faith transform you – and pass on that transformation.
Onesimus becomes a brother in Christ.
We too can be transformed – and begin a new chapter in how we treat others.
More Biblical and Historical Background
The Book of Wisdom, likely written in the 1st century BC in Alexandria, blends Greek philosophy with Jewish reverence for God.
It stresses that humans cannot grasp divine truth unless God’s Spirit enlightens them – a thought echoed by Paul (cf. 1 Cor 2:10–14).
The Letter to Philemon gives us a striking example of lived Christian social ethics:
Paul does not command, but appeals in love.
In the Roman Empire, a slave was legally property.
Paul breaks that mindset with the gospel: “No longer as a slave, but as a brother” – a subversive message that would eventually help undermine slavery.
Luke 14:25–33 contains radical sayings of Jesus, also found in Matthew (e.g. Mt 10:37–39).
The phrase “carry your cross” refers to the path to crucifixion and here becomes a metaphor for life in discipleship.
Luke stresses that discipleship is a conscious choice with consequences.
Further Comments from Study Bibles and Theological Literature on All Three Texts
The Stuttgarter Erklärungsbibel says of Luke 14:
“Following Jesus means a conscious decision with all its consequences. Not blind fanaticism, but serious reflection is needed.”
The New Jerusalem Bible emphasizes that in Wisdom 9, “wisdom” means not just abstract knowledge, but “the gift to live and act rightly” – that is, spiritual discernment.
The STAMPS Study Bible highlights in Philemon:
“Paul transforms social relationships through the love of Christ – Onesimus is no longer property, but a co-worker in God’s kingdom.”
The Stuttgarter Studienausgabe writes of the Wisdom text:
“The prayer for wisdom is a humble act of knowing God – it enables action in the light of God.”
Everyday Life and Application
You may know the feeling: Making decisions can be paralyzing.
You have options, but also responsibility.
A mother of two wonders whether to stay part-time or pursue a career.
A young man asks if he should stay active in the church, even though his friends don’t understand.
A business owner wrestles with whether to hold to ethics despite financial losses.
Jesus says: Think it through. Count the cost. And then: Choose.
Whoever wants to follow him should not do so halfway.
But he doesn’t say this harshly – he says it honestly.
Only what is given fully can be fully transformed.
Testimonies
Baptist preacher Billy Graham once said:
“Christ does not call you to give him a place in your life. He calls you to give him your life.”
Frère Roger of Taizé wrote:
“Those who entrust themselves to Christ lose nothing, but gain everything in fullness.”
Pope Benedict XVI encouraged in his inaugural homily in 2005:
“Do not be afraid of Christ! He takes nothing from you and gives you everything.”
Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke told how he gave up everything – family, home, security – to serve Christ in Africa.
“I regret nothing. I am richer than ever – not in money, but in life.”
Martin Luther stated boldly:
“Whatever your heart clings to – that is your god.”
Inner Connection of the Texts
All three Bible texts lead us in the same direction:
God calls for decisions, but He does not leave us alone.
Wisdom is His gift.
How we treat others – like Philemon and Onesimus – reflects that wisdom.
And the willingness to radically follow Jesus is not foolishness, but wise living in light of the eternal.
Main Emphasis of This Sermon:
Discipleship requires clear decisions – and trust in the Holy Spirit.
Final Appeal
Dear friends, we live in a time full of choices.
What remains? What truly matters?
Christ invites us to examine where we belong.
Following him is not comfortable – but it is the only way to find fullness of life.
Let’s dare to choose him.
Intercessions
Good God, we ask you for wisdom for all who carry political responsibility – that they may make decisions that serve life.
We ask you for people torn between family and work: Grant them clarity and courage.
We pray for Christians who are persecuted or mocked for their faith: Strengthen them in their discipleship.
For all who face financial pressure and are tempted to abandon their values: Keep them faithful.
For prisoners like Onesimus, and all who long for acceptance and forgiveness: Open ways to reconciliation.
For the Church worldwide: That it may show Jesus’ way with love, clarity, and determination.
For our community in the Gebetsatelier Kevelaer: Make us instruments of your wisdom and peace.
Alphabetically Sorted Bibliography (Unified Format):
Benedict XVI. Homily at Inauguration. Vatican, 2005.
Bibleserver. “Einheitsübersetzung.” https://www.bibleserver.de
Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. The Cost of Discipleship. Munich: Chr. Kaiser Verlag, 1937.
Graham, Billy. Peace with God. Waco: Word Books, 1953.
Luther, Martin. Large Catechism. Wittenberg, 1529.
New Jerusalem Bible. Freiburg: Herder, 1985.
SCHOTT Missal. https://schott.erzabtei-beuron.de
STAMPS Study Bible. Witten: SCM R.Brockhaus, 2015.
Stuttgarter Erklärungsbibel. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 2007.
Stuttgarter New Testament, Annotated Study Edition (Catholic), 3rd ed. 2024, pp. 762–763.
Stuttgarter Study Edition Old & New Testament + Lexicon. Stuttgart: Katholisches Bildungswerk, 2024.
Taizé, Frère Roger. God Can Only Love. Taizé: Edition Taizé, 2003.
Vatican News. “Gospel of the Day.” https://www.vaticannews.va/de/evangelium-des-tages.html
Texts from Kevelaer
Prepared by Werner Th. Jung, Prayer Atelier Kevelaer
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