The 9th Commandment Guard Your Heart with Gods Word
Series: The Ten Commandments
August 17, 2025
Rev. Nathan J. Rusert
The Ninth Sunday After Trinity 17-August-2025 Sermon Text: 2 Samuel 22:26-34/ The Ninth Commandment Sermon Theme: The Ninth Commandment: Guard Your Heart With God’s Word! I. Happiness Isn’t Found In The Possessions of Others! (Vs.26-27). II. Treasure God In His Word Rejoicing In His Light! (Vs.29-30) III. Happiness Flows From Fearing, Loving, and Trusting God Above All Things! (Vs.32-34) by Rev. Nathan J. Rusert
Episode Notes
The Ninth Sunday After Trinity 17-August-2025
Sermon Text: 2 Samuel 22:26-34/ The Ninth Commandment
Sermon Theme: The Ninth Commandment: Guard Your Heart With God’s Word! I. Happiness Isn’t Found In The Possessions of Others! (Vs.26-27). II. Treasure God In His Word Rejoicing In His Light! (Vs.29-30) III. Happiness Flows From Fearing, Loving, and Trusting God Above All Things! (Vs.32-34) by Rev. Nathan J. Rusert
I.N.R.I. God’s Holy Law has three functions. First it keeps man’s evil nature in check. It serves as a curb. We hear curb and we think of our streets and its curbs which serve to stop cars from driving onto sidewalks. God’s Holy Ten Commandments restrain evil in this world. The older use of the word ‘curb’ referred to the ‘bit’ placed into a horse’s mouth. A horse will obey a pull on the reins because it hurts it more to disobey, than to follow it’s rider’s lead. So unregenerate man grudgingly follows the moral law because it hurts more to disobey.
The second use of God’s Law is a mirror. What do you see when you look into a mirror? Yourself. Looking into the mirror of God’s Holy Law you see a reflection of yourself. The Apostle Paul even after his conversion was aghast at what he saw. He writes: Rom 7:7-12 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, "YOU SHALL NOT COVET." (8) But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead. (9) I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died. (10) And the commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring death. (11) For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me. (12) Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.
Paul could boast of an impressive spiritual heritage. He wrote, Php 3:4-6 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: (5) circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; (6) concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.” When he honestly looked into God’s Law mirror - all his boasting could not cover his sin. He hadn’t even begun to know the law until he chewed on the ninth commandment - “You Shall Not Covet!” Now he saw his heart filled with sin’s sewage of evil desires. What Jesus preaches is true, Mat 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.” When sin is exposed to the Light of God’s Word it kills us.
A sleeping lion or bear seems to be a cuddly docile creature. Poke it with a stick and its claws and fangs appear. Its wild nature will tear you apart. The same it is with our old adam, our old sinful spiritual nature. It loves to pretend to be spiritual. It plays godly. Masquerades as a loving follower of Jesus. Prod it with the stick of the Law - “You Shall Not Covet”- Its fangs appear, ‘What, you think that my dark desires are damnable sin?” “How dare you!” “You not pure of heart!” “How can my evil thoughts and desires damn me to hell?” “It’s not fair!” “My Jesus wouldn’t be so judgmental!” “I’ll just stay away from church if you dare to call me a poor, miserable sinner deserving only temporal and eternal punishment!” “I’m good!” The natural man cannot receive the spiritual things of God. Sin has blinded him to the truth. From Adam on we rebel and hate God thinking our fig leaves of good deeds settle our debt with Him.
Repent! Stop your self deception! Look into the mirror of God’s Law and see that you are The Sinner! Looking away from yourself look to the cross and see the One whom God made The Sinner FOR YOU! Learn today: The Ninth Commandment: Guard Your Heart With God’s Word! I. Happiness Isn’t Found In The Possessions of Others! (Vs.26-27). II. Treasure God In His Word Rejoicing In His Light! (Vs.29-30) III. Happiness Flows From Fearing, Loving, and Trusting God Above All Things! (Vs.32-34)
I. The Old Testament is written for you! It’s history is your history. The Christian is the true son of Abraham. The Holy Spirit testifies, Gal 3:9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. And again, Rom 9:6-8 But it is not that the word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel, (7) nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, "IN ISAAC YOUR SEED SHALL BE CALLED." (8) That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed. What was Abraham’s faith? Gal 3:16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "AND TO YOUR SEED," who is Christ.” The Christian Church is the True Israel of God in Jesus. Read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest the Old Testament - God recorded it for you!
The greatest Old Testament scholar in the Christian Church, St. Paul, wrote; 1Co 10:6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. Guard your heart against the old dragon of covetousness - lusting after - desiring what has not been given to you! (LSB pg. 322, 9th Cmdt. W.D.T.M?)
Paul warned young pastor Timothy, 1Ti 6:6-8 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (8) And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. Are you happy with what you have? Happy to live only with food and clothing? Or do you long for more? You see your neighbor’s new car, motor cycle, boat, cell phone, tablet - suddenly you’re sad - you need what they have to be happy. Thanks God for my daily bread, but I need more - I need what You’ve given my neighbor - then I can be happy. We chase the wind. Study Ecclesiastes. Solomon tried to find happiness, another name for contentment - in gathering the wealth of the world. It didn’t satisfy. The Preacher preaches, Ecc 4:4-6 Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man's envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. (5) The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh. (6) Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind. Jesus tells us the unjust steward only found just judgment using his master’s goods for himself. Seeking his own he would lose all.
The Ninth Commandment exposes the hidden sinner of your heart. David sings forth the truth as he nears death: (Vs.26-27) This is also recorded in Psalm 18. God sees your heart! Our old adam is still entrenched in our hearts. He hides his evil with fig leaves of platitudes and lawful actions. This commandment is given exposing those who steal, just as a thief in the seventh commandment, but they do it legally - in a way which only appears right. No one dare accuse him of doing evil - he took possession of his neighbor’s property legally. She settled her parents estate legally to her benefit. God still sees the sin of our heart.
As Jesus was entrusting the treasure of the Gospel to His followers by preaching history records, Luk 12:13-15 Then one from the crowd said to Him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me." (14) But He said to him, "Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?" (15) And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." Christ’s Church isn’t a legal court, but many families have torn themselves apart coveting an inheritance. Watch your heart! Happiness isn’t found in piling up your neighbor’s stuff and calling it your own! Look around - the U.S. is the most material wealthy - we also have the greatest number of people struggling with depression - people medicated and self medicating - not willing to let go of the lie that stuff brings happiness.
II. As a young man David did not covet the house of King Saul. Twice he spared the king’s life, for he would not lift his hand against the one God had placed into authority over him. What was the source of David’s strength in fighting against Israel’s enemies? (Vs.29-31) David’s Son and David’s Lord is Jesus of Nazareth the Only Christ the Only King of the Jews...and of us Gentiles! By His suffering, death, and resurrection He has knit us all together as One in His Body - the Church - The Jerusalem from above!
Contentment flows from knowing Christ Jesus as our Lord! He redeemed you! He paid your price in full! Once for all! How can you be certain - “The Word of the Lord is proven!” Search the Scriptures - they all testify of Jesus! 1Co 10:11-12 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. (12) Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. Learn from young David not to trust in your own thinking or strength! Look only to Jesus! Fix your ears to see Jesus alone from Genesis to Revelation!(LSB pg. 322, 9th Cmdt. W.D.T.M?)
The unjust manager is commended in Jesus’ parable. Why? He had wasted his Master’s good for his own benefit. Justice was about to be carried out - he’d be exposed - removed from his stewardship. Removed, not thrown into debtors prison....perhaps now the Lamp of God’s grace lighten his self-serving darkness. His Master is merciful. He calls the debtors forgiving them their debts - he stops serving self - he serves them. The merciful master commends his shrewdness. What does this have to do with you! Be content! Be happy with the daily bread our Father gives you! God’s Way is perfect!
Stop chasing the wind! Stuff doesn’t bring happiness. Instead use your positions in life to help and be a service to your neighbor to keep what God has entrusted to their stewardship. Luk 16:13 "No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon."
III. Happiness is found in Jesus alone! David sings, Psa 16:11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. As an old man David joyfully sang, Psa 37:25-27 I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread. (26) He is ever merciful, and lends; And his descendants are blessed. (27) Depart from evil, and do good; And dwell forevermore. Contentment flows from God the Father’s love through His crucified and risen Son by the Holy Spirit through the Word into our hearts! (Vs.32-34) God is our Lord - we are bought with the holy precious blood and living wounds of Jesus! He is our Rock - the same - yesterday, today, and forever! He is our strength and power! If we have Jesus we have all! (LSB pg. 322, 9th Cmdt. W.D.T.M?) True happiness flows from fearing, loving, and trusting in God above all things!
Our fallen heart, the unjust steward within us all, doesn’t believe it. So we twist St. Paul’s words to make it about our own doing. 1Co 10:12-13 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. (13) No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. We imagine this means that God won’t give me more than I can bear - wrong. Or we look back to our fig leaves with the lie , “God helps those who help themselves!” - wrong again. The way of escape isn’t inside of you. Stop idolizing “ME”. Repent! Listen! 1Co 10:14-17 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. (15) I speak as to wise men; judge for yourselves what I say. (16) The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? (17) For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.
The Way of Escape is Jesus! His flesh and blood placed upon our sinful lips in the bread and wine of His Supper free us! Free us from our sinful desires! Fill us with the joy of His real presence with us! Assure us that He walks with us through every trial. No temptation you face is greater than Jesus. Your Brother has borne them all for you! Your God has defeated them all for you! Now He gives you feet like deer - sure and steady to follow Him. He sets you on high places - beneath His cross forgiven, reconciled, redeemed - rejoice! Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! He is your joy. He is your contentment! He is your Treasure! Amen.
Sermon Text: 2 Samuel 22:26-34/ The Ninth Commandment
Sermon Theme: The Ninth Commandment: Guard Your Heart With God’s Word! I. Happiness Isn’t Found In The Possessions of Others! (Vs.26-27). II. Treasure God In His Word Rejoicing In His Light! (Vs.29-30) III. Happiness Flows From Fearing, Loving, and Trusting God Above All Things! (Vs.32-34) by Rev. Nathan J. Rusert
I.N.R.I. God’s Holy Law has three functions. First it keeps man’s evil nature in check. It serves as a curb. We hear curb and we think of our streets and its curbs which serve to stop cars from driving onto sidewalks. God’s Holy Ten Commandments restrain evil in this world. The older use of the word ‘curb’ referred to the ‘bit’ placed into a horse’s mouth. A horse will obey a pull on the reins because it hurts it more to disobey, than to follow it’s rider’s lead. So unregenerate man grudgingly follows the moral law because it hurts more to disobey.
The second use of God’s Law is a mirror. What do you see when you look into a mirror? Yourself. Looking into the mirror of God’s Holy Law you see a reflection of yourself. The Apostle Paul even after his conversion was aghast at what he saw. He writes: Rom 7:7-12 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, "YOU SHALL NOT COVET." (8) But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead. (9) I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died. (10) And the commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring death. (11) For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me. (12) Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.
Paul could boast of an impressive spiritual heritage. He wrote, Php 3:4-6 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: (5) circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; (6) concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.” When he honestly looked into God’s Law mirror - all his boasting could not cover his sin. He hadn’t even begun to know the law until he chewed on the ninth commandment - “You Shall Not Covet!” Now he saw his heart filled with sin’s sewage of evil desires. What Jesus preaches is true, Mat 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.” When sin is exposed to the Light of God’s Word it kills us.
A sleeping lion or bear seems to be a cuddly docile creature. Poke it with a stick and its claws and fangs appear. Its wild nature will tear you apart. The same it is with our old adam, our old sinful spiritual nature. It loves to pretend to be spiritual. It plays godly. Masquerades as a loving follower of Jesus. Prod it with the stick of the Law - “You Shall Not Covet”- Its fangs appear, ‘What, you think that my dark desires are damnable sin?” “How dare you!” “You not pure of heart!” “How can my evil thoughts and desires damn me to hell?” “It’s not fair!” “My Jesus wouldn’t be so judgmental!” “I’ll just stay away from church if you dare to call me a poor, miserable sinner deserving only temporal and eternal punishment!” “I’m good!” The natural man cannot receive the spiritual things of God. Sin has blinded him to the truth. From Adam on we rebel and hate God thinking our fig leaves of good deeds settle our debt with Him.
Repent! Stop your self deception! Look into the mirror of God’s Law and see that you are The Sinner! Looking away from yourself look to the cross and see the One whom God made The Sinner FOR YOU! Learn today: The Ninth Commandment: Guard Your Heart With God’s Word! I. Happiness Isn’t Found In The Possessions of Others! (Vs.26-27). II. Treasure God In His Word Rejoicing In His Light! (Vs.29-30) III. Happiness Flows From Fearing, Loving, and Trusting God Above All Things! (Vs.32-34)
I. The Old Testament is written for you! It’s history is your history. The Christian is the true son of Abraham. The Holy Spirit testifies, Gal 3:9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. And again, Rom 9:6-8 But it is not that the word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel, (7) nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, "IN ISAAC YOUR SEED SHALL BE CALLED." (8) That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed. What was Abraham’s faith? Gal 3:16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "AND TO YOUR SEED," who is Christ.” The Christian Church is the True Israel of God in Jesus. Read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest the Old Testament - God recorded it for you!
The greatest Old Testament scholar in the Christian Church, St. Paul, wrote; 1Co 10:6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. Guard your heart against the old dragon of covetousness - lusting after - desiring what has not been given to you! (LSB pg. 322, 9th Cmdt. W.D.T.M?)
Paul warned young pastor Timothy, 1Ti 6:6-8 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (8) And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. Are you happy with what you have? Happy to live only with food and clothing? Or do you long for more? You see your neighbor’s new car, motor cycle, boat, cell phone, tablet - suddenly you’re sad - you need what they have to be happy. Thanks God for my daily bread, but I need more - I need what You’ve given my neighbor - then I can be happy. We chase the wind. Study Ecclesiastes. Solomon tried to find happiness, another name for contentment - in gathering the wealth of the world. It didn’t satisfy. The Preacher preaches, Ecc 4:4-6 Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man's envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. (5) The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh. (6) Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind. Jesus tells us the unjust steward only found just judgment using his master’s goods for himself. Seeking his own he would lose all.
The Ninth Commandment exposes the hidden sinner of your heart. David sings forth the truth as he nears death: (Vs.26-27) This is also recorded in Psalm 18. God sees your heart! Our old adam is still entrenched in our hearts. He hides his evil with fig leaves of platitudes and lawful actions. This commandment is given exposing those who steal, just as a thief in the seventh commandment, but they do it legally - in a way which only appears right. No one dare accuse him of doing evil - he took possession of his neighbor’s property legally. She settled her parents estate legally to her benefit. God still sees the sin of our heart.
As Jesus was entrusting the treasure of the Gospel to His followers by preaching history records, Luk 12:13-15 Then one from the crowd said to Him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me." (14) But He said to him, "Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?" (15) And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." Christ’s Church isn’t a legal court, but many families have torn themselves apart coveting an inheritance. Watch your heart! Happiness isn’t found in piling up your neighbor’s stuff and calling it your own! Look around - the U.S. is the most material wealthy - we also have the greatest number of people struggling with depression - people medicated and self medicating - not willing to let go of the lie that stuff brings happiness.
II. As a young man David did not covet the house of King Saul. Twice he spared the king’s life, for he would not lift his hand against the one God had placed into authority over him. What was the source of David’s strength in fighting against Israel’s enemies? (Vs.29-31) David’s Son and David’s Lord is Jesus of Nazareth the Only Christ the Only King of the Jews...and of us Gentiles! By His suffering, death, and resurrection He has knit us all together as One in His Body - the Church - The Jerusalem from above!
Contentment flows from knowing Christ Jesus as our Lord! He redeemed you! He paid your price in full! Once for all! How can you be certain - “The Word of the Lord is proven!” Search the Scriptures - they all testify of Jesus! 1Co 10:11-12 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. (12) Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. Learn from young David not to trust in your own thinking or strength! Look only to Jesus! Fix your ears to see Jesus alone from Genesis to Revelation!(LSB pg. 322, 9th Cmdt. W.D.T.M?)
The unjust manager is commended in Jesus’ parable. Why? He had wasted his Master’s good for his own benefit. Justice was about to be carried out - he’d be exposed - removed from his stewardship. Removed, not thrown into debtors prison....perhaps now the Lamp of God’s grace lighten his self-serving darkness. His Master is merciful. He calls the debtors forgiving them their debts - he stops serving self - he serves them. The merciful master commends his shrewdness. What does this have to do with you! Be content! Be happy with the daily bread our Father gives you! God’s Way is perfect!
Stop chasing the wind! Stuff doesn’t bring happiness. Instead use your positions in life to help and be a service to your neighbor to keep what God has entrusted to their stewardship. Luk 16:13 "No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon."
III. Happiness is found in Jesus alone! David sings, Psa 16:11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. As an old man David joyfully sang, Psa 37:25-27 I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread. (26) He is ever merciful, and lends; And his descendants are blessed. (27) Depart from evil, and do good; And dwell forevermore. Contentment flows from God the Father’s love through His crucified and risen Son by the Holy Spirit through the Word into our hearts! (Vs.32-34) God is our Lord - we are bought with the holy precious blood and living wounds of Jesus! He is our Rock - the same - yesterday, today, and forever! He is our strength and power! If we have Jesus we have all! (LSB pg. 322, 9th Cmdt. W.D.T.M?) True happiness flows from fearing, loving, and trusting in God above all things!
Our fallen heart, the unjust steward within us all, doesn’t believe it. So we twist St. Paul’s words to make it about our own doing. 1Co 10:12-13 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. (13) No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. We imagine this means that God won’t give me more than I can bear - wrong. Or we look back to our fig leaves with the lie , “God helps those who help themselves!” - wrong again. The way of escape isn’t inside of you. Stop idolizing “ME”. Repent! Listen! 1Co 10:14-17 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. (15) I speak as to wise men; judge for yourselves what I say. (16) The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? (17) For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.
The Way of Escape is Jesus! His flesh and blood placed upon our sinful lips in the bread and wine of His Supper free us! Free us from our sinful desires! Fill us with the joy of His real presence with us! Assure us that He walks with us through every trial. No temptation you face is greater than Jesus. Your Brother has borne them all for you! Your God has defeated them all for you! Now He gives you feet like deer - sure and steady to follow Him. He sets you on high places - beneath His cross forgiven, reconciled, redeemed - rejoice! Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! He is your joy. He is your contentment! He is your Treasure! Amen.
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