An Analysis Of Luther's Eight Invit Sermons

Luther wrote many sermons and published them. These eight Invocavit Sermons are arguably his most famous sermons he’s ever written. The interesting thing about these eight writings, though, is that he did not intend on publishing them. However, since they were in fact published, they are now studied for their message and as a way of spreading the Reformation Message, as is a lot of Luther’s work. Another thing that is noted about these are the fact that they were written and preached right after he was un-excommunicated and able to go back to Wittenberg- out of hiding where he was in the Diet of Worms. He returned to Wittenberg on March the sixth and on March eighth talked with other scholars and theologians and so he went on to preach everyday …show more content…
“God does not want hearers and repeaters of words but followers and doers.” Even though persecution is a part of being a Christian, the Doctor argues that God knows that truth more than any human and that God will strengthen His children whom He called. Helping one another up when down is not a bad idea either- God wants children of love, service and gratefulness. Sermon number two discusses the “musts” of society. Luther begs the question that even though something be necessary, if it is turned to be a good work, a ticket to heaven, or a sacrifice up on a pedestal, then it must be stopped immediately. The Sacrament itself is not sinful; however, the way in which the Sacrament is executed or who it is officiated by, does not make the person or the sacrament holy in itself. The sacrament needs the Word of God. Just like circumcision, which is not necessary for Salvation, yet another way to show love for God and a way God instilled in His people to set them aside as His chosen people. In the third sermon, we read about God’s free will. No one will get to heaven by dragging them. Only God can see what is inside of our hearts. So to think that if the “externals” are done that that certain person would not make it to heaven is contradictory to what the Bible says. Luther drives hard the message of ‘by faith alone’ here. No one today should be troubled on whether or not to eat meat or get married, washing the altar linens, or touch the sacrament (for not to disturb Catholic, man-made idea of Transubstantiation). It is only taught that we are instructed in what the Sacrament is, and that the Holy Supper is not in essence but in actuality, the blood and body of Jesus Christ. Purely a reassurance that what was done at the cross will forever take away sins. The devil pining after Christ’s children and deceiving them is easy Luther explains. We mustn't be concerned with childish