Faith and Works
Commentary
One would think that one of these days the continuing discussion of these two matters would go away. Alas, it has not. I recall a young man in a former congregation who did not wish to make a confession of faith or join the church who asked, "Does God pay any attention to the good that I do even though I am not a Christian?" Tough question for most of us because we know people in our community who appear to be better (morally and actively) than many who attend church regularly. What to do?
1. First of all, one must be continually reminded that to be a Christian does not mean that one is good enough to become one or has finally gotten his act together and deserves the title. We become Christians when we confess that in Jesus the Christ we have come to know God who chooses to overlook our sins, forgive us, cleanse us, adopt us into his family as his children. Our response to that is to become disciples, followers, and learners who seek for the rest of our lives to know and to do what will give witness to what we are and what we claim to be.
2. To ask whether our good works merit God's notice is to put the cart before the horse. We are a people who take Romans 5:8 seriously. You should know it by heart for it is the heart of the gospel.
Take time to turn to Paul's discussion of such matters in his Roman letter and be aware that James is not disagreeing with Paul as some suppose, but that he is undergirding what Paul has said for a later congregation. There is no problem with the discussion. So long as it continues there is opportunity for us to clarify our positions.
To trust that God does indeed forgive us is indeed the heart of the faith. To be grateful for that gift is the way the faith is meant to work out. See Romans 6:4. And while you are at it, see Psalm 103 and Micah 7:18-20.
OUTLINE I
Faith and Works
Psalm 15
Introduction: When one reads a Psalm such as the one in our lesson for today, the temptation always arises to become involved in a complicated discussion of faith as over against works, and vice versa. I think that it may be accurate to say that this Psalm supports the ideals of the legalists of Israel whether it was theirs or not. There is no discussion here as to whether this kind of moral life is meant to impress God and gain his approval or is to be a response to his grace. Therefore, I see no reason why any preacher should hesitate to use it as a part of his instruction about expectations for disciples.
A. One possibility for sermon-building using this Psalm is simply to take it line by line and interpret what is written in terms of daily life. Note that most of this Psalm has to do with daily relationships with other persons, a regard for their person and rights and a regard for one's public behavior and image.
B. Another possibility is that one can focus attention on the first verse, then address the rest of this Psalm, admit that it does not include much about one's relationship to God nor much about personal rightness, and then proceed to choose other Psalms to strengthen the sermon.
C. One could take time to address the problems of tension between moral behavior and faith. One could address 1 Corinthians 6 and Romans 6 as New Testament parallels and perhaps even refer to James' work on this matter in James 2:14-26.
Conclusion: Whatever tack you choose for your sermon, be sure to make it clear that our call is to be different. In fact, that is the central meaning of personal holiness. One is holy by being different from those who do not share the faith. A great text for such preaching is to be found in Romans 6:1-4.
OUTLINE II
Complaining when Chastised
Ezekiel 18:1-9, 25-29
Introduction: It is important to keep in mind what is happening to the people of Israel as a background for today's selection. Many lay persons carry about with them an idealized image of people of the past. They imagine that they were special and more holy than we. Sometimes I think that they think that the people of the Bible walked about a foot off the ground. Read the text carefully and you will discover that twice Ezekiel mentions God's complaint against his people for their accusations against him. Remember, their ancestors had done the same when they murmured against Moses in the wilderness and threatened to go back to Egypt and the security of bondage. Ezekiel is in Babylon with the exiles. He knows what they are saying. Many are wondering how such things can happen to them. Some gave up the faith of their ancestors and began to worship Babylonian gods. Others felt that God had been much too harsh in his punishment.
A. Those who are in bondage feel that they have been punished for sins committed by their ancestors. The prophet reminds them that they stand on their own record before God.
B. Appropriate behavior for God's people is detailed in verses 5-9. It is obvious that their trespasses have been just the opposite.
C. God is accused of being unfair. The people want their punishment to match their offense, if any.
D. The claim is that God is just, that he has seen their disobedience and that his judgment is fair. You can imagine that Ezekiel is not too popular for what he says (Jeremiah has a harder time back in Israel), and that there must have been some shouting matches going on in Babylon. For instance, check out Micah and his report of the way in which the people rebelled in 2:6ff.
Conclusion: There are many who feel unjustly judged. There are many who imagine that if they repent no consequences will befall them. Such persons are in all our congregations and it is important to let them know that God will indeed forgive but that the consequences we have chosen will in all likelihood still come to pass. Examples ought to come easily to mind.
OUTLINE III
Advice on Humility
Luke 14:1, 7-14
Introduction: Humility is a scarce commodity in our days. I suppose that there are many who would buy into that stark statement. I suppose that whether you agree is in large part dependent on your concept of humility. Therefore, it is important to work on some usable definition of humility at the outset.
It seems to me that what is being said in today's selection is that the humble person is best described as the one who has status or something to brag about and yet does not flaunt it. Some of the greatest persons I know are those who have achieved great things and yet do not wear them as some sort of badge demanding honor.
A. What an embarrassment if one were to go to the head table and then be moved down. I cannot imagine a more blatant demonstration of unjustifiable pride. Now, we have raised another issue ---pride. Some discussion about rightful and unjustifiable pride needs to be undertaken.
B. But what joy if one is humble enough to wait and to be called up front. Enough said!
C. Which of us does not wish to be friends with all the mighty to such an extent that they would respond to our invitation to have them over for a meal? It is characteristic of Luke (the doctor) to focus attention on God's love and care for those who cannot care for themselves or those who have no status and never receive such invitations. To truly be humble one must treat all persons alike. To invite the rich and powerful is a signal that one expects something in return. To invite the poor and lowly shows that one's works of love are truly just that.
Conclusion: You will be treading on sensitive ground when you address this selection. There will be hearers who have given little evidence of humility and others who wish that they had the opportunity. And, there will be those who cannot include themselves in such images. So, be careful.
1. First of all, one must be continually reminded that to be a Christian does not mean that one is good enough to become one or has finally gotten his act together and deserves the title. We become Christians when we confess that in Jesus the Christ we have come to know God who chooses to overlook our sins, forgive us, cleanse us, adopt us into his family as his children. Our response to that is to become disciples, followers, and learners who seek for the rest of our lives to know and to do what will give witness to what we are and what we claim to be.
2. To ask whether our good works merit God's notice is to put the cart before the horse. We are a people who take Romans 5:8 seriously. You should know it by heart for it is the heart of the gospel.
Take time to turn to Paul's discussion of such matters in his Roman letter and be aware that James is not disagreeing with Paul as some suppose, but that he is undergirding what Paul has said for a later congregation. There is no problem with the discussion. So long as it continues there is opportunity for us to clarify our positions.
To trust that God does indeed forgive us is indeed the heart of the faith. To be grateful for that gift is the way the faith is meant to work out. See Romans 6:4. And while you are at it, see Psalm 103 and Micah 7:18-20.
OUTLINE I
Faith and Works
Psalm 15
Introduction: When one reads a Psalm such as the one in our lesson for today, the temptation always arises to become involved in a complicated discussion of faith as over against works, and vice versa. I think that it may be accurate to say that this Psalm supports the ideals of the legalists of Israel whether it was theirs or not. There is no discussion here as to whether this kind of moral life is meant to impress God and gain his approval or is to be a response to his grace. Therefore, I see no reason why any preacher should hesitate to use it as a part of his instruction about expectations for disciples.
A. One possibility for sermon-building using this Psalm is simply to take it line by line and interpret what is written in terms of daily life. Note that most of this Psalm has to do with daily relationships with other persons, a regard for their person and rights and a regard for one's public behavior and image.
B. Another possibility is that one can focus attention on the first verse, then address the rest of this Psalm, admit that it does not include much about one's relationship to God nor much about personal rightness, and then proceed to choose other Psalms to strengthen the sermon.
C. One could take time to address the problems of tension between moral behavior and faith. One could address 1 Corinthians 6 and Romans 6 as New Testament parallels and perhaps even refer to James' work on this matter in James 2:14-26.
Conclusion: Whatever tack you choose for your sermon, be sure to make it clear that our call is to be different. In fact, that is the central meaning of personal holiness. One is holy by being different from those who do not share the faith. A great text for such preaching is to be found in Romans 6:1-4.
OUTLINE II
Complaining when Chastised
Ezekiel 18:1-9, 25-29
Introduction: It is important to keep in mind what is happening to the people of Israel as a background for today's selection. Many lay persons carry about with them an idealized image of people of the past. They imagine that they were special and more holy than we. Sometimes I think that they think that the people of the Bible walked about a foot off the ground. Read the text carefully and you will discover that twice Ezekiel mentions God's complaint against his people for their accusations against him. Remember, their ancestors had done the same when they murmured against Moses in the wilderness and threatened to go back to Egypt and the security of bondage. Ezekiel is in Babylon with the exiles. He knows what they are saying. Many are wondering how such things can happen to them. Some gave up the faith of their ancestors and began to worship Babylonian gods. Others felt that God had been much too harsh in his punishment.
A. Those who are in bondage feel that they have been punished for sins committed by their ancestors. The prophet reminds them that they stand on their own record before God.
B. Appropriate behavior for God's people is detailed in verses 5-9. It is obvious that their trespasses have been just the opposite.
C. God is accused of being unfair. The people want their punishment to match their offense, if any.
D. The claim is that God is just, that he has seen their disobedience and that his judgment is fair. You can imagine that Ezekiel is not too popular for what he says (Jeremiah has a harder time back in Israel), and that there must have been some shouting matches going on in Babylon. For instance, check out Micah and his report of the way in which the people rebelled in 2:6ff.
Conclusion: There are many who feel unjustly judged. There are many who imagine that if they repent no consequences will befall them. Such persons are in all our congregations and it is important to let them know that God will indeed forgive but that the consequences we have chosen will in all likelihood still come to pass. Examples ought to come easily to mind.
OUTLINE III
Advice on Humility
Luke 14:1, 7-14
Introduction: Humility is a scarce commodity in our days. I suppose that there are many who would buy into that stark statement. I suppose that whether you agree is in large part dependent on your concept of humility. Therefore, it is important to work on some usable definition of humility at the outset.
It seems to me that what is being said in today's selection is that the humble person is best described as the one who has status or something to brag about and yet does not flaunt it. Some of the greatest persons I know are those who have achieved great things and yet do not wear them as some sort of badge demanding honor.
A. What an embarrassment if one were to go to the head table and then be moved down. I cannot imagine a more blatant demonstration of unjustifiable pride. Now, we have raised another issue ---pride. Some discussion about rightful and unjustifiable pride needs to be undertaken.
B. But what joy if one is humble enough to wait and to be called up front. Enough said!
C. Which of us does not wish to be friends with all the mighty to such an extent that they would respond to our invitation to have them over for a meal? It is characteristic of Luke (the doctor) to focus attention on God's love and care for those who cannot care for themselves or those who have no status and never receive such invitations. To truly be humble one must treat all persons alike. To invite the rich and powerful is a signal that one expects something in return. To invite the poor and lowly shows that one's works of love are truly just that.
Conclusion: You will be treading on sensitive ground when you address this selection. There will be hearers who have given little evidence of humility and others who wish that they had the opportunity. And, there will be those who cannot include themselves in such images. So, be careful.
