Proper 14
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series IV
David's rebellious son, Absalom, sought to gain the kingship
from his father. He gathered an army to fight David's servants.
David divided his army into three sections with a general over
each. As they left to fight Absolom, David commanded his generals
to deal gently with his son. David's army took Absalom and his
men by surprise. They fled through a forest-jungle where many
were exhausted from the struggle with the thick underbrush, and
some fell in pitfalls. Absalom, in his f;ight, ran his head into
a fork of a low-hanging branch. His mule kept going and he was
hanging by his neck. Joab thrust three spears into his heart and
he died.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 4:25--5:2 (C); Ephesians 4:(25-29) 30--5:2
(E); Ephesians 4:30--5:2 (L, RC)
Paul continues in this pericope to give ethical directions.
The Holy Spirit is not to be grieved by the possession of an evil
spirit which is expressed in bitterness, anger and malice. Rather
the Christian is to be possessed by the Holy Spirit that results
in kindness and forgiving love. A model is given for this kind of
behavior in God and Christ who loved sacrificially. Consequently,
we are to walk (live) in love for each other with Christ as our
example. The seal of the Spirit was received at baptism.
Possession of the Spirit is a guarantee of salvation to be
received on the day of redemption.
Gospel: John 6:35, 41-51 (C); John 6:41-51 (E, L, RC)
Like the Israelites in the wilderness, the people murmur
against Jesus' claim that he is the bread from heaven, implying
that he is God's Son. Jesus avoids a controversy on the issue and
goes on to explain how he is the Bread of Life. There is a
oneness between God and Jesus. This is indicated by the fact that
no one comes to Jesus without being drawn by the Father. He who
knows God also knows Jesus as Son of God. And no one has ever
seen God except the Son. Jesus explains that he is the Bread of
Life from heaven and he who believes in Jesus as the Bread of
Life receives eternal life now. The difference between the bread
(manna) that came down from heaven in Moses' day and the bread of
Jesus is that eaters of manna died but they who eat the Bread of
Life live forever.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 130 (C) -- "Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord." (v.
1)
Psalm 34 (E); Psalm 34:1-8 (L)
Prayer Of The Day
"Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to
hear than we are to pray, and to give more than we either desire
or deserve. Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving
us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us
those good things for which we are not worthy to ask."
Hymn Of The Day
"Guide Me, Ever, Great Redeemer"
224
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: John 6:35, 41-51 (C)
1. Heaven (vv. 41, 42, 50, 51). Repeatedly Jesus said that he
was the Bread of Life that came down from heaven. Here is a claim
for divinity. It deals with the doctrine of the incarnation. In
the prologue John put it: "The Word became flesh." This was hard
for Jesus' contemporaries to accept. They saw him only as a man
and they knew his parents and family. It is still hard for
contemporary persons to accept: Can one be God; can the infinite
become finite; can the Spiritual become material? The incarnation
can be accepted only by faith. Thus, Jesus places much emphasis
on "he who believes." (v. 47)
2. Unless (v. 44). Jesus told the group that no one will come
to him and believe that he is the Bread of Life from heaven
"unless" God draws him. We do not make a decision for Christ but
God chooses us to be his children. The evangelistic emphasis on
coming to Christ and choosing Christ needs to be examined
theologically in the light of this passage. An "altar call"
should not be necessary. It is God who gives the call and grants
faith. God always takes the initiative by coming to us before we
can come to him. This does not imply predestination, for one has
the right to decline God's call and reject God's drawing power.
3. Has (v. 47). A person who believes in Jesus as the Bread of
Life from heaven "has" eternal life. We do not get eternal life
when we die. It begins before death -- "today." Now is the time
to receive and enjoy life in Christ which is everlasting. If we
are not in heaven while on earth, we never will get to heaven
when we leave the earth.
Lesson 1: 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 (C)
1. For my sake (v. 5). Here is an expression of grace! David
asks his three top generals as they lead the army to defeat
Absalom who has been unfaithful to David. He was a rebel, caused
division in David's kingdom, and raised an army to remove his
father from the throne. Yet, David still loves his bad boy and
commands his generals to deal gently with Absalom, not for
Absalom's sake, but for his sake. Absalom deserves nothing but
death for his treason, but father David wants no harm to come to
him. A parallel can be easily seen in our relationship with the
Father in heaven. We, too, are rebels, but for Jesus' sake, God
is merciful and deals with us.
2. Hanging (vv. 9, 10). In Absalom's haste to flee in a jungle
from David's forces, his head gets caught in a fork of an oak
tree. His mule keeps going and Absalom is left hanging between
heaven and earth. It is, in a sense, a humorous end to a wayward
son and illustrates the final end of disobedience and
faithlessness. But there is another hanging -- a Savior's hanging
between heaven and earth on Calvary. It was a faithful and
obedient Son whose death brought together heaven and earth.
3. Silver (vv. 11, 12). Judas was willing to have Jesus put to
death for 30 pieces of silver, but here is an unknown man who
would not kill a rebel for 10 pieces. Moreover, when Joab, one of
David's top generals, offered him 10 pieces, he said he would not
kill Absalom even if he were offered 1,000 pieces. Why? Because
he heard David commanding his generals not to hurt Absalom. This
ordinary man put to shame a top general in obeying the king. In
contrast, Joab did not obey and thrust three spears into
Absalom's heart. Does every person have his price? Here is at
least one man who could not be bought at any price. Obedience for
him was more important than silver.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 4:25--5:2 (C)
1. Grieve (v. 30). Paul writes that we are not to grieve the
Holy Spirit. This implies that the Holy Spirit is a person who
can be disappointed and displeased. What grieves the Spirit? It
is when we act contrary to the work of the Holy Spirit. He
sanctifies us -- makes us good. He produces the fruit of love,
joy, peace, etc. He motivates and empowers us to live godly
lives. He is grieved when we indulge in bitterness, anger and
malice.
225
2. As (vv. 32, 1). It is a tiny word, but full of meaning. We
are to be and to do what God does to and for us. You are forgiven
by God; therefore, you forgive. Christ loves you; therefore, you
love. In other words, "Be holy, for I am holy." God does not ask
us to do anything he has not already done for us.
3. Imitators (v. 1). Children imitate their parents. Elvis
Presley has his imitators. The comedian Rich Little is famous for
his imitations of people in the headlines. According to Paul,
Christians are to imitate none other than God! What a challenge
and task! By imitation we learn. A follower of Christ will then
be a little Christ, for in all things he will be Christlike.
4. Sacrifice (v. 2). Christ offered himself as a sacrifice to
God and it had a fragrance pleasing to God. The scent of the
burnt offerings ascended to heaven and the odor was beautiful.
This says something about the theology of the cross. It was more
than a tragedy, more than an exhibition of God's love; it was a
sacrifice to God for the sins of the world. That sacrifice was
made to save humankind from dying for their sins. Since God was
in Christ, God paid the price to himself, not to Satan.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Gospel: John 6:35, 41-51 (C)
1. Life before death. 6:47
Need: In this text Jesus states that one who believes in him
has eternal life. It is not a promise to those who die as though
it were some future blessing. Life eternal begins with the
acceptance of Jesus here and now. As soon as the Bread of Life is
eaten by faith, a new life which never ends begins. Heaven is a
present possession, for heaven is essentially life in Christ.
This sermon is needed to show people how they can get life now.
Outline: To have life before death --
a. Know Jesus as the Bread of Life -- v. 48.
b. Believe in Jesus as the Bread of Life -- v. 47.
c. Eat the Bread of Life -- v. 51.
2. Where did Jesus come from? 6:41-42
Need: We face here the basic doctrine of the incarnation. Is
Jesus from earth or heaven? Jesus' reference to his coming from
heaven causes the people to murmur, complain, discuss and
disagree. They can see only the earthly Jesus. The problem exists
today. Many have difficulty accepting Jesus as the divine Son of
God. If he were accepted as such, Jesus would be accepted as Lord
and Savior; people would be baptized in his name, and he would be
worshiped. Since 40 percent of America is unchurched, it is
obvious that millions need this sermon.
Outline: Where did Jesus come from?
a. From earth -- human -- v. 42.
b. From heaven -- divine -- v. 41.
3. Speak for yourself, Jesus! 6:41-51
Need: The people of Jesus' day created a situation in which
Jesus had an opportunity to explain who he was. Many ideas,
opinions and reports about him circulated around the land. Today
we are no different. All kinds of things are said about Jesus in
books, lectures, sermons and conversations. Why not go directly
to Jesus and let him tell us who he is?
Outline: What Jesus says about himself --
a. I am from heaven -- v. 41.
b. I alone see God -- v. 46.
c. I am the bread of life -- v. 48.
d. I give eternal life -- v. 50.
226
Lesson 1: 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 (C)
1. For heaven's sake! 18:5
Need: How often do you hear someone say, "For heaven's sake?"
It is an expression of exasperation or surprise. David commands
his generals to go easy on his wicked son "for my sake." He
thereby admits that Absalom deserves nothing but death for his
disloyalty and disobedience as a son. The Heavenly Father knows
that we, rebels by our sin, deserve death but for Jesus' sake he
deals gently with us in terms of forgiveness and acceptance. Is
there a more universal need than that?
Outline: Will you do it for Jesus?
a. God does it for Jesus' sake -- forgiveness.
b. Will you do it "for my sake?"
1. Like David, Jesus is king.
2. Like David, Jesus loves us.
3. Like David, Jesus asks us to love.
2. Does everyone have a price? 18:9-14
Need: It is often said that every man has his price. Pay
enough and you can get anything, even someone to murder your
enemy, or to take a bribe, or to engage in perjury, etc. In
today's first lesson, we have the case of an ordinary soldier --
not an officer -- who refuses to disobey his king for an offer of
silver. Judas Iscariot was one who could be bought to betray
Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. What would you be willing to do
for a million dollars?
Outline: For no amount of money would a Christian --
a. Disobey the King of kings -- v. 12.
b. Take another person's life -- v. 12.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 4:25--5:2
1. Because. 4:30--5:2
Need: In this pericope we have the indicative-imperative
dialectic. It is expressed in the little word "as" (vv. 32, 1).
Because God in Christ did this, you should do likewise. This
gives us example and motivation. We are to be like God and
imitate him. Our lives reflect the nature of God. Our reason for
being and doing good is not for self-profit nor self-glory but
simply to respond to God.
Outline: Because --
a. You have the Holy Spirit -- do not grieve him -- v. 30.
b. You have been forgiven -- forgive -- v. 32.
c. You are loved -- love -- v. 2.
d. You are children of God -- imitate him -- v. 1.
2. Be an imitator! 4:30--5:2
Need: Children are born imitators. Adults tend to imitate
people they admire and want to be like. The danger is that we can
easily imitate bad examples. On the other hand, in recent years
the emphasis has been on "Be yourself," "Be your own person," and
"Do your own thing." In this passage Paul exhorts us to imitate
none other than God. This is quite an order for a human being!
Outline: Be an imitator of God --
a. Imitate his forgiveness -- v. 32.
b. Imitate his love -- v. 2.
c. Imitate his goodness -- vv. 30, 31.
227
from his father. He gathered an army to fight David's servants.
David divided his army into three sections with a general over
each. As they left to fight Absolom, David commanded his generals
to deal gently with his son. David's army took Absalom and his
men by surprise. They fled through a forest-jungle where many
were exhausted from the struggle with the thick underbrush, and
some fell in pitfalls. Absalom, in his f;ight, ran his head into
a fork of a low-hanging branch. His mule kept going and he was
hanging by his neck. Joab thrust three spears into his heart and
he died.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 4:25--5:2 (C); Ephesians 4:(25-29) 30--5:2
(E); Ephesians 4:30--5:2 (L, RC)
Paul continues in this pericope to give ethical directions.
The Holy Spirit is not to be grieved by the possession of an evil
spirit which is expressed in bitterness, anger and malice. Rather
the Christian is to be possessed by the Holy Spirit that results
in kindness and forgiving love. A model is given for this kind of
behavior in God and Christ who loved sacrificially. Consequently,
we are to walk (live) in love for each other with Christ as our
example. The seal of the Spirit was received at baptism.
Possession of the Spirit is a guarantee of salvation to be
received on the day of redemption.
Gospel: John 6:35, 41-51 (C); John 6:41-51 (E, L, RC)
Like the Israelites in the wilderness, the people murmur
against Jesus' claim that he is the bread from heaven, implying
that he is God's Son. Jesus avoids a controversy on the issue and
goes on to explain how he is the Bread of Life. There is a
oneness between God and Jesus. This is indicated by the fact that
no one comes to Jesus without being drawn by the Father. He who
knows God also knows Jesus as Son of God. And no one has ever
seen God except the Son. Jesus explains that he is the Bread of
Life from heaven and he who believes in Jesus as the Bread of
Life receives eternal life now. The difference between the bread
(manna) that came down from heaven in Moses' day and the bread of
Jesus is that eaters of manna died but they who eat the Bread of
Life live forever.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 130 (C) -- "Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord." (v.
1)
Psalm 34 (E); Psalm 34:1-8 (L)
Prayer Of The Day
"Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to
hear than we are to pray, and to give more than we either desire
or deserve. Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving
us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us
those good things for which we are not worthy to ask."
Hymn Of The Day
"Guide Me, Ever, Great Redeemer"
224
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: John 6:35, 41-51 (C)
1. Heaven (vv. 41, 42, 50, 51). Repeatedly Jesus said that he
was the Bread of Life that came down from heaven. Here is a claim
for divinity. It deals with the doctrine of the incarnation. In
the prologue John put it: "The Word became flesh." This was hard
for Jesus' contemporaries to accept. They saw him only as a man
and they knew his parents and family. It is still hard for
contemporary persons to accept: Can one be God; can the infinite
become finite; can the Spiritual become material? The incarnation
can be accepted only by faith. Thus, Jesus places much emphasis
on "he who believes." (v. 47)
2. Unless (v. 44). Jesus told the group that no one will come
to him and believe that he is the Bread of Life from heaven
"unless" God draws him. We do not make a decision for Christ but
God chooses us to be his children. The evangelistic emphasis on
coming to Christ and choosing Christ needs to be examined
theologically in the light of this passage. An "altar call"
should not be necessary. It is God who gives the call and grants
faith. God always takes the initiative by coming to us before we
can come to him. This does not imply predestination, for one has
the right to decline God's call and reject God's drawing power.
3. Has (v. 47). A person who believes in Jesus as the Bread of
Life from heaven "has" eternal life. We do not get eternal life
when we die. It begins before death -- "today." Now is the time
to receive and enjoy life in Christ which is everlasting. If we
are not in heaven while on earth, we never will get to heaven
when we leave the earth.
Lesson 1: 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 (C)
1. For my sake (v. 5). Here is an expression of grace! David
asks his three top generals as they lead the army to defeat
Absalom who has been unfaithful to David. He was a rebel, caused
division in David's kingdom, and raised an army to remove his
father from the throne. Yet, David still loves his bad boy and
commands his generals to deal gently with Absalom, not for
Absalom's sake, but for his sake. Absalom deserves nothing but
death for his treason, but father David wants no harm to come to
him. A parallel can be easily seen in our relationship with the
Father in heaven. We, too, are rebels, but for Jesus' sake, God
is merciful and deals with us.
2. Hanging (vv. 9, 10). In Absalom's haste to flee in a jungle
from David's forces, his head gets caught in a fork of an oak
tree. His mule keeps going and Absalom is left hanging between
heaven and earth. It is, in a sense, a humorous end to a wayward
son and illustrates the final end of disobedience and
faithlessness. But there is another hanging -- a Savior's hanging
between heaven and earth on Calvary. It was a faithful and
obedient Son whose death brought together heaven and earth.
3. Silver (vv. 11, 12). Judas was willing to have Jesus put to
death for 30 pieces of silver, but here is an unknown man who
would not kill a rebel for 10 pieces. Moreover, when Joab, one of
David's top generals, offered him 10 pieces, he said he would not
kill Absalom even if he were offered 1,000 pieces. Why? Because
he heard David commanding his generals not to hurt Absalom. This
ordinary man put to shame a top general in obeying the king. In
contrast, Joab did not obey and thrust three spears into
Absalom's heart. Does every person have his price? Here is at
least one man who could not be bought at any price. Obedience for
him was more important than silver.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 4:25--5:2 (C)
1. Grieve (v. 30). Paul writes that we are not to grieve the
Holy Spirit. This implies that the Holy Spirit is a person who
can be disappointed and displeased. What grieves the Spirit? It
is when we act contrary to the work of the Holy Spirit. He
sanctifies us -- makes us good. He produces the fruit of love,
joy, peace, etc. He motivates and empowers us to live godly
lives. He is grieved when we indulge in bitterness, anger and
malice.
225
2. As (vv. 32, 1). It is a tiny word, but full of meaning. We
are to be and to do what God does to and for us. You are forgiven
by God; therefore, you forgive. Christ loves you; therefore, you
love. In other words, "Be holy, for I am holy." God does not ask
us to do anything he has not already done for us.
3. Imitators (v. 1). Children imitate their parents. Elvis
Presley has his imitators. The comedian Rich Little is famous for
his imitations of people in the headlines. According to Paul,
Christians are to imitate none other than God! What a challenge
and task! By imitation we learn. A follower of Christ will then
be a little Christ, for in all things he will be Christlike.
4. Sacrifice (v. 2). Christ offered himself as a sacrifice to
God and it had a fragrance pleasing to God. The scent of the
burnt offerings ascended to heaven and the odor was beautiful.
This says something about the theology of the cross. It was more
than a tragedy, more than an exhibition of God's love; it was a
sacrifice to God for the sins of the world. That sacrifice was
made to save humankind from dying for their sins. Since God was
in Christ, God paid the price to himself, not to Satan.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Gospel: John 6:35, 41-51 (C)
1. Life before death. 6:47
Need: In this text Jesus states that one who believes in him
has eternal life. It is not a promise to those who die as though
it were some future blessing. Life eternal begins with the
acceptance of Jesus here and now. As soon as the Bread of Life is
eaten by faith, a new life which never ends begins. Heaven is a
present possession, for heaven is essentially life in Christ.
This sermon is needed to show people how they can get life now.
Outline: To have life before death --
a. Know Jesus as the Bread of Life -- v. 48.
b. Believe in Jesus as the Bread of Life -- v. 47.
c. Eat the Bread of Life -- v. 51.
2. Where did Jesus come from? 6:41-42
Need: We face here the basic doctrine of the incarnation. Is
Jesus from earth or heaven? Jesus' reference to his coming from
heaven causes the people to murmur, complain, discuss and
disagree. They can see only the earthly Jesus. The problem exists
today. Many have difficulty accepting Jesus as the divine Son of
God. If he were accepted as such, Jesus would be accepted as Lord
and Savior; people would be baptized in his name, and he would be
worshiped. Since 40 percent of America is unchurched, it is
obvious that millions need this sermon.
Outline: Where did Jesus come from?
a. From earth -- human -- v. 42.
b. From heaven -- divine -- v. 41.
3. Speak for yourself, Jesus! 6:41-51
Need: The people of Jesus' day created a situation in which
Jesus had an opportunity to explain who he was. Many ideas,
opinions and reports about him circulated around the land. Today
we are no different. All kinds of things are said about Jesus in
books, lectures, sermons and conversations. Why not go directly
to Jesus and let him tell us who he is?
Outline: What Jesus says about himself --
a. I am from heaven -- v. 41.
b. I alone see God -- v. 46.
c. I am the bread of life -- v. 48.
d. I give eternal life -- v. 50.
226
Lesson 1: 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 (C)
1. For heaven's sake! 18:5
Need: How often do you hear someone say, "For heaven's sake?"
It is an expression of exasperation or surprise. David commands
his generals to go easy on his wicked son "for my sake." He
thereby admits that Absalom deserves nothing but death for his
disloyalty and disobedience as a son. The Heavenly Father knows
that we, rebels by our sin, deserve death but for Jesus' sake he
deals gently with us in terms of forgiveness and acceptance. Is
there a more universal need than that?
Outline: Will you do it for Jesus?
a. God does it for Jesus' sake -- forgiveness.
b. Will you do it "for my sake?"
1. Like David, Jesus is king.
2. Like David, Jesus loves us.
3. Like David, Jesus asks us to love.
2. Does everyone have a price? 18:9-14
Need: It is often said that every man has his price. Pay
enough and you can get anything, even someone to murder your
enemy, or to take a bribe, or to engage in perjury, etc. In
today's first lesson, we have the case of an ordinary soldier --
not an officer -- who refuses to disobey his king for an offer of
silver. Judas Iscariot was one who could be bought to betray
Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. What would you be willing to do
for a million dollars?
Outline: For no amount of money would a Christian --
a. Disobey the King of kings -- v. 12.
b. Take another person's life -- v. 12.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 4:25--5:2
1. Because. 4:30--5:2
Need: In this pericope we have the indicative-imperative
dialectic. It is expressed in the little word "as" (vv. 32, 1).
Because God in Christ did this, you should do likewise. This
gives us example and motivation. We are to be like God and
imitate him. Our lives reflect the nature of God. Our reason for
being and doing good is not for self-profit nor self-glory but
simply to respond to God.
Outline: Because --
a. You have the Holy Spirit -- do not grieve him -- v. 30.
b. You have been forgiven -- forgive -- v. 32.
c. You are loved -- love -- v. 2.
d. You are children of God -- imitate him -- v. 1.
2. Be an imitator! 4:30--5:2
Need: Children are born imitators. Adults tend to imitate
people they admire and want to be like. The danger is that we can
easily imitate bad examples. On the other hand, in recent years
the emphasis has been on "Be yourself," "Be your own person," and
"Do your own thing." In this passage Paul exhorts us to imitate
none other than God. This is quite an order for a human being!
Outline: Be an imitator of God --
a. Imitate his forgiveness -- v. 32.
b. Imitate his love -- v. 2.
c. Imitate his goodness -- vv. 30, 31.
227
