All Saints' Sunday
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Cycle A, THIRD EDITION
THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Revelation 7:9--17 (C); Revelation 7:2--4, 9--12 (RC)
John gives a vision of heaven where innumerable saints worship God. The book of Revelation, written ca. A.D. 96, has as its purpose to comfort and strengthen Christians at a time of great distress. They are enduring persecution at the hands of the Roman Emperor, Domitian. They are encouraged and strengthened by the news of ultimate victory in heaven. Chapter 7 is an interlude between the sixth and seventh seals. The saints are assured that they will be free from the plagues and judgments. In heaven, the saints from every place will be beyond numbers. Their white robes speak of their righteousness and the palm branches represent their victory. The saints are before the altar to ascribe seven forms of praise. They serve God and under the Lamb's leadership; they enjoy every blessing.
Lesson 2: 1 John 3:1--3 (C, RC)
Because of God's love, we know now that we are his children and in the future we will be like Christ. The context indicates that Christians are in danger of being led astray. The devil has children who are known by their hatred of Christians. Over against this, Christians know they are the children of God because they love each other. Christians can guard against the devil by the knowledge that they are the children of God now, and in the future they shall be like Christ.
Lesson 2: Revelation 7:2--4, 9--17 (E)
See Lesson 1 above.
Gospel: Matthew 5:1--12 (C, RC, E)
The Beatitudes. For the second time, we have an opportunity to preach on the Beatitudes in one year. On Epiphany 4, the emphasis was on the first part of the Beatitudes: the poor in spirit, the mournful, the meek, the hungry for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and the persecuted. These apply to life on earth. On All Saints' Sunday we focus on the dead in Christ, those in the kingdom. What is their condition? The second half of the Beatitudes tells us of their condition: comforted, inherit the earth, satisfied, obtain mercy, see God, called sons of God, and joy. It is a comfort to those who suffered for the gospel's sake, for they received a reward in heaven.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 34:1--10 (C) - "O fear the Lord, you his saints" (v. 9).
Psalm 23:1--6 (RC) - "Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face" (v. 6).
Psalm 149 (E) - "For the Lord takes pleasure in his people" (v. 4).
Prayer Of The Day
"Almighty God, whose people are knit together in one holy church, the body of Christ our Lord: Grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you."
Hymn Of The Day
"For All The Saints Who From Their Labors Rest"
Theme Of The Day: The Saints In Heaven
Gospel - The saints are happy - Matthew 5:1--12
Lesson 1 - The saints worship - Revelation 7:9--17
Lesson 2 - The saints are like the Father - 1 John 3:1--3
The focus of this All Saints' Sunday is upon the dead in Christ. Who are they, what are they like, and what are they doing? In the Gospel we see the saints as happy because of their reward. Lesson 1 shows the saints worshiping before the throne of God. Lesson 2 tells us the saints will be like God the Father. The Psalm reminds us that the blessed in heaven bless the Lord continually. The Prayer petitions God to give us grace to follow the saints so that we may some day share the joys of heaven. The Hymn praises Christ for the saints who fought the good fight of faith on earth.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: Matthew 5:1--12
1. Disciples (v. 1). The Beatitudes are addressed to the disciples of Jesus, not to the public. A disciple is one who believes in Jesus, one who takes up his cross and follows. Christians are blessed or happy people. Does the average Christian convince you of this? Followers of Jesus are happy because they possess the virtues mentioned in the first part of the Beatitudes and because they reap rewards in heaven, the rewards mentioned in the latter--half of each Beatitude. Happiness for a Christian is a by--product of the qualities mentioned in the Beatitudes.
2. Is (vv. 3, 10). The verb "is" appears twice in the Beatitudes. The other Beatitudes use the future tense. The present tense is used in connection with the kingdom of heaven which is a present possession as well as future. The kingdom does not begin after death, but begins when Jesus is confessed as Lord. The future tense, "shall" refers to the future condition of the disciple in heaven. It is significant that "shall" is used rather than "will." "Shall" is much stronger than "will." It has an imperative in it, a certainty. The dead in Christ shall most certainly enjoy these rewards. The "shall" is backed up by Jesus' own words of authority.
3. Reward (v. 12). When we get to heaven, we receive our rewards for loyal and devoted service to Christ. The rewards are specified in the Beatitudes: the kingdom, comfort, inheritance, satisfaction, mercy, sight of God, and children of God. These are not rewards of material largess or personal pleasures. The rewards are spiritual. This is natural, for Christians place top priority on spiritual values, and thus heaven is where the values are enjoyed to the fullest.
Lesson 1: Revelation 7:9--17 (C): Revelation 7:2--4, 9--12 (RC)
1. Every (v. 9). Heaven is a crowded place. John sees a multitude there. They come from "every" nation, tribe, people, and language. No one group or even one church has a monopoly on heaven. Baptists need not be surprised that Catholics are there! It naturally follows the fact that Christ died for the sins of the world and not for any segment of it.
2. Who (v. 13). Who are these people in heaven? It is a mystery why an elder would ask the question of John, a mere mortal on earth. The inhabitants of heaven are those who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb. Who then gets to heaven? The criterion is not knowledge, power, or wealth. The way to heaven is acceptance of Jesus as Savior by faith.
3. Wipe (v. 17). Here is one of the most tender and compassionate verses of the Bible. None other than Almighty God dries the tears of those who have suffered on earth. In love, God wipes away tears as a dear mother comforts her weeping child. And it is not some tears, but "every" tear is wiped away. Sorrow is no more. Heaven is all joy.
Lesson 2: 1 John 3:1--3 (C, RC)
1. See what love (v. 1). It is a common clich , "God loves you." How do you know for sure? What proof do you have? John says we see the love of God in the fact that God calls us his children. Behind God's considering us his children is the price paid on the cross to make us his children. In Christ, God paid for our sins and thus we are acceptable to him. On the basis of the cross, God adopted us as his children. Why would God do this? Are we worthy of his sacrifice? It is a matter of pure, undeserved grace.
2. Day (v. 12). The "day" is associated with Christ's return. Jesus said he was the light of the world. With him comes the light of a new day. Righteousness is allied with the light. We are to live in the light of his truth and peace. Therefore, we are children of the light living in a dark world of sin. But, when Christ comes, there will be no more night.
3. We are (vv. 1, 2). We Christians know that we are the children of God. If so, then why are we so feverishly occupied in these days with the question of identity? Who are we? Do we understand ourselves? John removes all questions and doubts about our identity when he claims that we are the children of God. Yes, we are sinners, but now God's recommended sinners are made into God's children. Yes, we are humans, but more than that - children of the King. How do we know we are God's children? We know it because of the cross and resurrection, because of God's Word, because of faith, because the Spirit witnesses to our spirits that we are his children. Now stop and think of what it means to be a child of God.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Three Lessons: Revelation 7:9--17; 1 John 3:1--3; Matthew 5:1--12
When We All Get To Heaven.
Need: Constantly people are asking about heaven: what is it like, what will we do, who will be there, will we be happy? Since no one has been to heaven and returned, all we know about heaven is in the Word. In our three Lessons we learn enough about heaven to satisfy our curiosity. What we know about heaven gives comfort to the bereaved and erases the fear of death for us still living.
Outline: What we will do in heaven -
a. Worship before the throne of God - Lesson 1.
b. Grow into God's likeness - Lesson 2.
c. Enjoy God's presence - Gospel.
Gospel: Matthew 5:1--12
1. A Heaven Of Happiness. 5:1--12
Need: Today we want happiness here and now, not "pie in the sky by and by." On this All Saints' Sunday, our attention is focused on those who died in Christ. What is their condition? What can we expect when we die? The Beatitudes list the kinds of people who are happy ("blessed") now and in heaven. "Shall" points to the future happiness of the dead in Christ.
Outline: Heaven is a haven of happy people -
a. They have the kingdom - vv. 3, 10.
b. They have their needs fulfilled - vv. 4--7.
c. They are with God - vv. 8, 9.
2. The Best Is Yet To Be. 5:1--12
Need: Life for the Christian may be good on earth, but the very best life on earth is nothing compared with the life to come in heaven. This gives us hope and patience in our tribulation. With Paul we can say "to die is gain."
Outline: The better life to come -
a. Comfort for those who mourn now - v. 4.
b. Fulfillment of the desire for goodness - v. 6.
c. Mercy for those who are merciful now - v. 7.
d. A vision of God for the pure in heart - v. 8.
Lesson 1: Revelation 7:9--17 (C); Revelation 7:2--4, 9--12 (RC)
1. If You Were In Heaven Now. 7:9--17
Need: People are curious about heaven. Where is Jesus now and what is he doing? John in this Lesson has a vision of Jesus, the Lamb of God. If you were in heaven now, you would see John and his activity. Because of the resurrection, Jesus is alive and working in heaven. People need to know that Jesus is not dead but alive, that he did not stop his work when he left the earth, but is busy serving even now.
Outline: What Jesus is doing in heaven -
a. He is seated with God on a throne of glory - v. 11.
b. He washed his people of their sins - v. 14.
c. Like a shepherd, he guides his people to living water - v. 17.
2. A Victory Celebration. 7:9--12
Need: Who will be in heaven? Will there be relief from earthly sorrows and problems? The way to spell "relief" is "heaven." John has a vision of heaven as a place and time for a great victory celebration.
Outline: Heaven has a victory celebration -
a. Victory in numbers - v. 9.
b. Victory over sin: white robes - v. 9.
c. Victory of our King: palm branches - v. 9.
d. Victory's song - vv. 11--12.
Lesson 2: 1 John 3:13 (C, RC)
1. What The World Doesn't Know! 3:1--2
Need: The world is the segment of the population that is apart from God. Being separated from God, the world does not know what God's people know. Christians have a knowledge the world will never know as long as it stays apart from God. What do we know that the world does not know?
Outline: We know what the world does not know -
a. We know God is our Father - v. 1.
b. We know we are God's children - v. 2.
c. We know some day we will be like God - v. 2.
2. What Does It Mean To Be A Child Of God? 3:1
Need: It is easy to say that God is our Father and we are his children. What does this mean or imply? What are the privileges and responsibilities of this claim? Something very important is involved in being a child of God.
Outline: If God is our Father -
a. He knows, cares, and provides for his children.
b. He loves his children.
c. He expects his children to love and obey him.
d. He has prepared a place for his children in heaven.
Lesson 2: Revelation 7:2--4, 9--17 (E)
See Lesson 1 above.
Lesson 1: Revelation 7:9--17 (C); Revelation 7:2--4, 9--12 (RC)
John gives a vision of heaven where innumerable saints worship God. The book of Revelation, written ca. A.D. 96, has as its purpose to comfort and strengthen Christians at a time of great distress. They are enduring persecution at the hands of the Roman Emperor, Domitian. They are encouraged and strengthened by the news of ultimate victory in heaven. Chapter 7 is an interlude between the sixth and seventh seals. The saints are assured that they will be free from the plagues and judgments. In heaven, the saints from every place will be beyond numbers. Their white robes speak of their righteousness and the palm branches represent their victory. The saints are before the altar to ascribe seven forms of praise. They serve God and under the Lamb's leadership; they enjoy every blessing.
Lesson 2: 1 John 3:1--3 (C, RC)
Because of God's love, we know now that we are his children and in the future we will be like Christ. The context indicates that Christians are in danger of being led astray. The devil has children who are known by their hatred of Christians. Over against this, Christians know they are the children of God because they love each other. Christians can guard against the devil by the knowledge that they are the children of God now, and in the future they shall be like Christ.
Lesson 2: Revelation 7:2--4, 9--17 (E)
See Lesson 1 above.
Gospel: Matthew 5:1--12 (C, RC, E)
The Beatitudes. For the second time, we have an opportunity to preach on the Beatitudes in one year. On Epiphany 4, the emphasis was on the first part of the Beatitudes: the poor in spirit, the mournful, the meek, the hungry for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and the persecuted. These apply to life on earth. On All Saints' Sunday we focus on the dead in Christ, those in the kingdom. What is their condition? The second half of the Beatitudes tells us of their condition: comforted, inherit the earth, satisfied, obtain mercy, see God, called sons of God, and joy. It is a comfort to those who suffered for the gospel's sake, for they received a reward in heaven.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 34:1--10 (C) - "O fear the Lord, you his saints" (v. 9).
Psalm 23:1--6 (RC) - "Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face" (v. 6).
Psalm 149 (E) - "For the Lord takes pleasure in his people" (v. 4).
Prayer Of The Day
"Almighty God, whose people are knit together in one holy church, the body of Christ our Lord: Grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you."
Hymn Of The Day
"For All The Saints Who From Their Labors Rest"
Theme Of The Day: The Saints In Heaven
Gospel - The saints are happy - Matthew 5:1--12
Lesson 1 - The saints worship - Revelation 7:9--17
Lesson 2 - The saints are like the Father - 1 John 3:1--3
The focus of this All Saints' Sunday is upon the dead in Christ. Who are they, what are they like, and what are they doing? In the Gospel we see the saints as happy because of their reward. Lesson 1 shows the saints worshiping before the throne of God. Lesson 2 tells us the saints will be like God the Father. The Psalm reminds us that the blessed in heaven bless the Lord continually. The Prayer petitions God to give us grace to follow the saints so that we may some day share the joys of heaven. The Hymn praises Christ for the saints who fought the good fight of faith on earth.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: Matthew 5:1--12
1. Disciples (v. 1). The Beatitudes are addressed to the disciples of Jesus, not to the public. A disciple is one who believes in Jesus, one who takes up his cross and follows. Christians are blessed or happy people. Does the average Christian convince you of this? Followers of Jesus are happy because they possess the virtues mentioned in the first part of the Beatitudes and because they reap rewards in heaven, the rewards mentioned in the latter--half of each Beatitude. Happiness for a Christian is a by--product of the qualities mentioned in the Beatitudes.
2. Is (vv. 3, 10). The verb "is" appears twice in the Beatitudes. The other Beatitudes use the future tense. The present tense is used in connection with the kingdom of heaven which is a present possession as well as future. The kingdom does not begin after death, but begins when Jesus is confessed as Lord. The future tense, "shall" refers to the future condition of the disciple in heaven. It is significant that "shall" is used rather than "will." "Shall" is much stronger than "will." It has an imperative in it, a certainty. The dead in Christ shall most certainly enjoy these rewards. The "shall" is backed up by Jesus' own words of authority.
3. Reward (v. 12). When we get to heaven, we receive our rewards for loyal and devoted service to Christ. The rewards are specified in the Beatitudes: the kingdom, comfort, inheritance, satisfaction, mercy, sight of God, and children of God. These are not rewards of material largess or personal pleasures. The rewards are spiritual. This is natural, for Christians place top priority on spiritual values, and thus heaven is where the values are enjoyed to the fullest.
Lesson 1: Revelation 7:9--17 (C): Revelation 7:2--4, 9--12 (RC)
1. Every (v. 9). Heaven is a crowded place. John sees a multitude there. They come from "every" nation, tribe, people, and language. No one group or even one church has a monopoly on heaven. Baptists need not be surprised that Catholics are there! It naturally follows the fact that Christ died for the sins of the world and not for any segment of it.
2. Who (v. 13). Who are these people in heaven? It is a mystery why an elder would ask the question of John, a mere mortal on earth. The inhabitants of heaven are those who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb. Who then gets to heaven? The criterion is not knowledge, power, or wealth. The way to heaven is acceptance of Jesus as Savior by faith.
3. Wipe (v. 17). Here is one of the most tender and compassionate verses of the Bible. None other than Almighty God dries the tears of those who have suffered on earth. In love, God wipes away tears as a dear mother comforts her weeping child. And it is not some tears, but "every" tear is wiped away. Sorrow is no more. Heaven is all joy.
Lesson 2: 1 John 3:1--3 (C, RC)
1. See what love (v. 1). It is a common clich , "God loves you." How do you know for sure? What proof do you have? John says we see the love of God in the fact that God calls us his children. Behind God's considering us his children is the price paid on the cross to make us his children. In Christ, God paid for our sins and thus we are acceptable to him. On the basis of the cross, God adopted us as his children. Why would God do this? Are we worthy of his sacrifice? It is a matter of pure, undeserved grace.
2. Day (v. 12). The "day" is associated with Christ's return. Jesus said he was the light of the world. With him comes the light of a new day. Righteousness is allied with the light. We are to live in the light of his truth and peace. Therefore, we are children of the light living in a dark world of sin. But, when Christ comes, there will be no more night.
3. We are (vv. 1, 2). We Christians know that we are the children of God. If so, then why are we so feverishly occupied in these days with the question of identity? Who are we? Do we understand ourselves? John removes all questions and doubts about our identity when he claims that we are the children of God. Yes, we are sinners, but now God's recommended sinners are made into God's children. Yes, we are humans, but more than that - children of the King. How do we know we are God's children? We know it because of the cross and resurrection, because of God's Word, because of faith, because the Spirit witnesses to our spirits that we are his children. Now stop and think of what it means to be a child of God.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Three Lessons: Revelation 7:9--17; 1 John 3:1--3; Matthew 5:1--12
When We All Get To Heaven.
Need: Constantly people are asking about heaven: what is it like, what will we do, who will be there, will we be happy? Since no one has been to heaven and returned, all we know about heaven is in the Word. In our three Lessons we learn enough about heaven to satisfy our curiosity. What we know about heaven gives comfort to the bereaved and erases the fear of death for us still living.
Outline: What we will do in heaven -
a. Worship before the throne of God - Lesson 1.
b. Grow into God's likeness - Lesson 2.
c. Enjoy God's presence - Gospel.
Gospel: Matthew 5:1--12
1. A Heaven Of Happiness. 5:1--12
Need: Today we want happiness here and now, not "pie in the sky by and by." On this All Saints' Sunday, our attention is focused on those who died in Christ. What is their condition? What can we expect when we die? The Beatitudes list the kinds of people who are happy ("blessed") now and in heaven. "Shall" points to the future happiness of the dead in Christ.
Outline: Heaven is a haven of happy people -
a. They have the kingdom - vv. 3, 10.
b. They have their needs fulfilled - vv. 4--7.
c. They are with God - vv. 8, 9.
2. The Best Is Yet To Be. 5:1--12
Need: Life for the Christian may be good on earth, but the very best life on earth is nothing compared with the life to come in heaven. This gives us hope and patience in our tribulation. With Paul we can say "to die is gain."
Outline: The better life to come -
a. Comfort for those who mourn now - v. 4.
b. Fulfillment of the desire for goodness - v. 6.
c. Mercy for those who are merciful now - v. 7.
d. A vision of God for the pure in heart - v. 8.
Lesson 1: Revelation 7:9--17 (C); Revelation 7:2--4, 9--12 (RC)
1. If You Were In Heaven Now. 7:9--17
Need: People are curious about heaven. Where is Jesus now and what is he doing? John in this Lesson has a vision of Jesus, the Lamb of God. If you were in heaven now, you would see John and his activity. Because of the resurrection, Jesus is alive and working in heaven. People need to know that Jesus is not dead but alive, that he did not stop his work when he left the earth, but is busy serving even now.
Outline: What Jesus is doing in heaven -
a. He is seated with God on a throne of glory - v. 11.
b. He washed his people of their sins - v. 14.
c. Like a shepherd, he guides his people to living water - v. 17.
2. A Victory Celebration. 7:9--12
Need: Who will be in heaven? Will there be relief from earthly sorrows and problems? The way to spell "relief" is "heaven." John has a vision of heaven as a place and time for a great victory celebration.
Outline: Heaven has a victory celebration -
a. Victory in numbers - v. 9.
b. Victory over sin: white robes - v. 9.
c. Victory of our King: palm branches - v. 9.
d. Victory's song - vv. 11--12.
Lesson 2: 1 John 3:13 (C, RC)
1. What The World Doesn't Know! 3:1--2
Need: The world is the segment of the population that is apart from God. Being separated from God, the world does not know what God's people know. Christians have a knowledge the world will never know as long as it stays apart from God. What do we know that the world does not know?
Outline: We know what the world does not know -
a. We know God is our Father - v. 1.
b. We know we are God's children - v. 2.
c. We know some day we will be like God - v. 2.
2. What Does It Mean To Be A Child Of God? 3:1
Need: It is easy to say that God is our Father and we are his children. What does this mean or imply? What are the privileges and responsibilities of this claim? Something very important is involved in being a child of God.
Outline: If God is our Father -
a. He knows, cares, and provides for his children.
b. He loves his children.
c. He expects his children to love and obey him.
d. He has prepared a place for his children in heaven.
Lesson 2: Revelation 7:2--4, 9--17 (E)
See Lesson 1 above.
