Faith active in good works
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series V, Cycle B
Theme For The Day: Faith active in good works.
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Proverbs 22:1--2, 8--9, 22--23 (C)
Practical advice concerning values. A good name is better than riches. The person who shares his wealth will be blessed by God but the unjust will experience calamity. God will judge those who beat down the poor.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 35:4--7a (RC, E)
Lesson 2: James 2:1--10 (11--13) 14--17 (C); James 2:1--5 (RC)
The Church is warned of the dangers of showing partiality to the wealthy and making the poor take a back seat. James warns that the rich of this world are the ones who cause oppression. He also admonishes that faith must be displayed in good works, that faith without works is dead.
Lesson 2: James 1:17--27 (E)
(See Proper 17)
Gospel: Mark 7:24--37 (C); Mark 7:31--37 (RC, E)
Jesus retreats to the region of Tyre and Sidon on the Mediterranean coast, a Gentile area. He went there not to minister but to retreat from the rigors of ministry for a while. He entered a home hoping not to be recognized, but a woman (a Syrophoenician) came, fell to her knees and begged Jesus to deliver her daughter from a demon. Jesus responded that it wasn't fair to take the children's bread and give it to the dogs. Some have tried to attenuate the harshness of Jesus' response by translating "dogs" as "puppies." Some interpreters suggest that Jesus is testing the level of her faith. It certainly was true that his primary mission was to the Jews. The notable thing about this passage is that this woman gets the best of Jesus. Her love for her daughter was so strong that she would endure any humiliation if it would deliver her daughter from the demon. She responds to Jesus: "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs" (v. 28). What presence of mind, what humility we see demonstrated through her actions! For that saying, Jesus granted her petition.
After this, Jesus returned to Galilee to the region of the Decapolis (the ten cities). Some people brought to Jesus a man who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech. Jesus took him aside, put his fingers into his ears, then spat and touched his tongue with the saliva. Jesus looked up to heaven, sighed, and said an Aramaic word, "Ephphatha," that is, "Be opened" (v. 35). Jesus told them to keep this under covers but to no avail. They reported it throughout the region, commenting, "He does all things well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak" (v. 37).
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 125 (C) - "Those who trust in the Lord...which cannot be moved..." (v. 1).
Psalm 146 (E)
Psalm 145 (RC)
Prayer Of The Day
Spirit of Love, you know our human frailties and weaknesses, not from a distance, but up close and personal through your Son. When we turn to you in faith for help, with even a weak faith, hear from heaven and grant us deliverance. In Jesus' precious and powerful Name. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Proverbs 22:1--2, 8--9, 22--23
Rich man, poor man (v. 2). The world is enthralled by the lifestyles of the rich and famous; the wealthy and famous are elevated to a place of prominence. With God, the rich man, the poor man, and everyone in between are all on the same plain. God is not impressed with wealth but character.
A bountiful eye (v. 9). This turn of speech in the Revised Standard Version of the Bible struck me. What is a bountiful eye? Probably the opposite of a covetous eye. A bountiful--eyed person enjoys sharing with those in need. "He shares his bread with the poor." The problem is that covetous eyes seem to outnumber bountiful eyes. A believer with a bountiful eye is surely focused on our bountiful Creator, who provides for the needs of all in plenitude.
At the gate (v. 22). This verse warns against crushing the afflicted at the gate. What does this mean? The poor and destitute would assemble at the city gates or perhaps the gate of the temple to beg for help. They were at the gate, but outside the gate. Though our cities no longer have gates, the poor and needy still gather outside the gate, the place of commerce, the busy street corner. They are hoping that someone will open the gate for them, that they might be accepted as citizens and not aliens in the city. Today they wait at the gate; tomorrow they might try to knock the gate down.
Lesson 2: James 2:1--10 (11--13) 14--17
Love is blind. James warns the Church against showing partiality to the wealthy and those who are richly attired. Don't let your attention be distracted by the glitter of their gold so that you discount the brother or sister who is poor. Like the statue of Lady Justice, eyes blindfolded, holding out the balance of justice, our love of Jesus should cause us to be blind to outward human differences.
Love and the law (v. 8). James refers to the precept to "love your neighbor as you love yourself" as the royal law. In effect, he is saying much the same thing that Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:13, when he concludes "Faith, hope, love abide, but the greatest of these is love." But how can love be a law? Like John, James considers love to be subject to the will. Thus, it can be commanded, like a law. Love is not a matter of feeling but of obedience.
Mercy triumphs over judgment (v. 13). Often times we become indignant when some law--breaker seems to get away with his crime. However, we are all dependent on God's mercy in Christ, since we all deserve the pronouncement of "guilty!" As James states in verse 10, "Whoever keeps the whole law but fails in part of it, has become guilty of all of it." Thank God that mercy triumphs over judgment.
Gospel: Mark 7:24--37
Jesus couldn't get away (v. 24). Apparently, Jesus was trying to get away from the incessant crowds for a time of respite when he went to the region of Tyre. Yet he couldn't get away; he couldn't remain incognito. A desperate woman came to him for help. Just today I read an article in the paper which reports how our electronic tools - cellular phones, modems, faxes and the like - leash us to our jobs. Increasingly, people find it difficult to get away from their work. One man reported in the article even quit his job because he couldn't take the constant pressure. For those who experience this problem, you can find solace in Jesus; he couldn't get away from his work either. The New Testament reveals a Christ who is always available to those in need.
The power of persistent prayer (vv. 25--30). The Bible is filled with admonitions to persevere in prayer. Why do we have to keep bugging God? Maybe God wants to see if we're really serious about what we ask for. Perhaps persistence shows a depth of character that the Lord is looking for. Or maybe persistence enables us to refine and purify our petitions. The Syrophoenician woman is a showcase of persistent prayer that triumphs.
How to have a "Great Faith." The Syrophoenician woman had a great faith. In Matthew's version of this same story, Jesus says so (27:28). What does it take to have a great faith? Here are some ingredients we can discern from this account: to have an unshakable faith in the power of God; to be focused on the needs of others; a persistence which won't let go of God; the willingness to humble oneself; to beg, if necessary, for the sake of the oppressed. These are but a few ingredients of a great faith.
Hearing and speaking (vv. 31--37). There is an essential link between hearing and speaking. To speak well, we must hear well. The man brought to Jesus spoke haltingly because he could not hear. Jesus understood. He put his fingers in the deaf man's ears and touched the man's tongue with his spittle. Immediately he could speak plainly. Jesus told them to keep it under wraps so as not to create a sensation, but the tongues of those who witnessed this miracle could not be stopped. The majority of Christians have a speech impediment when it comes to declaring the wonderful works of God. The problem is that we are deaf to the Word of God. Without listening we cannot clearly proclaim the good news of Christ.
The Jesus touch. You've heard of the Midas touch, based on the story of King Midas, who when he touched something turned it to gold. The New Testament speaks of the "Jesus touch." Some people brought the deaf man to Jesus, imploring that he would lay his hands on the man (v. 32). Instead Jesus touched his ears and tongue. The people of Jesus' earthly days, as well as the faithful down through the ages, have recognized that there is power to heal the body and spirit in the touch of Jesus.
The key (v. 34). Jesus prayed, fingers in the deaf man's ears, "Be opened!" The man was imprisoned in a body that could not freely enjoy or express the world around him. Jesus opened him up; he is the key. Jesus is the key that opens the door to life, freeing us from the prison of sin, guilt and fear. God wants to open up our ears and unlock our tongue.
SERMON APPROACHES WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Lesson 1: Proverbs 22:1--2, 8--9, 22--23
Sermon Title: The Choice
Sermon Angle: Life presents us with many choices. A restaurant that I sometimes dine at has a vast menu; to make a choice is difficult. Life presents us with much tougher choices than that, however. Our text presents one such choice, the choice between a good name and riches. The writer concludes: "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches." A good name represents a godly life of integrity and righteousness. There are certainly many rich people of integrity and good name but often times the choice is presented to us between a good name or great riches. In other words, the world tempts us to compromise our integrity, character and good name for the sake of financial success. The devil, the world and our own sinful nature tempt us to choose immediate gratification rather than an eternal treasure that will not be taken away from us.
Outline:
1. The world offers many choices. (Give examples.)
2. The choices are not just of commodities but of whom we will become.
3. The Bible urges us to seek a good name, a life of godly integrity (v. 1), over financial gain or immediate gratification.
Sermon Title: Bountiful Eyes Are Beautiful Eyes
Sermon Angle: The eyes are the window of our heart, mind and soul. What we perceive with the eyes depends not only on what's in the outer world but also what's in our inner world. If we perceive with covetous eyes, it's because our hearts are covetous. If we see the world through bountiful (generous) eyes, it's because God has opened up our heart, mind and spirit. May God give us bountiful eyes to behold the plenitude of his gifts and to share them. (Note: If you use this approach, be sure to refer to the Revised Standard Version of the Bible).
Outline:
1. What our eyes see depends on what's in our hearts.
2. Many behold the world with covetous eyes because they are misers.
3. The believer sees the world with bountiful eyes that flow from a redeemed heart.
4. Those with bountiful eyes behold God's many gifts and share them freely (v. 1).
Lesson 2: James 2:1--10 (11--13) 14--17
Sermon Title: Don't Be A Cur
Sermon Angle: A cur is a little dog or pup which characteristically yaps and jumps at the feet of its master in order to win attention and treats. James warns the Church against such behavior when it comes to seeking favors from the wealthy. The Church should not surround the rich with solicitous yelping, nor should we roll over on our backs so they can stroke our vanities. The world is quick to curry favor with the rich and powerful but the Bible warns against the dangers of such behavior. Rather, treat the poor with equal dignity; they, more often than the rich, inherit the true treasure of the kingdom. "Has not God chosen the poor of the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom" (v. 5). There is only One whose favor we should seek, the Lord who created and redeemed us rich and poor alike.
Outline:
1. James warns against making value judgments on people based on wealth.
2. The church should eschew all value judgments based on human distinctions.
3. Seek only to please God.
Sermon Title: Saving Faith
Sermon Angle: James maintains there are two kinds of faith - living faith and faith which is dead. Dead faith has been disconnected from both the Spirit of God and from the human family. It is faith in that which is not ultimate, such as one's theological understanding or ecclesiastical connections. Living faith, on the other hand, is saving faith, because the person who is possessed by it is connected to both the Lord and to others. Her faith has found expression in good works. James asks of the person who says he has faith but without works: "Can his faith save him?" (v. 14). The answer is obvious. That is the question you need to direct to your hearers. Do I have a living and saving faith? If the question is no, you will need to offer some suggestions for finding such a faith.
Outline:
1. There are two kinds of faith - theoretical (dead) faith and living faith.
2. Living faith is connected closely to both Christ and the world.
3. Real faith translates into love of neighbor.
4. Do you possess a saving faith?
__________
Most Christians and Jews believe that they should apply their faith to their work but they need more help from the clergy, according to a study by the Chicago--based Center for Ethics and Corporate Policy. These results come from a study involving 1529 participants who belong to a myriad of religious bodies. A sociology professor, Stephen Hart, claims that clergy would be smart to deal much more with work--related issues. Some participants complained that clergy don't understand very much about business and sometimes are scornful about the world of profit--making. This response turned up time and again in the interviews: either clergy are biased against business or they do not understand the realities of the corporate world. One executive of the ministry branch of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America submitted that "pastors are concerned about keeping the life of the congregation vital and do not see enabling the ministry of lay people through work as their primary pastoral activity." On the other side of the aisle, few workers discuss their faith at work. How can we help our people show forth their faith in good works if we don't give them on--the--job training and they, in turn, don't share their work lives with us, so that we pastors receive valuable vocational training? (Gleaned from an article in the Omaha World--Herald).
Gospel: Mark 7:24--37
Sermon Title: How To Get God's Attention
Sermon Angle: Jesus has sort of gone into hiding in this Gentile region, perhaps seeking some rest and recreation. He entered a house where he hoped to remain unnoticed. A local woman somehow found out that Jesus was there and, entering the house, she fell to her knees, begging Jesus to free her daughter from a demon. There was nothing meek or laid--back about her approach. Uncharacteristically, Jesus does not seem ready to help. He even seems to insult her: "Let the children be fed, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs" (v. 27). Now listen to what got Jesus' attention and his help: "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." How do you get the Lord's attention? First you have a legitimate need or request. Then you hang in there until you get an answer. Finally you must get your ego out of the way, as you humbly persist in seeking the Lord's favor.
Outline:
1. Sometimes it seems that God is far removed. How do we get God's attention?
2. Look at the story of the Syrophoenician woman (vv. 24--30) for pointers.
- She found Jesus' address (we do so in prayer).
- She had a worthy request.
- She begged and pleaded for what she needed (persistent faith).
- Her humility kept her from being put off by what appeared to be an uncharitable response.
3. Such faith, active in love, gets God's attention.
Sermon Title: Just The Right Touch
Sermon Angle: The people who brought the deaf man to Jesus (v. 32) had apparently heard about the wonder of Jesus' touch. They begged Jesus to lay his hands on the deaf man. Jesus had the healing touch. Even science is finding that there is healing in the touch, the touch of love, concern, sympathy, to name a few. Jesus touched the man's ears and his tongue, since those were the parts that were not whole, which opened his ears and freed his tongue. Unfortunately, there is also a wrong touch. Shoving a sister away, hitting a neighbor, inappropriate and destructive sexual contact are examples. Jesus had just the right touch, which people are still seeking, a loving touch, a healing touch, the divine touch.
Outline:
1. The deaf man was brought to Jesus because Jesus had the right touch.
2. Jesus' touch healed him and opened him to life (vv. 33--34).
3. Many are harmed from the wrong kind of touch. (Give examples.)
4. Ask Jesus to give you his healing touch, just the right touch.
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Proverbs 22:1--2, 8--9, 22--23 (C)
Practical advice concerning values. A good name is better than riches. The person who shares his wealth will be blessed by God but the unjust will experience calamity. God will judge those who beat down the poor.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 35:4--7a (RC, E)
Lesson 2: James 2:1--10 (11--13) 14--17 (C); James 2:1--5 (RC)
The Church is warned of the dangers of showing partiality to the wealthy and making the poor take a back seat. James warns that the rich of this world are the ones who cause oppression. He also admonishes that faith must be displayed in good works, that faith without works is dead.
Lesson 2: James 1:17--27 (E)
(See Proper 17)
Gospel: Mark 7:24--37 (C); Mark 7:31--37 (RC, E)
Jesus retreats to the region of Tyre and Sidon on the Mediterranean coast, a Gentile area. He went there not to minister but to retreat from the rigors of ministry for a while. He entered a home hoping not to be recognized, but a woman (a Syrophoenician) came, fell to her knees and begged Jesus to deliver her daughter from a demon. Jesus responded that it wasn't fair to take the children's bread and give it to the dogs. Some have tried to attenuate the harshness of Jesus' response by translating "dogs" as "puppies." Some interpreters suggest that Jesus is testing the level of her faith. It certainly was true that his primary mission was to the Jews. The notable thing about this passage is that this woman gets the best of Jesus. Her love for her daughter was so strong that she would endure any humiliation if it would deliver her daughter from the demon. She responds to Jesus: "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs" (v. 28). What presence of mind, what humility we see demonstrated through her actions! For that saying, Jesus granted her petition.
After this, Jesus returned to Galilee to the region of the Decapolis (the ten cities). Some people brought to Jesus a man who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech. Jesus took him aside, put his fingers into his ears, then spat and touched his tongue with the saliva. Jesus looked up to heaven, sighed, and said an Aramaic word, "Ephphatha," that is, "Be opened" (v. 35). Jesus told them to keep this under covers but to no avail. They reported it throughout the region, commenting, "He does all things well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak" (v. 37).
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 125 (C) - "Those who trust in the Lord...which cannot be moved..." (v. 1).
Psalm 146 (E)
Psalm 145 (RC)
Prayer Of The Day
Spirit of Love, you know our human frailties and weaknesses, not from a distance, but up close and personal through your Son. When we turn to you in faith for help, with even a weak faith, hear from heaven and grant us deliverance. In Jesus' precious and powerful Name. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Proverbs 22:1--2, 8--9, 22--23
Rich man, poor man (v. 2). The world is enthralled by the lifestyles of the rich and famous; the wealthy and famous are elevated to a place of prominence. With God, the rich man, the poor man, and everyone in between are all on the same plain. God is not impressed with wealth but character.
A bountiful eye (v. 9). This turn of speech in the Revised Standard Version of the Bible struck me. What is a bountiful eye? Probably the opposite of a covetous eye. A bountiful--eyed person enjoys sharing with those in need. "He shares his bread with the poor." The problem is that covetous eyes seem to outnumber bountiful eyes. A believer with a bountiful eye is surely focused on our bountiful Creator, who provides for the needs of all in plenitude.
At the gate (v. 22). This verse warns against crushing the afflicted at the gate. What does this mean? The poor and destitute would assemble at the city gates or perhaps the gate of the temple to beg for help. They were at the gate, but outside the gate. Though our cities no longer have gates, the poor and needy still gather outside the gate, the place of commerce, the busy street corner. They are hoping that someone will open the gate for them, that they might be accepted as citizens and not aliens in the city. Today they wait at the gate; tomorrow they might try to knock the gate down.
Lesson 2: James 2:1--10 (11--13) 14--17
Love is blind. James warns the Church against showing partiality to the wealthy and those who are richly attired. Don't let your attention be distracted by the glitter of their gold so that you discount the brother or sister who is poor. Like the statue of Lady Justice, eyes blindfolded, holding out the balance of justice, our love of Jesus should cause us to be blind to outward human differences.
Love and the law (v. 8). James refers to the precept to "love your neighbor as you love yourself" as the royal law. In effect, he is saying much the same thing that Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:13, when he concludes "Faith, hope, love abide, but the greatest of these is love." But how can love be a law? Like John, James considers love to be subject to the will. Thus, it can be commanded, like a law. Love is not a matter of feeling but of obedience.
Mercy triumphs over judgment (v. 13). Often times we become indignant when some law--breaker seems to get away with his crime. However, we are all dependent on God's mercy in Christ, since we all deserve the pronouncement of "guilty!" As James states in verse 10, "Whoever keeps the whole law but fails in part of it, has become guilty of all of it." Thank God that mercy triumphs over judgment.
Gospel: Mark 7:24--37
Jesus couldn't get away (v. 24). Apparently, Jesus was trying to get away from the incessant crowds for a time of respite when he went to the region of Tyre. Yet he couldn't get away; he couldn't remain incognito. A desperate woman came to him for help. Just today I read an article in the paper which reports how our electronic tools - cellular phones, modems, faxes and the like - leash us to our jobs. Increasingly, people find it difficult to get away from their work. One man reported in the article even quit his job because he couldn't take the constant pressure. For those who experience this problem, you can find solace in Jesus; he couldn't get away from his work either. The New Testament reveals a Christ who is always available to those in need.
The power of persistent prayer (vv. 25--30). The Bible is filled with admonitions to persevere in prayer. Why do we have to keep bugging God? Maybe God wants to see if we're really serious about what we ask for. Perhaps persistence shows a depth of character that the Lord is looking for. Or maybe persistence enables us to refine and purify our petitions. The Syrophoenician woman is a showcase of persistent prayer that triumphs.
How to have a "Great Faith." The Syrophoenician woman had a great faith. In Matthew's version of this same story, Jesus says so (27:28). What does it take to have a great faith? Here are some ingredients we can discern from this account: to have an unshakable faith in the power of God; to be focused on the needs of others; a persistence which won't let go of God; the willingness to humble oneself; to beg, if necessary, for the sake of the oppressed. These are but a few ingredients of a great faith.
Hearing and speaking (vv. 31--37). There is an essential link between hearing and speaking. To speak well, we must hear well. The man brought to Jesus spoke haltingly because he could not hear. Jesus understood. He put his fingers in the deaf man's ears and touched the man's tongue with his spittle. Immediately he could speak plainly. Jesus told them to keep it under wraps so as not to create a sensation, but the tongues of those who witnessed this miracle could not be stopped. The majority of Christians have a speech impediment when it comes to declaring the wonderful works of God. The problem is that we are deaf to the Word of God. Without listening we cannot clearly proclaim the good news of Christ.
The Jesus touch. You've heard of the Midas touch, based on the story of King Midas, who when he touched something turned it to gold. The New Testament speaks of the "Jesus touch." Some people brought the deaf man to Jesus, imploring that he would lay his hands on the man (v. 32). Instead Jesus touched his ears and tongue. The people of Jesus' earthly days, as well as the faithful down through the ages, have recognized that there is power to heal the body and spirit in the touch of Jesus.
The key (v. 34). Jesus prayed, fingers in the deaf man's ears, "Be opened!" The man was imprisoned in a body that could not freely enjoy or express the world around him. Jesus opened him up; he is the key. Jesus is the key that opens the door to life, freeing us from the prison of sin, guilt and fear. God wants to open up our ears and unlock our tongue.
SERMON APPROACHES WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Lesson 1: Proverbs 22:1--2, 8--9, 22--23
Sermon Title: The Choice
Sermon Angle: Life presents us with many choices. A restaurant that I sometimes dine at has a vast menu; to make a choice is difficult. Life presents us with much tougher choices than that, however. Our text presents one such choice, the choice between a good name and riches. The writer concludes: "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches." A good name represents a godly life of integrity and righteousness. There are certainly many rich people of integrity and good name but often times the choice is presented to us between a good name or great riches. In other words, the world tempts us to compromise our integrity, character and good name for the sake of financial success. The devil, the world and our own sinful nature tempt us to choose immediate gratification rather than an eternal treasure that will not be taken away from us.
Outline:
1. The world offers many choices. (Give examples.)
2. The choices are not just of commodities but of whom we will become.
3. The Bible urges us to seek a good name, a life of godly integrity (v. 1), over financial gain or immediate gratification.
Sermon Title: Bountiful Eyes Are Beautiful Eyes
Sermon Angle: The eyes are the window of our heart, mind and soul. What we perceive with the eyes depends not only on what's in the outer world but also what's in our inner world. If we perceive with covetous eyes, it's because our hearts are covetous. If we see the world through bountiful (generous) eyes, it's because God has opened up our heart, mind and spirit. May God give us bountiful eyes to behold the plenitude of his gifts and to share them. (Note: If you use this approach, be sure to refer to the Revised Standard Version of the Bible).
Outline:
1. What our eyes see depends on what's in our hearts.
2. Many behold the world with covetous eyes because they are misers.
3. The believer sees the world with bountiful eyes that flow from a redeemed heart.
4. Those with bountiful eyes behold God's many gifts and share them freely (v. 1).
Lesson 2: James 2:1--10 (11--13) 14--17
Sermon Title: Don't Be A Cur
Sermon Angle: A cur is a little dog or pup which characteristically yaps and jumps at the feet of its master in order to win attention and treats. James warns the Church against such behavior when it comes to seeking favors from the wealthy. The Church should not surround the rich with solicitous yelping, nor should we roll over on our backs so they can stroke our vanities. The world is quick to curry favor with the rich and powerful but the Bible warns against the dangers of such behavior. Rather, treat the poor with equal dignity; they, more often than the rich, inherit the true treasure of the kingdom. "Has not God chosen the poor of the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom" (v. 5). There is only One whose favor we should seek, the Lord who created and redeemed us rich and poor alike.
Outline:
1. James warns against making value judgments on people based on wealth.
2. The church should eschew all value judgments based on human distinctions.
3. Seek only to please God.
Sermon Title: Saving Faith
Sermon Angle: James maintains there are two kinds of faith - living faith and faith which is dead. Dead faith has been disconnected from both the Spirit of God and from the human family. It is faith in that which is not ultimate, such as one's theological understanding or ecclesiastical connections. Living faith, on the other hand, is saving faith, because the person who is possessed by it is connected to both the Lord and to others. Her faith has found expression in good works. James asks of the person who says he has faith but without works: "Can his faith save him?" (v. 14). The answer is obvious. That is the question you need to direct to your hearers. Do I have a living and saving faith? If the question is no, you will need to offer some suggestions for finding such a faith.
Outline:
1. There are two kinds of faith - theoretical (dead) faith and living faith.
2. Living faith is connected closely to both Christ and the world.
3. Real faith translates into love of neighbor.
4. Do you possess a saving faith?
__________
Most Christians and Jews believe that they should apply their faith to their work but they need more help from the clergy, according to a study by the Chicago--based Center for Ethics and Corporate Policy. These results come from a study involving 1529 participants who belong to a myriad of religious bodies. A sociology professor, Stephen Hart, claims that clergy would be smart to deal much more with work--related issues. Some participants complained that clergy don't understand very much about business and sometimes are scornful about the world of profit--making. This response turned up time and again in the interviews: either clergy are biased against business or they do not understand the realities of the corporate world. One executive of the ministry branch of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America submitted that "pastors are concerned about keeping the life of the congregation vital and do not see enabling the ministry of lay people through work as their primary pastoral activity." On the other side of the aisle, few workers discuss their faith at work. How can we help our people show forth their faith in good works if we don't give them on--the--job training and they, in turn, don't share their work lives with us, so that we pastors receive valuable vocational training? (Gleaned from an article in the Omaha World--Herald).
Gospel: Mark 7:24--37
Sermon Title: How To Get God's Attention
Sermon Angle: Jesus has sort of gone into hiding in this Gentile region, perhaps seeking some rest and recreation. He entered a house where he hoped to remain unnoticed. A local woman somehow found out that Jesus was there and, entering the house, she fell to her knees, begging Jesus to free her daughter from a demon. There was nothing meek or laid--back about her approach. Uncharacteristically, Jesus does not seem ready to help. He even seems to insult her: "Let the children be fed, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs" (v. 27). Now listen to what got Jesus' attention and his help: "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." How do you get the Lord's attention? First you have a legitimate need or request. Then you hang in there until you get an answer. Finally you must get your ego out of the way, as you humbly persist in seeking the Lord's favor.
Outline:
1. Sometimes it seems that God is far removed. How do we get God's attention?
2. Look at the story of the Syrophoenician woman (vv. 24--30) for pointers.
- She found Jesus' address (we do so in prayer).
- She had a worthy request.
- She begged and pleaded for what she needed (persistent faith).
- Her humility kept her from being put off by what appeared to be an uncharitable response.
3. Such faith, active in love, gets God's attention.
Sermon Title: Just The Right Touch
Sermon Angle: The people who brought the deaf man to Jesus (v. 32) had apparently heard about the wonder of Jesus' touch. They begged Jesus to lay his hands on the deaf man. Jesus had the healing touch. Even science is finding that there is healing in the touch, the touch of love, concern, sympathy, to name a few. Jesus touched the man's ears and his tongue, since those were the parts that were not whole, which opened his ears and freed his tongue. Unfortunately, there is also a wrong touch. Shoving a sister away, hitting a neighbor, inappropriate and destructive sexual contact are examples. Jesus had just the right touch, which people are still seeking, a loving touch, a healing touch, the divine touch.
Outline:
1. The deaf man was brought to Jesus because Jesus had the right touch.
2. Jesus' touch healed him and opened him to life (vv. 33--34).
3. Many are harmed from the wrong kind of touch. (Give examples.)
4. Ask Jesus to give you his healing touch, just the right touch.
