First Sunday Of Advent
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series IV
Lesson 1: Isaiah 2:1-5 (C, E, L, RC)
In the "latter days" all the nations will come to Yahweh and make peace. This passage is repeated in Micah 4:1-3. Scholars claim that it was a later insertion. It tells us what will happen in the latter days, the end-time of earth. The house of the Lord, or Yahweh, will be the highest mountain and center of the earth. All nations will come to him for instruction in the Torah. Yahweh will "judge between the nations" in terms not of punishment but of the settlement of disputes. This peace will come, for people will no longer learn war.
Lesson 2: Romans 13:8-14 (E); Romans 13:11-14 (C, L, RC)
The day of salvation, Christ's return, is close at hand. The return of Christ is compared with night and day. The night before the Parousia is about over. Since we sleep in the night, it is time to awaken. With the day Christ is returning to earth to judge. Wickedness is associated with the night - revelry, drunkenness, licentiousness, quarreling and jealousy. These evils must be discarded in favor of putting on Christ or being conformed to and incorporated in Christ. We will be ready to receive him when we are clothed in Christ and his righteousness.
Gospel:
Matthew 24:36-44 (C); Matthew 24:37-44 (E, L, RC)
The unexpectedness of Christ's return calls for readiness at all times. The time of Christ's return no one knows, not even Jesus. His coming will be totally unexpected. When life goes on as usual (eating, drinking, marrying), as in Noah's day, Christ will return. When he comes, judgment will take place - one to heaven and the other to hell. Since we do not know the hour of his arrival, we are to watch as a householder would watch for a burglar to break into his house. Since we cannot know the time of the Parousia, we are to be ready at all times.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 122 (C, E, L) - "Let us go to the house of the Lord" (v. 1).
Prayer Of The Day
"Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. Protect us by your strength and save us from the threatening dangers of our sins, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever."
Hymn Of The Day
"Fling Wide The Door, Unbar The Gate."
Theme Of The Day: The Day Of The Lord
Gospel - The unexpected day of Jesus' return - Matthew 24:36-44
Lesson 1 - The day of world peace - Isaiah 2:1-5
Lesson 2 - The approaching day of salvation - Romans 13:11-14
Advent begins a new church year and is designed to prepare us for Christ's coming both personally and cosmicly. Advent 1 deals with Jesus' second coming. It is the one Sunday of the year that is totally given to the doctrine, although Lesson 2 in Advent 3 urges us to patiently wait for the Parousia. The Prayer Of The Day cries for the Lord to come. The Hymn Of The Day calls for us to open the door and unbar the gate for Christ to enter our lives. The Gospel emphasizes the need of constant preparedness for Christ's return because the time of his coming is unknown. Lesson 2 urges us to put on Christ as preparation for his coming which Paul considers to be soon. When God comes to us, according to Lesson 1, all nations will have their differences settled and peace will result.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel:
Matthew 24:36-44
1. Know (vv. 36, 39, 42, 43). In this short pericope, "know" is mentioned four times. When it comes to the day and hour of Christ's return, we do not know. Even though the angels and Jesus do not know the time, some groups claim they know when the world will end. In the 1960s the Jehovah's Witnesses claimed the Parousia would be in 1975. Later they changed it to October 2, 1984. Because we do not know, we are to be alert and ready for Christ's return whether it be tomorrow or in the distant future.
2. One (vv. 40, 41). When Christ returns, people will be judged. In this passage, Jesus declares that of two people, one will go with him to heaven and the other will remain. It suggests a 50-50 ratio. The sheep and the goats will be divided. Does this suggest that at the Return, half will be saved? Why not all? Apparently, universalism was not in Jesus' mind.
3. Ready (v. 44). To be ready for the Parousia is a "must." Not to be ready is to be lost just as the people in Noah's day were not ready with boats for the flood. A commercial says, "Delta is ready when you are." This is not the case with Jesus' return. He is not wait-ing for us to be ready. Whether we are ready or not, he is coming. Not to be ready spells eternal disaster. What does it mean to be "ready?" To be ready for the end is to live daily in a state of grace. If we are always reconciled to God by faith in Christ, it does not matter when Christ will return.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 2:1-5
1. Latter (v. 2). Isaiah tells us what will happen in the "latter" days. This refers to the end of the world. We may be living in the "latter" days now. According to today's scientists, we are close to a nuclear holocaust that would spell doom for the world. In January 1984, on the advice of 47 scientists, the doomsday clock was set ahead one minute to three minutes before midnight. We are living on the edge of extinction.
2. All (v. 2). In the latter days "all the nations" will see God on the highest mountain on earth. God will be the highest value and the center of the universe. They will come to God to receive his instruction how to live. This will result in international peace. The significance of "all" is that world peace depends upon "all" coming to God. Peace is not a unilateral project. Will it be possible to get "all" nations to come to God? If they are to come at the end-time, why not now? Here is one good reason for the church's overseas missionary program.
3. Between (v. 4). When the nations gather on the mountain of God, there will be judgment. Usually we think ofjudgment as punishment. Not in this case: the word, "between," indicates that God will settle the disputes among the nations. He will judge justly and all nations will be satisfied. The result is that no nation will have reason to go to war to right a wrong.
Lesson 2: Romans 13:11-14
1. Night (v. 12). According to Paul, we are living in the "night" of this pre-Parousia time. But, he believed that the night is far spent. It is time to get awake to the new day of Christ's return. Night is the time to sleep and since the dawn is here, we need to get awake to greet the dawn. Moreover, evil is associated with darkness. To live in the day, we need to get rid of our evil ways.
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. Put on (v. 14). When Augustine heard a child's voice say, "Take and read," he opened his Bible and read this verse. Obediently, he "put on" Christ and he became one of our greatest Christians. To "put on" means to be incorporated into Christ so that one is "a man in Christ." To be ready for the Parousia, we put on Christ so that in us Christ confronts himself. We are his people. He is one of us. To be properly dressed for the Parousia, we are to put on Christ's robe of righteousness. This calls for a human response. Christ is coming. We are to be ready by putting on Christ. This we do at baptism.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Advent Series Of Sermons
The four-week period of Advent lends itself to a series of sermons. It gives the preacher
an opportunity to enter into the subject with depth.
Lesson 1 - God's Future World
Advent 1 - A World of Peace
Advent 2 - A World of Hope
Advent 3 - A World of Well-being
Advent 4 - A World of Trust in God
Lesson 2 - Preparing For A New Day
Advent 1 - Wake Up!
Advent 2 - Hope for the Best!
Advent 3 - Have Patience
Advent 4 - Expect Someone Good!
Gospel - The One Who Is Coming
Advent 1 - His Coming Will Surprise You!
Advent 2 - He Comes to Baptize You!
Advent 3 - He Is the One!
Advent 4 - He Is a Man!
THREE LESSONS
Isaiah 2:1-5; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44
The Day of the Lord - Doom or Delight?
Need: For many the end of the world known biblically as "the day of the Lord," is a horrifying prospect. The end is considered in terms of a nuclear holocaust. There is a vast difference between the day of the world and the Day of the Lord. For people in Christ the Day of the Lord is welcomed and prayed for. When Christ returns, there will be a final victory over evil. The faithful will be gathered to Christ for eternal life and peace. In this sermon, we want to examine the Day of the Lord and to persuade the congregation to be prepared for Christ's return.
Outline: The coming Day of the Lord is -
a. A day of surprise (You'd better Watch Out!) - Gospel.
b. A day of preparation (Get Dressed for the Occasion!) - Lesson 2.
c. A day of peace (War no more!) - Lesson 1.
Gospel:
Matthew 24:37-44
1. Ready or not, Here I come!
Need:This title takes us back to our childhood when we played "Hide and Seek." When he finished his count, the child called, "Ready or not, here I come!" The truth behind the game is the same as in the gospel for today. As the count-down, which no one knows, Jesus is returning and woe to those who are not ready!
Outline: Jesus says, "Ready or not, here I come."
a. The certainty of his coming - vv. 37, 39, 44.
b. He comes whether we are ready or not - v. 44.
2. You Are in for a Surprise! 24:37-44
Need: The gospel emphasizes vigilance because the Parousia will be unexpected. It is a common failing among us to ignore the signs of impending disaster. It is demonstrated at the time of an earthquake or a hurricane. Some refuse to heed the warnings and suffer the consequences of the storm.
Outline: Vigilance is the price of preparedness.
a. Danger of preoccupation - v. 38. For the people in Noah's day, it was a case of business as usual. They just did not think of a possible flood.
b. Danger of judgment - vv. 40, 41 . One will be taken to heaven and the other will face judgment. The one taken was prepared for the Lord's coming.
c. Danger of unexpectedness - v. 43. A thief strikes when least expected. A Christian needs to live on the alert for Jesus' coming.
3. A Second Coming for Today's World. 24:37-44
Need: For most people the Parousia is meaningless. So often has Jesus' second coming been predicted that the cry, "Wolf!" is no longer heard. Jesus, Paul, and the early church were wrong about the time of his return. Modern humanity is skeptical about his coming soon. Is there a possible meaning of the Parousia that would make sense to 20th century society?
Outline: What the second coming means for you today.
a. The end of the world - vv. 37, 38. For the people of Noah's time, the end of the world came with the flood. The end of the world for me is my death. What happens on earth after that has nothing to do with me. My death may mean the end of the world, and this can be judgment or salvation depending upon my being in a state of grace.
b. The Parousia - v. 44. Jesus' first coming to me was at my baptism. This was my putting on Christ (Romans 13:14), my incorporation into Christ. If it were a child baptism, I may not have sensed or realized his coming. There needs to be a second coming when I have a full realization and experience of the coming of Christ. This may be at the time of Confirmation, of a worship service, or at the time of a campfire meeting, and so forth.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 2:1-5
1. Peace in our Time? 2:1-5
Need: The world is ever in pursuit of peace. Each succeeding decade makes peace a greater necessity because of the sophistication and proliferation of nuclear weapons. The great world powers have difficulty agreeing to limit armaments. Yet, the world longs for peace and fears the coming of the next war. This longing for peace is exhibited by the words of verse four carved on the outside wall of the United Nations building in New York City. Why has this dream of world peace not been realized? Lesson 1 gives the conditions for peace, a price the world has yet failed to pay. This sermon is needed to avoid giving people a false hope of peace now when the nations are far from God. The sermon should arouse people to support the world mission program of the church that one day all nations will come to God.
Outline: Peace for the world is possible.
a. Not now but in the last days - v. 2. Peace is for the end of time when God comes. This text does not promise peace for the world today.
b. When God is considered to be the true God - v. 2. God is the "highest of the mountains," the center of the world, the hub of the universe.
c. When all nations come to God - vv. 2, 3. - When people make peace with God, they will have peace among themselves. Then will come to pass verse four.
Lesson 2: Romans 13:11-14
1. Time - Your Opportunity. 13:11-14
Need: In this lesson, Paul speaks of the "hour," the "kairos," or opportunity. Paul considers Jesus' return as the opportunity, and this opportunity is imminent. In this passage Paul looks at the Parousia as an opportunity.
Outline: The hour of Christ's return is an opportunity.
a. To awake from sleep - v. 11.
b. To live as in the day - v. 13.
c. To put on Christ - v. 14.
2. With Your Face to the Dawn. 13:11-13
Need: Our people need to see that we live in a dark age, but as Christians we face the dawn of a new age. It is the new day of Jesus' return. It is like getting up just before dawn, the darkest part of the night, and facing the East where you expect to see the rising sun. This means that no matter how dark the world gets, Christians look with hope and confidence toward a new and better era with Christ's return.
Outline: With our faces to the dawn.
a. We awake to new possibilities - v. 11.
b. We expect deliverance from the world - v. 11.
c. We live as people belonging to the day - v. 13.
In the "latter days" all the nations will come to Yahweh and make peace. This passage is repeated in Micah 4:1-3. Scholars claim that it was a later insertion. It tells us what will happen in the latter days, the end-time of earth. The house of the Lord, or Yahweh, will be the highest mountain and center of the earth. All nations will come to him for instruction in the Torah. Yahweh will "judge between the nations" in terms not of punishment but of the settlement of disputes. This peace will come, for people will no longer learn war.
Lesson 2: Romans 13:8-14 (E); Romans 13:11-14 (C, L, RC)
The day of salvation, Christ's return, is close at hand. The return of Christ is compared with night and day. The night before the Parousia is about over. Since we sleep in the night, it is time to awaken. With the day Christ is returning to earth to judge. Wickedness is associated with the night - revelry, drunkenness, licentiousness, quarreling and jealousy. These evils must be discarded in favor of putting on Christ or being conformed to and incorporated in Christ. We will be ready to receive him when we are clothed in Christ and his righteousness.
Gospel:
Matthew 24:36-44 (C); Matthew 24:37-44 (E, L, RC)
The unexpectedness of Christ's return calls for readiness at all times. The time of Christ's return no one knows, not even Jesus. His coming will be totally unexpected. When life goes on as usual (eating, drinking, marrying), as in Noah's day, Christ will return. When he comes, judgment will take place - one to heaven and the other to hell. Since we do not know the hour of his arrival, we are to watch as a householder would watch for a burglar to break into his house. Since we cannot know the time of the Parousia, we are to be ready at all times.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 122 (C, E, L) - "Let us go to the house of the Lord" (v. 1).
Prayer Of The Day
"Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. Protect us by your strength and save us from the threatening dangers of our sins, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever."
Hymn Of The Day
"Fling Wide The Door, Unbar The Gate."
Theme Of The Day: The Day Of The Lord
Gospel - The unexpected day of Jesus' return - Matthew 24:36-44
Lesson 1 - The day of world peace - Isaiah 2:1-5
Lesson 2 - The approaching day of salvation - Romans 13:11-14
Advent begins a new church year and is designed to prepare us for Christ's coming both personally and cosmicly. Advent 1 deals with Jesus' second coming. It is the one Sunday of the year that is totally given to the doctrine, although Lesson 2 in Advent 3 urges us to patiently wait for the Parousia. The Prayer Of The Day cries for the Lord to come. The Hymn Of The Day calls for us to open the door and unbar the gate for Christ to enter our lives. The Gospel emphasizes the need of constant preparedness for Christ's return because the time of his coming is unknown. Lesson 2 urges us to put on Christ as preparation for his coming which Paul considers to be soon. When God comes to us, according to Lesson 1, all nations will have their differences settled and peace will result.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel:
Matthew 24:36-44
1. Know (vv. 36, 39, 42, 43). In this short pericope, "know" is mentioned four times. When it comes to the day and hour of Christ's return, we do not know. Even though the angels and Jesus do not know the time, some groups claim they know when the world will end. In the 1960s the Jehovah's Witnesses claimed the Parousia would be in 1975. Later they changed it to October 2, 1984. Because we do not know, we are to be alert and ready for Christ's return whether it be tomorrow or in the distant future.
2. One (vv. 40, 41). When Christ returns, people will be judged. In this passage, Jesus declares that of two people, one will go with him to heaven and the other will remain. It suggests a 50-50 ratio. The sheep and the goats will be divided. Does this suggest that at the Return, half will be saved? Why not all? Apparently, universalism was not in Jesus' mind.
3. Ready (v. 44). To be ready for the Parousia is a "must." Not to be ready is to be lost just as the people in Noah's day were not ready with boats for the flood. A commercial says, "Delta is ready when you are." This is not the case with Jesus' return. He is not wait-ing for us to be ready. Whether we are ready or not, he is coming. Not to be ready spells eternal disaster. What does it mean to be "ready?" To be ready for the end is to live daily in a state of grace. If we are always reconciled to God by faith in Christ, it does not matter when Christ will return.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 2:1-5
1. Latter (v. 2). Isaiah tells us what will happen in the "latter" days. This refers to the end of the world. We may be living in the "latter" days now. According to today's scientists, we are close to a nuclear holocaust that would spell doom for the world. In January 1984, on the advice of 47 scientists, the doomsday clock was set ahead one minute to three minutes before midnight. We are living on the edge of extinction.
2. All (v. 2). In the latter days "all the nations" will see God on the highest mountain on earth. God will be the highest value and the center of the universe. They will come to God to receive his instruction how to live. This will result in international peace. The significance of "all" is that world peace depends upon "all" coming to God. Peace is not a unilateral project. Will it be possible to get "all" nations to come to God? If they are to come at the end-time, why not now? Here is one good reason for the church's overseas missionary program.
3. Between (v. 4). When the nations gather on the mountain of God, there will be judgment. Usually we think ofjudgment as punishment. Not in this case: the word, "between," indicates that God will settle the disputes among the nations. He will judge justly and all nations will be satisfied. The result is that no nation will have reason to go to war to right a wrong.
Lesson 2: Romans 13:11-14
1. Night (v. 12). According to Paul, we are living in the "night" of this pre-Parousia time. But, he believed that the night is far spent. It is time to get awake to the new day of Christ's return. Night is the time to sleep and since the dawn is here, we need to get awake to greet the dawn. Moreover, evil is associated with darkness. To live in the day, we need to get rid of our evil ways.
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. Put on (v. 14). When Augustine heard a child's voice say, "Take and read," he opened his Bible and read this verse. Obediently, he "put on" Christ and he became one of our greatest Christians. To "put on" means to be incorporated into Christ so that one is "a man in Christ." To be ready for the Parousia, we put on Christ so that in us Christ confronts himself. We are his people. He is one of us. To be properly dressed for the Parousia, we are to put on Christ's robe of righteousness. This calls for a human response. Christ is coming. We are to be ready by putting on Christ. This we do at baptism.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Advent Series Of Sermons
The four-week period of Advent lends itself to a series of sermons. It gives the preacher
an opportunity to enter into the subject with depth.
Lesson 1 - God's Future World
Advent 1 - A World of Peace
Advent 2 - A World of Hope
Advent 3 - A World of Well-being
Advent 4 - A World of Trust in God
Lesson 2 - Preparing For A New Day
Advent 1 - Wake Up!
Advent 2 - Hope for the Best!
Advent 3 - Have Patience
Advent 4 - Expect Someone Good!
Gospel - The One Who Is Coming
Advent 1 - His Coming Will Surprise You!
Advent 2 - He Comes to Baptize You!
Advent 3 - He Is the One!
Advent 4 - He Is a Man!
THREE LESSONS
Isaiah 2:1-5; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44
The Day of the Lord - Doom or Delight?
Need: For many the end of the world known biblically as "the day of the Lord," is a horrifying prospect. The end is considered in terms of a nuclear holocaust. There is a vast difference between the day of the world and the Day of the Lord. For people in Christ the Day of the Lord is welcomed and prayed for. When Christ returns, there will be a final victory over evil. The faithful will be gathered to Christ for eternal life and peace. In this sermon, we want to examine the Day of the Lord and to persuade the congregation to be prepared for Christ's return.
Outline: The coming Day of the Lord is -
a. A day of surprise (You'd better Watch Out!) - Gospel.
b. A day of preparation (Get Dressed for the Occasion!) - Lesson 2.
c. A day of peace (War no more!) - Lesson 1.
Gospel:
Matthew 24:37-44
1. Ready or not, Here I come!
Need:This title takes us back to our childhood when we played "Hide and Seek." When he finished his count, the child called, "Ready or not, here I come!" The truth behind the game is the same as in the gospel for today. As the count-down, which no one knows, Jesus is returning and woe to those who are not ready!
Outline: Jesus says, "Ready or not, here I come."
a. The certainty of his coming - vv. 37, 39, 44.
b. He comes whether we are ready or not - v. 44.
2. You Are in for a Surprise! 24:37-44
Need: The gospel emphasizes vigilance because the Parousia will be unexpected. It is a common failing among us to ignore the signs of impending disaster. It is demonstrated at the time of an earthquake or a hurricane. Some refuse to heed the warnings and suffer the consequences of the storm.
Outline: Vigilance is the price of preparedness.
a. Danger of preoccupation - v. 38. For the people in Noah's day, it was a case of business as usual. They just did not think of a possible flood.
b. Danger of judgment - vv. 40, 41 . One will be taken to heaven and the other will face judgment. The one taken was prepared for the Lord's coming.
c. Danger of unexpectedness - v. 43. A thief strikes when least expected. A Christian needs to live on the alert for Jesus' coming.
3. A Second Coming for Today's World. 24:37-44
Need: For most people the Parousia is meaningless. So often has Jesus' second coming been predicted that the cry, "Wolf!" is no longer heard. Jesus, Paul, and the early church were wrong about the time of his return. Modern humanity is skeptical about his coming soon. Is there a possible meaning of the Parousia that would make sense to 20th century society?
Outline: What the second coming means for you today.
a. The end of the world - vv. 37, 38. For the people of Noah's time, the end of the world came with the flood. The end of the world for me is my death. What happens on earth after that has nothing to do with me. My death may mean the end of the world, and this can be judgment or salvation depending upon my being in a state of grace.
b. The Parousia - v. 44. Jesus' first coming to me was at my baptism. This was my putting on Christ (Romans 13:14), my incorporation into Christ. If it were a child baptism, I may not have sensed or realized his coming. There needs to be a second coming when I have a full realization and experience of the coming of Christ. This may be at the time of Confirmation, of a worship service, or at the time of a campfire meeting, and so forth.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 2:1-5
1. Peace in our Time? 2:1-5
Need: The world is ever in pursuit of peace. Each succeeding decade makes peace a greater necessity because of the sophistication and proliferation of nuclear weapons. The great world powers have difficulty agreeing to limit armaments. Yet, the world longs for peace and fears the coming of the next war. This longing for peace is exhibited by the words of verse four carved on the outside wall of the United Nations building in New York City. Why has this dream of world peace not been realized? Lesson 1 gives the conditions for peace, a price the world has yet failed to pay. This sermon is needed to avoid giving people a false hope of peace now when the nations are far from God. The sermon should arouse people to support the world mission program of the church that one day all nations will come to God.
Outline: Peace for the world is possible.
a. Not now but in the last days - v. 2. Peace is for the end of time when God comes. This text does not promise peace for the world today.
b. When God is considered to be the true God - v. 2. God is the "highest of the mountains," the center of the world, the hub of the universe.
c. When all nations come to God - vv. 2, 3. - When people make peace with God, they will have peace among themselves. Then will come to pass verse four.
Lesson 2: Romans 13:11-14
1. Time - Your Opportunity. 13:11-14
Need: In this lesson, Paul speaks of the "hour," the "kairos," or opportunity. Paul considers Jesus' return as the opportunity, and this opportunity is imminent. In this passage Paul looks at the Parousia as an opportunity.
Outline: The hour of Christ's return is an opportunity.
a. To awake from sleep - v. 11.
b. To live as in the day - v. 13.
c. To put on Christ - v. 14.
2. With Your Face to the Dawn. 13:11-13
Need: Our people need to see that we live in a dark age, but as Christians we face the dawn of a new age. It is the new day of Jesus' return. It is like getting up just before dawn, the darkest part of the night, and facing the East where you expect to see the rising sun. This means that no matter how dark the world gets, Christians look with hope and confidence toward a new and better era with Christ's return.
Outline: With our faces to the dawn.
a. We awake to new possibilities - v. 11.
b. We expect deliverance from the world - v. 11.
c. We live as people belonging to the day - v. 13.
