Proper 12
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Cycle A, THIRD EDITION
THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Genesis 29:15--28 (C)
Jacob's uncle, Laban, tricks him into working fourteen years to marry Rachel. Jacob arrived at Haran and met Rachel, a daughter of Laban, at a watering place for sheep. Because of his love for Rachel, he offered to work seven years without wages for the hand of Rachel. On the wedding night Jacob learned he was tricked. Upon a promise to work another seven years, Jacob took Rachel for his second wife.
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 3:5, 7--12 (RC); 1 Kings 3:5--12 (E)
Solomon asks God for wisdom.
Lesson 2: Romans 8:26--39 (C); Romans 8:28--30 (RC); Romans 8:26--34 (E)
In our prayers the Spirit intercedes for us and God works for our good in everything. As the whole creation groans in travail awaiting redemption, the individual Christian also groans inwardly in prayer. Since we do not know how to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. In spite of this travail, God works for our good in everything because he predestined, called, justified, and glorified his own.
Gospel: Matthew 13:31--33, 44--52 (C); Matthew 13:44--52 (RC); Matthew 13:31--33, 44--49a (E)
Three parables of the nature of the kingdom of God. Three parables are directed to the disciples concerning the kingdom. The first two deal with the kingdom as being of top value worthy of any sacrifice to gain it. The third parable concerns, similar to wheat and the weeds parable, the separation of the good and the wicked on judgment day. Jesus asks the disciples if they understand these parables. They claimed that they understood. Consequently, they were to be scribes trained for the kingdom who bring out of the treasure the old and the new. The old truths are to be applied to the new conditions in the world.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 105:1--11 (C) - "Remember the wonderful works he has done" (v. 5).
Psalm 119:129--136 (RC, E) - "The unfolding of thy works gives light" (v. 130a).
Prayer Of The Day
"O God, your ears are open always to the prayers of your servants. Open our hearts and minds to you, that we may live in harmony with your will and receive the gifts of your Spirit."
Hymn Of The Day
"O God, O Lord Of Heaven And Earth"
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: Matthew 13:31--33, 44--52 (C); Matthew 13:44--52 (RC); Matthew 13:31--33, 44--49a (E)
1. Treasure (v. 44). Jesus likens the kingdom of God to a treasure, something of supreme worth. It is a treasure of infinite worth because it is the kingdom of God. This includes Jesus, the priceless treasure, the riches of grace, and the wealth of God's love. This treasure is discovered by accident. It is always found where no one expected it. The kingdom of God can be a surprise. It may come in unexpected ways and places. Must we ask whether the average Christian considers Christianity the top treasure?
2. Pearl (v. 46). A pearl in ancient times was more precious than gold. It had tremendous value in itself. In this sense it duplicates the idea of treasure. But a pearl is also a thing of beauty which lasts forever. Beauty and God go together. There is a beauty of character, of truth, and of love. The kingdom is beautiful. Unlike the treasure, the pearl of the kingdom is sought. In the search, the kingdom is found. Not only is the kingdom discovered, but it is longed for and searched for until it is found. Do we understand what we say when we sing "Beautiful Savior"?
3. Sold out (vv. 44, 46). Both the farmer and the merchant sold all their goods to get the treasure. This implies that the two men considered all their possessions to be inferior to the treasure or the pearl. It was a matter of establishing priorities. Because the treasure and pearl were evaluated as the best, the price of total sell--out, or exchanging all other possessions, was considered worth the price.
4. Joy (v. 44). When a person finds a treasure, how can he help but be overjoyed? If a merchant has been looking for the perfect pearl for years and then finds it, is there any wonder that he would be as happy as can be? Many church members lack the joy of being Christians. They are not happy about their religion. Could this be the reason? They have not found the treasure or the pearl of Christ?
Lesson 1: Genesis 29:15--28 (C)
1. Loved (vv. 18, 20). Here is a beautiful love story. The biblical account does not say that Rachel loved Jacob, but in view of his love for her, it can safely be assumed that the love was mutual. When they first met, they greeted each other with hugs and kisses. His love was first shown by being helpful. He removed the stone from the entrance to the well and watered her sheep. Likewise today, mates need to love each other.
2. Seven (vv. 18, 20, 27). How much did Jacob love Rachel? Would a man today work without pay for fourteen years to marry a certain girl? What price love! That is what love does - it gives and gives. Think of what love cost God by giving Jesus on the cross. And yet it is as nothing. Because of his love, the seven years for Jacob was as a few days.
3. Deceived (v. 25). Well, Jacob got some of his own bitter medicine! He deceived his father to get Esau's blessing as the firstborn. Because of that, he was a refugee in Laban's home. Now Jacob experiences deception when Leah is given to him for a wife rather than Rachel. Laban deceived Jacob with Leah and tricked him into working pay--free for fourteen years. It teaches us that what we sow, we will someday reap.
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 3:5, 7--12 (RC); 1 Kings 3:5--12 (E)
1. Ask (v. 5). Suppose you were in Solomon's shoes and God said, "Ask what I shall give you." If you had one thing to ask of God, what would it be? Herodias, Herod's brother's wife, faces that problem when Herod told her to ask for anything up to half of his kingdom. Esther also has one request to make of her king at the risk of her life. To answer, one must first consider what is most essential, valuable, and needed. What you ask for reflects your sense of values, what you want out of life. It could be wealth (cf. Midas), health, happiness, eternal life, power, or success. Who, except Solomon, would ask for wisdom? This was Solomon's pearl of great price.
2. Wisdom (v. 12). Because Solomon asked unselfishly, God gave him wisdom to govern his nation. Wisdom comes from above; it is a gift of God. Intelligence is a natural endowment. Knowledge is the result of hard, human achievement. However, one can be intelligent and knowledgeable but not wise. Wisdom means insight, common sense, and good judgment. Only God can give wisdom - not a college education or a Ph.D. degree. A psalmist said, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."
Lesson 2: Romans 8:26--30
1. Weakness (v. 26). It is characteristic of humanity to be weak. The particular weakness in this case is our ignorance and inability to properly pray. The Spirit becomes our Advocate to help us. He prays for us. We often ask friends to pray for us. Ever ask God the Spirit to pray for you? Here we see the imminence and transcendence of God. God the Spirit is in us as the imminent God, and he prays for us to the transcendent God. It reminds us of Jesus, Son of God, praying in Gethsemane to the Father in heaven.
2. Good (v. 28). Verse 28 is one of the golden texts of the Bible, often quoted and misunderstood. It is not that everything works for good automatically. Rather, it is God who uses everything for our good, both now and ultimately. It is a theocentric rather than an anthropocentric understanding of life. It is a verse of hope to those who endure hardship, suffering, and tragedy. If we know God will bring some good out of misfortune, we can take it cheerfully.
3. Conformed (v. 29). Are youth confirmed or conformed? It should be both - confirm the vows of baptism and conform, not to this world, but to Christ. The ultimate goal of a Christian is to conform to Christ - to be like him in his life, death, and resurrection. We are to so grow into Christ that we shall be little Christs. Of course, our tendency today is to conform to the world - its fashions, standards, culture, its way of life. To conform to Christ is to be a light in a dark world.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Gospel: Matthew 13:44--52
1. All About The Kingdom. 13:44--52
Need: The kingdom of heaven or of God is a strange and largely unknown concept for the average churchperson. It was a common and central term in Jesus's day. Today's Gospel contains four references to the kingdom. This sermon is needed to define and describe the kingdom, for every true Christian is a member of the kingdom.
Outline: What the kingdom is all about -
a. The value of the kingdom: treasure and pearl - vv. 44--46.
b. The cost of the kingdom: total surrender - vv. 44--46.
c. The true members of the kingdom: the good fish - vv. 47--50.
d. Teachers in the kingdom: the old and the new - vv. 51--52.
2. Have You Found It? 13:44--46
Need: "I found it!" was a common slogan seen on bumper stickers and in outdoor advertising. The phrase was used by a fundamentalist group to let the world know they found Christ as Lord and Savior. The farmer and the merchant could also exclaim, "I found it!" The farmer found a treasure and the merchant found the pearl of great price. This sermon asks each worshiper if he has found the kingdom. If so, does he need to find it again?
Outline: Some facts about our find -
a. It is an unexpected find - a surprise! - vv. 44, 46.
b. It is a find of extreme value - vv. 44, 46.
c. The find costs all you have - vv. 44, 46.
d. The find brings great joy - v. 44.
3. Top Price For Top Value. 13:44--46
Need: "You get what you pay for." This is a truism accepted universally. The higher the value, the most must be paid to get it. Do you want the best or are you satisfied with the mediocre? Can you afford the best? In the parables, Jesus says that the most precious value is the kingdom of God. Are we willing to pay the price to have the kingdom? In the parables, the farmer and the merchant sold all their goods to purchase the one field or the one pearl.
Outline: What price are you willing to pay?
a. The value of the kingdom of God - nothing more precious - vv. 44, 46.
b. The price is the highest - vv. 44, 46.
1. Total commitment.
2. Absolute surrender.
3. Radical obedience.
Lesson 1: Genesis 29:15--28 (C)
The Marks Of True Love. 29:15--28
Need: People are marrying and remarrying for love. Is it true love? At the time the couple may think so. If it is true love why, in a few years or longer, do they separate and divorce? In the story of Jacob and Rachel, we learn the true marks of love.
Outline: How to tell true love -
a. Attractiveness - v. 16 - "graceful and beautiful."
b. Timelessness - v. 20 - "a few days because of the love he had for her."
c. Sacrifice - v. 27 - "another seven years."
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 3:5, 7--12 (RC); 1 Kings 3:5--12 (E)
If You Had One Request Of God. 3:5--12
Need: Just suppose you had an experience similar to Solomon's and God said, "Ask what I shall give you." God did not limit the number of things to be requested, but it is assumed that one would ask for only one thing. Who would be bold enough to ask for more than one? To make the request, one would first have to consider the value of things and one's greatest need. Your request would reveal the kind of person you are - your scale of values, your goal in life, your purpose in living.
Outline: What should you ask of God?
a. What is most precious to you?
b. What is your greatest need?
c. What good can you do for others with the thing requested?
Lesson 2: Romans 8:26--39
1. Let God Do Your Praying. 8:26--27
Need: For many, praying is an impossible task. Not knowing how to pray we often use prayers learned in childhood as a substitute for our prayers, or we ask others to pray for us. We go to church and let the pastors do our praying. The disciples felt their inadequacy in praying and asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. In this pericope, Paul faces up to the same issue. He suggests that we allow the Spirit to do our praying.
Outline: Why let God the Spirit do our praying?
a. He alone knows how to pray - v. 26.
b. He wants to help us - v. 26.
c. He knows the will of God - v. 27.
2. Everything's Going To Be Okay. 8:28
Need: This verse is one of the most meaningful in the Bible. It tells us about the nature of God and about our situation in life in relation to God. It is an oft--quoted verse that gives people hope in times of trouble. Since all of us have our "downs," the sermon can be of assurance and hope for the comfort of the troubled.
Outline: Everything's going to work out fine, because -
a. "God works for good" - a good God works for our good. God desires our welfare at all times. He is a God who knows our condition and cares what happens to us.
b. "In everything." There is an overruling providence that turns our failures, sorrows, and disap--pointments into our good.
c. "With those who love him." This is not the experience of all people, only those who love God. Those who do not love God, resist his love and go their own way.
Lesson 1: Genesis 29:15--28 (C)
Jacob's uncle, Laban, tricks him into working fourteen years to marry Rachel. Jacob arrived at Haran and met Rachel, a daughter of Laban, at a watering place for sheep. Because of his love for Rachel, he offered to work seven years without wages for the hand of Rachel. On the wedding night Jacob learned he was tricked. Upon a promise to work another seven years, Jacob took Rachel for his second wife.
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 3:5, 7--12 (RC); 1 Kings 3:5--12 (E)
Solomon asks God for wisdom.
Lesson 2: Romans 8:26--39 (C); Romans 8:28--30 (RC); Romans 8:26--34 (E)
In our prayers the Spirit intercedes for us and God works for our good in everything. As the whole creation groans in travail awaiting redemption, the individual Christian also groans inwardly in prayer. Since we do not know how to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. In spite of this travail, God works for our good in everything because he predestined, called, justified, and glorified his own.
Gospel: Matthew 13:31--33, 44--52 (C); Matthew 13:44--52 (RC); Matthew 13:31--33, 44--49a (E)
Three parables of the nature of the kingdom of God. Three parables are directed to the disciples concerning the kingdom. The first two deal with the kingdom as being of top value worthy of any sacrifice to gain it. The third parable concerns, similar to wheat and the weeds parable, the separation of the good and the wicked on judgment day. Jesus asks the disciples if they understand these parables. They claimed that they understood. Consequently, they were to be scribes trained for the kingdom who bring out of the treasure the old and the new. The old truths are to be applied to the new conditions in the world.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 105:1--11 (C) - "Remember the wonderful works he has done" (v. 5).
Psalm 119:129--136 (RC, E) - "The unfolding of thy works gives light" (v. 130a).
Prayer Of The Day
"O God, your ears are open always to the prayers of your servants. Open our hearts and minds to you, that we may live in harmony with your will and receive the gifts of your Spirit."
Hymn Of The Day
"O God, O Lord Of Heaven And Earth"
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: Matthew 13:31--33, 44--52 (C); Matthew 13:44--52 (RC); Matthew 13:31--33, 44--49a (E)
1. Treasure (v. 44). Jesus likens the kingdom of God to a treasure, something of supreme worth. It is a treasure of infinite worth because it is the kingdom of God. This includes Jesus, the priceless treasure, the riches of grace, and the wealth of God's love. This treasure is discovered by accident. It is always found where no one expected it. The kingdom of God can be a surprise. It may come in unexpected ways and places. Must we ask whether the average Christian considers Christianity the top treasure?
2. Pearl (v. 46). A pearl in ancient times was more precious than gold. It had tremendous value in itself. In this sense it duplicates the idea of treasure. But a pearl is also a thing of beauty which lasts forever. Beauty and God go together. There is a beauty of character, of truth, and of love. The kingdom is beautiful. Unlike the treasure, the pearl of the kingdom is sought. In the search, the kingdom is found. Not only is the kingdom discovered, but it is longed for and searched for until it is found. Do we understand what we say when we sing "Beautiful Savior"?
3. Sold out (vv. 44, 46). Both the farmer and the merchant sold all their goods to get the treasure. This implies that the two men considered all their possessions to be inferior to the treasure or the pearl. It was a matter of establishing priorities. Because the treasure and pearl were evaluated as the best, the price of total sell--out, or exchanging all other possessions, was considered worth the price.
4. Joy (v. 44). When a person finds a treasure, how can he help but be overjoyed? If a merchant has been looking for the perfect pearl for years and then finds it, is there any wonder that he would be as happy as can be? Many church members lack the joy of being Christians. They are not happy about their religion. Could this be the reason? They have not found the treasure or the pearl of Christ?
Lesson 1: Genesis 29:15--28 (C)
1. Loved (vv. 18, 20). Here is a beautiful love story. The biblical account does not say that Rachel loved Jacob, but in view of his love for her, it can safely be assumed that the love was mutual. When they first met, they greeted each other with hugs and kisses. His love was first shown by being helpful. He removed the stone from the entrance to the well and watered her sheep. Likewise today, mates need to love each other.
2. Seven (vv. 18, 20, 27). How much did Jacob love Rachel? Would a man today work without pay for fourteen years to marry a certain girl? What price love! That is what love does - it gives and gives. Think of what love cost God by giving Jesus on the cross. And yet it is as nothing. Because of his love, the seven years for Jacob was as a few days.
3. Deceived (v. 25). Well, Jacob got some of his own bitter medicine! He deceived his father to get Esau's blessing as the firstborn. Because of that, he was a refugee in Laban's home. Now Jacob experiences deception when Leah is given to him for a wife rather than Rachel. Laban deceived Jacob with Leah and tricked him into working pay--free for fourteen years. It teaches us that what we sow, we will someday reap.
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 3:5, 7--12 (RC); 1 Kings 3:5--12 (E)
1. Ask (v. 5). Suppose you were in Solomon's shoes and God said, "Ask what I shall give you." If you had one thing to ask of God, what would it be? Herodias, Herod's brother's wife, faces that problem when Herod told her to ask for anything up to half of his kingdom. Esther also has one request to make of her king at the risk of her life. To answer, one must first consider what is most essential, valuable, and needed. What you ask for reflects your sense of values, what you want out of life. It could be wealth (cf. Midas), health, happiness, eternal life, power, or success. Who, except Solomon, would ask for wisdom? This was Solomon's pearl of great price.
2. Wisdom (v. 12). Because Solomon asked unselfishly, God gave him wisdom to govern his nation. Wisdom comes from above; it is a gift of God. Intelligence is a natural endowment. Knowledge is the result of hard, human achievement. However, one can be intelligent and knowledgeable but not wise. Wisdom means insight, common sense, and good judgment. Only God can give wisdom - not a college education or a Ph.D. degree. A psalmist said, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."
Lesson 2: Romans 8:26--30
1. Weakness (v. 26). It is characteristic of humanity to be weak. The particular weakness in this case is our ignorance and inability to properly pray. The Spirit becomes our Advocate to help us. He prays for us. We often ask friends to pray for us. Ever ask God the Spirit to pray for you? Here we see the imminence and transcendence of God. God the Spirit is in us as the imminent God, and he prays for us to the transcendent God. It reminds us of Jesus, Son of God, praying in Gethsemane to the Father in heaven.
2. Good (v. 28). Verse 28 is one of the golden texts of the Bible, often quoted and misunderstood. It is not that everything works for good automatically. Rather, it is God who uses everything for our good, both now and ultimately. It is a theocentric rather than an anthropocentric understanding of life. It is a verse of hope to those who endure hardship, suffering, and tragedy. If we know God will bring some good out of misfortune, we can take it cheerfully.
3. Conformed (v. 29). Are youth confirmed or conformed? It should be both - confirm the vows of baptism and conform, not to this world, but to Christ. The ultimate goal of a Christian is to conform to Christ - to be like him in his life, death, and resurrection. We are to so grow into Christ that we shall be little Christs. Of course, our tendency today is to conform to the world - its fashions, standards, culture, its way of life. To conform to Christ is to be a light in a dark world.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Gospel: Matthew 13:44--52
1. All About The Kingdom. 13:44--52
Need: The kingdom of heaven or of God is a strange and largely unknown concept for the average churchperson. It was a common and central term in Jesus's day. Today's Gospel contains four references to the kingdom. This sermon is needed to define and describe the kingdom, for every true Christian is a member of the kingdom.
Outline: What the kingdom is all about -
a. The value of the kingdom: treasure and pearl - vv. 44--46.
b. The cost of the kingdom: total surrender - vv. 44--46.
c. The true members of the kingdom: the good fish - vv. 47--50.
d. Teachers in the kingdom: the old and the new - vv. 51--52.
2. Have You Found It? 13:44--46
Need: "I found it!" was a common slogan seen on bumper stickers and in outdoor advertising. The phrase was used by a fundamentalist group to let the world know they found Christ as Lord and Savior. The farmer and the merchant could also exclaim, "I found it!" The farmer found a treasure and the merchant found the pearl of great price. This sermon asks each worshiper if he has found the kingdom. If so, does he need to find it again?
Outline: Some facts about our find -
a. It is an unexpected find - a surprise! - vv. 44, 46.
b. It is a find of extreme value - vv. 44, 46.
c. The find costs all you have - vv. 44, 46.
d. The find brings great joy - v. 44.
3. Top Price For Top Value. 13:44--46
Need: "You get what you pay for." This is a truism accepted universally. The higher the value, the most must be paid to get it. Do you want the best or are you satisfied with the mediocre? Can you afford the best? In the parables, Jesus says that the most precious value is the kingdom of God. Are we willing to pay the price to have the kingdom? In the parables, the farmer and the merchant sold all their goods to purchase the one field or the one pearl.
Outline: What price are you willing to pay?
a. The value of the kingdom of God - nothing more precious - vv. 44, 46.
b. The price is the highest - vv. 44, 46.
1. Total commitment.
2. Absolute surrender.
3. Radical obedience.
Lesson 1: Genesis 29:15--28 (C)
The Marks Of True Love. 29:15--28
Need: People are marrying and remarrying for love. Is it true love? At the time the couple may think so. If it is true love why, in a few years or longer, do they separate and divorce? In the story of Jacob and Rachel, we learn the true marks of love.
Outline: How to tell true love -
a. Attractiveness - v. 16 - "graceful and beautiful."
b. Timelessness - v. 20 - "a few days because of the love he had for her."
c. Sacrifice - v. 27 - "another seven years."
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 3:5, 7--12 (RC); 1 Kings 3:5--12 (E)
If You Had One Request Of God. 3:5--12
Need: Just suppose you had an experience similar to Solomon's and God said, "Ask what I shall give you." God did not limit the number of things to be requested, but it is assumed that one would ask for only one thing. Who would be bold enough to ask for more than one? To make the request, one would first have to consider the value of things and one's greatest need. Your request would reveal the kind of person you are - your scale of values, your goal in life, your purpose in living.
Outline: What should you ask of God?
a. What is most precious to you?
b. What is your greatest need?
c. What good can you do for others with the thing requested?
Lesson 2: Romans 8:26--39
1. Let God Do Your Praying. 8:26--27
Need: For many, praying is an impossible task. Not knowing how to pray we often use prayers learned in childhood as a substitute for our prayers, or we ask others to pray for us. We go to church and let the pastors do our praying. The disciples felt their inadequacy in praying and asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. In this pericope, Paul faces up to the same issue. He suggests that we allow the Spirit to do our praying.
Outline: Why let God the Spirit do our praying?
a. He alone knows how to pray - v. 26.
b. He wants to help us - v. 26.
c. He knows the will of God - v. 27.
2. Everything's Going To Be Okay. 8:28
Need: This verse is one of the most meaningful in the Bible. It tells us about the nature of God and about our situation in life in relation to God. It is an oft--quoted verse that gives people hope in times of trouble. Since all of us have our "downs," the sermon can be of assurance and hope for the comfort of the troubled.
Outline: Everything's going to work out fine, because -
a. "God works for good" - a good God works for our good. God desires our welfare at all times. He is a God who knows our condition and cares what happens to us.
b. "In everything." There is an overruling providence that turns our failures, sorrows, and disap--pointments into our good.
c. "With those who love him." This is not the experience of all people, only those who love God. Those who do not love God, resist his love and go their own way.
