Proper 23
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook - SERIES C
The Lessons
Micah 1:2, 2:1-10 (C)
The people's wickedness is described in spite of Yahweh's work. Through Micah Yahweh summons his people to judgment. Micah was a prophet to Judah during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (740-690 BC). In 721 Sargon II, king of Assyria, captured Samaria and Israel as a nation was in ruins. Micah is sure the same fate awaited Judah because of similar sins. Micah lived in a small town among poor country people. As a spokesman for Yahweh, he was the champion of the poor who were oppressed by rich city people. They stole their homes and land through fraud and aided by governmental leaders, prophets, and priests. In this lection, Micah calls the whole earth to hear God's complaints against it. Judgment will come to the rich and powerful who by illegal means rob the poor of their homes and land. For this crime Yahweh will humiliate his people and send them to captivity. But, the people do not want Micah to say such harsh words, for they do not think disgrace will come to them. But, does Yahweh like to say these words of doom for his people? What he says is for the good of his people. Nevertheless God's people are rebellious and afflict the poor. Because Israel and Judah have polluted the land with their sin, they will be driven into captivity.
Ruth 1:1-19a
Ruth returns with Naomi to Bethlehem.
2 Kings 5:14-17
A healed leper returns to give thanks. Almost anticipating the theme of today's gospel reading, the text highlights the thankful response of one sick with a deadly disease, whom God's servant made whole.
2 Timothy 2:8-15 (C)
2 Timothy 2:8-13 (L, RC)
Though Paul is fettered, the Word is not and Timothy is urged to rightly handle it.
This passage certainly impresses one that it is authentically Pauline. Paul is bound in a Roman prison and is soon to be martyred. He is concerned that his spiritual son, Timothy, holds on to and passes on the true gospel as he understands and proclaims it. Timothy is to remember Jesus as the risen son of David. Though he is chained, the Word is not fettered. Therefore, he endures the suffering of his imprisonment that the Gospel may be advanced to the salvation of souls. He quotes a hymn that emphasizes the faithfulness of God. Timothy is to avoid arguments that do not edify the people, but to do his best in rightly handling the Word.
Luke 17:11-19
One of the ten cleansed lepers thanks Jesus. On his way to Jerusalem, Jesus comes close to Samaria and Galilee. Ten lepers meet him as he enters a village and cry for mercy. Immediately he tells them to show themselves to the priests. They go, but one seeing that he is cleansed comes back to give thanks. Luke points out that this grateful one was a Samaritan, a member of a race despised by Jews. Jesus expressed surprise that only one was grateful and then sent the man on his way telling him that his faith healed or saved him.
Prayer of the Day
"Almighty God, source of every blessing, your generous goodness comes to us anew every day. By the work of your Spirit lead us to acknowledge your goodness, give thanks for our benefits, and serve you in willing obedience."
Hymn of the Day
"Your Hand, O Lord, in Days of Old"
Theological Reflections
Gospel:
Luke 17:11-19
1. Thanks (v. 16). Of all human failings, ingratitude is probably the most common. One out of ten people in this story is grateful. Is this typical - ten percent of us are appreciative of our blessings? When we think of leprosy as the horrible and incurable disease, probably even worse than today's cancer, we would think that the enormity of the condition would impel us to say thanks to the one who cured us. Probably the reason for our ingratitude is our lack of realization that we are blessed. It was when the one leper "saw that he was healed" that he went to Jesus to thank him. To be grateful "count your many blessings, one by one."
2. Samaritan (v. 16). The one who returned to express gratitude was a Samaritan. For the Jews who hated and despised Samaritans as much as Gentiles, we would expect that the Samaritan would be the ungrateful one. Did the nine Jews consider it was their right to be cleansed or that it was Jesus' duty to cleanse them? The great enemy of gratitude is taking our blessings for granted or thinking we deserve what we get. The Samaritan knew he was an outcast and he knew he had no claim on another Jew to help him. The question to us orthodox religious people is, "What do you more than others?"
3. Faith (v. 19). Jesus told the grateful leper that "your faith has made you well." If faith made him well, what healed the other nine? Were they not cleansed without faith? The nine were healed physically, but the Samaritan in addition was healed emotionally and spiritually. Furthermore, faith is related to gratitude. When we believe that God healed us, we return thanks. The unbeliever does not bother to say, "Thank you, Lord."
Lesson 1: Micah 1:2; 2:1-10
1. Hear (1:2). Micah calls upon all to hear what Yahweh has to say. This was the message of prophets like Jeremiah who cried out, "O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord." Hear that you may know what God intends you to do. Hear that you may repent and live. Hear that you may escape the coming doom. It is not only to "hear" but to "hearken." (v. 2) To hear is to hearken is to obey.
2. Woe (2:1). "The way of the transgressor is hard." Paul said, "The wages of sin is death." "Woe" comes to unrepentant sinners who afflict the helpless poor, who steal people's homes and lands, who oppress those who have no way of defending themselves. God comes to the rescue of the oppressed. The evil-doers will be punished. This is the case not only for individuals but for nations. The consequence for Israel and Judah was slavery in a foreign land.
3. Preach (2:6). "Don't preach to me!" is often heard from one who does not want to hear about sins or to learn of evil results from sin. The people told Micah not to preach of "woe" or of a coming captivity. They claimed, "That can't happen to us!" God would not disgrace us like that! In 2:11 the people want the preacher to approve their strong drinking. They say, "That's the preacher for us!" A preacher must decide whether he/she shall preach what the people want to hear or what they need.
Lesson 2: 2 Timothy 2:8-15
1. Remember (v. 8). Jesus wanted us to remember him and so he commanded that we should keep the Lord's Supper in remembrance of him. It is therefore appropriate for Paul to ask Timothy to remember Jesus. To remember is not simply to recall certain facts or experiences of Jesus, but to remember is to re-live Jesus' life and work. Of all things that could be remembered, Paul wants Timothy to remember Jesus' resurrection, his divinity, and Jesus' descent from David, his human nature. Without these two natures, we do not have a complete Christ.
2. My (v. 8). Did Paul have a gospel all his own that he could refer to "my" gospel? The gospel was not his in terms of his own theology or imagination, for he said the gospel was what he received. It is "my" gospel when I make it my own, accept it as my gospel, and live and sacrifice for it. It then is a personal possession. It is the gospel of God made mine by faith.
3. Handling (v. 15). Paul is concerned that Timothy has the true gospel and that he is teaching the true gospel. The Gospel is the Word of God personified in Christ. While he is confined in prison, the Word is not chained. As a minister Timothy has the responsibility to preach the Word and to handle properly the Word of truth. This calls for hard work to determine what the truth is in the Word and to interpret it properly. The Word is not properly handled when it is used as a pretext for a sermon, or when one's own ideas are read into the Word, or when a verse is torn out of context in order to support one's own ideas.
Preaching Possibilities
Three Lessons
Micah 1:2, 2:1-10; 2 Timothy 2:8-15; Luke 17:11-19
The Way to Life
Need: Either individually or nationally we may be in a mess. The future looks foreboding: decline, destruction, death. What can save us and bring us to life and provide hope for the future? Today's Lessons have the solution for troubled days.
Outline: Take the way that leads to life -
a. Repent of sin - Lesson 1
b. Remember Jesus your Savior - Lesson 2
c. Return to thank God for life and health - Gospel
Gospel: Luke 17:11-19
1. Are You the One? 17:11-19
Need: There were ten who were healed of the worst possible disease of leprosy. The ten came to Jesus and begged for mercy. All ten obeyed when Jesus told them go to the priests to show they were cured. But only one came back to thank Jesus. Here are some of the most scathing and tragic words Jesus ever uttered, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?" The grateful one was a Samaritan, a half-breed despised by the Jews. Is it still the ratio of grateful people: one out of ten? Are you the one?
Outline: How you can be the one who is grateful.
a. Recognize your blessings - v. 15: "When he saw that he was healed."
b. Return to thank Jesus - vv. 15, 16: "Turned back ... giving him thanks."
c. Realize your unworthiness - v. 16: "He fell on his face at Jesus' feet."
2. A Double Miracle. 17:19 "Rise and go your way: your faith has made you well."
Need: This miracle of cleansing leprosy may not touch many people today, because the disease is just about eradicated. Yet, people with terminal diseases long for a miraculous cure. Few people would think of going to Jesus in prayer for a miracle to cure them. But, there is another miracle in this account which could touch everyone. Nine received physical healing, but one got both physical and spiritual healing. It is the latter that we who are healthy need. Jesus said to the Samaritan that he was healed by his faith. Were not the other nine healed even without faith? Jesus is referring to the spiritual miracle that took place in the foreigner. "Well" comes from the word "save" or "wholeness." This second miracle made him whole in terms of gratitude which was the outward sign of his well-being inside.
Outline: How you can be made well.
a. What you are saved from - ingratitude
1. Selfishness
2. Taking things for granted
3. Negativism
b. What you are saved for - gratitude
1. Counting your blessings - v. 15a
2. Recognizing God as the blessor - v. 16
3. Praising God for his goodness - v. 15b
3. How Faith Can Heal You. 17:11-19
Need: Is there really a need to state the people's need for healing of body, mind, and soul? Where do we stand on faith healing? Do we cancel it out in favor of medical science? Do we identify faith healing with faith-healing evangelists who make stupendous claims of healing incurable diseases and lengthening bones? In today's gospel lesson Jesus tells the Samaritan, "Your faith has made you well." Can faith in Jesus do the same today?
Outline: How faith can heal you -
a. Faith believes that Christ can heal you - v. 13
b. Faith accepts Christ's healing - v. 14
c. Faith heals the whole person - v. 19
Lesson 1: Micah 1:2; 2:1-10
1. Bad News for Bad People. 2:1-10 (cf. The Living Bible)
Need: As it was in Micah's day, so are the moral conditions of our generation. The rich oppressed the poor. The power structures through falsehood, dishonesty, and bribery made the rich richer and the poor poorer. According to the 1982 U.S. Census, 34 million were listed as poor. Yet, only twenty percent of the American population receive forty-two percent of the national income while twenty percent of the people live on five percent of the income. Corrupt moral conditions brought Judah to destruction. Unless America repents and returns to God, we face the same bad news. The only good news of this sermon is if and when America will repent.
Outline: Consider our situation -
a. The bad situation - vv. 2, 8-9
b. Bad people cause a bad situation - v. 1
c. Bad news for bad people - vv. 3-5, 10
2. It Can't Happen to Us! 2:1-10 (cf. The Living Bible)
Need: We hear of tragedy, sickness, or death, but it always happens to someone else. We never think it will happen to us. When we are told that a nuclear war would mean a cosmic holocaust, we do not take it seriously, for it won't happen to us. Christians are heard saying, "This is our Father's world and he will not allow humanity to destroy it." When Micah warned Judah of impending doom in terms of national disaster, they retorted, "Disgrace will not overtake us." Are we willing to face up to our present situation and the threatening future?
Outline: Can it happen to us?
a. What can happen to us - vv. 3-5, 10
b. Will it happen to us? - vv. 6, 7
Lesson 1: Ruth 1:1-19a
1. God Can Use Even You
Need: The story of Ruth is the story of one you would never expect God to use in his salvation plan. How manyknow that Jesus had a pagan ancestor? Ruth was a woman and women were the property of husbands. She belonged, moreover, to a foreign nation and worshiped idols. Yet, God used her to bring into the world a forefather of David. Many think they are too small and too limited in brain and brawn to do anything for God. Here is hope for one who considers himself an alien, outcast, a nobody.
Outline: God can use you
a. In spite of your sex
b. In spite of your national background
c. In spite of your religion
d. In spite of your deplorable situation in life
2. Can You Match This? 1:1-19a
Need: Some get the idea that only Christians are good, noble, and praiseworthy people. Christians have no monopoly on kindness, goodness, love and courtesy. People of other religions or of no religion can have splendid characters with sparkling personalities. Pagans are not necessarily animals, brutes, and savages. The grace of God can work in and with non-Christians also. This is illustrated in the Moabitess, Ruth. Her statement of love and loyalty is still popular as a Scripture reading at a wedding.
Outline: Can you match Ruth's
a. Love- v. 9
b. Loyalty - v. 18
c. Sharing all - vv. 16, 17
Lesson 1: 2 KIngs 5:14-17
How Much Can You Pay?
Need: We receive benefits each day, some of which we fail to recognize as blessings from God. To take the second step, beyond receiving the benefit, to give good thanks, is often one we forget.
1. Nothing
a. We cannot repay the good gift of life and health
b. Naaman tried repaying Elisha: he discovered there was no proper price tag on his new health
c. God cannot be "bought out" by us, whether in gratitude or because of a bargaining spirit on our part
2. Everything
a. While God's gifts to us are priceless, he will accept the one response of value we can offer:
ourselves
b. We can respond with whole-life gratitude (see Naaman's response)
Lesson 2: 2 Timothy 2:8-15
1. Suffering to Save. 2:9, 10
Need: No one can live without eventually suffering. As in the case of Paul, it may be innocent suffering: shackled in prison like a criminal because he spread the Gospel. When undeserved suffering occurs as one stands for Christian principles, the danger is to complain, to question God's justice. Paul in the text saw his suffering as a means of bringing salvation to others. This makes suffering worthwhile - some good is sure to come of it.
Outline: As a Christian
a. You can expect to suffer innocently - v. 9. God did not promise sun without rain
b. You can use suffering for someone's good or faith - v. 10. Offer your suffering as a sacrifice to God
2. One Thing God Cannot Do. 2:11-13
Need: Here we see the truth that God cannot go against his nature. Often we quote the words, "With God all things are possible." Our text says there is one thing God cannot do. He cannot violate his own character.
Outline: What can God not do?
a. He can make you live with him - v. 11
b. He can make you reign with him - v. 12a
c. He can deny you - v. 12b
d. He cannot be faithless - v. 13
PROPER 24
October 16-22
Common
PENTECOST 22
Lutheran
ORDINARY TIME 29
Roman Catholic
The Lessons
Habakkuk 1:1-3, 2:1-4
In a world of adversity the righteous live by faith. Habbakuk and Yahweh are engaged in a dialogue. The prophet, a contemporary of Jeremiah, served during the reign of King Jehoiakim (608-597 BC) and during the last days before the Babylonian conquest. Under Jehoiakim conditions in Judah were horrible - lawlessness and oppression. In the light of these conditions Habbakuk goes to Yahweh with a complaint: Where is he? Why does he not answer? Why doesn't he do something about these moral conditions? Yahweh answered that he was going to send the Babylonians to reform Judah. Alas, the Babylonians who came in 597 were worse than the people of Judah. So Habbakuk goes up to his watchtower to see what Yahweh will say to the situation. He gets the answer: Yahweh will do something in due time - be patient. Moreover, the righteous will live by faith in the assurance that God will act and vindicate the innocent sufferers. He will come to their aid and righteousness will triumph.
Genesis 32:22-30
Jacob wrestles with the stranger at Peniel. Troubled by a guilty conscience, about to face his brother whom he has defrauded, Jacob spends a sleepless night, during which a strange emissary comes on the scene. Jacob grapples with the stranger, asking from him God's assurance of blessing. The stranger grants it and gives Jacob a new name - Israel.
Exodus 17:8-13
Joshua leads a victory over Amalek while Moses looks on. On the way from Egypt to the promised land, Israel comes against a tribe opposed to the Chosen People. Only when Moses holds up his arms in victorious blessing can the Israelites prevail against their stubborn foe.
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 (C, L)
2 Timothy 3:14-4:2 ('RC)
Paul charges Timothy to teach and preach the Word.
The overall concern of Paul is the preservation of the truth of the gospel in the coming post-apostolic period represented by Timothy, the next generation of Christians. This truth is in the Scriptures which a "man of God" needs to know and proclaim. The Scriptures are God-inspired and are useful in teaching and training people to be and live as Christians. Timothy is charged to teach and preach the Word of the Scriptures and thus fulfill his ministry.
Luke 18:1-8 (C, RC)
Luke 18:1-8a (L)
The parable of the widow and the unrighteous judge.
The parable may have been included by Luke to take care of a problem existing in the early church
- the delay of the Parousia. Will Christ return as he promised? Though they have been praying for his return, the event is long overdue. Many are losing faith in Jesus and his return. Like the widow, the Christians are praying continually. The point of the parable is: if an unjust judge who has no concern for God or man will respond to continual cries for justice, how much more will a just God answer the persistent prayers of his people. The parable ends with a disturbing question: God is dependable in fulfilling his promises and answering our prayers, but are we dependable in keeping our faith?
Prayer of the Day
"Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations. Preserve the works of your mercy, that your church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your name."
Hymn of the Day
"If You but Trust in God to Guide You"
Theological Reflections
Gospel: Luke 18:1-8
1. Always (v. 1). Luke explains the purpose of the parable: that we should "always" pray. For some the problem is to pray at all. Why pray "always"? Paul wrote, "Pray unceasingly." It does not mean we are to pray continuously but continually. To pray continuously would be to be guilty of praying to be noticed, a practice forbidden by Jesus. To pray "always" is to pray persistently without losing hope that the prayer will be answered.
2. Neither (vv. 2, 4). Here was a tough judge with a heart of stone. He had no fear of God nor respect for people. He was all justice, totally impartial and neutral. He cared for no one. His position was rooted in his relationship with God. When there is no fear of God, there is no respect for human beings. If there is no regard for God and his law, why be concerned about people's needs?
3. Find (v. 8). When Jesus returns, will he "find" faith on earth? Jesus was just making the point that God, unlike the unjust judge, is more merciful and dependable. When he promises, he eventually fulfills the promise. Until the promise is received, people may lose their faith that God will deliver. The question then is, are we as dependable with God as he is with us?
Lesson 1: Habakkuk 1:2-3, 2:2-4
1. Why? (1:3). In times of trouble and persecution, humans cry to God, "Why?" It does not seem fair nor right for innocents to suffer. If God is God, if God is good and loving, why does he not do something about the plight of his people? Even Jesus on the cross asked why God had forsaken him. Why do good people experience tragedy? Job, too, asked why good people suffer.
2. Watch (2:1). It is easy to ask questions, but do we really want answers? To get an answer, we must listen. For many that is hard to do. Habbakuk went to the top of a tower to watch for Yahweh. He went alone to the top of the tower where there would be silence. To get an answer from God, we must have solitude and silence. Then the silence will speak to us and our aloneness will give us the presence of Another.
3. Faith (2:4). Part of the answer which Habbakuk received was that godly people would live through difficult days by faith. "The just shall live by faith" was seized by Paul and Luther to explain justification by grace through faith. This was foreign to Habbakuk. He understood "faith" as faithfulness. When the country is polluted with crime and invaders are threatening invasion, the good person will be faithful to God and his promises. Holding on to God and trusting in God's trustworthiness one can live peaceably and confidently amid critical times.
Lesson 2: 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5
1. Continue (3:14). Paul urges Timothy to "continue" in the knowledge and faith he received from him and from his family. As humans we are prone to give up what we believe and do. In Lesson 1 Habbakuk says God's people live by faithfulness to God. Jesus taught that we should be faithful unto death. We can lose our faith. We can stop praying and worshiping. We can drop out of church. In view of these possibilities we need Paul's admonition to continue in our faith.
2. Inspired (3:16). The Scriptures are "inspired." Most of us do not have any trouble accepting the claim. When we consider the beauty of the language and the depth of the truth in the Bible, we come to the conclusion that it was inspired by God. We are sure it is inspired because it inspires us. The big question that divides churches is the manner of inspiration. Did God dictate the Bible word for word? Then it must be errorless. Did God inspire men with the truth and allow them to express the revelation to the best of their ability and according to their style? If so, then the Bible is infallible in the truth conveyed through frail and faulty people.
3. Ministry (4:5). Paul was writing to a young minister who was ordained to the ministry by the laying on of hands. It was a ministry primarily of Word and Sacraments. This does not mean that the laity do not have a ministry. There is ministry and the ministry. At baptism each Christian is ordained to ministry, meaning service. Each Christian is a servant of Christ who calls every disciple to express faith in loving service both in the church and in the world.
Preaching Possibilities
Three Lessons
Habakkuk 1:1-3, 2:1-4; 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5; Luke 18:1-8
Make Yours a Living Faith
Need: In the Christian religion, faith, next to love, is the most essential element. In fact, if we do not have faith, we will not love God and neighbor. One cannot be a Christian without faith. In today's Lessons we learn how to have a living faith.
Outline: Here is a faith for you -
a. Faith that makes you faithful - Lesson 1 (2:4)
b. Faith in the Scriptures - Lesson 2 (3:16)
c. Faith in the faithfulness of God - Gospel (vv. 7-8)
Gospel:
Luke 18:1-8
1. A Drama with Three Characters. 18:1-8
Need: In this parable Jesus gives us a drama with three persons. It is a life situation. It is a snapshot of an event that recurs innumerable times. In these persons we see the nature of their characters. In which of these characters do you see yourself? This sermon uses a biographical approach and requires imagination.
Outline: Are you in this drama?
a. Widow - a woman with a concern
b. Judge - a man without a heart
c. God - a loving Father who vindicates
2. The Power of Persistence. 18:1-8
Need: How long should we pray for the same favor? How long is "long"? We have a tendency to grow weary in praying about the same need or problem. Jesus told this parable to teach us that we ought "always" to pray. (v. 1) We are to keep praying until the prayer is answered. That answer may be "yes," "no," or "wait."
Outline: To get power through persistence in prayer -
a. Overcome the tendency to stop praying - v. 1
b. Have a petition of great concern - v. 3
c. Use the strategy of continuence - v. 5
d. Claim the victory - v. 7
3. How Dependable are We? 18:8
Need: This gospel lesson needs to be understood in the light of the context. Jesus is speaking about his return at the end of time. (17:20-37) At the time when Luke wrote his gospel, many in the church were losing their faith in the Parousia because they expected Jesus to return soon. The delay caused Jesus to ask, "When the Son of man comes, will he find faith on earth?" The parable teaches us that our continual prayer for his return will be answered. On the other hand, when that time comes, will the people have faith to receive him? In other words, God is dependable, but are we?
Outline: Questions to be faced -
a. Is God dependable?
1. In keeping his promises?
2. In answering our prayers?
b. Are we dependable?
1. In trusting his promises?
2. In waiting for Christ's return?
Lesson 1: Habakkuk 1:1-3, 2:1-4
1. When Bad Things happen to Good People. 1:1-3, 2:1-4
Need: Our subject has plagued humankind from the time of Job and Habbakuk. Job considered the problem from a personal situation and Habbakuk faced the problem on a national basis. Why do innocent people suffer all kinds of adversity: premature death, poverty, hunger, innocent imprisonment, flood, tornado, hurricane, etc.? People need to know that there is no answer to this problem but that God shows how we can conquer the tribulation of the world.
Outline: When bad times come to good people -
a. They complain to God - 1:3
b. They get no answer from God - 1:2
c. They learn how to cope - 2:2-4
1. Patience - v. 3
2. Faithfulness - v. 4
2. Faithful Living for Faithless Days. 2:4b, 3:17-19
Need: Though Christians are not of the world, we are in the world. It is a world of moral corruption, injustice, suffering, and tragedy. It is a struggle and challenge to live the Christian life in a world in conflict with Christian values. God told Habbakuk and his generation that in their critical times they would live by faith. Paul and Luther made "the just shall live by faith" the cardinal doctrine of Christianity. In Habbakuk's day it meant that God's people would live in faithless days with faithfulness to Yahweh. For our times this understanding of the text still speaks to similar world conditions.
Outline: Faithfulness is the key for living in these days -
a. Faithful to God though we do not understand his ways.
b. Faithful to God's promises that have not yet been fulfilled.
c. Faithful to God though evil flourishes in today's world.
Lesson 1: Genesis 32:22-30
Let's Wrestle!
Need: Christians dare not settle for shallow faith. When we come to terms with ourselves, with God, and with those in our world, we are caught in a wrestling match of cosmic proportions. We need not fear a good tangle: we grow and are blessed in the grappling.
1. We need to wrestle with ourselves
a. Jacob had a conscience problem: never resolved, it came to a head when he faced his wronged brother. Wrestle, - Jacob!
b. We need to wrestle with conflicts we let go unresolved
2. We need to wrestle with God
a. There are always questions and issues we "shove back" into the recesses because we can't/don't/won't deal with them. Sooner or later they will out, and force a tangle with God.
b. Jacob showed us how rightly to wrestle with the Lord: perservere!
3. We need to wrestle with one another
a. Sooner or later Jacob had to deal with his wronged brother
b. We cannot avoid truthful confrontations with one another. Making peace at the expense of truth and growth will not do it in the Christian community. Wrestle, Christian!
Lesson 1: Exodus 17:8-13
Don't Give Up On God
Need: When we grow weary of the daily battle we too quickly assume that God grows weary with us. Christians need to see that God's promises prevail even when we cannot remember to draw on them.
1. God keeps faith with his people
2. We need to keep faith with God
(Note: we are not interested in suggesting, on the basis of this text, that there was "magic" in the raised or not-raised position of Moses' arms. On the contrary, the point is that Moses grew weary of God's faithfulness precisely when God was not weary of helping Israel).
Lesson 2: 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5
1. The Book of Your Life. 3:14--4:2
Need: John Wesley felt that a Christian should be "a man of one book." Of course, the one book he had in mind was the Bible. Is the Bible the book of a Christian's life today? While it continues year after year to be the nation's best-selling book, it is one of the least read books. This accounts for shallowness of beliefs and our apathy in the church. A revival and reformation of the church have their source in the Scriptures. In this sermon we want to motivate the congregation to make the Bible the book of their lives.
Outline: To make the Bible the book of your life -
a. Know it - 3:14-15
b. Appreciate it - v. 3:16
c. Use it - 3:17
d. Share it - 4:2
2. Now As For You!
Need: It is easy to tell others what to do, but what should you do? After the resurrection Peter referring to John asked Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" Peter got the answer, "You follow me." Paul was writing about what Timothy should do for others but then points to him individually, "As for you." As one person you are to fulfill your ministry. You are a minister of Christ. Every member of the church is a minister to serve according to his/her ability and calling. Paul in the text challenges each to fulfill his/her ministry?
Outline: How can one fulfill his/her ministry?
a. Stick to it! - "Always be steady."
b. Tough it out! - "Endure suffering."
c. Speak up! - "Do the work of an evangelist."
PROPER 25
October 23-29
Common
PENTECOST 23
Lutheran
ORDINARY TIME 30
Roman Catholic
The Lessons
Zephaniah 3:1-9 (C)
The day of judgment will come to the nations because of their sins. Zephaniah served as a prophet during the reign of Josiah (637-607 BC) before he instituted his reforms. When Zephaniah surveyed the moral and religious conditions of his day, he proclaimed the word of the Lord that the Day of the Lord, the day of judgment, was coming. He called for absolute monotheism, social righteousness, and the fear of the Lord. In our pericope, Jerusalem is described as a city of crime and violence. In her pride and self-righteousness she will take no advice or correction. Her leaders like roaring lions devour all they can get and the priests pollute the sacred by not obeying the Law. But, the good Lord is in the city and executes justice, but no one pays heed to him. This same God brought desolation to wicked nations and cities without leaving a survivor. Still that did not make the wicked repent but made them eager to do more wrong. In due time Yahweh will pour his wrath on the nations and the earth will be consumed. After this Yahweh will give the peoples a "pure" language so that with one accord they all can worship and serve.
Deuteronomy 10:12-22
God tells Israel what he expects of them. Following the second giving of the Law, after the first set of stone tablets was destroyed, God gave a marvelous summary to Israel, by which they could know what he asked of them. Included in the list was a command to remember their bondage in Egypt, and how God kept his promise to Abraham to make his descendants "as stars of heaven for multitude."
Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18
God looks after the underprivileged. Pulling rank to gain favors with God is doomed. The Lord cares for the underdog and hears the hurting person's prayers.
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
With his life near the end, Paul looks forward to receiving a crown of righteousness. Paul realizes that death is near. He was tried in Rome and Roman Christians deserted him. He was not bitter but forgiving. His confidence was in God who would rescue him from every evil. According to tradition Paul was executed in Rome Ca. AD 60. In writing to Timothy he looks back on his ministry and is pleased that he kept the faith and he also looks forward to heaven where he expects to receive his victor's crown of righteousness.
Luke 18:9-14
The parable of the Pharisee and Publican at prayer in the temple. This Sunday we have another lesson involving prayer. It is a story of two men praying in the temple. The Pharisee's prayer revealed his pride and self-satisfaction with his moral and religious attainments. He compared himself with the Publican. A contrast is seen in the Publican. He felt unworthy to enter the temple, too embarrassed to lift his eyes to heaven, had not a word to say for himself. All he could do was throw himself on the mercy of God. It is the latter who was justified by God - not by works but by grace. The parable further illustrates pride and humility.
Prayer of the Day
"Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gift of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command."
Hymn of the Day
"To You, Omniscient Lord of All"
Theological Reflections
Gospel: Luke 18:9-14
1. Themselves (v. 9). The two men in the parable represent self-centeredness and God-centeredness. The problem is with those who focus on "themselves." They trust in themselves to be acceptable to God. They think of who they are and what good things they do. Even in prayer, they are self-centered when they ought to have their minds on God. The Pharisee "prayed thus with himself." When we put self in the center of life, the result is pride.
2.Righteous (v. 9). To be righteous is to be good so that one is acceptable to God, the wholly righteous One. The Pharisee was convinced he was good and in his prayer he listed his good works. But he did not leave the temple "justified" (v. 14), because his good works were not good enough. The man who pled for mercy as a sinner went home justified because he put his trust in God's grace through faith.
3. Far off (v. 13). The tax collector in the temple stood "far off" from the holy of holies, the sanctuary where Yahweh dwelt. He did not feel worthy to stand in a holy place because of his sin as a tax collector who served a foreign government and who extorted tax money from his people. Society despised him as a traitor and a crook. Because of his sin, he did not even feel worthy to lift up his head because he was ashamed of himself. He acknowledged and confessed his sin but he threw himself on the mercy of God and begged forgiveness.
Lesson 1: Zephaniah 3:1-9
1. City (v. 1). Zephaniah has Jerusalem in mind. He reports that she is rebellious and dirty, oppressive and stubborn, and ignores Yahweh. Consequently, the city is polluted with crime and injustice. A city has no monopoly on sin, for sin can be found in rural areas. Since people are sinners and congregate in cities, sin becomes concentrated. In the cities we have the multiplication of individual and corporate sin: gambling, prostitution, drugs, poverty, etc.
2. More (v. 7). Sin brings judgment and condemnation. Without exception, the wrath of God ultimately comes to a wicked people. Wrath brings destruction and death: "Their cities have been made desolate." Will this cause the city to repent and reform? Yahweh thought so, "Surely she will fear me." (v. 7) No, adversity does not produce a change of heart. In spite of desolation, "all the more" they turned to sin. The truth is that war, famine, destruction, and tragedy do not cause people to return to God.
3. Speech (v. 9). It is just like God not to let his people suffer calamity. Out of the ashes of their own destruction, God offers deliverance and another chance. In verse 9 Yahweh gives the nation hope for the future based on their loyalty to him. He says he will change their "speech" to a "pure speech." What does "speech" have to do with a people's return to God? Jesus taught that a person speaks out of the abundance of the heart. Paul agrees: "If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart ..." A change of speech reflects a change of heart. God will change the hearts of people and the result is worship and service.
Lesson 2: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
1. Sacrificed (v. 6,). Paul refers to his approaching death as being "sacrificed." This is not a case of feeling sorry for oneself, nor is it an expression of a martyr-complex even though Paul was martyred for being a Christian. To be a sacrifice means that one's existence is coming to an end. When an animal is sacrificed, it means its death. Sacrifice means also a gift. One gives a life to God. In Romans Paul appealed to his readers to give their bodies as living sacrifices. Now he is to give his body as a sacrifice, a gift, to God. If for a Christian death is a sacrifice, will our death be an acceptable gift to God?
2. A ward (v. 8). Paul looks forward to receiving an award from God in terms of a victor's crown of righteousness or of acceptance by God. Is it right to expect a reward in heaven? For some years now we have refrained from giving awards to children for perfect attendance or for memory work in the church school. The argument is that we ought to do good for God's sake and not for an award. Maybe we ought to re-think this. Today we award a trophy to those who win athletic contests such as the Olympic gold medals. Is not an award appropriate for one who has "fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith"?
3. Deserted (v. 16). When all goes well and you are winning, people are with you. If you are a loser, friends fall away. This can be seen in athletic teams; the crowds come out for a winning team. When Paul was on trial in Rome, his Christian friends "all deserted" him - "all"! Jesus had the same experience. When he was arrested, the Disciples foresook him and fled. When all desert you - what then? There is one greater than all the rest put together that stands by you to help you. Paul found that faithful one was the Lord. "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Preaching Possibilities
Gospel:
Luke 18:9-14
1. You Are Known by Your Prayers. 18:9-14
Need: How we pray and what we pray for shows what kind of people we are. We are ever trying to learn to pray aright. We are concerned about what to pray for. This is a secondary concern. We need to be more concerned about the prayers rather than the prayers. In the parable of the two men at prayer, we see the characters of the two and why they prayed as they did.
Outline: What our prayers reveal about ourselves -
a. Proud persons - vv. 11-12
b. Humble persons - v. 13
2. Are You Any Better When Home from Church? 18:14
Need:When you get home from a worship service, are you any better than you were before you went to church? Did you get anything out of church or was it a waste of time? Since only thirty percent of a congregation's members go to church regularly, it is apparent that going to worship for some is not worth the effort. In today's parable, it did not do the Pharisee one ounce of good but the Publican went home "justified." Each time we worship we should feel better because we have been justified anew. Just how can we get this experience Sunday after Sunday?
Outline: To be or not to be justified -
a. Not to be justified - the Pharisee
1. Trusted in himself
2. Prayed to himself
3. Boasted of his own goodness
b. To be justified - the Publican
1. Felt unworthy to be in God's presence
2. Confessed his sin
3. Begged for mercy
3. Is it OK to Feel Good About Yourself? 18:9-14
Need: We are living in a "me" or "we" generation when the emphasis is upon how good it is to be human. Books are written on self-esteem and how to look out for Number One. On the other hand, we have the worm theology - "I am a worm and no man." To be Christians, we think we should be nobodies and confess that in us there is no merit or worthiness. We want to be somebody and we want to feel good about ourselves. Can one feel this way and still be a genuine Christian? This issue is involved in the parable of the Pharisee and Publican.
Outline: It is OK to feel good about yourself -
a. Like the Pharisee, feel good about yourself - vv. 11-12
1. You believe in God.
2. You go to church.
3. You do good.
b. Like the Publican, do not feel too good about yourself -
1. Admit you are not good enough - "a sinner."
2. Depend on God for mercy - "Be merciful."
3. Give God credit for your goodness.
Lesson 1: Zephaniah 3:1-9
1. Are You Living in Sin City? 3:1-9
Need: A city can become so corrupt that it is known as "Sin City." In Zephaniah's day, Jerusalem was that kind of city. In verses 1-5, Zephaniah enumerates her sins. He could have been describing New York, Chicago, Atlanta, or Los Angeles. What can be done about it? Who will convince the city to repent as Nineveh did? Is there any hope for our sinful cities? In this series on the prophets we see the same pattern time after time.
Outline: The life-cycle of a city -
a. The calamity of sin - vv. 1-5
b. The judgment of God on the city (cf. Sodom and Gomorrah) - vv. 6-8
c. The hope for a better city - v. 9
2. Saved by Speech. 3:9
Need: What we say and how we say it reveals whether we are lost or saved. The wicked person uses filthy, obscene, and crude language. Where there is hatred, people disagree with one another violently and use their tongues to slander one another. Zephaniah says that God will change the sinful people's speech into pure speech. The speech reflects the condition of the heart. One speaks according to what is in the heart. To have pure speech is to have pure hearts. The answer to our filthy four-letter words is a change of heart.
Outline: Your speech can, save you -
a. Your pure speech comes from a pure heart - v. 9 ("I will change")
b. Your pure speech brings unity and peace - v. 9 ("with one accord")
c. Your pure speech results in worship and service - v. 9 ("Call on the name of the Lord and serve him.")
Lesson 1: Deuteronomy 10:12-22
God, What Do You Want?
Need: Every one of us has heard the question (or asked it ourselves): "What is God's will for our lives?" While we know the answer is never easily answered (nor properly answered without taking the context of our immediate situation into account) this text comes close to answering this vital question in a universal way. It can comfort and guide the seeking Christian.
1. God wants our love
2. God wants obedience
3. God wants compassion
4. God wants our joyful service
Lesson 1: Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18
Rank Doesn't Count With God
Need: As we prosper we begin to think that God has blessed us (which must surely be the reason for our prosperity) and that, therefore, we are in God's special favor. Not so, God replies. The hurting are no less dear to God. He will not show favoritism to the privileged. As congregations become more middle-class and prosperous we need more and more to hear and remember this painful reminder.
1. It's not "who you are" that counts with God
a. Wealth, station do not commend us to God's love
b. Lack of influence does not cut us off from the Almighty
2. It's who God is that matters
a. God cares for all who are members of his family: baptized, marked with his love, there is no distinction
b. If push comes to shove, God will side with the hurting (the prosperous can better take care of themselves)
3. We need to imitate God's style
a. No favoritism in the Christian community!
b. Let us not forget the unfortunate beyond our gates
Lesson 2: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
1. At the Crossroads of Life. 4:6-8
Need: There will come a time when we will stand at life's crossings. It is the moment of the present when the past is in review and the future lies ahead. This was Paul's experience enunciated in the text. It is important to know where you are at present. What kind of a past did you have? What have you done with your life? Do you have a future? We are dealing with vital subjects which will determine our eternal destiny.
Outline: See yourself at the crossroads of life -
a. Your present - "I am already on the point of being sacrificed." (v. 6)
b. Your past - Can you say verse 7?
c. Your future - Can you claim a future reward? - v. 8
2. When You Stand Alone. 4:16-18
Need: On the human side, there are times when we stand alone as Paul stood alone at his trial in Rome. It is literally true - there is not one person who stands beside you, agrees with you, and supports you. On the cross Jesus felt that not even his Father was with him. At a time like this, one feels abandoned, rejected, and desolute.
Outline: Consider -
a. When you stand alone - "All deserted me" - v. 16
1. When you stand for truth and justice.
2. When you face death - solitary confinement on death row.
b. When you stand not alone - "The Lord stood by me" - v. 17
1. Gives you strength to witness - v. 17
2. Rescues you from evil - v. 18
Micah 1:2, 2:1-10 (C)
The people's wickedness is described in spite of Yahweh's work. Through Micah Yahweh summons his people to judgment. Micah was a prophet to Judah during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (740-690 BC). In 721 Sargon II, king of Assyria, captured Samaria and Israel as a nation was in ruins. Micah is sure the same fate awaited Judah because of similar sins. Micah lived in a small town among poor country people. As a spokesman for Yahweh, he was the champion of the poor who were oppressed by rich city people. They stole their homes and land through fraud and aided by governmental leaders, prophets, and priests. In this lection, Micah calls the whole earth to hear God's complaints against it. Judgment will come to the rich and powerful who by illegal means rob the poor of their homes and land. For this crime Yahweh will humiliate his people and send them to captivity. But, the people do not want Micah to say such harsh words, for they do not think disgrace will come to them. But, does Yahweh like to say these words of doom for his people? What he says is for the good of his people. Nevertheless God's people are rebellious and afflict the poor. Because Israel and Judah have polluted the land with their sin, they will be driven into captivity.
Ruth 1:1-19a
Ruth returns with Naomi to Bethlehem.
2 Kings 5:14-17
A healed leper returns to give thanks. Almost anticipating the theme of today's gospel reading, the text highlights the thankful response of one sick with a deadly disease, whom God's servant made whole.
2 Timothy 2:8-15 (C)
2 Timothy 2:8-13 (L, RC)
Though Paul is fettered, the Word is not and Timothy is urged to rightly handle it.
This passage certainly impresses one that it is authentically Pauline. Paul is bound in a Roman prison and is soon to be martyred. He is concerned that his spiritual son, Timothy, holds on to and passes on the true gospel as he understands and proclaims it. Timothy is to remember Jesus as the risen son of David. Though he is chained, the Word is not fettered. Therefore, he endures the suffering of his imprisonment that the Gospel may be advanced to the salvation of souls. He quotes a hymn that emphasizes the faithfulness of God. Timothy is to avoid arguments that do not edify the people, but to do his best in rightly handling the Word.
Luke 17:11-19
One of the ten cleansed lepers thanks Jesus. On his way to Jerusalem, Jesus comes close to Samaria and Galilee. Ten lepers meet him as he enters a village and cry for mercy. Immediately he tells them to show themselves to the priests. They go, but one seeing that he is cleansed comes back to give thanks. Luke points out that this grateful one was a Samaritan, a member of a race despised by Jews. Jesus expressed surprise that only one was grateful and then sent the man on his way telling him that his faith healed or saved him.
Prayer of the Day
"Almighty God, source of every blessing, your generous goodness comes to us anew every day. By the work of your Spirit lead us to acknowledge your goodness, give thanks for our benefits, and serve you in willing obedience."
Hymn of the Day
"Your Hand, O Lord, in Days of Old"
Theological Reflections
Gospel:
Luke 17:11-19
1. Thanks (v. 16). Of all human failings, ingratitude is probably the most common. One out of ten people in this story is grateful. Is this typical - ten percent of us are appreciative of our blessings? When we think of leprosy as the horrible and incurable disease, probably even worse than today's cancer, we would think that the enormity of the condition would impel us to say thanks to the one who cured us. Probably the reason for our ingratitude is our lack of realization that we are blessed. It was when the one leper "saw that he was healed" that he went to Jesus to thank him. To be grateful "count your many blessings, one by one."
2. Samaritan (v. 16). The one who returned to express gratitude was a Samaritan. For the Jews who hated and despised Samaritans as much as Gentiles, we would expect that the Samaritan would be the ungrateful one. Did the nine Jews consider it was their right to be cleansed or that it was Jesus' duty to cleanse them? The great enemy of gratitude is taking our blessings for granted or thinking we deserve what we get. The Samaritan knew he was an outcast and he knew he had no claim on another Jew to help him. The question to us orthodox religious people is, "What do you more than others?"
3. Faith (v. 19). Jesus told the grateful leper that "your faith has made you well." If faith made him well, what healed the other nine? Were they not cleansed without faith? The nine were healed physically, but the Samaritan in addition was healed emotionally and spiritually. Furthermore, faith is related to gratitude. When we believe that God healed us, we return thanks. The unbeliever does not bother to say, "Thank you, Lord."
Lesson 1: Micah 1:2; 2:1-10
1. Hear (1:2). Micah calls upon all to hear what Yahweh has to say. This was the message of prophets like Jeremiah who cried out, "O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord." Hear that you may know what God intends you to do. Hear that you may repent and live. Hear that you may escape the coming doom. It is not only to "hear" but to "hearken." (v. 2) To hear is to hearken is to obey.
2. Woe (2:1). "The way of the transgressor is hard." Paul said, "The wages of sin is death." "Woe" comes to unrepentant sinners who afflict the helpless poor, who steal people's homes and lands, who oppress those who have no way of defending themselves. God comes to the rescue of the oppressed. The evil-doers will be punished. This is the case not only for individuals but for nations. The consequence for Israel and Judah was slavery in a foreign land.
3. Preach (2:6). "Don't preach to me!" is often heard from one who does not want to hear about sins or to learn of evil results from sin. The people told Micah not to preach of "woe" or of a coming captivity. They claimed, "That can't happen to us!" God would not disgrace us like that! In 2:11 the people want the preacher to approve their strong drinking. They say, "That's the preacher for us!" A preacher must decide whether he/she shall preach what the people want to hear or what they need.
Lesson 2: 2 Timothy 2:8-15
1. Remember (v. 8). Jesus wanted us to remember him and so he commanded that we should keep the Lord's Supper in remembrance of him. It is therefore appropriate for Paul to ask Timothy to remember Jesus. To remember is not simply to recall certain facts or experiences of Jesus, but to remember is to re-live Jesus' life and work. Of all things that could be remembered, Paul wants Timothy to remember Jesus' resurrection, his divinity, and Jesus' descent from David, his human nature. Without these two natures, we do not have a complete Christ.
2. My (v. 8). Did Paul have a gospel all his own that he could refer to "my" gospel? The gospel was not his in terms of his own theology or imagination, for he said the gospel was what he received. It is "my" gospel when I make it my own, accept it as my gospel, and live and sacrifice for it. It then is a personal possession. It is the gospel of God made mine by faith.
3. Handling (v. 15). Paul is concerned that Timothy has the true gospel and that he is teaching the true gospel. The Gospel is the Word of God personified in Christ. While he is confined in prison, the Word is not chained. As a minister Timothy has the responsibility to preach the Word and to handle properly the Word of truth. This calls for hard work to determine what the truth is in the Word and to interpret it properly. The Word is not properly handled when it is used as a pretext for a sermon, or when one's own ideas are read into the Word, or when a verse is torn out of context in order to support one's own ideas.
Preaching Possibilities
Three Lessons
Micah 1:2, 2:1-10; 2 Timothy 2:8-15; Luke 17:11-19
The Way to Life
Need: Either individually or nationally we may be in a mess. The future looks foreboding: decline, destruction, death. What can save us and bring us to life and provide hope for the future? Today's Lessons have the solution for troubled days.
Outline: Take the way that leads to life -
a. Repent of sin - Lesson 1
b. Remember Jesus your Savior - Lesson 2
c. Return to thank God for life and health - Gospel
Gospel: Luke 17:11-19
1. Are You the One? 17:11-19
Need: There were ten who were healed of the worst possible disease of leprosy. The ten came to Jesus and begged for mercy. All ten obeyed when Jesus told them go to the priests to show they were cured. But only one came back to thank Jesus. Here are some of the most scathing and tragic words Jesus ever uttered, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?" The grateful one was a Samaritan, a half-breed despised by the Jews. Is it still the ratio of grateful people: one out of ten? Are you the one?
Outline: How you can be the one who is grateful.
a. Recognize your blessings - v. 15: "When he saw that he was healed."
b. Return to thank Jesus - vv. 15, 16: "Turned back ... giving him thanks."
c. Realize your unworthiness - v. 16: "He fell on his face at Jesus' feet."
2. A Double Miracle. 17:19 "Rise and go your way: your faith has made you well."
Need: This miracle of cleansing leprosy may not touch many people today, because the disease is just about eradicated. Yet, people with terminal diseases long for a miraculous cure. Few people would think of going to Jesus in prayer for a miracle to cure them. But, there is another miracle in this account which could touch everyone. Nine received physical healing, but one got both physical and spiritual healing. It is the latter that we who are healthy need. Jesus said to the Samaritan that he was healed by his faith. Were not the other nine healed even without faith? Jesus is referring to the spiritual miracle that took place in the foreigner. "Well" comes from the word "save" or "wholeness." This second miracle made him whole in terms of gratitude which was the outward sign of his well-being inside.
Outline: How you can be made well.
a. What you are saved from - ingratitude
1. Selfishness
2. Taking things for granted
3. Negativism
b. What you are saved for - gratitude
1. Counting your blessings - v. 15a
2. Recognizing God as the blessor - v. 16
3. Praising God for his goodness - v. 15b
3. How Faith Can Heal You. 17:11-19
Need: Is there really a need to state the people's need for healing of body, mind, and soul? Where do we stand on faith healing? Do we cancel it out in favor of medical science? Do we identify faith healing with faith-healing evangelists who make stupendous claims of healing incurable diseases and lengthening bones? In today's gospel lesson Jesus tells the Samaritan, "Your faith has made you well." Can faith in Jesus do the same today?
Outline: How faith can heal you -
a. Faith believes that Christ can heal you - v. 13
b. Faith accepts Christ's healing - v. 14
c. Faith heals the whole person - v. 19
Lesson 1: Micah 1:2; 2:1-10
1. Bad News for Bad People. 2:1-10 (cf. The Living Bible)
Need: As it was in Micah's day, so are the moral conditions of our generation. The rich oppressed the poor. The power structures through falsehood, dishonesty, and bribery made the rich richer and the poor poorer. According to the 1982 U.S. Census, 34 million were listed as poor. Yet, only twenty percent of the American population receive forty-two percent of the national income while twenty percent of the people live on five percent of the income. Corrupt moral conditions brought Judah to destruction. Unless America repents and returns to God, we face the same bad news. The only good news of this sermon is if and when America will repent.
Outline: Consider our situation -
a. The bad situation - vv. 2, 8-9
b. Bad people cause a bad situation - v. 1
c. Bad news for bad people - vv. 3-5, 10
2. It Can't Happen to Us! 2:1-10 (cf. The Living Bible)
Need: We hear of tragedy, sickness, or death, but it always happens to someone else. We never think it will happen to us. When we are told that a nuclear war would mean a cosmic holocaust, we do not take it seriously, for it won't happen to us. Christians are heard saying, "This is our Father's world and he will not allow humanity to destroy it." When Micah warned Judah of impending doom in terms of national disaster, they retorted, "Disgrace will not overtake us." Are we willing to face up to our present situation and the threatening future?
Outline: Can it happen to us?
a. What can happen to us - vv. 3-5, 10
b. Will it happen to us? - vv. 6, 7
Lesson 1: Ruth 1:1-19a
1. God Can Use Even You
Need: The story of Ruth is the story of one you would never expect God to use in his salvation plan. How manyknow that Jesus had a pagan ancestor? Ruth was a woman and women were the property of husbands. She belonged, moreover, to a foreign nation and worshiped idols. Yet, God used her to bring into the world a forefather of David. Many think they are too small and too limited in brain and brawn to do anything for God. Here is hope for one who considers himself an alien, outcast, a nobody.
Outline: God can use you
a. In spite of your sex
b. In spite of your national background
c. In spite of your religion
d. In spite of your deplorable situation in life
2. Can You Match This? 1:1-19a
Need: Some get the idea that only Christians are good, noble, and praiseworthy people. Christians have no monopoly on kindness, goodness, love and courtesy. People of other religions or of no religion can have splendid characters with sparkling personalities. Pagans are not necessarily animals, brutes, and savages. The grace of God can work in and with non-Christians also. This is illustrated in the Moabitess, Ruth. Her statement of love and loyalty is still popular as a Scripture reading at a wedding.
Outline: Can you match Ruth's
a. Love- v. 9
b. Loyalty - v. 18
c. Sharing all - vv. 16, 17
Lesson 1: 2 KIngs 5:14-17
How Much Can You Pay?
Need: We receive benefits each day, some of which we fail to recognize as blessings from God. To take the second step, beyond receiving the benefit, to give good thanks, is often one we forget.
1. Nothing
a. We cannot repay the good gift of life and health
b. Naaman tried repaying Elisha: he discovered there was no proper price tag on his new health
c. God cannot be "bought out" by us, whether in gratitude or because of a bargaining spirit on our part
2. Everything
a. While God's gifts to us are priceless, he will accept the one response of value we can offer:
ourselves
b. We can respond with whole-life gratitude (see Naaman's response)
Lesson 2: 2 Timothy 2:8-15
1. Suffering to Save. 2:9, 10
Need: No one can live without eventually suffering. As in the case of Paul, it may be innocent suffering: shackled in prison like a criminal because he spread the Gospel. When undeserved suffering occurs as one stands for Christian principles, the danger is to complain, to question God's justice. Paul in the text saw his suffering as a means of bringing salvation to others. This makes suffering worthwhile - some good is sure to come of it.
Outline: As a Christian
a. You can expect to suffer innocently - v. 9. God did not promise sun without rain
b. You can use suffering for someone's good or faith - v. 10. Offer your suffering as a sacrifice to God
2. One Thing God Cannot Do. 2:11-13
Need: Here we see the truth that God cannot go against his nature. Often we quote the words, "With God all things are possible." Our text says there is one thing God cannot do. He cannot violate his own character.
Outline: What can God not do?
a. He can make you live with him - v. 11
b. He can make you reign with him - v. 12a
c. He can deny you - v. 12b
d. He cannot be faithless - v. 13
PROPER 24
October 16-22
Common
PENTECOST 22
Lutheran
ORDINARY TIME 29
Roman Catholic
The Lessons
Habakkuk 1:1-3, 2:1-4
In a world of adversity the righteous live by faith. Habbakuk and Yahweh are engaged in a dialogue. The prophet, a contemporary of Jeremiah, served during the reign of King Jehoiakim (608-597 BC) and during the last days before the Babylonian conquest. Under Jehoiakim conditions in Judah were horrible - lawlessness and oppression. In the light of these conditions Habbakuk goes to Yahweh with a complaint: Where is he? Why does he not answer? Why doesn't he do something about these moral conditions? Yahweh answered that he was going to send the Babylonians to reform Judah. Alas, the Babylonians who came in 597 were worse than the people of Judah. So Habbakuk goes up to his watchtower to see what Yahweh will say to the situation. He gets the answer: Yahweh will do something in due time - be patient. Moreover, the righteous will live by faith in the assurance that God will act and vindicate the innocent sufferers. He will come to their aid and righteousness will triumph.
Genesis 32:22-30
Jacob wrestles with the stranger at Peniel. Troubled by a guilty conscience, about to face his brother whom he has defrauded, Jacob spends a sleepless night, during which a strange emissary comes on the scene. Jacob grapples with the stranger, asking from him God's assurance of blessing. The stranger grants it and gives Jacob a new name - Israel.
Exodus 17:8-13
Joshua leads a victory over Amalek while Moses looks on. On the way from Egypt to the promised land, Israel comes against a tribe opposed to the Chosen People. Only when Moses holds up his arms in victorious blessing can the Israelites prevail against their stubborn foe.
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 (C, L)
2 Timothy 3:14-4:2 ('RC)
Paul charges Timothy to teach and preach the Word.
The overall concern of Paul is the preservation of the truth of the gospel in the coming post-apostolic period represented by Timothy, the next generation of Christians. This truth is in the Scriptures which a "man of God" needs to know and proclaim. The Scriptures are God-inspired and are useful in teaching and training people to be and live as Christians. Timothy is charged to teach and preach the Word of the Scriptures and thus fulfill his ministry.
Luke 18:1-8 (C, RC)
Luke 18:1-8a (L)
The parable of the widow and the unrighteous judge.
The parable may have been included by Luke to take care of a problem existing in the early church
- the delay of the Parousia. Will Christ return as he promised? Though they have been praying for his return, the event is long overdue. Many are losing faith in Jesus and his return. Like the widow, the Christians are praying continually. The point of the parable is: if an unjust judge who has no concern for God or man will respond to continual cries for justice, how much more will a just God answer the persistent prayers of his people. The parable ends with a disturbing question: God is dependable in fulfilling his promises and answering our prayers, but are we dependable in keeping our faith?
Prayer of the Day
"Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations. Preserve the works of your mercy, that your church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your name."
Hymn of the Day
"If You but Trust in God to Guide You"
Theological Reflections
Gospel: Luke 18:1-8
1. Always (v. 1). Luke explains the purpose of the parable: that we should "always" pray. For some the problem is to pray at all. Why pray "always"? Paul wrote, "Pray unceasingly." It does not mean we are to pray continuously but continually. To pray continuously would be to be guilty of praying to be noticed, a practice forbidden by Jesus. To pray "always" is to pray persistently without losing hope that the prayer will be answered.
2. Neither (vv. 2, 4). Here was a tough judge with a heart of stone. He had no fear of God nor respect for people. He was all justice, totally impartial and neutral. He cared for no one. His position was rooted in his relationship with God. When there is no fear of God, there is no respect for human beings. If there is no regard for God and his law, why be concerned about people's needs?
3. Find (v. 8). When Jesus returns, will he "find" faith on earth? Jesus was just making the point that God, unlike the unjust judge, is more merciful and dependable. When he promises, he eventually fulfills the promise. Until the promise is received, people may lose their faith that God will deliver. The question then is, are we as dependable with God as he is with us?
Lesson 1: Habakkuk 1:2-3, 2:2-4
1. Why? (1:3). In times of trouble and persecution, humans cry to God, "Why?" It does not seem fair nor right for innocents to suffer. If God is God, if God is good and loving, why does he not do something about the plight of his people? Even Jesus on the cross asked why God had forsaken him. Why do good people experience tragedy? Job, too, asked why good people suffer.
2. Watch (2:1). It is easy to ask questions, but do we really want answers? To get an answer, we must listen. For many that is hard to do. Habbakuk went to the top of a tower to watch for Yahweh. He went alone to the top of the tower where there would be silence. To get an answer from God, we must have solitude and silence. Then the silence will speak to us and our aloneness will give us the presence of Another.
3. Faith (2:4). Part of the answer which Habbakuk received was that godly people would live through difficult days by faith. "The just shall live by faith" was seized by Paul and Luther to explain justification by grace through faith. This was foreign to Habbakuk. He understood "faith" as faithfulness. When the country is polluted with crime and invaders are threatening invasion, the good person will be faithful to God and his promises. Holding on to God and trusting in God's trustworthiness one can live peaceably and confidently amid critical times.
Lesson 2: 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5
1. Continue (3:14). Paul urges Timothy to "continue" in the knowledge and faith he received from him and from his family. As humans we are prone to give up what we believe and do. In Lesson 1 Habbakuk says God's people live by faithfulness to God. Jesus taught that we should be faithful unto death. We can lose our faith. We can stop praying and worshiping. We can drop out of church. In view of these possibilities we need Paul's admonition to continue in our faith.
2. Inspired (3:16). The Scriptures are "inspired." Most of us do not have any trouble accepting the claim. When we consider the beauty of the language and the depth of the truth in the Bible, we come to the conclusion that it was inspired by God. We are sure it is inspired because it inspires us. The big question that divides churches is the manner of inspiration. Did God dictate the Bible word for word? Then it must be errorless. Did God inspire men with the truth and allow them to express the revelation to the best of their ability and according to their style? If so, then the Bible is infallible in the truth conveyed through frail and faulty people.
3. Ministry (4:5). Paul was writing to a young minister who was ordained to the ministry by the laying on of hands. It was a ministry primarily of Word and Sacraments. This does not mean that the laity do not have a ministry. There is ministry and the ministry. At baptism each Christian is ordained to ministry, meaning service. Each Christian is a servant of Christ who calls every disciple to express faith in loving service both in the church and in the world.
Preaching Possibilities
Three Lessons
Habakkuk 1:1-3, 2:1-4; 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5; Luke 18:1-8
Make Yours a Living Faith
Need: In the Christian religion, faith, next to love, is the most essential element. In fact, if we do not have faith, we will not love God and neighbor. One cannot be a Christian without faith. In today's Lessons we learn how to have a living faith.
Outline: Here is a faith for you -
a. Faith that makes you faithful - Lesson 1 (2:4)
b. Faith in the Scriptures - Lesson 2 (3:16)
c. Faith in the faithfulness of God - Gospel (vv. 7-8)
Gospel:
Luke 18:1-8
1. A Drama with Three Characters. 18:1-8
Need: In this parable Jesus gives us a drama with three persons. It is a life situation. It is a snapshot of an event that recurs innumerable times. In these persons we see the nature of their characters. In which of these characters do you see yourself? This sermon uses a biographical approach and requires imagination.
Outline: Are you in this drama?
a. Widow - a woman with a concern
b. Judge - a man without a heart
c. God - a loving Father who vindicates
2. The Power of Persistence. 18:1-8
Need: How long should we pray for the same favor? How long is "long"? We have a tendency to grow weary in praying about the same need or problem. Jesus told this parable to teach us that we ought "always" to pray. (v. 1) We are to keep praying until the prayer is answered. That answer may be "yes," "no," or "wait."
Outline: To get power through persistence in prayer -
a. Overcome the tendency to stop praying - v. 1
b. Have a petition of great concern - v. 3
c. Use the strategy of continuence - v. 5
d. Claim the victory - v. 7
3. How Dependable are We? 18:8
Need: This gospel lesson needs to be understood in the light of the context. Jesus is speaking about his return at the end of time. (17:20-37) At the time when Luke wrote his gospel, many in the church were losing their faith in the Parousia because they expected Jesus to return soon. The delay caused Jesus to ask, "When the Son of man comes, will he find faith on earth?" The parable teaches us that our continual prayer for his return will be answered. On the other hand, when that time comes, will the people have faith to receive him? In other words, God is dependable, but are we?
Outline: Questions to be faced -
a. Is God dependable?
1. In keeping his promises?
2. In answering our prayers?
b. Are we dependable?
1. In trusting his promises?
2. In waiting for Christ's return?
Lesson 1: Habakkuk 1:1-3, 2:1-4
1. When Bad Things happen to Good People. 1:1-3, 2:1-4
Need: Our subject has plagued humankind from the time of Job and Habbakuk. Job considered the problem from a personal situation and Habbakuk faced the problem on a national basis. Why do innocent people suffer all kinds of adversity: premature death, poverty, hunger, innocent imprisonment, flood, tornado, hurricane, etc.? People need to know that there is no answer to this problem but that God shows how we can conquer the tribulation of the world.
Outline: When bad times come to good people -
a. They complain to God - 1:3
b. They get no answer from God - 1:2
c. They learn how to cope - 2:2-4
1. Patience - v. 3
2. Faithfulness - v. 4
2. Faithful Living for Faithless Days. 2:4b, 3:17-19
Need: Though Christians are not of the world, we are in the world. It is a world of moral corruption, injustice, suffering, and tragedy. It is a struggle and challenge to live the Christian life in a world in conflict with Christian values. God told Habbakuk and his generation that in their critical times they would live by faith. Paul and Luther made "the just shall live by faith" the cardinal doctrine of Christianity. In Habbakuk's day it meant that God's people would live in faithless days with faithfulness to Yahweh. For our times this understanding of the text still speaks to similar world conditions.
Outline: Faithfulness is the key for living in these days -
a. Faithful to God though we do not understand his ways.
b. Faithful to God's promises that have not yet been fulfilled.
c. Faithful to God though evil flourishes in today's world.
Lesson 1: Genesis 32:22-30
Let's Wrestle!
Need: Christians dare not settle for shallow faith. When we come to terms with ourselves, with God, and with those in our world, we are caught in a wrestling match of cosmic proportions. We need not fear a good tangle: we grow and are blessed in the grappling.
1. We need to wrestle with ourselves
a. Jacob had a conscience problem: never resolved, it came to a head when he faced his wronged brother. Wrestle, - Jacob!
b. We need to wrestle with conflicts we let go unresolved
2. We need to wrestle with God
a. There are always questions and issues we "shove back" into the recesses because we can't/don't/won't deal with them. Sooner or later they will out, and force a tangle with God.
b. Jacob showed us how rightly to wrestle with the Lord: perservere!
3. We need to wrestle with one another
a. Sooner or later Jacob had to deal with his wronged brother
b. We cannot avoid truthful confrontations with one another. Making peace at the expense of truth and growth will not do it in the Christian community. Wrestle, Christian!
Lesson 1: Exodus 17:8-13
Don't Give Up On God
Need: When we grow weary of the daily battle we too quickly assume that God grows weary with us. Christians need to see that God's promises prevail even when we cannot remember to draw on them.
1. God keeps faith with his people
2. We need to keep faith with God
(Note: we are not interested in suggesting, on the basis of this text, that there was "magic" in the raised or not-raised position of Moses' arms. On the contrary, the point is that Moses grew weary of God's faithfulness precisely when God was not weary of helping Israel).
Lesson 2: 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5
1. The Book of Your Life. 3:14--4:2
Need: John Wesley felt that a Christian should be "a man of one book." Of course, the one book he had in mind was the Bible. Is the Bible the book of a Christian's life today? While it continues year after year to be the nation's best-selling book, it is one of the least read books. This accounts for shallowness of beliefs and our apathy in the church. A revival and reformation of the church have their source in the Scriptures. In this sermon we want to motivate the congregation to make the Bible the book of their lives.
Outline: To make the Bible the book of your life -
a. Know it - 3:14-15
b. Appreciate it - v. 3:16
c. Use it - 3:17
d. Share it - 4:2
2. Now As For You!
Need: It is easy to tell others what to do, but what should you do? After the resurrection Peter referring to John asked Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" Peter got the answer, "You follow me." Paul was writing about what Timothy should do for others but then points to him individually, "As for you." As one person you are to fulfill your ministry. You are a minister of Christ. Every member of the church is a minister to serve according to his/her ability and calling. Paul in the text challenges each to fulfill his/her ministry?
Outline: How can one fulfill his/her ministry?
a. Stick to it! - "Always be steady."
b. Tough it out! - "Endure suffering."
c. Speak up! - "Do the work of an evangelist."
PROPER 25
October 23-29
Common
PENTECOST 23
Lutheran
ORDINARY TIME 30
Roman Catholic
The Lessons
Zephaniah 3:1-9 (C)
The day of judgment will come to the nations because of their sins. Zephaniah served as a prophet during the reign of Josiah (637-607 BC) before he instituted his reforms. When Zephaniah surveyed the moral and religious conditions of his day, he proclaimed the word of the Lord that the Day of the Lord, the day of judgment, was coming. He called for absolute monotheism, social righteousness, and the fear of the Lord. In our pericope, Jerusalem is described as a city of crime and violence. In her pride and self-righteousness she will take no advice or correction. Her leaders like roaring lions devour all they can get and the priests pollute the sacred by not obeying the Law. But, the good Lord is in the city and executes justice, but no one pays heed to him. This same God brought desolation to wicked nations and cities without leaving a survivor. Still that did not make the wicked repent but made them eager to do more wrong. In due time Yahweh will pour his wrath on the nations and the earth will be consumed. After this Yahweh will give the peoples a "pure" language so that with one accord they all can worship and serve.
Deuteronomy 10:12-22
God tells Israel what he expects of them. Following the second giving of the Law, after the first set of stone tablets was destroyed, God gave a marvelous summary to Israel, by which they could know what he asked of them. Included in the list was a command to remember their bondage in Egypt, and how God kept his promise to Abraham to make his descendants "as stars of heaven for multitude."
Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18
God looks after the underprivileged. Pulling rank to gain favors with God is doomed. The Lord cares for the underdog and hears the hurting person's prayers.
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
With his life near the end, Paul looks forward to receiving a crown of righteousness. Paul realizes that death is near. He was tried in Rome and Roman Christians deserted him. He was not bitter but forgiving. His confidence was in God who would rescue him from every evil. According to tradition Paul was executed in Rome Ca. AD 60. In writing to Timothy he looks back on his ministry and is pleased that he kept the faith and he also looks forward to heaven where he expects to receive his victor's crown of righteousness.
Luke 18:9-14
The parable of the Pharisee and Publican at prayer in the temple. This Sunday we have another lesson involving prayer. It is a story of two men praying in the temple. The Pharisee's prayer revealed his pride and self-satisfaction with his moral and religious attainments. He compared himself with the Publican. A contrast is seen in the Publican. He felt unworthy to enter the temple, too embarrassed to lift his eyes to heaven, had not a word to say for himself. All he could do was throw himself on the mercy of God. It is the latter who was justified by God - not by works but by grace. The parable further illustrates pride and humility.
Prayer of the Day
"Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gift of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command."
Hymn of the Day
"To You, Omniscient Lord of All"
Theological Reflections
Gospel: Luke 18:9-14
1. Themselves (v. 9). The two men in the parable represent self-centeredness and God-centeredness. The problem is with those who focus on "themselves." They trust in themselves to be acceptable to God. They think of who they are and what good things they do. Even in prayer, they are self-centered when they ought to have their minds on God. The Pharisee "prayed thus with himself." When we put self in the center of life, the result is pride.
2.Righteous (v. 9). To be righteous is to be good so that one is acceptable to God, the wholly righteous One. The Pharisee was convinced he was good and in his prayer he listed his good works. But he did not leave the temple "justified" (v. 14), because his good works were not good enough. The man who pled for mercy as a sinner went home justified because he put his trust in God's grace through faith.
3. Far off (v. 13). The tax collector in the temple stood "far off" from the holy of holies, the sanctuary where Yahweh dwelt. He did not feel worthy to stand in a holy place because of his sin as a tax collector who served a foreign government and who extorted tax money from his people. Society despised him as a traitor and a crook. Because of his sin, he did not even feel worthy to lift up his head because he was ashamed of himself. He acknowledged and confessed his sin but he threw himself on the mercy of God and begged forgiveness.
Lesson 1: Zephaniah 3:1-9
1. City (v. 1). Zephaniah has Jerusalem in mind. He reports that she is rebellious and dirty, oppressive and stubborn, and ignores Yahweh. Consequently, the city is polluted with crime and injustice. A city has no monopoly on sin, for sin can be found in rural areas. Since people are sinners and congregate in cities, sin becomes concentrated. In the cities we have the multiplication of individual and corporate sin: gambling, prostitution, drugs, poverty, etc.
2. More (v. 7). Sin brings judgment and condemnation. Without exception, the wrath of God ultimately comes to a wicked people. Wrath brings destruction and death: "Their cities have been made desolate." Will this cause the city to repent and reform? Yahweh thought so, "Surely she will fear me." (v. 7) No, adversity does not produce a change of heart. In spite of desolation, "all the more" they turned to sin. The truth is that war, famine, destruction, and tragedy do not cause people to return to God.
3. Speech (v. 9). It is just like God not to let his people suffer calamity. Out of the ashes of their own destruction, God offers deliverance and another chance. In verse 9 Yahweh gives the nation hope for the future based on their loyalty to him. He says he will change their "speech" to a "pure speech." What does "speech" have to do with a people's return to God? Jesus taught that a person speaks out of the abundance of the heart. Paul agrees: "If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart ..." A change of speech reflects a change of heart. God will change the hearts of people and the result is worship and service.
Lesson 2: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
1. Sacrificed (v. 6,). Paul refers to his approaching death as being "sacrificed." This is not a case of feeling sorry for oneself, nor is it an expression of a martyr-complex even though Paul was martyred for being a Christian. To be a sacrifice means that one's existence is coming to an end. When an animal is sacrificed, it means its death. Sacrifice means also a gift. One gives a life to God. In Romans Paul appealed to his readers to give their bodies as living sacrifices. Now he is to give his body as a sacrifice, a gift, to God. If for a Christian death is a sacrifice, will our death be an acceptable gift to God?
2. A ward (v. 8). Paul looks forward to receiving an award from God in terms of a victor's crown of righteousness or of acceptance by God. Is it right to expect a reward in heaven? For some years now we have refrained from giving awards to children for perfect attendance or for memory work in the church school. The argument is that we ought to do good for God's sake and not for an award. Maybe we ought to re-think this. Today we award a trophy to those who win athletic contests such as the Olympic gold medals. Is not an award appropriate for one who has "fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith"?
3. Deserted (v. 16). When all goes well and you are winning, people are with you. If you are a loser, friends fall away. This can be seen in athletic teams; the crowds come out for a winning team. When Paul was on trial in Rome, his Christian friends "all deserted" him - "all"! Jesus had the same experience. When he was arrested, the Disciples foresook him and fled. When all desert you - what then? There is one greater than all the rest put together that stands by you to help you. Paul found that faithful one was the Lord. "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Preaching Possibilities
Gospel:
Luke 18:9-14
1. You Are Known by Your Prayers. 18:9-14
Need: How we pray and what we pray for shows what kind of people we are. We are ever trying to learn to pray aright. We are concerned about what to pray for. This is a secondary concern. We need to be more concerned about the prayers rather than the prayers. In the parable of the two men at prayer, we see the characters of the two and why they prayed as they did.
Outline: What our prayers reveal about ourselves -
a. Proud persons - vv. 11-12
b. Humble persons - v. 13
2. Are You Any Better When Home from Church? 18:14
Need:When you get home from a worship service, are you any better than you were before you went to church? Did you get anything out of church or was it a waste of time? Since only thirty percent of a congregation's members go to church regularly, it is apparent that going to worship for some is not worth the effort. In today's parable, it did not do the Pharisee one ounce of good but the Publican went home "justified." Each time we worship we should feel better because we have been justified anew. Just how can we get this experience Sunday after Sunday?
Outline: To be or not to be justified -
a. Not to be justified - the Pharisee
1. Trusted in himself
2. Prayed to himself
3. Boasted of his own goodness
b. To be justified - the Publican
1. Felt unworthy to be in God's presence
2. Confessed his sin
3. Begged for mercy
3. Is it OK to Feel Good About Yourself? 18:9-14
Need: We are living in a "me" or "we" generation when the emphasis is upon how good it is to be human. Books are written on self-esteem and how to look out for Number One. On the other hand, we have the worm theology - "I am a worm and no man." To be Christians, we think we should be nobodies and confess that in us there is no merit or worthiness. We want to be somebody and we want to feel good about ourselves. Can one feel this way and still be a genuine Christian? This issue is involved in the parable of the Pharisee and Publican.
Outline: It is OK to feel good about yourself -
a. Like the Pharisee, feel good about yourself - vv. 11-12
1. You believe in God.
2. You go to church.
3. You do good.
b. Like the Publican, do not feel too good about yourself -
1. Admit you are not good enough - "a sinner."
2. Depend on God for mercy - "Be merciful."
3. Give God credit for your goodness.
Lesson 1: Zephaniah 3:1-9
1. Are You Living in Sin City? 3:1-9
Need: A city can become so corrupt that it is known as "Sin City." In Zephaniah's day, Jerusalem was that kind of city. In verses 1-5, Zephaniah enumerates her sins. He could have been describing New York, Chicago, Atlanta, or Los Angeles. What can be done about it? Who will convince the city to repent as Nineveh did? Is there any hope for our sinful cities? In this series on the prophets we see the same pattern time after time.
Outline: The life-cycle of a city -
a. The calamity of sin - vv. 1-5
b. The judgment of God on the city (cf. Sodom and Gomorrah) - vv. 6-8
c. The hope for a better city - v. 9
2. Saved by Speech. 3:9
Need: What we say and how we say it reveals whether we are lost or saved. The wicked person uses filthy, obscene, and crude language. Where there is hatred, people disagree with one another violently and use their tongues to slander one another. Zephaniah says that God will change the sinful people's speech into pure speech. The speech reflects the condition of the heart. One speaks according to what is in the heart. To have pure speech is to have pure hearts. The answer to our filthy four-letter words is a change of heart.
Outline: Your speech can, save you -
a. Your pure speech comes from a pure heart - v. 9 ("I will change")
b. Your pure speech brings unity and peace - v. 9 ("with one accord")
c. Your pure speech results in worship and service - v. 9 ("Call on the name of the Lord and serve him.")
Lesson 1: Deuteronomy 10:12-22
God, What Do You Want?
Need: Every one of us has heard the question (or asked it ourselves): "What is God's will for our lives?" While we know the answer is never easily answered (nor properly answered without taking the context of our immediate situation into account) this text comes close to answering this vital question in a universal way. It can comfort and guide the seeking Christian.
1. God wants our love
2. God wants obedience
3. God wants compassion
4. God wants our joyful service
Lesson 1: Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18
Rank Doesn't Count With God
Need: As we prosper we begin to think that God has blessed us (which must surely be the reason for our prosperity) and that, therefore, we are in God's special favor. Not so, God replies. The hurting are no less dear to God. He will not show favoritism to the privileged. As congregations become more middle-class and prosperous we need more and more to hear and remember this painful reminder.
1. It's not "who you are" that counts with God
a. Wealth, station do not commend us to God's love
b. Lack of influence does not cut us off from the Almighty
2. It's who God is that matters
a. God cares for all who are members of his family: baptized, marked with his love, there is no distinction
b. If push comes to shove, God will side with the hurting (the prosperous can better take care of themselves)
3. We need to imitate God's style
a. No favoritism in the Christian community!
b. Let us not forget the unfortunate beyond our gates
Lesson 2: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
1. At the Crossroads of Life. 4:6-8
Need: There will come a time when we will stand at life's crossings. It is the moment of the present when the past is in review and the future lies ahead. This was Paul's experience enunciated in the text. It is important to know where you are at present. What kind of a past did you have? What have you done with your life? Do you have a future? We are dealing with vital subjects which will determine our eternal destiny.
Outline: See yourself at the crossroads of life -
a. Your present - "I am already on the point of being sacrificed." (v. 6)
b. Your past - Can you say verse 7?
c. Your future - Can you claim a future reward? - v. 8
2. When You Stand Alone. 4:16-18
Need: On the human side, there are times when we stand alone as Paul stood alone at his trial in Rome. It is literally true - there is not one person who stands beside you, agrees with you, and supports you. On the cross Jesus felt that not even his Father was with him. At a time like this, one feels abandoned, rejected, and desolute.
Outline: Consider -
a. When you stand alone - "All deserted me" - v. 16
1. When you stand for truth and justice.
2. When you face death - solitary confinement on death row.
b. When you stand not alone - "The Lord stood by me" - v. 17
1. Gives you strength to witness - v. 17
2. Rescues you from evil - v. 18
