Proper 26
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Cycle A, THIRD EDITION
THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Joshua 3:7--17 (C)
Under Joshua the Israelites cross the Jordan into the Promised Land. Moses died and Joshua succeeded him. The people are assembled east of the Jordan River and are ready to cross over to the Promised Land. Forty years of wandering are now at an end, the destination reached. As the Red Sea was parted, the Jordan also is divided to allow the people to enter a new land with dry feet.
Lesson 1: Malachi 1:14-2:2, 8--10 (RC)
The wider ministry.
Lesson 1: Micah 3:5--12 (E)
The wicked disapprove of a true prophet's message.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 2:9--13 (C); 1 Thessalonians 2:7--9, 13 (RC); 1 Thessalonians 2:9--13, 17--20 (E)
For the Thessalonians Paul worked hard, led an exemplary life, preached the Word, and longed to see his people again. Paul reminds his people in Thessalonica how he worked day and night in order not to be a financial burden on them. Also, he reminds them he lived a life that was worthy of imitation and, in a fatherly way he urged them to live a life worthy of God. Moreover, he is grateful that they accepted his preaching as the very Word of God. Because of this warm and close fellowship with them, Paul is anxious to visit them again, for they are his joy and glory.
Gospel: Matthew 23:1--12 (C, RC, E)
Jesus urges his disciples to follow what the Pharisees taught but not what they practiced. New Testament scholarship does not credit Jesus with these words but, rather, Matthew. At the time of writing, the church was having a struggle with the Jews. The harsh words of Pharasaic hypocrisy should be understood in the light of the historical situation. Jesus exhorts both people and disciples not to follow the Pharisees who do not practice what they preach, but to attain greatness through humility and service. In contrast to self and title--seeking, Jesus urged his followers to renounce pride and titles in favor of service to God.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 107:1--7, 33--37 (C) - "O give thanks to the Lord" (v. 1).
Psalm 13 (RC) - "I trusted in your steadfast love" (v. 5).
Psalm 480 (E) - "Hope in God" (v. 5).
Prayer Of The Day
"Lord, when the day of wrath comes, we have no hope except in your grace. Make us so to watch for the last days that the consummation of our hope may be the joy of marriage feast of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."
Hymn Of The Day
"Wake, Awake, For Night Is Flying"
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: Matthew 23:1--12 (C, RC, E)
1. Preach ... practice (v. 3). These two belong together, but often they are not. The preaching may be all right, but the practice has not the same quality. Jesus urges his listeners to practice what the scribes and Pharisees preach, but not to follow their practice. Can we do this? Can we separate preaching from practice? Most of us repudiate the preaching that is not practiced. Yet, what preacher can perfectly practice his preaching?
2. Seen (v. 5). Religious leaders are prone to be proud of themselves, their positions, and their piety. They want to be "seen." "Look at me" - see how good I am! They want their gifts publicized and want due credit. They like to wear large crosses and put religious slogans on bumpers. They want to be seated up front and they love their titles. All these add up to pride. They want to be "seen." Who are "they"?
3. Greatest (v. 11). The world does not agree with Jesus on the question, "Who is the greatest?" In the world the greatest is a star like Julia Roberts or Brad Pitt. The greatest is a champion like Tiger Woods. The greatest is a billionaire like Bill Gates. The greatest is a monarch of a nation like the Queen of England. This kind of greatness is for a few people. For Jesus' greatness, every person can be the greatest. It takes only humble service. The greatest can be poor, uneducated, unknown - just a humble person living for others.
Lesson 1: Joshua 3:7--17 (C)
1. Exalt (v. 7). Moses was a hard act to follow. Who could measure up to Moses and his leadership? So highly was he regarded that when he tarried on Mount Sinai, the people thought God had forsaken them. Now Joshua takes over. Will he be adequate? Will he be as acceptable to God as Moses was? Yahweh exalts Joshua as the new leader, promises to be with him, and gave him authority to command the people. Human beings come and go, but God raises up new leaders to carry on his work.
2. Hear (v. 9). Joshua's first act is to call an assembly for the people to hear God's Word. They are to hear the good news that Yahweh was still with them and promised to give them victory over the armies in the new land. God speaks to them through their new leader. A prophet is one who speaks for God. Paul wrote that faith comes from hearing the preached Word of God. When we hear God, we receive guidance, promise, and good news of God's continual care.
3. Front (v. 14). The ark of the covenant symbolized the presence of Yahweh and the covenant made on Mount Sinai. To put the ark first is to put God first. In the church the altar is the symbol of God's presence and is therefore usually placed in an elevated position at the front of the church's interior. Joshua ordered twelve priests to carry the ark first in line. God was to come first in their lives, nation, and future. When God is placed on the front line, human battles are won.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 2:9--13 (C); 1 Thessalonians 2:7--9, 13 (RC); 1 Thessalonians 2:9--13, 17--20 (E)
1. Gospel (vv. 8, 9). Paul and his associates come to Thessalonica for one purpose: to give them the gospel. Whatever became of the gospel in our day? What is the gospel? It is good news - not good news about man, about his latest accomplishments. It is the good news about God's act of redeeming and reconciling many through the cross. It is the good news that God loves and accepts us though we are sinners. Does the modern person need this gospel? Is he worried about his sin and his reconciliation to God? Today many do not know what sin is nor are they sure there is a God. How can you get a hearing for the gospel in these times?
2. Life worthy (v. 12). Paul charged his people to lead lives worthy of God. This presupposes we have faith in God and respond to God. We belong to God. What kind of lives shall we live that would be worthy of God? Paul describes his life in terms of "holy, righteous, and blameless." Why can't we be members of God's kingdom without worrying about our lifestyle? It is because of who God is and what his nature is. A good, loving, and holy God demands that we be what he is.
3. Word of God (v. 13). What is preaching? Is it the word of the man who is speaking from a pulpit or is it the Word of God? Paul says that the Thessalonians accepted his preaching as the Word of God. Thus, preaching is not one human's opinion or wisdom, but it is God's Word coming in and through the words of a human. Why would they consider Paul's words as God's Word? It is because he preached the gospel. He was determined to know nothing but Jesus and the cross. He preached Jesus Christ and he crucified. Jesus is the incarnate Word. To preach him is to preach the Word. When this is done, the congregation recognizes it not as the preacher's word but as God's Word.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Gospel: Matthew 23:1--12 (C, RC, E)
1. The Danger Of Being Religious. 23:1--12
Need: It is not altogether safe to be a religious person. You can fall into various pits that bring destruction to the soul. Many think of religion as a fortress in which they are perfectly safe from Satan and his wiles of destruction. This Gospel lesson tells of top religious leaders in Jesus' day who became victims of their religion. What happened then happens today among religious people.
Outline: Christian leaders need to -
a. Beware of the dangers of religious leadership.
1. Profession without performance - v. 3.
2. Pride - vv. 5--7.
b. Follow Jesus' example of humble service - vv. 11--12.
2. "I Preach To Myself." 23:1--12
Need: The lessons deal primarily with priests, apostles, scribes, and Pharisees. There are professional religious leaders - clergy people. This includes the pastor of this church, the preacher of this sermon. This gives the pastor an opportunity to preach an innovative sermon, a monologue. He could preach the sermon to himself with the congregation overhearing the gospel. This should result in knowing the pastor better and in enlisting the congregation in better support of the pastor in his work of leadership.
Outline: The kind of pastor I want to be.
a. One who practices what he preaches - v. 3.
b. One who does for God what he asks others to do - v. 4.
c. One who is humble - vv. 5--10.
d. One who serves - v. 11.
3. We Are The Pharisees. 23:1--12
Need: This pericope is for both clergy and laity. Jesus spoke about the scribes and the Pharisees. The scribes were the professional, ordained clergy who were scholars, teachers, and rabbis. The Pharisees were not theologically educated; they were lay people who were leaders dedicated and zealous in keeping the Law. The people assembled for worship can be classified today as Pharisees. They are the thirty percent of the congregation present for worship. They are the cream of the crop, the most active, and leaders of the congregation. This message is for them as well as for the clergy.
Outline: We are the Pharisees.
a. Our strength: teaching and preaching the Word - vv. 2--3.
b. Our weaknesses: do not do as the Pharisees - vv. 3--7.
c. Our goal: humbler service - vv. 11--12.
Lesson 1: Joshua 3:7--17 (C)
This Nation Behind God. 3:7--17
Need: In our Pledge of Allegiance, we Americans say, "One nation under God." For Israel in Joshua's time it was the nation behind God. Upon God's direction Joshua ordered the twelve men carrying the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of God's presence, to lead the procession into the Promised Land. God was to come first. People were to be followers of God. Our need today is to put God first in our lives and nation. Other gods of power and pleasure are popular leaders. If God is allowed to go first, great blessings follow.
Outline: When God is given first place -
a. He exalts us to leadership - v. 7.
b. He promises us victory over our enemies - v. 10.
c. He leads us to a promised land - v. 17.
Lesson 1: Malachi 1:14-2:2, 8--10 (RC)
The Lay Priesthood. 1:14-2:2, 8--10
Need: Today's three lessons deal with religious leaders. In the gospel Jesus criticizes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. In contrast, Paul's ministry is ideal. Lesson 1 deals with priestly failings. If this sermon were to be preached to clergymen, the message would be focused upon the ordained priesthood. Since the sermon is directed to the congregation, we need to show the laity that in their own way as believers, they can serve God as priests.
Outline: As a lay priest -
a. You offer true sacrifices to God - v. 14 (Romans 12:1).
b. You glorify God's name - v. 2 (1 Corinthians 10:31).
c. You teach the truth of God - vv. 8--9.
d. You are faithful to God's covenant - v. 10.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 2:9--13 (C); 1 Thessalonians 2:7--9, 13 (RC); 1 Thessalonians 2:9--13, 17--20 (E)
1. A Life Worthy Of God. 2:9--13
Need: What kind of lives shall we live? As a citizen, we want to live a life worthy of our country lest our nation be ashamed of us as "ugly Americans." A child should try to live a life worthy of his parents. A spouse tries to live a life worthy of the marital mate: Adultery is not a worthy life for a married person. Paul in this passage talks of our living lives worthy of God. Here is our highest challenge. What kind of a life is worthy of God? Must one be an ascetic or a martyr to be worthy of God?
Outline: A life worthy of God -
a. Serves for love and not for money - v. 9.
b. Presents a good example to others - v. 10.
c. Hears and accepts the Word of God - v. 13.
2. Is That God Speaking? 2:9, 13
Need: During sermon time, is that a person speaking or God speaking through a person? How many people listen to a sermon as though God were speaking? How many preachers think of themselves as God's mouthpieces? If it is God speaking, our attitude toward the sermon will be enhanced. We will pay attention, take heed, and obey the Word. On the other hand, is all preaching to be considered the Word of God which, he says, it was. This sermon is needed to help people to understand the sermon as the Word of God.
Outline: The sermon is the Word of God when -
a. It is preached by a person of God: called and ordained to preach.
b. The sermon presents the gospel - vv. 8--9.
c. The sermon is received and accepted - v. 13.
Lesson 1: Joshua 3:7--17 (C)
Under Joshua the Israelites cross the Jordan into the Promised Land. Moses died and Joshua succeeded him. The people are assembled east of the Jordan River and are ready to cross over to the Promised Land. Forty years of wandering are now at an end, the destination reached. As the Red Sea was parted, the Jordan also is divided to allow the people to enter a new land with dry feet.
Lesson 1: Malachi 1:14-2:2, 8--10 (RC)
The wider ministry.
Lesson 1: Micah 3:5--12 (E)
The wicked disapprove of a true prophet's message.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 2:9--13 (C); 1 Thessalonians 2:7--9, 13 (RC); 1 Thessalonians 2:9--13, 17--20 (E)
For the Thessalonians Paul worked hard, led an exemplary life, preached the Word, and longed to see his people again. Paul reminds his people in Thessalonica how he worked day and night in order not to be a financial burden on them. Also, he reminds them he lived a life that was worthy of imitation and, in a fatherly way he urged them to live a life worthy of God. Moreover, he is grateful that they accepted his preaching as the very Word of God. Because of this warm and close fellowship with them, Paul is anxious to visit them again, for they are his joy and glory.
Gospel: Matthew 23:1--12 (C, RC, E)
Jesus urges his disciples to follow what the Pharisees taught but not what they practiced. New Testament scholarship does not credit Jesus with these words but, rather, Matthew. At the time of writing, the church was having a struggle with the Jews. The harsh words of Pharasaic hypocrisy should be understood in the light of the historical situation. Jesus exhorts both people and disciples not to follow the Pharisees who do not practice what they preach, but to attain greatness through humility and service. In contrast to self and title--seeking, Jesus urged his followers to renounce pride and titles in favor of service to God.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 107:1--7, 33--37 (C) - "O give thanks to the Lord" (v. 1).
Psalm 13 (RC) - "I trusted in your steadfast love" (v. 5).
Psalm 480 (E) - "Hope in God" (v. 5).
Prayer Of The Day
"Lord, when the day of wrath comes, we have no hope except in your grace. Make us so to watch for the last days that the consummation of our hope may be the joy of marriage feast of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."
Hymn Of The Day
"Wake, Awake, For Night Is Flying"
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: Matthew 23:1--12 (C, RC, E)
1. Preach ... practice (v. 3). These two belong together, but often they are not. The preaching may be all right, but the practice has not the same quality. Jesus urges his listeners to practice what the scribes and Pharisees preach, but not to follow their practice. Can we do this? Can we separate preaching from practice? Most of us repudiate the preaching that is not practiced. Yet, what preacher can perfectly practice his preaching?
2. Seen (v. 5). Religious leaders are prone to be proud of themselves, their positions, and their piety. They want to be "seen." "Look at me" - see how good I am! They want their gifts publicized and want due credit. They like to wear large crosses and put religious slogans on bumpers. They want to be seated up front and they love their titles. All these add up to pride. They want to be "seen." Who are "they"?
3. Greatest (v. 11). The world does not agree with Jesus on the question, "Who is the greatest?" In the world the greatest is a star like Julia Roberts or Brad Pitt. The greatest is a champion like Tiger Woods. The greatest is a billionaire like Bill Gates. The greatest is a monarch of a nation like the Queen of England. This kind of greatness is for a few people. For Jesus' greatness, every person can be the greatest. It takes only humble service. The greatest can be poor, uneducated, unknown - just a humble person living for others.
Lesson 1: Joshua 3:7--17 (C)
1. Exalt (v. 7). Moses was a hard act to follow. Who could measure up to Moses and his leadership? So highly was he regarded that when he tarried on Mount Sinai, the people thought God had forsaken them. Now Joshua takes over. Will he be adequate? Will he be as acceptable to God as Moses was? Yahweh exalts Joshua as the new leader, promises to be with him, and gave him authority to command the people. Human beings come and go, but God raises up new leaders to carry on his work.
2. Hear (v. 9). Joshua's first act is to call an assembly for the people to hear God's Word. They are to hear the good news that Yahweh was still with them and promised to give them victory over the armies in the new land. God speaks to them through their new leader. A prophet is one who speaks for God. Paul wrote that faith comes from hearing the preached Word of God. When we hear God, we receive guidance, promise, and good news of God's continual care.
3. Front (v. 14). The ark of the covenant symbolized the presence of Yahweh and the covenant made on Mount Sinai. To put the ark first is to put God first. In the church the altar is the symbol of God's presence and is therefore usually placed in an elevated position at the front of the church's interior. Joshua ordered twelve priests to carry the ark first in line. God was to come first in their lives, nation, and future. When God is placed on the front line, human battles are won.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 2:9--13 (C); 1 Thessalonians 2:7--9, 13 (RC); 1 Thessalonians 2:9--13, 17--20 (E)
1. Gospel (vv. 8, 9). Paul and his associates come to Thessalonica for one purpose: to give them the gospel. Whatever became of the gospel in our day? What is the gospel? It is good news - not good news about man, about his latest accomplishments. It is the good news about God's act of redeeming and reconciling many through the cross. It is the good news that God loves and accepts us though we are sinners. Does the modern person need this gospel? Is he worried about his sin and his reconciliation to God? Today many do not know what sin is nor are they sure there is a God. How can you get a hearing for the gospel in these times?
2. Life worthy (v. 12). Paul charged his people to lead lives worthy of God. This presupposes we have faith in God and respond to God. We belong to God. What kind of lives shall we live that would be worthy of God? Paul describes his life in terms of "holy, righteous, and blameless." Why can't we be members of God's kingdom without worrying about our lifestyle? It is because of who God is and what his nature is. A good, loving, and holy God demands that we be what he is.
3. Word of God (v. 13). What is preaching? Is it the word of the man who is speaking from a pulpit or is it the Word of God? Paul says that the Thessalonians accepted his preaching as the Word of God. Thus, preaching is not one human's opinion or wisdom, but it is God's Word coming in and through the words of a human. Why would they consider Paul's words as God's Word? It is because he preached the gospel. He was determined to know nothing but Jesus and the cross. He preached Jesus Christ and he crucified. Jesus is the incarnate Word. To preach him is to preach the Word. When this is done, the congregation recognizes it not as the preacher's word but as God's Word.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Gospel: Matthew 23:1--12 (C, RC, E)
1. The Danger Of Being Religious. 23:1--12
Need: It is not altogether safe to be a religious person. You can fall into various pits that bring destruction to the soul. Many think of religion as a fortress in which they are perfectly safe from Satan and his wiles of destruction. This Gospel lesson tells of top religious leaders in Jesus' day who became victims of their religion. What happened then happens today among religious people.
Outline: Christian leaders need to -
a. Beware of the dangers of religious leadership.
1. Profession without performance - v. 3.
2. Pride - vv. 5--7.
b. Follow Jesus' example of humble service - vv. 11--12.
2. "I Preach To Myself." 23:1--12
Need: The lessons deal primarily with priests, apostles, scribes, and Pharisees. There are professional religious leaders - clergy people. This includes the pastor of this church, the preacher of this sermon. This gives the pastor an opportunity to preach an innovative sermon, a monologue. He could preach the sermon to himself with the congregation overhearing the gospel. This should result in knowing the pastor better and in enlisting the congregation in better support of the pastor in his work of leadership.
Outline: The kind of pastor I want to be.
a. One who practices what he preaches - v. 3.
b. One who does for God what he asks others to do - v. 4.
c. One who is humble - vv. 5--10.
d. One who serves - v. 11.
3. We Are The Pharisees. 23:1--12
Need: This pericope is for both clergy and laity. Jesus spoke about the scribes and the Pharisees. The scribes were the professional, ordained clergy who were scholars, teachers, and rabbis. The Pharisees were not theologically educated; they were lay people who were leaders dedicated and zealous in keeping the Law. The people assembled for worship can be classified today as Pharisees. They are the thirty percent of the congregation present for worship. They are the cream of the crop, the most active, and leaders of the congregation. This message is for them as well as for the clergy.
Outline: We are the Pharisees.
a. Our strength: teaching and preaching the Word - vv. 2--3.
b. Our weaknesses: do not do as the Pharisees - vv. 3--7.
c. Our goal: humbler service - vv. 11--12.
Lesson 1: Joshua 3:7--17 (C)
This Nation Behind God. 3:7--17
Need: In our Pledge of Allegiance, we Americans say, "One nation under God." For Israel in Joshua's time it was the nation behind God. Upon God's direction Joshua ordered the twelve men carrying the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of God's presence, to lead the procession into the Promised Land. God was to come first. People were to be followers of God. Our need today is to put God first in our lives and nation. Other gods of power and pleasure are popular leaders. If God is allowed to go first, great blessings follow.
Outline: When God is given first place -
a. He exalts us to leadership - v. 7.
b. He promises us victory over our enemies - v. 10.
c. He leads us to a promised land - v. 17.
Lesson 1: Malachi 1:14-2:2, 8--10 (RC)
The Lay Priesthood. 1:14-2:2, 8--10
Need: Today's three lessons deal with religious leaders. In the gospel Jesus criticizes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. In contrast, Paul's ministry is ideal. Lesson 1 deals with priestly failings. If this sermon were to be preached to clergymen, the message would be focused upon the ordained priesthood. Since the sermon is directed to the congregation, we need to show the laity that in their own way as believers, they can serve God as priests.
Outline: As a lay priest -
a. You offer true sacrifices to God - v. 14 (Romans 12:1).
b. You glorify God's name - v. 2 (1 Corinthians 10:31).
c. You teach the truth of God - vv. 8--9.
d. You are faithful to God's covenant - v. 10.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 2:9--13 (C); 1 Thessalonians 2:7--9, 13 (RC); 1 Thessalonians 2:9--13, 17--20 (E)
1. A Life Worthy Of God. 2:9--13
Need: What kind of lives shall we live? As a citizen, we want to live a life worthy of our country lest our nation be ashamed of us as "ugly Americans." A child should try to live a life worthy of his parents. A spouse tries to live a life worthy of the marital mate: Adultery is not a worthy life for a married person. Paul in this passage talks of our living lives worthy of God. Here is our highest challenge. What kind of a life is worthy of God? Must one be an ascetic or a martyr to be worthy of God?
Outline: A life worthy of God -
a. Serves for love and not for money - v. 9.
b. Presents a good example to others - v. 10.
c. Hears and accepts the Word of God - v. 13.
2. Is That God Speaking? 2:9, 13
Need: During sermon time, is that a person speaking or God speaking through a person? How many people listen to a sermon as though God were speaking? How many preachers think of themselves as God's mouthpieces? If it is God speaking, our attitude toward the sermon will be enhanced. We will pay attention, take heed, and obey the Word. On the other hand, is all preaching to be considered the Word of God which, he says, it was. This sermon is needed to help people to understand the sermon as the Word of God.
Outline: The sermon is the Word of God when -
a. It is preached by a person of God: called and ordained to preach.
b. The sermon presents the gospel - vv. 8--9.
c. The sermon is received and accepted - v. 13.
