Proper 28
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series IV
Lesson 1: Judges 4:1-7 (C)
Deborah, a prophetess of Israel, promised victory to Barak. When the Israelites settled in Canaan, they were oppressed from time to time by indigenous nations. When the people cried to God for help, he sent a leader, known as a judge. In this instance the judge was Deborah who enlisted the help of Barak to defeat Sisera.
Lesson 1: Malachi 2:1-2, 4-10 (L)
God repudiates wicked priests for breaking the covenant with Levi.
Lesson 1: Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 (E)
Sin will cause destruction and death.
Lesson 1: Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31 (RC)
A woman's godly example.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 (C); 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10 (E); 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 (RC)
The children of light will not be surprised when the day of the Lord suddenly comes. The Christians of the first century were concerned about the exact date of Jesus' return. Paul reminded them that no exact day can be determined, for Jesus will come suddenly and unexpectedly as a thief comes in the night. Since they are children of the day (righteousness) and not of the night (wickedness), they are to remain sober and awake. To be ready for the Parousia and to be equipped to do battle against evil, they are to be equipped with faith, hope and love. Paul comforts and assures them that God has not destined them to wrath but to salvation so that whether they live or die, they might be with the Lord.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 2:8-13 (L)
Paul and his associates live blameless lives before the Thessalonians.
Gospel:
Matthew 25:14-30 (C, RC); Matthew 25:14-15, 19-29 (E)
The parable of the talents. This is another parable related to the Lord's return. According to the parable, the Parousia is long delayed (v. 19). The servants are asked to give an account of their investment. Two servants doubled the investment and the third preserved what he was given. The third servant was condemned for not making the most of his talent. It was taken from him and given to the other two. Allegorically, it teaches that Jesus has ascended and his return has been delayed. When he comes, he will ask for an accounting whether they worked for him while he was absent or whether they cared only for their security. A hoarded gift is lost and the hoarder is condemned.
Gospel:
Matthew 23:1-12 (L)
Jesus condemns the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 123 (C) - "To you I lift up my eyes (v. 1)."
Psalm 90 (E) - "Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us (v. 17)."
Psalm 131 (L) "O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and for evermore (v. 3)."
Psalm 128:1-5 (RC) - "Happy is everyone who fears the Lord (v. 1)."
Prayer Of The Day
"Lord God, so rule and govern our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit that, always, keeping in mind the end of all things and the day of judgment, we may be stirred up to holiness of life here and may live with you forever in the world to come."
Hymn Of The Day
"O God Of Earth And Altar"
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel:
Matthew 25:14-30 (C, RC); Matthew 25:14-15, 19-29 (E)
1. Talents (v. 5). This may be a misleading word for the people. The common use of the word deals with native abilities or gifts such as a talent for music or teaching or carving. "Talents" used here refer to property (v. 14) or possessions. In biblical times a talent was a Greek silver coin or a Roman denarius. A talent was worth six thousand drachmas (silver coins). Thus, the Good News Bible translates "talents" as "silver coins."
2. Entrusted (v. 14). What the servants have is not their own. The rich man of the parable gave his property to his servants as a trust until he returned. As servants of God, all we have has been given to us: our world, gifts and our very own lives. Thus, we are stewards of God's wealth. We are not free to do with his possessions as we wish. God holds us accountable for what we did or did not do with his property.
3. Each (v. 15). Each servant received some money. No person can claim or accuse God of not giving her something. Each person has a precious gift. Each person is not equal even if the American Declaration of Independence says, "All men are created equal." According to this text, each is given "according to his ability." Each person has more or less ability than another person. God gives each a gift according to each one's ability to use it. In the last analysis, however, we are all equal in being accountable for whatever gift we have.
4. Enjoy (vv. 21, 23). When the servants doubled the money they received, they received a reward. They were commended and invited to enter the joy of the master. What is the greatest reward for Christian service? There is nothing better than to share the joy of the Master's presence - a presence of approval, acceptance and status.
5. Afraid (v. 25). The Bible teaches us to fear God, but not to be afraid of him. The servant who did nothing with his talent was afraid of God. Though God is a just God who demands justice, holiness and righteousness, we need not be afraid of him, for he loves us. Fear him? Yes! Fear him in terms of reverence and awe! When we are afraid, we freeze, hold back, fear to venture. The servant was afraid he would lose his one talent and he knew the master would demand a return of his money. In all ways, fear in terms of being afraid, makes us inhibited, cautious and withholding. Love dares to venture and invest.
Gospel:
Matthew 23:1-12 (L) See Proper 26 (C, E, RC)
Lesson 1: Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 (E)
1. Silent (v. 7). Zephaniah calls upon the nation to be "silent" before God. Similarly a psalmist wrote, "Be still and know that I am God." If one is to hear what God has to say, there must be silence. Because of this, silence is requested in a library or concert hall. But, there is greater reason for silence. In the face of something catastrophic or terrible, our only reaction is silence. When the seal is broken in heaven, there is a half hour of silence. Zephaniah has a dreadful word from God: the day of the Lord is coming as a day of doom, gloom, destruction and death for all people. That is enough to shock us into silence.
2. Sinned (v. 17). Why this day of doom? God explains that the destruction of the nation is due to sin. It is a terrible thing which the modern world excuses as diseases or indiscretion. The church in recent years has soft-pedaled sinful ways. Sin has become an accepted way of life. For God sin is a violation of his holiness, disobedience to his laws and rejection of his love. For God there is nothing worse than sin. It arouses his wrath because sin violates his justice. Because of this, humanity needs a Savior who will redeem us from God's wrath.
3. End (v. 18). The "end" is final. There is nothing beyond or it would not be the end. The wrath of God will not be spent until the end of everything. It reminds us of the results of nuclear warfare and the end of the earth. This passage gives us no hope, no solution. The end is promised and it will come, unless ... Or, is it too late?
Lesson 1: Malachi 2:1-10 (L)
1. Priests (v. 1). "Priest" is not a common word for clergy or people in Protestantism. In Judaism there were priests and prophets. Here we have a case of a prophet speaking for God to the priests of the day. Though most Protestants do not call their leaders priests, each believer is a priest according to the biblical teaching of the priesthood of believers. Each believer in Christ is a priest. He has direct access to God. He offers sacrifices to God. He serves as a priest to his neighbor in terms of serving his neighbor. In the light of this, this pericope deals with all believers and not with a restricted caste.
2. Dung (v. 3). In today's popular slang, a word frequently heard in conversation, "dung," is "shit." It expresses God loathing of priests who failed him. The depth of God's disgust is to spit into one's face. Occasionally a notable person has a pie thrown in his face by one who hates him. Here God smears feces in the holy priest's face! God cannot stand the immorality and insincerity of priests.
3. Messenger (v. 7). The priest is a messenger of God, and his messenger has the heavy responsibility to instruct the people in the truth of God. In this passage God is displeased with the priests because of their false instruction causing many to stumble in their faith. The priest as teacher is held accountable to God for what he teaches people as the truth of God. God's judgment will come upon religious leaders who teach things contrary to biblical truths.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 (C); 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10 (E); 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 (RC)
1. Surprise (v. 4). Paul claims that the sudden return of Christ should not be a surprise for Christians. For the rest of the world, the end will be a surprise, for it will come unexpectedly as a thief in the night. Moreover, when all seems well and everybody feels secure, then Christ will come. There is no surprise for Christians because they are alert and prepared.
2. Light (v. 5). Christians are identified with the light or day while evil-doers are associated with the darkness of night. It is not what Christians think or have, but what they are. Christians are children of the day, associated with all that is good. Since they live in the light of truth and righteousness, Christians have no fear ofjudgment when Christ returns. Since they are in the light, they have the light to see the coming of Christ. They are light by virtue of the fact that Christ, the light of the world, dwells in them.
3. Hope (v. 8). Is salvation a fact or a future hope? The question comes to mind because Paul referred to "the hope of salvation." This phrase reminds us of the future dimension of salvation. By justification we have been saved, for we have been adopted by grace as sons of God. Yet, we are in the process of salvation as Paul wrote, "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for God is at work in you ... (Philippians 2:12, 13)." Perfect salvation is a future event, for full salvation is realized when we ultimately join the angels, martyrs and saints in heaven.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 2:8-13 (L)
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 great 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 him 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 25:14-30 (C, RC); Matthew 25:14-15, 19-29 (E)
1. No One is Left Out! 25:14-30
Need: Some of us, at least at times, feel that we are left out of God's concern and program. We pity ourselves and belittle ourselves into thinking we are too unimportant for God to give or do anything with or for us. In the light of this fact, the people need this sermon on the parable which assures us that not one person is omitted.
Outline: You are involved, because -
a. All are given something - v. 15.
b. All are expected to increase their gift - vv. 20-27.
c. All are accountable to God - v. 19.
2. What Have You Done? 25:14-30
Need: The general opinion is "My life is my own. What I do with it is my business." Or, we say, "What I have earned by my brain and brawn is all mine." Many have no concept of stewardship except, in some cases, as tithing. But, the parable teaches us we are accountable for what God has given us and we are responsible to develop to the maximum our gifts.
Outline: How do you answer?
a. What have you done with God's world?
b. What have you done with your life?
c. What have you done with the gospel?
3. Too Small to Matter? 25:22-30
Need: We have a tendency to despise the day of small beginnings, and the little we have. We claim that we have no gift, that we have no talent. As a result, we fail to use and develop what little God may have given us in terms of possessions, natural gifts and faith. People of one talent, and there are more of one then five and 10 talent people, need this sermon. Yet, this sermon is not only for the one-talent person, but for the five and 10 talent persons who need to be reminded and challenged to use all their gifts to the fullest for the glory of God.
Outline: What you can do with one talent -
a. Hide it for fear of losing it - v. 25.
b. Invest it - v. 27.
c. Multiply it - vv. 22-23.
Gospel:
Matthew 23:1-12 (L)
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.
Lesson 1: Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 (E)
1. How Bad Can The World Get? 1:12-18
Need: This pericope describes how bad the world can get because there is no Christ. Without him the Day of the Lord, the end of time, is a day of gloom and doom. It is a picture of a nuclear winter or a nuclear holocaust caused by a nuclear war. Without God in society there is nothing but destruction and annihilation, the end of the human race and the earth. How can one preach the gospel of hope and love from a passage like this? It is the gospel in reverse: look what will happen if we do not accept Christ in our lives, individual and corporate.
Outline: A world without Christ is -
a. A world without deliverance from sin - v. 18.
b. A world of doom - v. 15.
2. The God of No Neutrality. 1:12 (The No In-Between God)
Need: One of the reasons for the wrath of God upon humanity is the view that God has no part in world affairs or in our lives. The text tells of people who say God will neither do good nor bad. On this basis, one can do as one pleases, because God neither approves nor disapproves of one's actions. So live as you please and have your own way. This is opposite of the truth. God is interested and involved in the affairs of humankind. It is either salvation or judgment.
Outline: The God who is for or against -
a. The God who does ill - v. 12.
1. Judgment according to the justice of God.
2. God as judge.
b. The God who does good - v. 12.
1. Salvation according to the love of God.
2. God as Father.
Lesson 1: Malachi 2:1-2, 4-10 (L)
The Bad Ones! 2:1-9
Need: Malachi calls our attention to the fact that there are bad priests whom God punishes for their wickedness. Today millions follow bad priests (religious leaders). Among them are Hensley who confers degrees for a price, Scientology, Moon's Unification Church, Transcendental Meditation, Astrology, Rev. Ike and evangelists who make millions in commercializing religion through mass media. Our people need to be informed of their false teachings that they may beware of becoming future followers.
Outline: In this passage we see -
a. God's judgment upon bad priests - vv. 1-3, 9.
b. God's expectations of priests - vv. 4-7.
Lesson 1: Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31 (RC)
A Woman Points the Way. 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31
Need: Today is the penultimate Sunday of the church year. The lections deal with the return of Christ. Paul urges us to be ready for Christ's return by living as people of the day. In the parable of the talents (Gospel), we learn that when Christ returns, we are accountable for our lives during the interim. But what kind of people should we be and what should we be doing when the Parousia occurs? The passage from Proverbs seems to be more appropriate for Mother's Day, but the ideal woman portrayed here points to the way we should be living while we wait for the second coming.
Outline: A woman points the way for Christian living -
a. Be a good family person - vv. 10-12.
b. Be considerate of the poor - v. 20.
c. Be one who fears the Lord - v. 30.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 (C); 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10 (E); 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 (RC)
1. When Jesus Comes Back. 5:1-11
Need: When Jesus comes back, many think it will be a horrifying experience. We are scared to death of the terrible things that will happen: judgment of the peoples. In fact, we are so comfortable with life on earth that we don't care to have it end. We cannot think heaven can be much better than what we have now. To overcome the fear of the Parousia this sermon is needed to show that Jesus' return for Christians will be a glorious event.
Outline: When Jesus comes back -
a. You need not be surprised - v. 4.
b. You need not be afraid - v. 9.
c. You need not despair - v. 11.
2. Look Who You Are! 5:4-11
Need: Christians are a special, chosen people of God. They are in but not of the world. Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between Christians and worldly people. Paul places Christians on the side of the day and the wicked with the night. As special people, Christians have privileges and responsibilities the world cannot have. But, do church people know and appreciate the kind of people they are? Their behavior indicates they do not know they are people of special quality.
Outline: Look who you are -
a. A people of light - v. 5.
b. A people awake - vv. 6, 7.
c. A people equipped for life - v. 8.
1. Breastplate of faith and love.
2. Helmet of hope.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 2:8-13 (L)
A Life Worthy of God. 2:8-13
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 - vv. 8-9.
b. Presents a good example to others - v. 10.
c. Hears and accepts the Word of God - v. 13.
Deborah, a prophetess of Israel, promised victory to Barak. When the Israelites settled in Canaan, they were oppressed from time to time by indigenous nations. When the people cried to God for help, he sent a leader, known as a judge. In this instance the judge was Deborah who enlisted the help of Barak to defeat Sisera.
Lesson 1: Malachi 2:1-2, 4-10 (L)
God repudiates wicked priests for breaking the covenant with Levi.
Lesson 1: Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 (E)
Sin will cause destruction and death.
Lesson 1: Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31 (RC)
A woman's godly example.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 (C); 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10 (E); 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 (RC)
The children of light will not be surprised when the day of the Lord suddenly comes. The Christians of the first century were concerned about the exact date of Jesus' return. Paul reminded them that no exact day can be determined, for Jesus will come suddenly and unexpectedly as a thief comes in the night. Since they are children of the day (righteousness) and not of the night (wickedness), they are to remain sober and awake. To be ready for the Parousia and to be equipped to do battle against evil, they are to be equipped with faith, hope and love. Paul comforts and assures them that God has not destined them to wrath but to salvation so that whether they live or die, they might be with the Lord.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 2:8-13 (L)
Paul and his associates live blameless lives before the Thessalonians.
Gospel:
Matthew 25:14-30 (C, RC); Matthew 25:14-15, 19-29 (E)
The parable of the talents. This is another parable related to the Lord's return. According to the parable, the Parousia is long delayed (v. 19). The servants are asked to give an account of their investment. Two servants doubled the investment and the third preserved what he was given. The third servant was condemned for not making the most of his talent. It was taken from him and given to the other two. Allegorically, it teaches that Jesus has ascended and his return has been delayed. When he comes, he will ask for an accounting whether they worked for him while he was absent or whether they cared only for their security. A hoarded gift is lost and the hoarder is condemned.
Gospel:
Matthew 23:1-12 (L)
Jesus condemns the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 123 (C) - "To you I lift up my eyes (v. 1)."
Psalm 90 (E) - "Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us (v. 17)."
Psalm 131 (L) "O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and for evermore (v. 3)."
Psalm 128:1-5 (RC) - "Happy is everyone who fears the Lord (v. 1)."
Prayer Of The Day
"Lord God, so rule and govern our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit that, always, keeping in mind the end of all things and the day of judgment, we may be stirred up to holiness of life here and may live with you forever in the world to come."
Hymn Of The Day
"O God Of Earth And Altar"
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel:
Matthew 25:14-30 (C, RC); Matthew 25:14-15, 19-29 (E)
1. Talents (v. 5). This may be a misleading word for the people. The common use of the word deals with native abilities or gifts such as a talent for music or teaching or carving. "Talents" used here refer to property (v. 14) or possessions. In biblical times a talent was a Greek silver coin or a Roman denarius. A talent was worth six thousand drachmas (silver coins). Thus, the Good News Bible translates "talents" as "silver coins."
2. Entrusted (v. 14). What the servants have is not their own. The rich man of the parable gave his property to his servants as a trust until he returned. As servants of God, all we have has been given to us: our world, gifts and our very own lives. Thus, we are stewards of God's wealth. We are not free to do with his possessions as we wish. God holds us accountable for what we did or did not do with his property.
3. Each (v. 15). Each servant received some money. No person can claim or accuse God of not giving her something. Each person has a precious gift. Each person is not equal even if the American Declaration of Independence says, "All men are created equal." According to this text, each is given "according to his ability." Each person has more or less ability than another person. God gives each a gift according to each one's ability to use it. In the last analysis, however, we are all equal in being accountable for whatever gift we have.
4. Enjoy (vv. 21, 23). When the servants doubled the money they received, they received a reward. They were commended and invited to enter the joy of the master. What is the greatest reward for Christian service? There is nothing better than to share the joy of the Master's presence - a presence of approval, acceptance and status.
5. Afraid (v. 25). The Bible teaches us to fear God, but not to be afraid of him. The servant who did nothing with his talent was afraid of God. Though God is a just God who demands justice, holiness and righteousness, we need not be afraid of him, for he loves us. Fear him? Yes! Fear him in terms of reverence and awe! When we are afraid, we freeze, hold back, fear to venture. The servant was afraid he would lose his one talent and he knew the master would demand a return of his money. In all ways, fear in terms of being afraid, makes us inhibited, cautious and withholding. Love dares to venture and invest.
Gospel:
Matthew 23:1-12 (L) See Proper 26 (C, E, RC)
Lesson 1: Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 (E)
1. Silent (v. 7). Zephaniah calls upon the nation to be "silent" before God. Similarly a psalmist wrote, "Be still and know that I am God." If one is to hear what God has to say, there must be silence. Because of this, silence is requested in a library or concert hall. But, there is greater reason for silence. In the face of something catastrophic or terrible, our only reaction is silence. When the seal is broken in heaven, there is a half hour of silence. Zephaniah has a dreadful word from God: the day of the Lord is coming as a day of doom, gloom, destruction and death for all people. That is enough to shock us into silence.
2. Sinned (v. 17). Why this day of doom? God explains that the destruction of the nation is due to sin. It is a terrible thing which the modern world excuses as diseases or indiscretion. The church in recent years has soft-pedaled sinful ways. Sin has become an accepted way of life. For God sin is a violation of his holiness, disobedience to his laws and rejection of his love. For God there is nothing worse than sin. It arouses his wrath because sin violates his justice. Because of this, humanity needs a Savior who will redeem us from God's wrath.
3. End (v. 18). The "end" is final. There is nothing beyond or it would not be the end. The wrath of God will not be spent until the end of everything. It reminds us of the results of nuclear warfare and the end of the earth. This passage gives us no hope, no solution. The end is promised and it will come, unless ... Or, is it too late?
Lesson 1: Malachi 2:1-10 (L)
1. Priests (v. 1). "Priest" is not a common word for clergy or people in Protestantism. In Judaism there were priests and prophets. Here we have a case of a prophet speaking for God to the priests of the day. Though most Protestants do not call their leaders priests, each believer is a priest according to the biblical teaching of the priesthood of believers. Each believer in Christ is a priest. He has direct access to God. He offers sacrifices to God. He serves as a priest to his neighbor in terms of serving his neighbor. In the light of this, this pericope deals with all believers and not with a restricted caste.
2. Dung (v. 3). In today's popular slang, a word frequently heard in conversation, "dung," is "shit." It expresses God loathing of priests who failed him. The depth of God's disgust is to spit into one's face. Occasionally a notable person has a pie thrown in his face by one who hates him. Here God smears feces in the holy priest's face! God cannot stand the immorality and insincerity of priests.
3. Messenger (v. 7). The priest is a messenger of God, and his messenger has the heavy responsibility to instruct the people in the truth of God. In this passage God is displeased with the priests because of their false instruction causing many to stumble in their faith. The priest as teacher is held accountable to God for what he teaches people as the truth of God. God's judgment will come upon religious leaders who teach things contrary to biblical truths.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 (C); 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10 (E); 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 (RC)
1. Surprise (v. 4). Paul claims that the sudden return of Christ should not be a surprise for Christians. For the rest of the world, the end will be a surprise, for it will come unexpectedly as a thief in the night. Moreover, when all seems well and everybody feels secure, then Christ will come. There is no surprise for Christians because they are alert and prepared.
2. Light (v. 5). Christians are identified with the light or day while evil-doers are associated with the darkness of night. It is not what Christians think or have, but what they are. Christians are children of the day, associated with all that is good. Since they live in the light of truth and righteousness, Christians have no fear ofjudgment when Christ returns. Since they are in the light, they have the light to see the coming of Christ. They are light by virtue of the fact that Christ, the light of the world, dwells in them.
3. Hope (v. 8). Is salvation a fact or a future hope? The question comes to mind because Paul referred to "the hope of salvation." This phrase reminds us of the future dimension of salvation. By justification we have been saved, for we have been adopted by grace as sons of God. Yet, we are in the process of salvation as Paul wrote, "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for God is at work in you ... (Philippians 2:12, 13)." Perfect salvation is a future event, for full salvation is realized when we ultimately join the angels, martyrs and saints in heaven.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 2:8-13 (L)
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 great 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 him 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 25:14-30 (C, RC); Matthew 25:14-15, 19-29 (E)
1. No One is Left Out! 25:14-30
Need: Some of us, at least at times, feel that we are left out of God's concern and program. We pity ourselves and belittle ourselves into thinking we are too unimportant for God to give or do anything with or for us. In the light of this fact, the people need this sermon on the parable which assures us that not one person is omitted.
Outline: You are involved, because -
a. All are given something - v. 15.
b. All are expected to increase their gift - vv. 20-27.
c. All are accountable to God - v. 19.
2. What Have You Done? 25:14-30
Need: The general opinion is "My life is my own. What I do with it is my business." Or, we say, "What I have earned by my brain and brawn is all mine." Many have no concept of stewardship except, in some cases, as tithing. But, the parable teaches us we are accountable for what God has given us and we are responsible to develop to the maximum our gifts.
Outline: How do you answer?
a. What have you done with God's world?
b. What have you done with your life?
c. What have you done with the gospel?
3. Too Small to Matter? 25:22-30
Need: We have a tendency to despise the day of small beginnings, and the little we have. We claim that we have no gift, that we have no talent. As a result, we fail to use and develop what little God may have given us in terms of possessions, natural gifts and faith. People of one talent, and there are more of one then five and 10 talent people, need this sermon. Yet, this sermon is not only for the one-talent person, but for the five and 10 talent persons who need to be reminded and challenged to use all their gifts to the fullest for the glory of God.
Outline: What you can do with one talent -
a. Hide it for fear of losing it - v. 25.
b. Invest it - v. 27.
c. Multiply it - vv. 22-23.
Gospel:
Matthew 23:1-12 (L)
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.
Lesson 1: Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 (E)
1. How Bad Can The World Get? 1:12-18
Need: This pericope describes how bad the world can get because there is no Christ. Without him the Day of the Lord, the end of time, is a day of gloom and doom. It is a picture of a nuclear winter or a nuclear holocaust caused by a nuclear war. Without God in society there is nothing but destruction and annihilation, the end of the human race and the earth. How can one preach the gospel of hope and love from a passage like this? It is the gospel in reverse: look what will happen if we do not accept Christ in our lives, individual and corporate.
Outline: A world without Christ is -
a. A world without deliverance from sin - v. 18.
b. A world of doom - v. 15.
2. The God of No Neutrality. 1:12 (The No In-Between God)
Need: One of the reasons for the wrath of God upon humanity is the view that God has no part in world affairs or in our lives. The text tells of people who say God will neither do good nor bad. On this basis, one can do as one pleases, because God neither approves nor disapproves of one's actions. So live as you please and have your own way. This is opposite of the truth. God is interested and involved in the affairs of humankind. It is either salvation or judgment.
Outline: The God who is for or against -
a. The God who does ill - v. 12.
1. Judgment according to the justice of God.
2. God as judge.
b. The God who does good - v. 12.
1. Salvation according to the love of God.
2. God as Father.
Lesson 1: Malachi 2:1-2, 4-10 (L)
The Bad Ones! 2:1-9
Need: Malachi calls our attention to the fact that there are bad priests whom God punishes for their wickedness. Today millions follow bad priests (religious leaders). Among them are Hensley who confers degrees for a price, Scientology, Moon's Unification Church, Transcendental Meditation, Astrology, Rev. Ike and evangelists who make millions in commercializing religion through mass media. Our people need to be informed of their false teachings that they may beware of becoming future followers.
Outline: In this passage we see -
a. God's judgment upon bad priests - vv. 1-3, 9.
b. God's expectations of priests - vv. 4-7.
Lesson 1: Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31 (RC)
A Woman Points the Way. 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31
Need: Today is the penultimate Sunday of the church year. The lections deal with the return of Christ. Paul urges us to be ready for Christ's return by living as people of the day. In the parable of the talents (Gospel), we learn that when Christ returns, we are accountable for our lives during the interim. But what kind of people should we be and what should we be doing when the Parousia occurs? The passage from Proverbs seems to be more appropriate for Mother's Day, but the ideal woman portrayed here points to the way we should be living while we wait for the second coming.
Outline: A woman points the way for Christian living -
a. Be a good family person - vv. 10-12.
b. Be considerate of the poor - v. 20.
c. Be one who fears the Lord - v. 30.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 (C); 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10 (E); 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 (RC)
1. When Jesus Comes Back. 5:1-11
Need: When Jesus comes back, many think it will be a horrifying experience. We are scared to death of the terrible things that will happen: judgment of the peoples. In fact, we are so comfortable with life on earth that we don't care to have it end. We cannot think heaven can be much better than what we have now. To overcome the fear of the Parousia this sermon is needed to show that Jesus' return for Christians will be a glorious event.
Outline: When Jesus comes back -
a. You need not be surprised - v. 4.
b. You need not be afraid - v. 9.
c. You need not despair - v. 11.
2. Look Who You Are! 5:4-11
Need: Christians are a special, chosen people of God. They are in but not of the world. Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between Christians and worldly people. Paul places Christians on the side of the day and the wicked with the night. As special people, Christians have privileges and responsibilities the world cannot have. But, do church people know and appreciate the kind of people they are? Their behavior indicates they do not know they are people of special quality.
Outline: Look who you are -
a. A people of light - v. 5.
b. A people awake - vv. 6, 7.
c. A people equipped for life - v. 8.
1. Breastplate of faith and love.
2. Helmet of hope.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 2:8-13 (L)
A Life Worthy of God. 2:8-13
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 - vv. 8-9.
b. Presents a good example to others - v. 10.
c. Hears and accepts the Word of God - v. 13.
