Proper 5
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series IV
Samuel became the religious and political leader of Israel. He
cleared the country of pagan gods and defeated the Philistines.
When Samuel became old and was not expected to live much longer,
the elders came to Samuel and requested a king in order to be
like other nations who had a king. Samuel took the request to
Yahweh in prayer and he told Samuel to listen to the people but
to warn them that a king would make them slaves. In spite of
this, the people were determined to have a king so that they
could be like other nations.
Lesson 2: 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1 (C, RC); 2 Corinthians 4:13-18
(E, L)
Paul continues to discuss his ministry. Though he is an
earthen vessel, he continues to speak because he believes. He is
convinced that the Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead will
also raise him and all believers so that they all will stand in
the presence of God through his grace. This results in
thanksgiving and glory to God. He continues his ministry even
though he is wearing out physically. But, spiritually he never
grows old. And when this physical body comes to an end, God will
give him a new, spiritual body.
Gospel: Mark 3:20-35 (C, E, L, RC)
The first and last sections of this pericope deal with Jesus'
family. Between the two is Jesus' controversy with the scribes
who accuse him of being possessed by and being an instrument of
the devil. His family considers him crazy and the scribes
consider him "possessed." After dealing with the scribes, we are
taken back to his family which comes for him. Jesus explains that
his family is not one of blood relationship but those who do the
will of God. Both family and religious leaders misunderstand
Jesus. To accuse Jesus of having an evil spirit is to commit the
unpardonable sin. It is a sin of failing to see in Jesus the
presence of the Holy Spirit who gives him power and authority to
cast out demons. Those who do God's will have a spirit akin to
his.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 138 (C) -- "All the kings of the earth shall praise you,
O Lord." (v. 4)
Psalm 130 (E); Psalm 61:1-5, 8 (L)
Prayer Of The Day
"O God, the strength of those who hope in you: Be present and
hear our prayers; and, because in the weakness of our mortal
nature we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of
your grace, so that in keeping your commandments we may please
you in will and deed."
Hymn Of The Day
"Oh, For A Thousand Tongues To Sing"
187
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: Mark 3:20-35
1. Family (v. 21). God sets the solitary in families. In this
passage we see that Jesus had two families. The one, based on
physical relationships, did not understand nor appreciate him.
His mother, brothers and sisters thought that he was out of his
mind and came to take him home. They were embarrassed and ashamed
of him. Jesus' other family has a spiritual relationship. He is
son and brother to all who do the will of God. Only if we do
God's will can we claim that Jesus is our elder brother.
2. Possessed (v. 22). While his family thought he was mentally
off balance, the religious leaders claimed Jesus was "possessed"
of the devil Beelzebub. As such, they argued he was able to cast
out demons. Jesus answered this argument by saying that if this
were so, Satan's house would be divided with internal conflict.
In that case, his evil kingdom could not stand.
3. Never (v. 29). This is a hard word. One who sins against
the Holy Spirit can "never" get forgiveness. The sin is to claim
that Jesus has an evil spirit. If he does, then the sinner will
never repent and come to Jesus for forgiveness. He is sure that
he has done no wrong. Jesus is the one who is wrong. Because of
this delusion, a person can never be forgiven. This person is
never forgiven because he never comes to Christ to be forgiven.
4. Does (v. 35). A filial relationship with Christ depends on
doing the will of God just as he does. It is not one who hears
the Word, respects the Word, nor knows the Word. The emphasis is
upon doing the will of God. Doing has as prerequisites the
knowing and hearing of the Word.
Lesson 1: 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20; (11:14-15)
1. Appoint (v. 5). The leaders of Israel asked Samuel to
appoint a king to rule them. This was no democracy in which the
people chose their king. Samuel was their ruler under God. This
was a responsibility Samuel did not want. He wanted God to be
their ruler.
2. Listen (vv. 7, 9, 19). As a youth serving Eli in the
tabernacle, Samuel listened to the word of the Lord. Now the Lord
tells him to listen to the people's demand for a king. After he
tells the people what hardships a king will bring, the people
refused to listen to his warning. The question is, "To whom shall
I listen -- to the people or to God?"
3. Determined (v. 19). Regardless of Samuel's forecast of the
sacrifices a king would demand, they wanted a king. This is the
cry of every people. They want and need a leader to rule and to
win their battles. The people refuse to listen to Samuel, and
they did not seek the guidance of God through prayer. The people
have no one to blame for their plight but themselves.
Lesson 2: 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1 (C, RC); 2 Corinthians 4:13-18
(E, L)
1. Speak (v. 13). Paul gives the clue to effective speaking.
Belief precedes speech. One is effective when one speaks out of
conviction. The deeper the conviction the more powerful is the
message. It also means that the speaker with belief is sincere
and in earnest. A preacher speaks out of faith for faith.
2. Renewed (v. 16). A Christian gets older and better. His
body is wearing out -- eyesight dims, legs get weak, breath is
shorter, hearing is difficult. This is natural and can be
expected. But, inside, the Christian is getting even stronger
because he is renewed daily by the Spirit. A Christian is ever
young in spirit, strong in faith. Here is good news for senior
citizens!
3. Grace (v. 15). Paul can never get away from "grace." It is
God's forgiving love that forgives sin, cleanses the soul and
justifies the sinner. Thus grace causes us to be thankful and to
persist, regardless of adversities in the work of ministry.
4. House (v. 1). The body is likened to a house which contains
the soul. A house is a building where the home is. Being
physical, the body will deteriorate and die, but God will provide
a better body, a spiritual one, for life in the eternal mansions.
The soul is never apart from the body which is necessary for
identity and communication.
188
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Gospel: Mark 3:20-35
1. What is the unpardonable sin? 3:28-30
Need: For several years while I was a pastor in Atlanta, I had
a weekly radio broadcast late at night. It was answering
questions live as called in by listeners. The most frequently
asked question was the title of this sermon. The preacher may use
a trial-and-error type of outline. It is not this, nor this --
but this!
Outline: What is the unpardonable sin?
a. It is not denying God's existence.
b. It is not disobeying God's law.
c. It is not failing to join a church.
d. But it is saying Jesus is a devil -- vv. 29-30.
2. The world's most misunderstood man. 3:2-30.
Need: Who truly understands Jesus and his mission? The ones
you would expect to understand would be his family, for they are
closest to him. But, in the text we learn that Jesus' family
thought he had gone out of his mind. If anyone would understand
Jesus, you would think religious leaders would, for Jesus was a
religious man dedicated to God. But, the scribes claimed Jesus
was an apostle of Beelzebub and possessed a demon. Though the
text does not say so, even Jesus' disciples did not understand
Jesus: Caesarea Philippi, transfiguration, Gethsemane. If this
point is to be included, a dual text would be in order.
Outline: Consider the world's most misunderstood man --
a. Jesus' family: Jesus was crazy -- v. 20.
b. Religious leaders: Jesus was a devil -- v. 22.
c. You: do you understand him as Christ?
3. You need two families. 3:31-35.
Need: Every person needs two families: the family of humans
and the family of God. The family of humans includes parents,
brothers and sisters. In the family our physical, social and
often educational needs are met. A more important family is the
spiritual one in which we become related to God as Father, Christ
as brother and the church as mother. To have only the former
family is to be lost. Having the second, even if we do not have
the first, is sufficient for eternal life.
Outline: You need two families --
a. The family of humans -- vv. 31-32.
b. The family of God -- vv. 33-35.
1. God as father
2. Church as mother
3. Christ as brother
Lesson 1: 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20; (11:14-15)
1. The high price of government. 8:4-11, 16-20
Need: God tells Samuel to warn the people what the price of a
king will be. Americans are struggling with the high cost of
government. In 1992 the national debt was over $4 trillion and
each person owed the nation $16,000. How did we get into this fix
and is there any relief or solution?
Outline: Lessons to be learned from Israel's first king --
a. The demand -- v. 5.
b. The determination -- v. 19.
c. The disaster -- vv. 10-18.
2. The cry for leadership. 8:4-11, 16-19
Need: Every tribe, clan and country has a leader. The people
demand a leader to lead the way. Election campaigns are held
every year for some kind of office: city, county, state,
189
nation. Why did Israel want a king when they got along so well
under divine leadership such as Moses, Joshua and Gideon? What
can we learn from Israel's reason for demanding a king?
Outline: Give us a king --
a. We need a change of leadership -- v. 4 (current corrupt
leadership).
b. We want to be like other nations -- vv. 5, 20 (pride).
c. We will pay the price -- vv. 10-18.
Lesson 2: 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1
1. Older and better? 4:16
Need: This sermon would appeal to all over 40. At this age we
begin to decline physically. Humorously we refer to this age's
three Bs: baldness, bifocals and bulge. We have increasing
difficulty in seeing, hearing and climbing. For this reason many
dread getting old. Yet, increasingly senior citizens constitute a
large section of the population. While this is a natural
phenomenon, Paul says the inner person is growing by daily
renewal in the Spirit. While the body declines, the soul can
increase. A Christian is one who dies young in spirit even though
he is physically old.
Outline: You are getting older -- and better?
a. The outer person -- the natural decline in physical
strength -- v. 16.
b. The inner person -- the ever-growing through spiritual
renewal -- v. 16.
2. What Christians have in common. 4:13-18
Need: We usually talk about our differences. Each person is
different and there is a diversity of gifts among Christians. At
the same time, we must remember what we have in common, the
things which hold us together as the body of Christ. We may have
our disagreements and divisions in the church, but these are
over-shadowed by common possessions.
Outline: What Christians have in common --
a. The same Spirit -- v. 13.
b. The same faith that we shall be raised -- v. 14.
c. The same hope of eternal glory -- vv. 17, 18.
190
cleared the country of pagan gods and defeated the Philistines.
When Samuel became old and was not expected to live much longer,
the elders came to Samuel and requested a king in order to be
like other nations who had a king. Samuel took the request to
Yahweh in prayer and he told Samuel to listen to the people but
to warn them that a king would make them slaves. In spite of
this, the people were determined to have a king so that they
could be like other nations.
Lesson 2: 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1 (C, RC); 2 Corinthians 4:13-18
(E, L)
Paul continues to discuss his ministry. Though he is an
earthen vessel, he continues to speak because he believes. He is
convinced that the Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead will
also raise him and all believers so that they all will stand in
the presence of God through his grace. This results in
thanksgiving and glory to God. He continues his ministry even
though he is wearing out physically. But, spiritually he never
grows old. And when this physical body comes to an end, God will
give him a new, spiritual body.
Gospel: Mark 3:20-35 (C, E, L, RC)
The first and last sections of this pericope deal with Jesus'
family. Between the two is Jesus' controversy with the scribes
who accuse him of being possessed by and being an instrument of
the devil. His family considers him crazy and the scribes
consider him "possessed." After dealing with the scribes, we are
taken back to his family which comes for him. Jesus explains that
his family is not one of blood relationship but those who do the
will of God. Both family and religious leaders misunderstand
Jesus. To accuse Jesus of having an evil spirit is to commit the
unpardonable sin. It is a sin of failing to see in Jesus the
presence of the Holy Spirit who gives him power and authority to
cast out demons. Those who do God's will have a spirit akin to
his.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 138 (C) -- "All the kings of the earth shall praise you,
O Lord." (v. 4)
Psalm 130 (E); Psalm 61:1-5, 8 (L)
Prayer Of The Day
"O God, the strength of those who hope in you: Be present and
hear our prayers; and, because in the weakness of our mortal
nature we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of
your grace, so that in keeping your commandments we may please
you in will and deed."
Hymn Of The Day
"Oh, For A Thousand Tongues To Sing"
187
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: Mark 3:20-35
1. Family (v. 21). God sets the solitary in families. In this
passage we see that Jesus had two families. The one, based on
physical relationships, did not understand nor appreciate him.
His mother, brothers and sisters thought that he was out of his
mind and came to take him home. They were embarrassed and ashamed
of him. Jesus' other family has a spiritual relationship. He is
son and brother to all who do the will of God. Only if we do
God's will can we claim that Jesus is our elder brother.
2. Possessed (v. 22). While his family thought he was mentally
off balance, the religious leaders claimed Jesus was "possessed"
of the devil Beelzebub. As such, they argued he was able to cast
out demons. Jesus answered this argument by saying that if this
were so, Satan's house would be divided with internal conflict.
In that case, his evil kingdom could not stand.
3. Never (v. 29). This is a hard word. One who sins against
the Holy Spirit can "never" get forgiveness. The sin is to claim
that Jesus has an evil spirit. If he does, then the sinner will
never repent and come to Jesus for forgiveness. He is sure that
he has done no wrong. Jesus is the one who is wrong. Because of
this delusion, a person can never be forgiven. This person is
never forgiven because he never comes to Christ to be forgiven.
4. Does (v. 35). A filial relationship with Christ depends on
doing the will of God just as he does. It is not one who hears
the Word, respects the Word, nor knows the Word. The emphasis is
upon doing the will of God. Doing has as prerequisites the
knowing and hearing of the Word.
Lesson 1: 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20; (11:14-15)
1. Appoint (v. 5). The leaders of Israel asked Samuel to
appoint a king to rule them. This was no democracy in which the
people chose their king. Samuel was their ruler under God. This
was a responsibility Samuel did not want. He wanted God to be
their ruler.
2. Listen (vv. 7, 9, 19). As a youth serving Eli in the
tabernacle, Samuel listened to the word of the Lord. Now the Lord
tells him to listen to the people's demand for a king. After he
tells the people what hardships a king will bring, the people
refused to listen to his warning. The question is, "To whom shall
I listen -- to the people or to God?"
3. Determined (v. 19). Regardless of Samuel's forecast of the
sacrifices a king would demand, they wanted a king. This is the
cry of every people. They want and need a leader to rule and to
win their battles. The people refuse to listen to Samuel, and
they did not seek the guidance of God through prayer. The people
have no one to blame for their plight but themselves.
Lesson 2: 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1 (C, RC); 2 Corinthians 4:13-18
(E, L)
1. Speak (v. 13). Paul gives the clue to effective speaking.
Belief precedes speech. One is effective when one speaks out of
conviction. The deeper the conviction the more powerful is the
message. It also means that the speaker with belief is sincere
and in earnest. A preacher speaks out of faith for faith.
2. Renewed (v. 16). A Christian gets older and better. His
body is wearing out -- eyesight dims, legs get weak, breath is
shorter, hearing is difficult. This is natural and can be
expected. But, inside, the Christian is getting even stronger
because he is renewed daily by the Spirit. A Christian is ever
young in spirit, strong in faith. Here is good news for senior
citizens!
3. Grace (v. 15). Paul can never get away from "grace." It is
God's forgiving love that forgives sin, cleanses the soul and
justifies the sinner. Thus grace causes us to be thankful and to
persist, regardless of adversities in the work of ministry.
4. House (v. 1). The body is likened to a house which contains
the soul. A house is a building where the home is. Being
physical, the body will deteriorate and die, but God will provide
a better body, a spiritual one, for life in the eternal mansions.
The soul is never apart from the body which is necessary for
identity and communication.
188
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Gospel: Mark 3:20-35
1. What is the unpardonable sin? 3:28-30
Need: For several years while I was a pastor in Atlanta, I had
a weekly radio broadcast late at night. It was answering
questions live as called in by listeners. The most frequently
asked question was the title of this sermon. The preacher may use
a trial-and-error type of outline. It is not this, nor this --
but this!
Outline: What is the unpardonable sin?
a. It is not denying God's existence.
b. It is not disobeying God's law.
c. It is not failing to join a church.
d. But it is saying Jesus is a devil -- vv. 29-30.
2. The world's most misunderstood man. 3:2-30.
Need: Who truly understands Jesus and his mission? The ones
you would expect to understand would be his family, for they are
closest to him. But, in the text we learn that Jesus' family
thought he had gone out of his mind. If anyone would understand
Jesus, you would think religious leaders would, for Jesus was a
religious man dedicated to God. But, the scribes claimed Jesus
was an apostle of Beelzebub and possessed a demon. Though the
text does not say so, even Jesus' disciples did not understand
Jesus: Caesarea Philippi, transfiguration, Gethsemane. If this
point is to be included, a dual text would be in order.
Outline: Consider the world's most misunderstood man --
a. Jesus' family: Jesus was crazy -- v. 20.
b. Religious leaders: Jesus was a devil -- v. 22.
c. You: do you understand him as Christ?
3. You need two families. 3:31-35.
Need: Every person needs two families: the family of humans
and the family of God. The family of humans includes parents,
brothers and sisters. In the family our physical, social and
often educational needs are met. A more important family is the
spiritual one in which we become related to God as Father, Christ
as brother and the church as mother. To have only the former
family is to be lost. Having the second, even if we do not have
the first, is sufficient for eternal life.
Outline: You need two families --
a. The family of humans -- vv. 31-32.
b. The family of God -- vv. 33-35.
1. God as father
2. Church as mother
3. Christ as brother
Lesson 1: 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20; (11:14-15)
1. The high price of government. 8:4-11, 16-20
Need: God tells Samuel to warn the people what the price of a
king will be. Americans are struggling with the high cost of
government. In 1992 the national debt was over $4 trillion and
each person owed the nation $16,000. How did we get into this fix
and is there any relief or solution?
Outline: Lessons to be learned from Israel's first king --
a. The demand -- v. 5.
b. The determination -- v. 19.
c. The disaster -- vv. 10-18.
2. The cry for leadership. 8:4-11, 16-19
Need: Every tribe, clan and country has a leader. The people
demand a leader to lead the way. Election campaigns are held
every year for some kind of office: city, county, state,
189
nation. Why did Israel want a king when they got along so well
under divine leadership such as Moses, Joshua and Gideon? What
can we learn from Israel's reason for demanding a king?
Outline: Give us a king --
a. We need a change of leadership -- v. 4 (current corrupt
leadership).
b. We want to be like other nations -- vv. 5, 20 (pride).
c. We will pay the price -- vv. 10-18.
Lesson 2: 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1
1. Older and better? 4:16
Need: This sermon would appeal to all over 40. At this age we
begin to decline physically. Humorously we refer to this age's
three Bs: baldness, bifocals and bulge. We have increasing
difficulty in seeing, hearing and climbing. For this reason many
dread getting old. Yet, increasingly senior citizens constitute a
large section of the population. While this is a natural
phenomenon, Paul says the inner person is growing by daily
renewal in the Spirit. While the body declines, the soul can
increase. A Christian is one who dies young in spirit even though
he is physically old.
Outline: You are getting older -- and better?
a. The outer person -- the natural decline in physical
strength -- v. 16.
b. The inner person -- the ever-growing through spiritual
renewal -- v. 16.
2. What Christians have in common. 4:13-18
Need: We usually talk about our differences. Each person is
different and there is a diversity of gifts among Christians. At
the same time, we must remember what we have in common, the
things which hold us together as the body of Christ. We may have
our disagreements and divisions in the church, but these are
over-shadowed by common possessions.
Outline: What Christians have in common --
a. The same Spirit -- v. 13.
b. The same faith that we shall be raised -- v. 14.
c. The same hope of eternal glory -- vv. 17, 18.
190
