Second Sunday In Lent
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Cycle A, THIRD EDITION
THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Genesis 12:1--4a (C); Genesis 12:1--4 (RC); Genesis 12:1--8 (E)
By faith Abraham accepts Yahweh's promise and obeys his command. Around 2000 B.C. a man named Abraham lived in Haran. Yahweh came to him and called him to leave his home and family to go to a strange, unknown land where he would become the father of a great nation. Abraham proved his faith in Yahweh by trusting his Word of promises and obeying. He left all for a great adventure in faith. Yahweh promised to bless him and to make him a blessing to all nations. Abraham maintained his faith by building an altar to worship wherever he went.
Lesson 2: Romans 4:1--5, 13--17 (C); Romans 4:1--5 (6--12) 13--17 (E)
The faith of Abraham was reckoned to him as righteousness. In chapter 3, Paul had just explained that sinners are justified by grace through faith and not by the works of the Law. Therefore, believers in Christ have no reason to boast of their righteousness, because it came as a gift of faith, an illustration of what it means to be justified by faith. Abraham did not have the Law and could not perform the works of the Law. He simply believed God, trusted in his promises and obeyed his command. As a result, it was reckoned to him as righteousness. What Abraham received by faith, believers, both Jew and Gentile, can have - the same promise of reconciliation with God.
Lesson 2: 2 Timothy 1:8b--10 (RC)
Our calling in Christ.
Gospel: John 3:1--17 (C, E)
Jesus teaches Nicodemus that faith in him offers eternal life. This passage deals with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. After the discourse with Nicodemus on the necessity of being born anew of the Spirit, Jesus declares that faith in the crucified Christ will bring eternal life. Then John gives the Bible's "greatest verse" which Luther called the "little Babe," John 3:16. Again, we learn that whoever believes in Jesus will have eternal life, for God did not send Jesus to condemn, but save the world. On this Sunday, we see the passage in the light of the Theme of the Day - Faith.
Gospel: Matthew 17:1--9 (RC)
See The Transfiguration Of Our Lord (C, E).
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 121 (C) - "My help comes from the Lord" (v. 2).
Psalm 33:18--22 (RC) - "Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him" (v. 18).
Psalm 33:12--22 (E) - "Happy is the nation where God is the Lord" (v. 12).
Prayer Of The Day
"Heavenly Father, it is your glory always to have mercy. Bring back all who have erred and strayed from your ways; lead them again to embrace in faith the truth of your Word and to hold it fast."
Hymn Of The Day
"O Jesus, Joy Of Living Hearts"
Theme Of The Day: Faith In God's Promises
Gospel - Faith accepts Jesus' promise of eternal life - John 3:1--7
Lesson 1 - Faith accepts God's promise of blessing - Genesis 12:1--4a
Lesson 2 - Faith accepts God's righteousness - Romans 4:1--5, 13--17
As Jesus continues during Lent to Jerusalem to suffer and die, we are reminded that there is a reason for it: our salvation. The motive for this sacrifice is God's love. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us out of love for God and us. How does this affect us? Faith is the receptive agent which brings to us the benefits of God's love. In the Gospel, faith in the crucified Christ brings us eternal life. Abraham by faith in God's promise is blessed (Lesson 1). Paul uses Abraham (Lesson 2) as an example of faith which brought him and us the righteousness of God. The Prayer continues the theme: "Lead them again to embrace in faith the truth...." In Psalm 33, it is implied that the eye of the Lord is upon those who in faith respect God.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: John 3:1--17 (C, E)
1. Must (v. 4). This word gives us insight into the meaning of the cross. It was no accident. Nor was it the work of sinful humanity. The cross was always in the mind of God as the only way to reconcile humanity to God. There is no redemption without the shedding of blood. We stand in awe at a love so great that goes to this limit to regain a lost and depraved people.
2. Whoever (vv. 15, 16). In these verses "whoever" is a key word. "Whoever" believes shall not perish. "Whoever" includes every person regardless of moral or physical conditions. There are no national nor racial limitations. Eternal life is offered to any and every one who believes in Jesus. There is, then, no excuse for anyone's not going to heaven.
3. Eternal life (vv. 15, 16). Eternal life is a gift of God to those who believe in Jesus. It is a life in and with Christ. He is life, and to be one in him is to share in eternal life. If life is true life, it is inherently eternal, for Christ is eternal. This life begins not at physical death but upon acceptance of Christ as Lord and Savior. When physical death comes, there is no break in this faith relationship with Christ. Eternal life, then, is not a natural disposition of the soul but is a gift of God in Christ received by faith.
Lesson 1: Genesis 12:1--4a
1. Faith. Abraham is the father of the faithful because of his faith. In Abraham we see one who found adventure in faith. It was faith in the promise of God. This resulted in a daring, risky venture into an unknown future in an unknown land. His faith was expressed in his obedience to God's command to leave for a far country and depend on God completely to provide for and to protect him.
2. God's blessing. God promises to bless Abraham. The blessing is not for Abraham's benefit nor well--being alone. It is not a selfish blessing. God does not bless that the blessed one will be better off than another person. With the blessing comes a responsibility to share the blessing. God blesses Abraham that all people will be blessed through him.
3. God--centeredness. Wherever Abraham traveled, he built an altar. It was a sign of his God--centeredness. What he was and where he was going resulted from God's directives. An altar is a symbol of God's presence and the place where God and people meet for conversation. A person of faith builds an altar wherever he goes that he might maintain his relationship with God.
Lesson 2: Romans 4:1--5, 13--17
1. Justification by faith. Paul uses Abraham as a case study in the central doctrine of Pauline theology: salvation by grace through faith and not by works of the Law. Abraham found favor with God and was blessed because he believed in God's promises. Abraham's obedience followed his acceptance of the promise. The promises of God represent and demonstrate the grace of God. Faith is the acceptance of the promises. If God accepts us on the basis of his grace and our faith, we have no reason to boast of our works.
2. A model of faith. Abraham is a paradigm of faith for the Christian. His relationship with God, his favor with God, depended on his trust in God's Word. The Law was not involved because it had not yet been given. An utter reliance upon God's goodness brings one into a blessed relationship with God.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Three Lessons: Genesis 12:1--4a; Romans 4:1--5, 13--17; John 3:1--17
"Man, What An Offer!"
Need: God wants to give us more than we realize or maybe desire. God is rich in promises. He wants his people to have the very best, the fullness of life. Our people need to know this, for many think of God only in terms of God's demands, his laws. The only thing we need to receive the blessings is faith.
Outline: What God has to offer us.
a. Greatness through faith - Lesson 1.
b. Righteousness through faith - Lesson 2.
c. Eternal life through faith - Gospel.
Gospel: John 3:1--17 (C, E)
1. Why Can't You Understand? 3:17
Need: When it comes to understanding spiritual truth, we are like Nicodemus. We just do not understand the teachings of Jesus. Jesus was amazed that Nicodemus, a teacher, did not understand the need for and method of spiritual rebirth. Why can't we understand that salvation is by grace through faith and not by works of the Law?
Outline: Do you understand -
a. That God loves you? - vv. 16--17.
b. That Christ died for your sins? - vv. 13--15.
c. That faith brings eternal life? - vv. 15, 16.
2. The Faith That Saves. 3:11--17
Need: It is hard to believe that faith saves a person from sin and consequent death. We would much rather save ourselves by our own efforts to please God with character and charity. There are various kinds of faith. There is faith in faith. Even Satan has a faith that God exists. The Christian has saving faith. Just what that is the text explains.
Outline: A faith that saves is -
a. Faith is Jesus' teachings (Word) - v. 12.
b. Faith in Jesus' cross (Deed) - v. 14.
c. Faith to accept eternal life (Life) - v. 15.
3. Believe Or Perish! 3:16
Need: Christianity is an either--or proposition. There is no half way, no neutrality, no lukewarmness. We live or we die, we believe or perish. Who really wants to perish, to die, or to go to hell? Instinctively we want to live. Whether we live depends on faith. What faith?
Outline: To believe is to live -
a. Believe God loves you - "God so loved ..."
b. Believe Christ died for you - "gave his only Son ..."
c. Believe you can have life - "May have eternal life ..."
Gospel: Matthew 17:1--9 (RC)
See outlines for The Transfiguration Of Our Lord (C, E).
Lesson 1: Genesis 12:1--8
1. What Makes A Great Person? 12:1--8
Need: God told Abraham he would make of him a great nation and would make his name great. That is exactly what he did. Abraham is among the greatest in the Bible. Every person to some extent seeks greatness. He wants his life to amount to something. In this passage we find the formula for greatness.
Outline: What makes one great?
a. Believe in God's promises - vv. 2, 7.
b. Obey God's commands - vv. 4, 5.
c. Worship God - vv. 7, 8.
2. What Faith Can Do. 12:1--8
Need: The Bible makes great claims of what faith can do. Jesus taught that faith can move mountains. The average person of faith often wonders why he cannot do great things by his faith. The text shows us what faith can do.
Outline: What faith can do.
a. Trusts in God's promise for the unknown future - vv. 2, 3.
b. Acts upon the promise for the unknown future - v. 4.
c. Brings blessings - vv. 3, 7.
d. Erects altars to God - vv. 7, 8.
Lesson 2: Romans 4:1--5, 13--17
Credit My Account. 4:5
Need: Most people are familiar with credit. An article is returned to a store and we ask that our account be credited accordingly. Paul frequently used the word, "reckon." It means giving credit. When we have faith, Paul says our account with God is credited with righteousness because of our faith in Christ. We are justified and accepted for Jesus' sake. But, our problem is that many Christians do not live by grace. They are living by law in the hope that God will approve of their lives. The need for this sermon is in showing people that God, through his love, will accept us as sinners because of faith alone.
Outline: How to get right with God.
a. Our debt to God - perfect obedience, righteousness.
b. Our vain attempt to pay the debt - works of the law.
c. Our faith is reckoned as righteousness.
Lesson 2: 2 Timothy 1:8b--10 (RC)
If You Are Called. 1:8b--10
Need: Lesson 1 tells about Abraham's call. In Lesson 2 Paul reminds Timothy that both of them were called by God. Jesus' call received at his baptism is confirmed on Mount Transfiguration (Gospel). A true Christian is called to be Christian to believe, and to serve. Yet, few church members sense a divine call to be Christians and to serve through their various vocations. Our text not only assures us of our calling but indicates the results that follow.
Outline: If one is truly called -
a. One will not be ashamed - v. 8.
b. One will take one's share of suffering - v. 8.
c. One will be sure of eternal life - v. 10.
Lesson 1: Genesis 12:1--4a (C); Genesis 12:1--4 (RC); Genesis 12:1--8 (E)
By faith Abraham accepts Yahweh's promise and obeys his command. Around 2000 B.C. a man named Abraham lived in Haran. Yahweh came to him and called him to leave his home and family to go to a strange, unknown land where he would become the father of a great nation. Abraham proved his faith in Yahweh by trusting his Word of promises and obeying. He left all for a great adventure in faith. Yahweh promised to bless him and to make him a blessing to all nations. Abraham maintained his faith by building an altar to worship wherever he went.
Lesson 2: Romans 4:1--5, 13--17 (C); Romans 4:1--5 (6--12) 13--17 (E)
The faith of Abraham was reckoned to him as righteousness. In chapter 3, Paul had just explained that sinners are justified by grace through faith and not by the works of the Law. Therefore, believers in Christ have no reason to boast of their righteousness, because it came as a gift of faith, an illustration of what it means to be justified by faith. Abraham did not have the Law and could not perform the works of the Law. He simply believed God, trusted in his promises and obeyed his command. As a result, it was reckoned to him as righteousness. What Abraham received by faith, believers, both Jew and Gentile, can have - the same promise of reconciliation with God.
Lesson 2: 2 Timothy 1:8b--10 (RC)
Our calling in Christ.
Gospel: John 3:1--17 (C, E)
Jesus teaches Nicodemus that faith in him offers eternal life. This passage deals with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. After the discourse with Nicodemus on the necessity of being born anew of the Spirit, Jesus declares that faith in the crucified Christ will bring eternal life. Then John gives the Bible's "greatest verse" which Luther called the "little Babe," John 3:16. Again, we learn that whoever believes in Jesus will have eternal life, for God did not send Jesus to condemn, but save the world. On this Sunday, we see the passage in the light of the Theme of the Day - Faith.
Gospel: Matthew 17:1--9 (RC)
See The Transfiguration Of Our Lord (C, E).
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 121 (C) - "My help comes from the Lord" (v. 2).
Psalm 33:18--22 (RC) - "Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him" (v. 18).
Psalm 33:12--22 (E) - "Happy is the nation where God is the Lord" (v. 12).
Prayer Of The Day
"Heavenly Father, it is your glory always to have mercy. Bring back all who have erred and strayed from your ways; lead them again to embrace in faith the truth of your Word and to hold it fast."
Hymn Of The Day
"O Jesus, Joy Of Living Hearts"
Theme Of The Day: Faith In God's Promises
Gospel - Faith accepts Jesus' promise of eternal life - John 3:1--7
Lesson 1 - Faith accepts God's promise of blessing - Genesis 12:1--4a
Lesson 2 - Faith accepts God's righteousness - Romans 4:1--5, 13--17
As Jesus continues during Lent to Jerusalem to suffer and die, we are reminded that there is a reason for it: our salvation. The motive for this sacrifice is God's love. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us out of love for God and us. How does this affect us? Faith is the receptive agent which brings to us the benefits of God's love. In the Gospel, faith in the crucified Christ brings us eternal life. Abraham by faith in God's promise is blessed (Lesson 1). Paul uses Abraham (Lesson 2) as an example of faith which brought him and us the righteousness of God. The Prayer continues the theme: "Lead them again to embrace in faith the truth...." In Psalm 33, it is implied that the eye of the Lord is upon those who in faith respect God.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: John 3:1--17 (C, E)
1. Must (v. 4). This word gives us insight into the meaning of the cross. It was no accident. Nor was it the work of sinful humanity. The cross was always in the mind of God as the only way to reconcile humanity to God. There is no redemption without the shedding of blood. We stand in awe at a love so great that goes to this limit to regain a lost and depraved people.
2. Whoever (vv. 15, 16). In these verses "whoever" is a key word. "Whoever" believes shall not perish. "Whoever" includes every person regardless of moral or physical conditions. There are no national nor racial limitations. Eternal life is offered to any and every one who believes in Jesus. There is, then, no excuse for anyone's not going to heaven.
3. Eternal life (vv. 15, 16). Eternal life is a gift of God to those who believe in Jesus. It is a life in and with Christ. He is life, and to be one in him is to share in eternal life. If life is true life, it is inherently eternal, for Christ is eternal. This life begins not at physical death but upon acceptance of Christ as Lord and Savior. When physical death comes, there is no break in this faith relationship with Christ. Eternal life, then, is not a natural disposition of the soul but is a gift of God in Christ received by faith.
Lesson 1: Genesis 12:1--4a
1. Faith. Abraham is the father of the faithful because of his faith. In Abraham we see one who found adventure in faith. It was faith in the promise of God. This resulted in a daring, risky venture into an unknown future in an unknown land. His faith was expressed in his obedience to God's command to leave for a far country and depend on God completely to provide for and to protect him.
2. God's blessing. God promises to bless Abraham. The blessing is not for Abraham's benefit nor well--being alone. It is not a selfish blessing. God does not bless that the blessed one will be better off than another person. With the blessing comes a responsibility to share the blessing. God blesses Abraham that all people will be blessed through him.
3. God--centeredness. Wherever Abraham traveled, he built an altar. It was a sign of his God--centeredness. What he was and where he was going resulted from God's directives. An altar is a symbol of God's presence and the place where God and people meet for conversation. A person of faith builds an altar wherever he goes that he might maintain his relationship with God.
Lesson 2: Romans 4:1--5, 13--17
1. Justification by faith. Paul uses Abraham as a case study in the central doctrine of Pauline theology: salvation by grace through faith and not by works of the Law. Abraham found favor with God and was blessed because he believed in God's promises. Abraham's obedience followed his acceptance of the promise. The promises of God represent and demonstrate the grace of God. Faith is the acceptance of the promises. If God accepts us on the basis of his grace and our faith, we have no reason to boast of our works.
2. A model of faith. Abraham is a paradigm of faith for the Christian. His relationship with God, his favor with God, depended on his trust in God's Word. The Law was not involved because it had not yet been given. An utter reliance upon God's goodness brings one into a blessed relationship with God.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Three Lessons: Genesis 12:1--4a; Romans 4:1--5, 13--17; John 3:1--17
"Man, What An Offer!"
Need: God wants to give us more than we realize or maybe desire. God is rich in promises. He wants his people to have the very best, the fullness of life. Our people need to know this, for many think of God only in terms of God's demands, his laws. The only thing we need to receive the blessings is faith.
Outline: What God has to offer us.
a. Greatness through faith - Lesson 1.
b. Righteousness through faith - Lesson 2.
c. Eternal life through faith - Gospel.
Gospel: John 3:1--17 (C, E)
1. Why Can't You Understand? 3:17
Need: When it comes to understanding spiritual truth, we are like Nicodemus. We just do not understand the teachings of Jesus. Jesus was amazed that Nicodemus, a teacher, did not understand the need for and method of spiritual rebirth. Why can't we understand that salvation is by grace through faith and not by works of the Law?
Outline: Do you understand -
a. That God loves you? - vv. 16--17.
b. That Christ died for your sins? - vv. 13--15.
c. That faith brings eternal life? - vv. 15, 16.
2. The Faith That Saves. 3:11--17
Need: It is hard to believe that faith saves a person from sin and consequent death. We would much rather save ourselves by our own efforts to please God with character and charity. There are various kinds of faith. There is faith in faith. Even Satan has a faith that God exists. The Christian has saving faith. Just what that is the text explains.
Outline: A faith that saves is -
a. Faith is Jesus' teachings (Word) - v. 12.
b. Faith in Jesus' cross (Deed) - v. 14.
c. Faith to accept eternal life (Life) - v. 15.
3. Believe Or Perish! 3:16
Need: Christianity is an either--or proposition. There is no half way, no neutrality, no lukewarmness. We live or we die, we believe or perish. Who really wants to perish, to die, or to go to hell? Instinctively we want to live. Whether we live depends on faith. What faith?
Outline: To believe is to live -
a. Believe God loves you - "God so loved ..."
b. Believe Christ died for you - "gave his only Son ..."
c. Believe you can have life - "May have eternal life ..."
Gospel: Matthew 17:1--9 (RC)
See outlines for The Transfiguration Of Our Lord (C, E).
Lesson 1: Genesis 12:1--8
1. What Makes A Great Person? 12:1--8
Need: God told Abraham he would make of him a great nation and would make his name great. That is exactly what he did. Abraham is among the greatest in the Bible. Every person to some extent seeks greatness. He wants his life to amount to something. In this passage we find the formula for greatness.
Outline: What makes one great?
a. Believe in God's promises - vv. 2, 7.
b. Obey God's commands - vv. 4, 5.
c. Worship God - vv. 7, 8.
2. What Faith Can Do. 12:1--8
Need: The Bible makes great claims of what faith can do. Jesus taught that faith can move mountains. The average person of faith often wonders why he cannot do great things by his faith. The text shows us what faith can do.
Outline: What faith can do.
a. Trusts in God's promise for the unknown future - vv. 2, 3.
b. Acts upon the promise for the unknown future - v. 4.
c. Brings blessings - vv. 3, 7.
d. Erects altars to God - vv. 7, 8.
Lesson 2: Romans 4:1--5, 13--17
Credit My Account. 4:5
Need: Most people are familiar with credit. An article is returned to a store and we ask that our account be credited accordingly. Paul frequently used the word, "reckon." It means giving credit. When we have faith, Paul says our account with God is credited with righteousness because of our faith in Christ. We are justified and accepted for Jesus' sake. But, our problem is that many Christians do not live by grace. They are living by law in the hope that God will approve of their lives. The need for this sermon is in showing people that God, through his love, will accept us as sinners because of faith alone.
Outline: How to get right with God.
a. Our debt to God - perfect obedience, righteousness.
b. Our vain attempt to pay the debt - works of the law.
c. Our faith is reckoned as righteousness.
Lesson 2: 2 Timothy 1:8b--10 (RC)
If You Are Called. 1:8b--10
Need: Lesson 1 tells about Abraham's call. In Lesson 2 Paul reminds Timothy that both of them were called by God. Jesus' call received at his baptism is confirmed on Mount Transfiguration (Gospel). A true Christian is called to be Christian to believe, and to serve. Yet, few church members sense a divine call to be Christians and to serve through their various vocations. Our text not only assures us of our calling but indicates the results that follow.
Outline: If one is truly called -
a. One will not be ashamed - v. 8.
b. One will take one's share of suffering - v. 8.
c. One will be sure of eternal life - v. 10.
