Sermon Illustrations for Proper 4 | OT 9 (2013)
Illustration
Object:
1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39
Obviously most Americans don't have Baal or one of the other gods of antiquity, but don't some make a god of money? Power? Success? Politics? Isn't there something that we "worship" and give all our attention and support to? It may not be wrong to wish for some of these things, but do we put that at the head of our desires, hopes, and dreams? Make a list of all the things that you want and put them in order. Where does our God come in that list? Do we love him with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind? The Bible is telling us from the beginning to the end that HE wants to be first on our list! He is a jealous God who doesn't want to come after all the other things on our list.
A pastor friend of mine was talking to a member who had just told him that he might have to cut back on his offering because he needed another car. My friend asked him why he had to cut back for that car. He said that he needed it for his business. Then my friend asked why he needed it for his business. The fellow was getting a bit annoyed. He said that he needed it to build up the business. When my friend continued and asked why he needed it to build up his business, the man almost shouted and said, "I have to eat! Don't I?" My friend calmly continued. "Why do you have to eat? What is the purpose of your life?" If God is not on the top of the list then what is the purpose of our lives?
This scripture puts God to the test for the people of Israel. Put your other gods on the spot and see if they can do anything for you. I have had wealthy people in my parishes and I have read accounts of wealthy people, but I haven't found one who said that money was all they needed to make them happy. They still felt an emptiness and need for something more fulfilling. I have talked with actors who said that their fame did not give them complete satisfaction. Politicians who have climbed to the top of the ladder are still not satisfied. They all want more and more and more, and nothing seems to be enough.
As that saying goes "Try God" -- if all else fails to fulfill, try God. Our life does not usually change instantly. It may not be like that offering to Baal and God. It may take years before we find out if we have made the right priorities in our life. One thing is certain, time is passing and you don't want to wait too long before testing to see if God is the answer to a fulfilled life.
Bob O.
1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39
The odds were against him. Four hundred and fifty to one! Some of the greatest biblical witnesses to the power and presence of God come when the odds are stacked against one. For example, Moses against Pharaoh and his army. For example, little David against giant Goliath. For example, Queen Esther against Haman and the customs of her adopted culture. For example, Daniel against the lions. For example, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego against the fiery furnace. Elijah lived out the wisdom of the Psalms (118:7-8): "The Lord is on my side to help me; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to put confidence in mortals."
Mark M.
Galatians 1:1-12
Though the Seventh-Day Adventists have a strong and uncompromising belief in Jesus, many consider that they have turned to another gospel than other mainline Protestant denominations and the Roman Catholic church. This is because they worship on Saturday, which they consider from the Creation story to be the original day of rest. They work on Sunday, the day in which other denominations rest in celebration of the Resurrection.
Application: We can judge many to be worshiping from another gospel; but before we judge, let us first examine their theological beliefs for doing so.
Ron L.
Galatians 1:1-12
Comedian Stephen Wright once claimed to have found the original axe that George Washington used to chop down a cherry tree as a boy. The axe was very old and in bad shape, he said, so he had to replace the handle. And the head.
Philosophers sometimes ask how it is that we know what we know. They call this "epistemology." There are many ways that we come by our knowledge. We can figure something out on our own. We can read it or see it on television. We can conduct experiments and tests. We can weigh and measure and analyze. A teacher, a parent, or some other authority can tell us. We can make educated guesses. We can take a stab in the dark. That's not how we know about Jesus. People can tell us about Jesus. We can read the Bible. But we can only come to trust that Jesus is our Lord by faith. Faith is a gift from God. Faith is its own way of knowing.
Scott B.
Galatians 1:1-12
Our text is all about the fleeting character of human approval, how it all pales compared to God's word of forgiveness in Christ. Nineteenth-century American philosopher William James contended that "the deepest principle of human nature is the craving to be appreciated." But Paul and the gospel remind us what a trap this is. It is as the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said: "Care about people's approval and you will be their prisoner."
Christians preoccupied with works as the means for gaining God's approval and the approval of others are trapped in this way. This is why Martin Luther once wrote in relation to this text that "this doctrine of ours gives glory and everything else to God and nothing at all to men; for it is as clear as day that it is impossible to ascribe too much glory, goodness, etc., to God... Furthermore, it is safer to ascribe too much to God than to [other] men [and ourselves]" (Luther's Works, Vol. 26, p. 66).
Mark E.
Luke 7:1-10
In recent times during our ailing economy there has been an advertisement from an investment firm, promoting itself by saying that those who have trusted in the firm's strategy for financial management have not lost their savings when the market dropped, and indeed improved the health of their investment when the market improved. The centurion invested the capital of his trust in Jesus, confident that he could perform his promises in an ailing circumstance, namely the health of his servant. Jesus did not disappoint his faith.
Mark M.
Luke 7:1-10
A centurion was a Roman, a hated outsider, but some tried to be friends and get along with those he was in charge of. Because of this man's help and support of the Israelis, the Israelis wanted to help him in return. He was trying not to be an enemy. We see stories in the news where our troops in war-torn lands try to be caring and supportive of the people they are there for, even though they are hated as "conquerors" by some. It is a great witness of our faith.
There were some Hindus and those of other religions in Nepal who were not against Christians and even tried to help us. They even put up Christmas trees in their stores for us the last time we were there. This is true of most mission fields. There are even Muslims who are not always out to hurt Christians. We try to help these people when we can. The medical mission in Nepal is for ALL the people! Even those who hate Christians! Those who accept our help are often led to the Lord.
Doctors try to heal those who come to them in Nepal, but there were quite a few there who were healed by prayer alone (confirmed by the doctor). The church was filled with those who had been helped.
The other thing of interest is this high level Roman's concern for his servant. In those days most servants were like slaves. It is true that some servants or even slaves made themselves valuable to their masters. It sometimes built a mutual respect and even affection. This is true of some employees in businesses today. My dad was a tool and die maker who worked himself up in the eyes of his employers so they respected him and honored his skill. He also tried to be friendly so he was treated well. It did more for him than just his union membership.
That soldier recognized that Jesus had authority. He knew about authority, as he had to exercise it. Our doctors were accepted for their authority. The people recognized that some of us Christians also had an authority outside ourselves.
Amazing things happen when we recognize the authority of God!
Bob O.
Obviously most Americans don't have Baal or one of the other gods of antiquity, but don't some make a god of money? Power? Success? Politics? Isn't there something that we "worship" and give all our attention and support to? It may not be wrong to wish for some of these things, but do we put that at the head of our desires, hopes, and dreams? Make a list of all the things that you want and put them in order. Where does our God come in that list? Do we love him with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind? The Bible is telling us from the beginning to the end that HE wants to be first on our list! He is a jealous God who doesn't want to come after all the other things on our list.
A pastor friend of mine was talking to a member who had just told him that he might have to cut back on his offering because he needed another car. My friend asked him why he had to cut back for that car. He said that he needed it for his business. Then my friend asked why he needed it for his business. The fellow was getting a bit annoyed. He said that he needed it to build up the business. When my friend continued and asked why he needed it to build up his business, the man almost shouted and said, "I have to eat! Don't I?" My friend calmly continued. "Why do you have to eat? What is the purpose of your life?" If God is not on the top of the list then what is the purpose of our lives?
This scripture puts God to the test for the people of Israel. Put your other gods on the spot and see if they can do anything for you. I have had wealthy people in my parishes and I have read accounts of wealthy people, but I haven't found one who said that money was all they needed to make them happy. They still felt an emptiness and need for something more fulfilling. I have talked with actors who said that their fame did not give them complete satisfaction. Politicians who have climbed to the top of the ladder are still not satisfied. They all want more and more and more, and nothing seems to be enough.
As that saying goes "Try God" -- if all else fails to fulfill, try God. Our life does not usually change instantly. It may not be like that offering to Baal and God. It may take years before we find out if we have made the right priorities in our life. One thing is certain, time is passing and you don't want to wait too long before testing to see if God is the answer to a fulfilled life.
Bob O.
1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39
The odds were against him. Four hundred and fifty to one! Some of the greatest biblical witnesses to the power and presence of God come when the odds are stacked against one. For example, Moses against Pharaoh and his army. For example, little David against giant Goliath. For example, Queen Esther against Haman and the customs of her adopted culture. For example, Daniel against the lions. For example, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego against the fiery furnace. Elijah lived out the wisdom of the Psalms (118:7-8): "The Lord is on my side to help me; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to put confidence in mortals."
Mark M.
Galatians 1:1-12
Though the Seventh-Day Adventists have a strong and uncompromising belief in Jesus, many consider that they have turned to another gospel than other mainline Protestant denominations and the Roman Catholic church. This is because they worship on Saturday, which they consider from the Creation story to be the original day of rest. They work on Sunday, the day in which other denominations rest in celebration of the Resurrection.
Application: We can judge many to be worshiping from another gospel; but before we judge, let us first examine their theological beliefs for doing so.
Ron L.
Galatians 1:1-12
Comedian Stephen Wright once claimed to have found the original axe that George Washington used to chop down a cherry tree as a boy. The axe was very old and in bad shape, he said, so he had to replace the handle. And the head.
Philosophers sometimes ask how it is that we know what we know. They call this "epistemology." There are many ways that we come by our knowledge. We can figure something out on our own. We can read it or see it on television. We can conduct experiments and tests. We can weigh and measure and analyze. A teacher, a parent, or some other authority can tell us. We can make educated guesses. We can take a stab in the dark. That's not how we know about Jesus. People can tell us about Jesus. We can read the Bible. But we can only come to trust that Jesus is our Lord by faith. Faith is a gift from God. Faith is its own way of knowing.
Scott B.
Galatians 1:1-12
Our text is all about the fleeting character of human approval, how it all pales compared to God's word of forgiveness in Christ. Nineteenth-century American philosopher William James contended that "the deepest principle of human nature is the craving to be appreciated." But Paul and the gospel remind us what a trap this is. It is as the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said: "Care about people's approval and you will be their prisoner."
Christians preoccupied with works as the means for gaining God's approval and the approval of others are trapped in this way. This is why Martin Luther once wrote in relation to this text that "this doctrine of ours gives glory and everything else to God and nothing at all to men; for it is as clear as day that it is impossible to ascribe too much glory, goodness, etc., to God... Furthermore, it is safer to ascribe too much to God than to [other] men [and ourselves]" (Luther's Works, Vol. 26, p. 66).
Mark E.
Luke 7:1-10
In recent times during our ailing economy there has been an advertisement from an investment firm, promoting itself by saying that those who have trusted in the firm's strategy for financial management have not lost their savings when the market dropped, and indeed improved the health of their investment when the market improved. The centurion invested the capital of his trust in Jesus, confident that he could perform his promises in an ailing circumstance, namely the health of his servant. Jesus did not disappoint his faith.
Mark M.
Luke 7:1-10
A centurion was a Roman, a hated outsider, but some tried to be friends and get along with those he was in charge of. Because of this man's help and support of the Israelis, the Israelis wanted to help him in return. He was trying not to be an enemy. We see stories in the news where our troops in war-torn lands try to be caring and supportive of the people they are there for, even though they are hated as "conquerors" by some. It is a great witness of our faith.
There were some Hindus and those of other religions in Nepal who were not against Christians and even tried to help us. They even put up Christmas trees in their stores for us the last time we were there. This is true of most mission fields. There are even Muslims who are not always out to hurt Christians. We try to help these people when we can. The medical mission in Nepal is for ALL the people! Even those who hate Christians! Those who accept our help are often led to the Lord.
Doctors try to heal those who come to them in Nepal, but there were quite a few there who were healed by prayer alone (confirmed by the doctor). The church was filled with those who had been helped.
The other thing of interest is this high level Roman's concern for his servant. In those days most servants were like slaves. It is true that some servants or even slaves made themselves valuable to their masters. It sometimes built a mutual respect and even affection. This is true of some employees in businesses today. My dad was a tool and die maker who worked himself up in the eyes of his employers so they respected him and honored his skill. He also tried to be friendly so he was treated well. It did more for him than just his union membership.
That soldier recognized that Jesus had authority. He knew about authority, as he had to exercise it. Our doctors were accepted for their authority. The people recognized that some of us Christians also had an authority outside ourselves.
Amazing things happen when we recognize the authority of God!
Bob O.
