27th Sunday After Pentecost
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series IV
The Ancient of Days takes his seat on the throne of judgment.
Today's lesson is apocalyptic literature written at a time of
persecution by Antiochus Epiphanes IV around 165 B.C. Chapter 7
tells of four beasts representing the Persian, Medean, Greek and
Syrian empires. The most terrible beast is the last which led to
the writing of Daniel and the Maccabbean revolt. Our pericope
interrupts the account of the fourth beast. It consists of a
vision of a heavenly court of judgment upon the reign of
Antiochus. The passage in symbolic language emphasizes the power,
glory and judgment of God who will conquer this fourth beast.
Lesson 2: Hebrews 13:20-21
A prayer that God may equip his people with good that they may
do his will. This passage is often used as a benediction, but it
is also a doxology. It is an expression of glory to God who
raised Jesus, the good shepherd. Through him there is a new
covenant. There is a prayer that God's people may be equipped
with every good so that they may be pleasing to God.
Gospel: Mark 13:24-31
When the universe falls apart, Christ will soon return to
gather his own, but in contrast his words are changeless. We
continue with Mark's "Little Apocalypse." The pericope tells us
of the coming tribulation, the collapse of the universe, the
return of Christ and the gathering of his people. There follows
the parable of the fig tree which is to give the faithful an
indication of the time this will happen. While the universe
passes and generations come and go, there is assurance that God's
Word is eternal.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 111 -- "The works of his hands are faithfulness and
justice." (v. 7)
Hymn Of The Day
"Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers"
Theme Of The Day: The End Time
Gospel -- The time of Christ's return to gather his people.
Lesson 1 -- The time of judgment.
Lesson 2 -- While waiting for the end time, God equips his people
to do his will.
For this penultimate Sunday of the church year our attention
is called to the end of the world. According to the Gospel, the
end will bring Christ's return when he will save his faithful. It
will be a time of judgment, according to Lesson 1. Lesson 2 does
not deal with the end, but refers to those living between the
times. The end of the world is one of God's works; the Psalm of
the Day praises the wonderful works of God. The Hymn of the Day
is an Advent hymn calling upon believers to rejoice at Jesus'
second coming.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS Gospel: Mark 13:24-31
1. Tribulation (v. 24). The end of the world will be marked by
"tribulation." This should not surprise us, because the world and
tribulation are one. Jesus said, "In the world you
284
shall have tribulation." This tribulation is the result of a
person's sin, rebellion against God and the pollution of moral
standards. By the end of the world, the sin will accumulate to
the point that Christ will come to end it all.
2. Then (vv. 26, 27). Christ promises to come when the world
experiences tribulation. When calamity and disaster strike,
Christ comes to the rescue. The physician comes not to the
healthy but to the sick. To a people in bondage to tyrants, God
comes to the rescue. Is it only when we are in trouble that we
are receptive? Does God come to us only when we are in total
despair?
3. Near (vv. 28, 29). While we can never give the hour nor the
day of Jesus' return, we can say when it is "near." As long as
the signs of war, famine, earthquake and general tribulation
exist, we know that the end is close. Since each generation
claims that conditions have never been worse, when is "near"
near? The good old days have been bad, and today conditions are
bad. Nevertheless, we are compelled to be alert and ready for the
end in light of the knowledge that the parousia is near.
4. Pass (vv. 30, 31). "This too shall pass." This is a saying
of comfort. Generations pass away. The stars will fall. Chaos is
the result of everything coming out of place. Society is in a
state of flux. The one unchangeable factor is the word of Christ
-- a Word which outlives and outlasts even the universe. Here is
our only comfort, our one point of reference in a changing world.
Lesson 1: Daniel 7:9-10
1. Ancient (v. 9). God is portrayed as an old person --
"ancient of days." Is that good or bad? For many, old age is
characterized by bifocals and bulges, complaints and cries. Old
age is a time of weakness, infirmity, uselessness and
helplessness. On the other hand, God is old in the sense of being
eternal -- alpha and omega. With age comes perspective, wisdom
and patience. God is always there, in every generation. He
changes not. From the beginning, God has been a God of mercy and
grace.
2. Judgment (v. 10). A celestial court is held to try all
people. God is seated on the throne to judge. It is a cosmic
event for all peoples and nations. The consequences are heaven
and hell according to a person's obedience to God's will. Death,
therefore, is no escape from judgment. It means that each person
and each nation is accountable to God. There is no getting away
with murder. There is an ultimate settling of accounts.
3. Books (v. 10). When the court meets, the books are opened.
What books? The books of law? In these books are the accounts of
our lives: every word and deed. There is a record for everyone.
This points to the importance of each person. You count with God.
He cares enough to keep track of you. It behooves one to be
careful what goes into that record.
Lesson 2: Hebrews 13:20-21
1. May (v. 20). Though this Lesson is often used as a
benediction, it is a prayer. "May" indicates that it is a prayer.
It indicates a wish. A benediction is a declaration of God
concerning a blessing he is bestowing. "May the grace of our Lord
Jesus Christ ... be with you" is a prayer for grace. To say, "The
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ ... be with you" is a benediction.
2. Covenant (v. 20). A covenant or testament denotes a
contractual relationship between at least two parties. Jesus is
the maker of a new covenant because he established a new
relationship between God and humanity through the sacrifice of
his blood. This covenant is accepted and maintained by faith.
3. Equip (v. 21). This is a petition to God to equip his
people that they might please him. A soldier needs equipment to
fight a battle. An astronaut needs equipment to get into space. A
Christian needs spiritual equipment to enable him to serve God.
What is that divine equipment? It is "everything good" -- love,
goodness, joy, peace, etc.
285
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Gloom For Doom's Day?
Need: Today's theme deals with the end of the world and
Christ's return. For the world it is doom's day, for it brings
judgment. For the Christian, the end means the return of Christ
who will gather to himself the faithful. This makes it a "boom"
and not a "gloom" day. As the Hymn of the Day suggests, "Rejoice,
Believers." Since many church members tremble at the thought of
the world's end, this sermon needs to show what the end means to
the world and to Christians then and now.
Outline: What the end of the world may mean --
a. Doom for the godless -- Lesson 1 (Judgment)
b. Boom for the Christian -- Gospel (Christ returns).
c. Preparation for the end -- Lesson 2 (God equips for
obedience).
Gospel: Mark 13:24-31
1. Let the end come! 13:24-31
Need: Since Christians generally think of Christ's return as a
terrible event involving the end of the earth, we need in this
sermon to show them that the parousia for Christians is a great
time. The first Christians repeatedly prayed for Jesus to return.
Hymns dealing with the second coming were hymns of joy and
celebration. It is something to look forward to, to be prepared
for, and to pray for.
Outline: What the end means to Christians --
a. Christ will be a present reality -- v. 26.
b. Christ will gather to himself his faithful people -- v.
27.
c. Christ will give serenity -- v. 31.
2. The changeless amid the changing. 13:24, 30-31
Need: A slogan of our days is "This too shall plass." When it
is applied to misfortune, it is a statement of comfort. On the
other hand, it can be a matter of chaos and confusion. The end of
the world is described as passing away. There is chaos in the
heavens. Everything has come loose. Nothing is the same. In this
changing world, we have one solid point of reference, one solid
rock to place our feet: the words of Christ.
a. Christ's words of truth -- "I am the truth."
b. Christ's words of love -- "I am the way."
c. Christ's words of life -- "I am the life."
3. The truth behind the scenes. 13:24-31
Need: The account of the end of the world and Christ's return
is given in descriptive and symbolic language. The danger is that
we get caught up in the verbiage and miss the truth behind the
scenic language. In this passage there are certain basic truths
that will bring comfort and joy to Christians.
Outline: What this passage tells us --
a. The world is coming to an end soon -- vv. 28-29.
b. Christians will be reunited with Christ -- v. 27.
c. Christ is Lord over all -- vv. 24-26, 31.
Lesson 1: Daniel 7:9-10
1. Getting what's coming to you. 7:9-10
Need: This Lesson deals with judgment which is coming upon all
people at the end of time. The text was written at a time of
persecution under Antiochus Epiphanes. Daniel brings comfort to
the oppressed by reminding them that God will settle accounts one
day. In our day we hear little of judgment from the pulpit. We
perhaps fear that we will not proclaim grace and that we may
offend our people. In a world where sin is rampant, where there
is possible a "Holocaust" and a "Gulag Archipelago," where
millions are driven from their homes, we need to proclaim that
God is concerned and will call for an accounting.
286
Outline: Why judgment is coming --
a. The holy nature of God -- v. 9.
b. The reality of sin.
c. The refusal of God's grace.
d. The demand of justice.
2. An aged God! 7:9-10
Need: Because Jesus was a young man, we are inclined to think
of God in those terms. In this passage, God is referred to as
"Ancient of Days." God is a very old man. Do we think of God then
in terms of old age: senility, uselessness, helplessness,
infirmity? God is old without ever growing old! In this passage
this old God is described.
Outline: Behold your ancient God!
a. God of authority -- "thrones" (v. 9).
b. God of purity -- "white as snow, pure" (v. 9).
c. God of power -- "fiery flames, steam of fire" (v. 10).
d. God of justice -- "satin judgment" (v. 10).
Lesson 2: Hebrews 13:20-21
1. To God be the glory! 13:20-21
Need: This closing portion of Hebrews is a doxology -- "to
whom be the glory." We are to glorify God. For what reason? It is
not what we are nor what we have done. God is to be glorified for
his own sake, because of what he is in his own essence. When we
realize God's nature, we shout, "Glory be to God on high!"
Outline: To God be the glory because --
a. He is a God of peace who bestows peace -- v. 20.
b. He is a God who equips you with goodness -- v. 21.
c. He is a God who saves you through Christ -- v. 20.
2. A preacher's prayer. 13:20-21
Need: Scholars are not sure of the identity of the writer of
Hebrews. However, the book is in the form of a sermon.
Apparently, the author is an anonymous preacher of the first
century. This text is sometimes used as a benediction, but it is
a prayer as indicated by the word, "may." As he closes his
sermon, he offers a prayer for his people.
Outline: What the preacher prayed for his people --
a. That God would equip his people with goodness -- v. 21.
b. That God would work in his people to please him -- v. 21.
287
Today's lesson is apocalyptic literature written at a time of
persecution by Antiochus Epiphanes IV around 165 B.C. Chapter 7
tells of four beasts representing the Persian, Medean, Greek and
Syrian empires. The most terrible beast is the last which led to
the writing of Daniel and the Maccabbean revolt. Our pericope
interrupts the account of the fourth beast. It consists of a
vision of a heavenly court of judgment upon the reign of
Antiochus. The passage in symbolic language emphasizes the power,
glory and judgment of God who will conquer this fourth beast.
Lesson 2: Hebrews 13:20-21
A prayer that God may equip his people with good that they may
do his will. This passage is often used as a benediction, but it
is also a doxology. It is an expression of glory to God who
raised Jesus, the good shepherd. Through him there is a new
covenant. There is a prayer that God's people may be equipped
with every good so that they may be pleasing to God.
Gospel: Mark 13:24-31
When the universe falls apart, Christ will soon return to
gather his own, but in contrast his words are changeless. We
continue with Mark's "Little Apocalypse." The pericope tells us
of the coming tribulation, the collapse of the universe, the
return of Christ and the gathering of his people. There follows
the parable of the fig tree which is to give the faithful an
indication of the time this will happen. While the universe
passes and generations come and go, there is assurance that God's
Word is eternal.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 111 -- "The works of his hands are faithfulness and
justice." (v. 7)
Hymn Of The Day
"Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers"
Theme Of The Day: The End Time
Gospel -- The time of Christ's return to gather his people.
Lesson 1 -- The time of judgment.
Lesson 2 -- While waiting for the end time, God equips his people
to do his will.
For this penultimate Sunday of the church year our attention
is called to the end of the world. According to the Gospel, the
end will bring Christ's return when he will save his faithful. It
will be a time of judgment, according to Lesson 1. Lesson 2 does
not deal with the end, but refers to those living between the
times. The end of the world is one of God's works; the Psalm of
the Day praises the wonderful works of God. The Hymn of the Day
is an Advent hymn calling upon believers to rejoice at Jesus'
second coming.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS Gospel: Mark 13:24-31
1. Tribulation (v. 24). The end of the world will be marked by
"tribulation." This should not surprise us, because the world and
tribulation are one. Jesus said, "In the world you
284
shall have tribulation." This tribulation is the result of a
person's sin, rebellion against God and the pollution of moral
standards. By the end of the world, the sin will accumulate to
the point that Christ will come to end it all.
2. Then (vv. 26, 27). Christ promises to come when the world
experiences tribulation. When calamity and disaster strike,
Christ comes to the rescue. The physician comes not to the
healthy but to the sick. To a people in bondage to tyrants, God
comes to the rescue. Is it only when we are in trouble that we
are receptive? Does God come to us only when we are in total
despair?
3. Near (vv. 28, 29). While we can never give the hour nor the
day of Jesus' return, we can say when it is "near." As long as
the signs of war, famine, earthquake and general tribulation
exist, we know that the end is close. Since each generation
claims that conditions have never been worse, when is "near"
near? The good old days have been bad, and today conditions are
bad. Nevertheless, we are compelled to be alert and ready for the
end in light of the knowledge that the parousia is near.
4. Pass (vv. 30, 31). "This too shall pass." This is a saying
of comfort. Generations pass away. The stars will fall. Chaos is
the result of everything coming out of place. Society is in a
state of flux. The one unchangeable factor is the word of Christ
-- a Word which outlives and outlasts even the universe. Here is
our only comfort, our one point of reference in a changing world.
Lesson 1: Daniel 7:9-10
1. Ancient (v. 9). God is portrayed as an old person --
"ancient of days." Is that good or bad? For many, old age is
characterized by bifocals and bulges, complaints and cries. Old
age is a time of weakness, infirmity, uselessness and
helplessness. On the other hand, God is old in the sense of being
eternal -- alpha and omega. With age comes perspective, wisdom
and patience. God is always there, in every generation. He
changes not. From the beginning, God has been a God of mercy and
grace.
2. Judgment (v. 10). A celestial court is held to try all
people. God is seated on the throne to judge. It is a cosmic
event for all peoples and nations. The consequences are heaven
and hell according to a person's obedience to God's will. Death,
therefore, is no escape from judgment. It means that each person
and each nation is accountable to God. There is no getting away
with murder. There is an ultimate settling of accounts.
3. Books (v. 10). When the court meets, the books are opened.
What books? The books of law? In these books are the accounts of
our lives: every word and deed. There is a record for everyone.
This points to the importance of each person. You count with God.
He cares enough to keep track of you. It behooves one to be
careful what goes into that record.
Lesson 2: Hebrews 13:20-21
1. May (v. 20). Though this Lesson is often used as a
benediction, it is a prayer. "May" indicates that it is a prayer.
It indicates a wish. A benediction is a declaration of God
concerning a blessing he is bestowing. "May the grace of our Lord
Jesus Christ ... be with you" is a prayer for grace. To say, "The
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ ... be with you" is a benediction.
2. Covenant (v. 20). A covenant or testament denotes a
contractual relationship between at least two parties. Jesus is
the maker of a new covenant because he established a new
relationship between God and humanity through the sacrifice of
his blood. This covenant is accepted and maintained by faith.
3. Equip (v. 21). This is a petition to God to equip his
people that they might please him. A soldier needs equipment to
fight a battle. An astronaut needs equipment to get into space. A
Christian needs spiritual equipment to enable him to serve God.
What is that divine equipment? It is "everything good" -- love,
goodness, joy, peace, etc.
285
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Gloom For Doom's Day?
Need: Today's theme deals with the end of the world and
Christ's return. For the world it is doom's day, for it brings
judgment. For the Christian, the end means the return of Christ
who will gather to himself the faithful. This makes it a "boom"
and not a "gloom" day. As the Hymn of the Day suggests, "Rejoice,
Believers." Since many church members tremble at the thought of
the world's end, this sermon needs to show what the end means to
the world and to Christians then and now.
Outline: What the end of the world may mean --
a. Doom for the godless -- Lesson 1 (Judgment)
b. Boom for the Christian -- Gospel (Christ returns).
c. Preparation for the end -- Lesson 2 (God equips for
obedience).
Gospel: Mark 13:24-31
1. Let the end come! 13:24-31
Need: Since Christians generally think of Christ's return as a
terrible event involving the end of the earth, we need in this
sermon to show them that the parousia for Christians is a great
time. The first Christians repeatedly prayed for Jesus to return.
Hymns dealing with the second coming were hymns of joy and
celebration. It is something to look forward to, to be prepared
for, and to pray for.
Outline: What the end means to Christians --
a. Christ will be a present reality -- v. 26.
b. Christ will gather to himself his faithful people -- v.
27.
c. Christ will give serenity -- v. 31.
2. The changeless amid the changing. 13:24, 30-31
Need: A slogan of our days is "This too shall plass." When it
is applied to misfortune, it is a statement of comfort. On the
other hand, it can be a matter of chaos and confusion. The end of
the world is described as passing away. There is chaos in the
heavens. Everything has come loose. Nothing is the same. In this
changing world, we have one solid point of reference, one solid
rock to place our feet: the words of Christ.
a. Christ's words of truth -- "I am the truth."
b. Christ's words of love -- "I am the way."
c. Christ's words of life -- "I am the life."
3. The truth behind the scenes. 13:24-31
Need: The account of the end of the world and Christ's return
is given in descriptive and symbolic language. The danger is that
we get caught up in the verbiage and miss the truth behind the
scenic language. In this passage there are certain basic truths
that will bring comfort and joy to Christians.
Outline: What this passage tells us --
a. The world is coming to an end soon -- vv. 28-29.
b. Christians will be reunited with Christ -- v. 27.
c. Christ is Lord over all -- vv. 24-26, 31.
Lesson 1: Daniel 7:9-10
1. Getting what's coming to you. 7:9-10
Need: This Lesson deals with judgment which is coming upon all
people at the end of time. The text was written at a time of
persecution under Antiochus Epiphanes. Daniel brings comfort to
the oppressed by reminding them that God will settle accounts one
day. In our day we hear little of judgment from the pulpit. We
perhaps fear that we will not proclaim grace and that we may
offend our people. In a world where sin is rampant, where there
is possible a "Holocaust" and a "Gulag Archipelago," where
millions are driven from their homes, we need to proclaim that
God is concerned and will call for an accounting.
286
Outline: Why judgment is coming --
a. The holy nature of God -- v. 9.
b. The reality of sin.
c. The refusal of God's grace.
d. The demand of justice.
2. An aged God! 7:9-10
Need: Because Jesus was a young man, we are inclined to think
of God in those terms. In this passage, God is referred to as
"Ancient of Days." God is a very old man. Do we think of God then
in terms of old age: senility, uselessness, helplessness,
infirmity? God is old without ever growing old! In this passage
this old God is described.
Outline: Behold your ancient God!
a. God of authority -- "thrones" (v. 9).
b. God of purity -- "white as snow, pure" (v. 9).
c. God of power -- "fiery flames, steam of fire" (v. 10).
d. God of justice -- "satin judgment" (v. 10).
Lesson 2: Hebrews 13:20-21
1. To God be the glory! 13:20-21
Need: This closing portion of Hebrews is a doxology -- "to
whom be the glory." We are to glorify God. For what reason? It is
not what we are nor what we have done. God is to be glorified for
his own sake, because of what he is in his own essence. When we
realize God's nature, we shout, "Glory be to God on high!"
Outline: To God be the glory because --
a. He is a God of peace who bestows peace -- v. 20.
b. He is a God who equips you with goodness -- v. 21.
c. He is a God who saves you through Christ -- v. 20.
2. A preacher's prayer. 13:20-21
Need: Scholars are not sure of the identity of the writer of
Hebrews. However, the book is in the form of a sermon.
Apparently, the author is an anonymous preacher of the first
century. This text is sometimes used as a benediction, but it is
a prayer as indicated by the word, "may." As he closes his
sermon, he offers a prayer for his people.
Outline: What the preacher prayed for his people --
a. That God would equip his people with goodness -- v. 21.
b. That God would work in his people to please him -- v. 21.
287
