The Holy Trinity
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series IV
Lesson 1: Genesis 1:1-2:4a (C); Genesis 1:1-2:3 (E, L)
God the Father created the universe. In this first of two creation accounts, God, the first person of the Trinity, causes the entire universe to come into existence with humankind, made in God's image, as the crown of creation. How did he do it? By the power of his Word. How did he feel about his work? It was good.
Lesson 1: Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9 (RC)
God gives his people another chance.
Lesson 2: 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 (C, RC); 2 Corinthians 13:(5-1O) 11-14 (E); 2 Corinthians
13:11-14 (L)
Paul concludes his ethical exhortations with a trinitarian benediction. Paul is having trouble with the Corinthian church. Unless they straighten out, on his third visit, he threatens them with severity. To avoid the unpleasant visit, he urges them to examine themselves to see if they have the true faith and urges them to love each other and to be at peace. He caps it off with the trinitarian benediction. Though they may be difficult, he wishes for them the full blessing of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Gospel:
Matthew 28:16-20 (C, E, L)
At the time of his ascension, Jesus gives his disciples the Great Commission to win the world in the name of the Trinity. Before leaving earth, Jesus meets with his disciples for the last time. He reminds them that he has all authority, the very authority of God, for he is the Son of God. With this authority he gives them a mandate to make the whole world Christian by baptism and teaching. In carrying out the commission, he assures them that he will be with them. Though he leaves the earth, he will still be with them in their hearts and minds.
Gospel:
John 3:16-18 (RC)
God's cosmic love.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 8 (C) - "How majestic is your name in all the earth (v. 1)."
Psalm 150 (E) - "Let everything that breathes praise the Lord (v. 6)."
Psalm 29 (L) - "Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name (v. 2)."
Psalm 3:52-56 (RC) - "You are blest, Lord God of our fathers."
Prayer Of The Day
"Almighty and ever-living God, you have given us grace, by the confession of the true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity and, in the power of your divine majesty, to worship the unity. Keep us steadfast in that faith and worship and bring us at last to see you in your eternal glory, one God, now and forever."
Hymn Of The Day
"Father, Most Holy, Merciful and Tender"
Theme Of The Day: You And The Trinity
Lesson 1 - You were created by God the Father.
Gospel - You were baptized in the name of the Trinity.
Lesson 2 - You were blessed by the persons of the Trinity.
The Trinity is foremost in today's Lessons and Propers. The Hymn and Prayer deal with the Trinity. Lesson 1 gives the work of the first person of the Trinity. The Apostles are to baptize in the name of the Trinity. In Lesson 2 Paul pronounces a trinitarian blessing.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel:
Matthew 28:16-20
1. Mountain. Jesus directed his disciples to meet him on a mountain in Galilee. The place was significant. It was in Galilee, the place of his ministry. As it began and continued in Galilee, it would complete the circle to end it there. It was on a mountain where great spiritual experiences took place: Sinai, Sermon on the Mount, transfiguration, Calvary and now the ascension. There is something about a mountain that harmonizes with a religious experience
- solitude, stability, elevation. This last climb to the top of a mountain was but the begin-fling for the disciples who received the great commission to win the world.
2. Doubted. This was the only time, according to Matthew, that the disciples saw the risen Jesus. They worshiped him but some doubted. Can one worship and doubt at the same time? Doubt may mean questioning. Some, while adoring Christ, may have asked, "Is this the same person who hung on the cross?" or "What kind of a body does he have that he can suddenly appear on this mountain?" As long as we have minds, while our hearts worship, our minds will be asking questions of that which we worship.
3. Authority. Jesus claims to have all authority or power. It was given to him by his Father. This reminds us of his divine sonship, the second person to win the world, to baptize, and to command. It is by his authority that disciples today can say, "Your sins are forgiven."
4. Baptizing. People are brought into God's kingdom through baptism. Entrance into the kingdom is not by a subjective and emotional experience or by a declaration to accept Christ. Baptism is the act of inclusion, incorporation or introduction into the name of the triune God - into the name or nature or being of God. This introduction is not into a segment of God but into the fullness of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
5. Teaching. The world is to be won by baptizing and teaching. Without teaching, entrance into the kingdom may be only a ritual or a fleeting feeling. The mind as well as the heart is dedicated to God. The lack of teaching of new members may be a major cause of the church's heavy dropout rate. Teaching is necessary for understanding the nature and implications of baptism: the nature of God, the work of Christ, the meaning of sin, the will of God and the nature of the church. Teaching and baptism should be inseparable partners in the making of a Christian.
Lesson 1: Genesis 1:1-2:4a
1. Created (v. 1). Is God the Father finished creating the universe? An alternate translation says, "When God began to create (v. 1)." The creation continues. Astronomers report the birth of new stars. Through volcanic action, new islands appear. God continues creating by providing for us year after year the great harvests.
2. Said (vv. 3, 6, 9, 14, 20, 24, 26, 29). How did the Father do this gargantuan task? What power? What instruments? He did it by the power of his Word. "And God said, 'Let there be light' and there was light." His Word is still creating today. New creatures are made when the Word is heard and accepted.
3. Good (vv. 13, 18, 25, 31). God made no junk! He made every part of the universe including humanity very good. Matter, the world, the human body, even snakes are inherently good as God made it. Sin has corrupted, abused and polluted the good earth.
Lesson 2: 2 Corinthians 13:11-14
1. Farewell (v. 11). There is a time to leave. As he closes his letter, Paul has some final words to say. They may be his last. If so, last words are exceedingly important, because there may be no other words to come. This is Paul's valedictory - a word of farewell and well-being. Since these are Paul's last words to the Corinthian church, we take special note of them.
2. With (v. 14). Here we have the love of the Father, the grace of the Son and the fellowship of the Spirit. So what? They are to be "with" us as possessions and personal realities. To have these is to have all. To have the presence of the Trinity in your life is to be truly blessed.
3. All (v. 14). It is not a southern "y'all" in terms of a customary or traditional way of including everyone. Paul would have all people to experience the blessing of the triune God. Christianity is a universal religion for all creatures of God. The gospel is not for the elite only. The church is not meant to be an upper class ghetto. As God sends rain on all people, the blessing of God is for all peoples just as his house is a house of prayer for all peoples.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Preaching The Trinity
Trinity Sunday may be called "God Sunday." It is a day of the church year to discuss the nature of God as one God in three persons. This may lead to a doctrinal sermon with emphasis on teaching. Since this is usually difficult to make interesting and practical, the preacher may be tempted to dodge the challenge. If the preacher is true to the Lesson, the Trinity cannot be avoided. Except for Lesson 1, the Trinity is very much in evidence.
THREE LESSONS
Genesis 1:1-2:4a; 2 Corinthians 13:11-13; Matthew 28:16-20
A God for Others
Need: Our people need to see, understand and respond to the fullness of God as represented in the Trinity. In a threefold way God is always working in our behalf, for he loves us.
Outline: What the triune God does for us.
a. God the Father created us - Lesson 1.
b. God the Son commissions us - Gospel.
c. God the Father, Son and Spirit blesses us - Lesson 2.
Gospel:
Matthew 28:16-20 (C, E, L)
1. A Whole God for the Whole World! 28:16-20
Need: In the Great Commission Jesus takes a world view of his mission. He sends his disciples out to win all nations by bringing them into a relationship with the whole diety: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. A single Christian often sees only his congregation. A local congregation sees only its community. People need to see that Christianity is a worldwide movement. In like manner, we seldom deal with the whole Trinity. Usually we deal with Christ only to the neglect of Father and Spirit. The sermon wants to get across that it will take the whole person to bring the whole God to the whole world.
Outline: The wholeness of our religion -
a. The whole world for a whole God - v. 19.
1. The task - "all nations."
2. Authority to win the world - v. 18.
3. Methods - baptizing and teaching - vv. 19, 20.
b. The whole God for the whole world - v. 19.
1. Father - creator.
2. Son - redeemer.
3. Spirit - sanctifier.
2. The Trinity in Your Life. 28:19
Need: A Christian begins his religious life by being baptized in the name of the Trinity. Each person of the Trinity has a vital part in his life. It needs to be shown that the Trinity is not only a doctrine for theologians but a very practical experience in the daily lives of ordinary people. The sermon should answer the question, "What's the Trinity got to do with my life?"
Outline: The Trinity operates in your life.
a. God the Father made you.
b. God the Son redeemed you.
c. God the Spirit improves you.
Gospel:
John 3:16-18 (RC)
When You Say John 3:16, You've Said It All! John 3:16
Need: There are times when we need to get everything together in a simple, small package. Can that be done with the 66 books of the Bible and the massive volume of church teachings? Luther called John 3:16 "the little Bible." It is probably the best known and the most often quoted verse in the Bible. A sermon on this great text can add up the sum of all that we know and believe about God and our salvation.
Outline: John 3:16 says it all -
a. The nature of God - "God so loved."
b. The object of God's love - "the world."
c. The purpose of God's love - "may have eternal life."
d. The universality of God's love - "whosoever believes in him."
Lesson 1: Genesis 1:1-2:4a (C); Genesis 1:1-2:3 (E, L)
Somebody out of Nobody
Need: Every person sooner or later asks, "Who am I?" or "Where did I come from?" or "Who made me?" Some are suffering from a lack of self-esteem. Often people are treated like animals. What is the basis for human dignity? We find answers in the creation story.
Outline: How God creates a somebody out of a nobody -
a. He created something out of nothing - v. 2.
b. He created you in his image - v. 26.
c. He made you good - v. 3 1.
d. He made you the crown of his creation - v. 28.
Lesson 1: Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9 (RC)
One More Time! Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9
Need: We blew it in Eden! Again we blew it on Mount Sinai. Again on Mount Calvary. How many times do we get to start anew with God when we have sinned? In today's pericope, God gives his people another chance. The Israelites worshiped a golden calf and the tablets of the commandments were broken. Now there are two new tablets and God forgives. Since we sin repeatedly, we need to know that if we repent, God will forgive one more time.
Outline: One more time -
a. The commandments are renewed - v. 4.
b. We learn of God's love and faithfulness - v. 6.
c. We respond with worship and prayer - vv. 8, 9.
Lesson 2: 2 Corinthians 13:11-13
1. A Total God's Total Blessing. 13:14
Need: A popular book of our time is titled The Total Woman. It is obviously saying that females should be all woman, not half or part man. When it comes to God, we, too, want God to be all God. We want his whole truth and compassion. When we pray, we want his full attention. In this text, we have a total God in terms of the Trinity and the total blessing of God.
Outline: In this text we have -
a. A total God: Christ, God, Spirit - v. 14.
b. A total God's complete favor: grace, love, fellowship - v. 14.
2. If This Were Your Last Sermon. 13:11-14
Need: Occasionally, Sunday's sermon is the last sermon a person hears. On the way home from church, a man had a heart attack. He was rushed to intensive care. Before next Sunday, he was dead and buried. Each sermon may be the last one for someone. The preacher could say with Paul, "Finally, brethren, farewell." What would a preacher want to say for the last time? What would a worshiper want to hear for the last time?
Outline: What we finally need to hear.
a. God the Son died for us - "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ."
b. God the Father loves us - "the love of God."
c. God the Spirit is with us - "the fellowship of the Holy Spirit."
God the Father created the universe. In this first of two creation accounts, God, the first person of the Trinity, causes the entire universe to come into existence with humankind, made in God's image, as the crown of creation. How did he do it? By the power of his Word. How did he feel about his work? It was good.
Lesson 1: Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9 (RC)
God gives his people another chance.
Lesson 2: 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 (C, RC); 2 Corinthians 13:(5-1O) 11-14 (E); 2 Corinthians
13:11-14 (L)
Paul concludes his ethical exhortations with a trinitarian benediction. Paul is having trouble with the Corinthian church. Unless they straighten out, on his third visit, he threatens them with severity. To avoid the unpleasant visit, he urges them to examine themselves to see if they have the true faith and urges them to love each other and to be at peace. He caps it off with the trinitarian benediction. Though they may be difficult, he wishes for them the full blessing of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Gospel:
Matthew 28:16-20 (C, E, L)
At the time of his ascension, Jesus gives his disciples the Great Commission to win the world in the name of the Trinity. Before leaving earth, Jesus meets with his disciples for the last time. He reminds them that he has all authority, the very authority of God, for he is the Son of God. With this authority he gives them a mandate to make the whole world Christian by baptism and teaching. In carrying out the commission, he assures them that he will be with them. Though he leaves the earth, he will still be with them in their hearts and minds.
Gospel:
John 3:16-18 (RC)
God's cosmic love.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 8 (C) - "How majestic is your name in all the earth (v. 1)."
Psalm 150 (E) - "Let everything that breathes praise the Lord (v. 6)."
Psalm 29 (L) - "Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name (v. 2)."
Psalm 3:52-56 (RC) - "You are blest, Lord God of our fathers."
Prayer Of The Day
"Almighty and ever-living God, you have given us grace, by the confession of the true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity and, in the power of your divine majesty, to worship the unity. Keep us steadfast in that faith and worship and bring us at last to see you in your eternal glory, one God, now and forever."
Hymn Of The Day
"Father, Most Holy, Merciful and Tender"
Theme Of The Day: You And The Trinity
Lesson 1 - You were created by God the Father.
Gospel - You were baptized in the name of the Trinity.
Lesson 2 - You were blessed by the persons of the Trinity.
The Trinity is foremost in today's Lessons and Propers. The Hymn and Prayer deal with the Trinity. Lesson 1 gives the work of the first person of the Trinity. The Apostles are to baptize in the name of the Trinity. In Lesson 2 Paul pronounces a trinitarian blessing.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel:
Matthew 28:16-20
1. Mountain. Jesus directed his disciples to meet him on a mountain in Galilee. The place was significant. It was in Galilee, the place of his ministry. As it began and continued in Galilee, it would complete the circle to end it there. It was on a mountain where great spiritual experiences took place: Sinai, Sermon on the Mount, transfiguration, Calvary and now the ascension. There is something about a mountain that harmonizes with a religious experience
- solitude, stability, elevation. This last climb to the top of a mountain was but the begin-fling for the disciples who received the great commission to win the world.
2. Doubted. This was the only time, according to Matthew, that the disciples saw the risen Jesus. They worshiped him but some doubted. Can one worship and doubt at the same time? Doubt may mean questioning. Some, while adoring Christ, may have asked, "Is this the same person who hung on the cross?" or "What kind of a body does he have that he can suddenly appear on this mountain?" As long as we have minds, while our hearts worship, our minds will be asking questions of that which we worship.
3. Authority. Jesus claims to have all authority or power. It was given to him by his Father. This reminds us of his divine sonship, the second person to win the world, to baptize, and to command. It is by his authority that disciples today can say, "Your sins are forgiven."
4. Baptizing. People are brought into God's kingdom through baptism. Entrance into the kingdom is not by a subjective and emotional experience or by a declaration to accept Christ. Baptism is the act of inclusion, incorporation or introduction into the name of the triune God - into the name or nature or being of God. This introduction is not into a segment of God but into the fullness of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
5. Teaching. The world is to be won by baptizing and teaching. Without teaching, entrance into the kingdom may be only a ritual or a fleeting feeling. The mind as well as the heart is dedicated to God. The lack of teaching of new members may be a major cause of the church's heavy dropout rate. Teaching is necessary for understanding the nature and implications of baptism: the nature of God, the work of Christ, the meaning of sin, the will of God and the nature of the church. Teaching and baptism should be inseparable partners in the making of a Christian.
Lesson 1: Genesis 1:1-2:4a
1. Created (v. 1). Is God the Father finished creating the universe? An alternate translation says, "When God began to create (v. 1)." The creation continues. Astronomers report the birth of new stars. Through volcanic action, new islands appear. God continues creating by providing for us year after year the great harvests.
2. Said (vv. 3, 6, 9, 14, 20, 24, 26, 29). How did the Father do this gargantuan task? What power? What instruments? He did it by the power of his Word. "And God said, 'Let there be light' and there was light." His Word is still creating today. New creatures are made when the Word is heard and accepted.
3. Good (vv. 13, 18, 25, 31). God made no junk! He made every part of the universe including humanity very good. Matter, the world, the human body, even snakes are inherently good as God made it. Sin has corrupted, abused and polluted the good earth.
Lesson 2: 2 Corinthians 13:11-14
1. Farewell (v. 11). There is a time to leave. As he closes his letter, Paul has some final words to say. They may be his last. If so, last words are exceedingly important, because there may be no other words to come. This is Paul's valedictory - a word of farewell and well-being. Since these are Paul's last words to the Corinthian church, we take special note of them.
2. With (v. 14). Here we have the love of the Father, the grace of the Son and the fellowship of the Spirit. So what? They are to be "with" us as possessions and personal realities. To have these is to have all. To have the presence of the Trinity in your life is to be truly blessed.
3. All (v. 14). It is not a southern "y'all" in terms of a customary or traditional way of including everyone. Paul would have all people to experience the blessing of the triune God. Christianity is a universal religion for all creatures of God. The gospel is not for the elite only. The church is not meant to be an upper class ghetto. As God sends rain on all people, the blessing of God is for all peoples just as his house is a house of prayer for all peoples.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Preaching The Trinity
Trinity Sunday may be called "God Sunday." It is a day of the church year to discuss the nature of God as one God in three persons. This may lead to a doctrinal sermon with emphasis on teaching. Since this is usually difficult to make interesting and practical, the preacher may be tempted to dodge the challenge. If the preacher is true to the Lesson, the Trinity cannot be avoided. Except for Lesson 1, the Trinity is very much in evidence.
THREE LESSONS
Genesis 1:1-2:4a; 2 Corinthians 13:11-13; Matthew 28:16-20
A God for Others
Need: Our people need to see, understand and respond to the fullness of God as represented in the Trinity. In a threefold way God is always working in our behalf, for he loves us.
Outline: What the triune God does for us.
a. God the Father created us - Lesson 1.
b. God the Son commissions us - Gospel.
c. God the Father, Son and Spirit blesses us - Lesson 2.
Gospel:
Matthew 28:16-20 (C, E, L)
1. A Whole God for the Whole World! 28:16-20
Need: In the Great Commission Jesus takes a world view of his mission. He sends his disciples out to win all nations by bringing them into a relationship with the whole diety: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. A single Christian often sees only his congregation. A local congregation sees only its community. People need to see that Christianity is a worldwide movement. In like manner, we seldom deal with the whole Trinity. Usually we deal with Christ only to the neglect of Father and Spirit. The sermon wants to get across that it will take the whole person to bring the whole God to the whole world.
Outline: The wholeness of our religion -
a. The whole world for a whole God - v. 19.
1. The task - "all nations."
2. Authority to win the world - v. 18.
3. Methods - baptizing and teaching - vv. 19, 20.
b. The whole God for the whole world - v. 19.
1. Father - creator.
2. Son - redeemer.
3. Spirit - sanctifier.
2. The Trinity in Your Life. 28:19
Need: A Christian begins his religious life by being baptized in the name of the Trinity. Each person of the Trinity has a vital part in his life. It needs to be shown that the Trinity is not only a doctrine for theologians but a very practical experience in the daily lives of ordinary people. The sermon should answer the question, "What's the Trinity got to do with my life?"
Outline: The Trinity operates in your life.
a. God the Father made you.
b. God the Son redeemed you.
c. God the Spirit improves you.
Gospel:
John 3:16-18 (RC)
When You Say John 3:16, You've Said It All! John 3:16
Need: There are times when we need to get everything together in a simple, small package. Can that be done with the 66 books of the Bible and the massive volume of church teachings? Luther called John 3:16 "the little Bible." It is probably the best known and the most often quoted verse in the Bible. A sermon on this great text can add up the sum of all that we know and believe about God and our salvation.
Outline: John 3:16 says it all -
a. The nature of God - "God so loved."
b. The object of God's love - "the world."
c. The purpose of God's love - "may have eternal life."
d. The universality of God's love - "whosoever believes in him."
Lesson 1: Genesis 1:1-2:4a (C); Genesis 1:1-2:3 (E, L)
Somebody out of Nobody
Need: Every person sooner or later asks, "Who am I?" or "Where did I come from?" or "Who made me?" Some are suffering from a lack of self-esteem. Often people are treated like animals. What is the basis for human dignity? We find answers in the creation story.
Outline: How God creates a somebody out of a nobody -
a. He created something out of nothing - v. 2.
b. He created you in his image - v. 26.
c. He made you good - v. 3 1.
d. He made you the crown of his creation - v. 28.
Lesson 1: Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9 (RC)
One More Time! Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9
Need: We blew it in Eden! Again we blew it on Mount Sinai. Again on Mount Calvary. How many times do we get to start anew with God when we have sinned? In today's pericope, God gives his people another chance. The Israelites worshiped a golden calf and the tablets of the commandments were broken. Now there are two new tablets and God forgives. Since we sin repeatedly, we need to know that if we repent, God will forgive one more time.
Outline: One more time -
a. The commandments are renewed - v. 4.
b. We learn of God's love and faithfulness - v. 6.
c. We respond with worship and prayer - vv. 8, 9.
Lesson 2: 2 Corinthians 13:11-13
1. A Total God's Total Blessing. 13:14
Need: A popular book of our time is titled The Total Woman. It is obviously saying that females should be all woman, not half or part man. When it comes to God, we, too, want God to be all God. We want his whole truth and compassion. When we pray, we want his full attention. In this text, we have a total God in terms of the Trinity and the total blessing of God.
Outline: In this text we have -
a. A total God: Christ, God, Spirit - v. 14.
b. A total God's complete favor: grace, love, fellowship - v. 14.
2. If This Were Your Last Sermon. 13:11-14
Need: Occasionally, Sunday's sermon is the last sermon a person hears. On the way home from church, a man had a heart attack. He was rushed to intensive care. Before next Sunday, he was dead and buried. Each sermon may be the last one for someone. The preacher could say with Paul, "Finally, brethren, farewell." What would a preacher want to say for the last time? What would a worshiper want to hear for the last time?
Outline: What we finally need to hear.
a. God the Son died for us - "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ."
b. God the Father loves us - "the love of God."
c. God the Spirit is with us - "the fellowship of the Holy Spirit."
