Proper 15 (C, E)
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VI, Cycle B
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 (C)
Solomon asks God for ñan understanding mind.'' Also, he wants to be able to discern good from evil among the people. God is so impressed with Solomon and the fact that he didnÍt ask for personal benefits, he gives him those as well. Although Solomon awakens to find this was a dream, it was still a valid transaction with God inasmuch as the ancients believed that dreams are one means by which God communicates. Clearly, we have a high moral plane here. Furthermore, SolomonÍs modest requests lead God to urge him to expect more than he currently expects from God so long as Solomon is faithful. Good thought for a sermon.
Lesson 1: Proverbs 9:1-6 (RC, E)
Lesson 2: Ephesians 5:15-20 (C, RC, E)
Paul is contrasting two kinds of gatherings: drinking parties and Christian church gatherings. He refers to the pagans as being filled with the spirit which wine supplies, then compares that to the Spirit which Christ supplies. Then he describes the nature of a church service: use hymns and other forms of liturgy, give praise to God, and be grateful for everything in life.
Gospel: John 6:51-58 (C, RC); John 6:53-59 (E)
You and I know that this is figurative language. I donÍt believe Jesus ever said these words. He may have said something which, when translated from the Aramaic into Greek into English, came out this way. But to use this passage as is would almost certainly have a negative effect on all but the most knowledgeable and devout Christian. It sounds like cannibalism with unfortunate double entendre overtones. I presume some of us may still use this for a sermon on Communion/Mass, but I would use other passages for that sermon. Instead, I would consider a sermon on The Bible: How to read it and find its power.
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: ñPrayer And The Generosity of God''
Text: 1 Kings 3:5-12
Theme: Solomon was known as a wise man. This is evident in his prayer dream. He did not ask God for any of the trappings of wealth or greatness. He sought only the wisdom by which to govern his people wisely and justly. Having recently assumed his kingship from David, his father, he was obviously sincere in desiring to be a good King.
1. Solomon asked for wisdom and a just mind. Our prayers come from deep within us and our actual motivations are known to God (see Epistle passage). The more we pray for the good of others and for qualities of life which are those taught by Jesus, the more appreciative God will probably be.
2. God gave Solomon what he asked for, and more besides. This doesnÍt mean God will give us wealth or fame. It does mean, however, that God will enable us to do our lifeÍs work well and with honor. If it so happens that such endeavors result in wealth and/or fame, I donÍt think God will disapprove of that. The measure lies in what we do with those benefits of prayer.
3. God told Solomon he would answer his prayers because he asked. So often, we hesitate for one reason or another. IsnÍt it interesting how many of us will devote hours to physical exercise, spend hours per week socializing with friends, more hours in front of television or at some other leisure activity, but find little or no time for worship and prayer? Yet it is there that our hope lies for a rich, productive life.
Title: ñIs There Life On Sunday Morning?'' or ñPartners In Preaching''
Text: Ephesians 5:15-20
Theme: (Or on those other occasions when a service of worship is being celebrated.) In preparation for the writing of this book, I have begun attending a variety of churches, including a well-known mega-church, several mainline churches, two Roman Catholic churches, as well as tuning in at times on radio or television. Truth to tell, while there are some fulfilling worship services, there are a great many which are not. (Of course my reader is among those whose church worship is fulfilling.) Nonetheless, it behooves us to be ever vigilant to avoid certain excesses. Before suggesting my idea of this sermon, allow me to confide to you the things which I feel can spoil worship, and which many of my lay friends dislike as barriers to true worship. One is too much music. Probably the most talented person in many large churches is the music director. But many of those blessed souls will provide an hour of music if allowed. Stop them. Second, announcements. Maybe, if yours is a very small community church and everyone present is interested in knowing the time of the speech on quilting, and the youthÍs car wash, and the seniorsÍ trip to Louisville. But thank you very much, I came to worship and would prefer to have all those things printed and made available to anyone who is interested. Once everyone realizes you are not going to do homey announcements, theyÍll carefully read their bulletins if theyÍre interested. If you hope to win new members, itÍs best not to bore them to death even before the service is started.
Non-worship events also intrude. Introducing members of the youth group who just returned from Arizona (unless, of course, my child was there), reporting on in-house activities „ why not have a regularly scheduled town meeting, as it were, for those who are interested? True worship should feature singing, Bible reading, astoundingly good preaching, fervent prayer, and a time limit. Traditions vary, I realize. As a Methodist, I urge that these days fifty minutes is ideal, 55 permissible but maximum. One other thing: be sure your church has superb facilities for babies and small children, then urge parents to use those facilities. Few things can totally break the spell of worship like a noisy child (and I love children). But IÍd like to get my hands on the famous minister, whoever he was, who is quoted as saying, ñAny time I canÍt preach louder than a baby cries, IÍll quit preaching.''
Now, having delivered myself of some biases about worship, I suggest speaking on the role of worship in our religious life, on the responsibilities of the church staff, and on the responsibilities of those who worship.
1. Worship can fill us with inward power, and can inspire our week.
2. Ministers, musicians, and other staff have a profound responsibility to do everything having to do with worship with maximum spiritual sincerity, and professional excellence.
3. Worshipers have some responsibilities too.
a. Pray for those who lead, and for openness to the word and the Spirit.
b. Maintain the atmosphere of worship. Children in the nursery. No jangling change in your pockets during hymns, guys. No whispered conversations from the invocation on (save it for brunch after church).
c. Join in the singing and the prayers and liturgy.
d. Come to church prepared for worship. Start in plenty of time, so everyone isnÍt frazzled as they dash across the parking lot. In fact, a few moments of quiet prayerful preparation before leaving for church can do wonders.
Title: ñThe Things That YouÍre Liable To Read In The Bible''
Text: John 6:51-58
Theme: ñ... they ainÍt necessarily so.'' Of course I believe wholeheartedly in the Bible, but I also believe one must learn to read the Bible critically, in the best sense of that word. It is important to be reminded that the gem of biblical truth is embedded in the thought forms and ideas of nearly 2,000 years past. Language has changed again and again. While the scriptures are frequently retranslated to allow for these changes, there are certain limits to that. There are many passages which must be understood in light of the changed world. I think, for instance, of PaulÍs words in Ephesians 6:15-20, where he seems to take slavery for granted. Or this passage in John in which we find thought forms totally foreign to our way of speaking and thinking today. While we could preach on Communion/Mass, in which case we would have to do some demythologizing, IÍm inclined to find in this an opportunity to tell my people how to go home and read their Bibles without getting hopelessly confused by language peculiarities, antique world view (ascending and descending people like Jacob), Jewish role definitions of the time, and so forth.
1. Start with a Gospel, preferably Mark. Use a modern version inasmuch as the King James Version is hard for us today to understand. I was in a motel room the other night and used a Gideon Bible. I couldnÍt help but think how sad it is that those dear folks donÍt use a modern translation so that the lonely, depressed recovering alcoholic or contemplated suicide can find quick understanding. I tried to read PaulÍs letter to the Philippians and had real trouble understanding.
2. Underline passages which speak to you. As one theologian put the matter, some passages will have to be marked ñawaiting further light.'' If one encounters a passage which doesnÍt make sense, pass on to one which does. Later understanding will make some of those difficult passages clear on later readings.
3. Pray in preparation to read. God works through the Bible in reaching people and will guide the process of reading.
4. Be ready for Jewish teaching methods. Jesus frequently used exaggeration to emphasize a point, a technique quite familiar to his audience but sometimes misleading to a present-day reader. For example, he spoke of a camel passing through the eye of a needle (Matthew 19:24). He warned that a man might very well be wise to cut off his hand rather than commit some wrong with that hand, thereby incurring dire punishment (Matthew 5:30). Keep in mind that Jesus, according to the custom of Jewish teaching, taught by use of stories, often called parables. These are not stories to be interpreted literally. Rather, theyÍre stories, probably made up, to make a central point.
5. Consider keeping a journal, listing questions which may be asked of the pastor or someone else conversant with the Bible.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
IÍm assured this actually happened. A choir processional had begun in a small church. It so happened that the heating system included a cold air duct in the middle of the center aisle. Most members were aware of this and stepped gingerly over the metal grate. However, as the choir processed, one lady in high heels stepped on the grate and as she moved forward, her foot came out of her shoe. With lightning reflexes, the man behind her reached down and expertly picked up the shoe. Unfortunately, he also picked up the grate. The next man thereafter disappeared into the heating system (I suppose there is a bit of exaggeration there at the end).
____________
ñBut it is above all through the Bible, the book of the Word revealed and incarnate, that God speaks, and personal contact with him is established. And when it is established, Bible-reading is no longer an irksome effort to solve an enigma as to absorb general precepts. It becomes a personal dialogue in which the least word touches us personally.''
„ Paul Tournier in The Meaning Of Persons
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 111 (C) „ ñPraise the Lord.''
Psalm 33 (RC) „ ñRejoice in the Lord.''
Psalm 147 (E) „ ñPraise the Lord.''
Prayer Of The Day
Eternal God, source of love, promiser of strength for all occasions, we come to you in hope for opened minds and hearts, that we might better hear the word you would speak to us, might better understand the way you would have us go, might more fully fulfill the mission for which we were created. In ChristÍs holy name we pray. Amen.
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 (C)
Solomon asks God for ñan understanding mind.'' Also, he wants to be able to discern good from evil among the people. God is so impressed with Solomon and the fact that he didnÍt ask for personal benefits, he gives him those as well. Although Solomon awakens to find this was a dream, it was still a valid transaction with God inasmuch as the ancients believed that dreams are one means by which God communicates. Clearly, we have a high moral plane here. Furthermore, SolomonÍs modest requests lead God to urge him to expect more than he currently expects from God so long as Solomon is faithful. Good thought for a sermon.
Lesson 1: Proverbs 9:1-6 (RC, E)
Lesson 2: Ephesians 5:15-20 (C, RC, E)
Paul is contrasting two kinds of gatherings: drinking parties and Christian church gatherings. He refers to the pagans as being filled with the spirit which wine supplies, then compares that to the Spirit which Christ supplies. Then he describes the nature of a church service: use hymns and other forms of liturgy, give praise to God, and be grateful for everything in life.
Gospel: John 6:51-58 (C, RC); John 6:53-59 (E)
You and I know that this is figurative language. I donÍt believe Jesus ever said these words. He may have said something which, when translated from the Aramaic into Greek into English, came out this way. But to use this passage as is would almost certainly have a negative effect on all but the most knowledgeable and devout Christian. It sounds like cannibalism with unfortunate double entendre overtones. I presume some of us may still use this for a sermon on Communion/Mass, but I would use other passages for that sermon. Instead, I would consider a sermon on The Bible: How to read it and find its power.
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: ñPrayer And The Generosity of God''
Text: 1 Kings 3:5-12
Theme: Solomon was known as a wise man. This is evident in his prayer dream. He did not ask God for any of the trappings of wealth or greatness. He sought only the wisdom by which to govern his people wisely and justly. Having recently assumed his kingship from David, his father, he was obviously sincere in desiring to be a good King.
1. Solomon asked for wisdom and a just mind. Our prayers come from deep within us and our actual motivations are known to God (see Epistle passage). The more we pray for the good of others and for qualities of life which are those taught by Jesus, the more appreciative God will probably be.
2. God gave Solomon what he asked for, and more besides. This doesnÍt mean God will give us wealth or fame. It does mean, however, that God will enable us to do our lifeÍs work well and with honor. If it so happens that such endeavors result in wealth and/or fame, I donÍt think God will disapprove of that. The measure lies in what we do with those benefits of prayer.
3. God told Solomon he would answer his prayers because he asked. So often, we hesitate for one reason or another. IsnÍt it interesting how many of us will devote hours to physical exercise, spend hours per week socializing with friends, more hours in front of television or at some other leisure activity, but find little or no time for worship and prayer? Yet it is there that our hope lies for a rich, productive life.
Title: ñIs There Life On Sunday Morning?'' or ñPartners In Preaching''
Text: Ephesians 5:15-20
Theme: (Or on those other occasions when a service of worship is being celebrated.) In preparation for the writing of this book, I have begun attending a variety of churches, including a well-known mega-church, several mainline churches, two Roman Catholic churches, as well as tuning in at times on radio or television. Truth to tell, while there are some fulfilling worship services, there are a great many which are not. (Of course my reader is among those whose church worship is fulfilling.) Nonetheless, it behooves us to be ever vigilant to avoid certain excesses. Before suggesting my idea of this sermon, allow me to confide to you the things which I feel can spoil worship, and which many of my lay friends dislike as barriers to true worship. One is too much music. Probably the most talented person in many large churches is the music director. But many of those blessed souls will provide an hour of music if allowed. Stop them. Second, announcements. Maybe, if yours is a very small community church and everyone present is interested in knowing the time of the speech on quilting, and the youthÍs car wash, and the seniorsÍ trip to Louisville. But thank you very much, I came to worship and would prefer to have all those things printed and made available to anyone who is interested. Once everyone realizes you are not going to do homey announcements, theyÍll carefully read their bulletins if theyÍre interested. If you hope to win new members, itÍs best not to bore them to death even before the service is started.
Non-worship events also intrude. Introducing members of the youth group who just returned from Arizona (unless, of course, my child was there), reporting on in-house activities „ why not have a regularly scheduled town meeting, as it were, for those who are interested? True worship should feature singing, Bible reading, astoundingly good preaching, fervent prayer, and a time limit. Traditions vary, I realize. As a Methodist, I urge that these days fifty minutes is ideal, 55 permissible but maximum. One other thing: be sure your church has superb facilities for babies and small children, then urge parents to use those facilities. Few things can totally break the spell of worship like a noisy child (and I love children). But IÍd like to get my hands on the famous minister, whoever he was, who is quoted as saying, ñAny time I canÍt preach louder than a baby cries, IÍll quit preaching.''
Now, having delivered myself of some biases about worship, I suggest speaking on the role of worship in our religious life, on the responsibilities of the church staff, and on the responsibilities of those who worship.
1. Worship can fill us with inward power, and can inspire our week.
2. Ministers, musicians, and other staff have a profound responsibility to do everything having to do with worship with maximum spiritual sincerity, and professional excellence.
3. Worshipers have some responsibilities too.
a. Pray for those who lead, and for openness to the word and the Spirit.
b. Maintain the atmosphere of worship. Children in the nursery. No jangling change in your pockets during hymns, guys. No whispered conversations from the invocation on (save it for brunch after church).
c. Join in the singing and the prayers and liturgy.
d. Come to church prepared for worship. Start in plenty of time, so everyone isnÍt frazzled as they dash across the parking lot. In fact, a few moments of quiet prayerful preparation before leaving for church can do wonders.
Title: ñThe Things That YouÍre Liable To Read In The Bible''
Text: John 6:51-58
Theme: ñ... they ainÍt necessarily so.'' Of course I believe wholeheartedly in the Bible, but I also believe one must learn to read the Bible critically, in the best sense of that word. It is important to be reminded that the gem of biblical truth is embedded in the thought forms and ideas of nearly 2,000 years past. Language has changed again and again. While the scriptures are frequently retranslated to allow for these changes, there are certain limits to that. There are many passages which must be understood in light of the changed world. I think, for instance, of PaulÍs words in Ephesians 6:15-20, where he seems to take slavery for granted. Or this passage in John in which we find thought forms totally foreign to our way of speaking and thinking today. While we could preach on Communion/Mass, in which case we would have to do some demythologizing, IÍm inclined to find in this an opportunity to tell my people how to go home and read their Bibles without getting hopelessly confused by language peculiarities, antique world view (ascending and descending people like Jacob), Jewish role definitions of the time, and so forth.
1. Start with a Gospel, preferably Mark. Use a modern version inasmuch as the King James Version is hard for us today to understand. I was in a motel room the other night and used a Gideon Bible. I couldnÍt help but think how sad it is that those dear folks donÍt use a modern translation so that the lonely, depressed recovering alcoholic or contemplated suicide can find quick understanding. I tried to read PaulÍs letter to the Philippians and had real trouble understanding.
2. Underline passages which speak to you. As one theologian put the matter, some passages will have to be marked ñawaiting further light.'' If one encounters a passage which doesnÍt make sense, pass on to one which does. Later understanding will make some of those difficult passages clear on later readings.
3. Pray in preparation to read. God works through the Bible in reaching people and will guide the process of reading.
4. Be ready for Jewish teaching methods. Jesus frequently used exaggeration to emphasize a point, a technique quite familiar to his audience but sometimes misleading to a present-day reader. For example, he spoke of a camel passing through the eye of a needle (Matthew 19:24). He warned that a man might very well be wise to cut off his hand rather than commit some wrong with that hand, thereby incurring dire punishment (Matthew 5:30). Keep in mind that Jesus, according to the custom of Jewish teaching, taught by use of stories, often called parables. These are not stories to be interpreted literally. Rather, theyÍre stories, probably made up, to make a central point.
5. Consider keeping a journal, listing questions which may be asked of the pastor or someone else conversant with the Bible.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
IÍm assured this actually happened. A choir processional had begun in a small church. It so happened that the heating system included a cold air duct in the middle of the center aisle. Most members were aware of this and stepped gingerly over the metal grate. However, as the choir processed, one lady in high heels stepped on the grate and as she moved forward, her foot came out of her shoe. With lightning reflexes, the man behind her reached down and expertly picked up the shoe. Unfortunately, he also picked up the grate. The next man thereafter disappeared into the heating system (I suppose there is a bit of exaggeration there at the end).
____________
ñBut it is above all through the Bible, the book of the Word revealed and incarnate, that God speaks, and personal contact with him is established. And when it is established, Bible-reading is no longer an irksome effort to solve an enigma as to absorb general precepts. It becomes a personal dialogue in which the least word touches us personally.''
„ Paul Tournier in The Meaning Of Persons
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 111 (C) „ ñPraise the Lord.''
Psalm 33 (RC) „ ñRejoice in the Lord.''
Psalm 147 (E) „ ñPraise the Lord.''
Prayer Of The Day
Eternal God, source of love, promiser of strength for all occasions, we come to you in hope for opened minds and hearts, that we might better hear the word you would speak to us, might better understand the way you would have us go, might more fully fulfill the mission for which we were created. In ChristÍs holy name we pray. Amen.
