Proper 16
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series IV
At the completion of the building of the temple, Solomon calls
his people together for its dedication. The ark of the covenant
was placed in the holy of holies. Then Solomon offered a
dedicatory prayer in which he asks God to hear the prayers of the
people as well as the prayers of foreigners.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 6:10-20 (C)
According to tradition Paul wrote Ephesians while in prison.
The presence of a Roman soldier gave an analogy for this
pericope. He sees a Christian as a soldier properly equipped to
do battle with the world. A Christian is in constant conflict
with the world because it is evil. The enemy to be defeated is
spiritual: evil powers, darkness, wickedness. To conquer this
kind of enemy, the Christian warrior needs appropriate spiritual
equipment which Paul describes in terms of a Roman soldier's
equipment. Since the Christian is now equipped for battle, he
goes forth emboldened and empowered by prayer.
Gospel: John 6:56-59 (C)
At the close of the discourse on Jesus as Bread from heaven,
many of Jesus' followers, other than the disciples, found it
impossible to accept his words on his divine origin and the
eating of him for eternal life. If they were offended at the idea
that Jesus came down from heaven, what would they say if they saw
him ascend to heaven? (v. 62) Jesus goes on to explain that his
words of eating his flesh were not to be taken in a materialistic
way -- "flesh is of no avail." (v. 63) His words give spirit and
life. In spite of this explanation, many desert Jesus and as they
leave, Jesus asks the 12 if they also wish to leave. Peter
answers in a confession similar to that at Caesarea Philippi --
"You have the words of eternal life ... you are the holy one of
God."
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 84 (C) -- "How lovely is your dwelling place." (v. 1)
Psalm 16 (E); Psalm 34:15-22 (L)
Prayer Of The Day
"God of all creation, you reach out to call people of all
nations to your kingdom. As you gather disciples from near and
far, count us also among those who boldly confess your Son Jesus
Christ our Lord."
Hymn Of The Day
"Hope Of The World, Thou Christ Of Great Compassion"
232
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: John 6:56-69 (C)
1. Many (v. 60). Jesus had many more disciples than the 12.
There are degrees or levels of discipleship. A disciple is a
learner, one who puts himself under the discipline of the Master.
These disciples were obviously on the periphery of devotion to
Jesus. They were inquirers and not fully convinced. This shallow
type of discipleship causes people to desert Jesus when they
cannot understand the truth of his person.
2. Hard (v. 60). Jesus' sayings that he was from heaven and
that eating him as the bread of life resulted in eternal life
were too much for many. They could not swallow that bread; they
choked on the thought. In every generation there are people who
can go just so far with Jesus -- as a good man, a prophet, a
brilliant teacher, etc. -- but they cannot accept the claim that
he is God's Son and only redeemer of the world.
3. Words (vv. 63, 68). Jesus' words are spirit and life.
Eternal life is not in the physical eating of bread and wine as
his flesh and blood but in his words. Peter declares that Jesus
has the words of eternal life. At another time, Jesus said, "If
you continue in my word, you shall know the truth ..." Words are
as good as the person who speaks them. The speaker is in his
words. Jesus not only speaks words of life, but he himself is the
Word of life and truth.
4. Believe (vv. 64, 69). Why did many leave Jesus? It is
because they did not believe in Jesus. Why did the 12 choose to
remain loyal? Peter answered, "We have believed." (v. 69) Faith
makes one faithful. To come to Jesus is to believe in him. Yet,
we do not come to him unless the Father gives us faith.
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43
1. No God like you (v. 23). There is no God like the God of
Abraham, Moses and David simply because no other God exists. The
false gods cannot compare with Yahweh who in steadfast love made
a covenant with his people.
2. Successor (v. 25). God promised David that a son would
always be king of Israel. That promise was not kept when the city
of Jerusalem was destroyed in 586 B.C. because the people did not
keep the commandments of God. On a spiritual basis the promise
was kept in Jesus, the son of David, who rules as King of kings.
3. Heaven cannot contain you (v. 27). Though the temple was
huge and marvelous, Solomon realizes that God is too big to be
contained in a building. God is beyond all that we think or say.
God cannot be put in a box of our own making.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 6:10-20 (C)
1. Strong (v. 10). Paul urges us to be "strong in the Lord."
Certainly we want to be, but it is not as easy as saying, "Be
strong." How can we be strong in God? The answer is given in the
second part of this verse, "in the strength of his might." Paul
surely is not implying that to be strong all we need to do is
whistle in the dark or flex our muscles to make believe we are
strong. The strength comes from the might of God received by
faith. Power and strength are the gifts of the Spirit of God.
2. Armor (v. 11). A Christian is a soldier of God. He lives in
an evil world which is in constant conflict with the forces of
righteousness. No military person would think of going into
battle without proper equipment. Broom handles are no substitute
for real guns. The kind of armor is determined by the nature of
the fight and the enemy. Paul points out that Christians fight a
spiritual war and consequently must be spiritually equipped. It
is important to note that a Christian's armor is not self-made,
but it is given by God: truth, righteousness, faith and peace.
The armor is for use in fighting. Without a battle, the armor is
useless, burdensome and futile.
3. Sword (v. 17). Sword, spirit, word -- the three belong
together. The Spirit is like a sword. The sword, Paul explains,
is the Word of God. The Spirit identified with the Word in both
its verbal and non-verbal forms. The Spirit does not come to us
apart from the Word. The preaching-teaching of the Word and the
administration of the Word in the
233
sacraments are indispensable to Christian faith and life. The
power of the Word is in the power of the Spirit. Isaiah promises
that the Word will not return void. Luther, in "A Mighty
Fortress," sings "One little word shall fell him." (Satan) The
Word will fight our battles.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Gospel: John 6:56-69 (C)
1. You are free to leave! 6:66-69
Need: Though we have at one time decided to follow Christ and
join the church, we need not feel that "once a Christian, always
a Christian" is a trap. We are free to come to Christ and free to
leave Christ at any time. Christ does not compel us to stay with
him. In a sense Jesus says to us, "There is the door. You may
leave any time you wish." In the text Jesus asks the 12, "Do you
also wish to go away?" We remain with Christ because we want to -
- "Lord, to whom shall we go?"
Outline: You are free to leave Christ.
a. Advantages of leaving --
1. No concern for sin.
2. No church responsibilities.
3. No need to practice Christian principles.
b. Disadvantages of leaving --
1. No one to be your advocate before God the judge.
2. No one to pay the price of your sin.
3. No one to assure you of life eternal.
2. Faith to be faithful. 6:64, 69
Need: It is estimated that in recent years approximately one
million Protestants leave the church annually. In the average
congregation 40 percent of the members are inactive. In some
denominations more members go out the back door than come in the
front door. In his day Jesus faced the loss of followers after
his Bread of Life address. What makes the difference whether a
person is loyal or disloyal? In the text, we find that the key is
faith.
Outline: The key to being faithful to Christ --
a. Lack of faith makes us faithless -- v. 64.
b. Fullness of faith makes us faithful -- v. 69.
3. Wonderful! Words of life. 6:63, 68
Need: In the Bread of Life discourse the people misunderstood
Jesus when he spoke of eating his flesh to gain eternal life. In
this passage Jesus says flesh is of no avail in giving life. His
words give spirit and life. Peter says, "You have the words of
eternal life." Jesus is in his words. He is true to his words,
his spirit is in his words. His words have the authority of God.
It is not the bread and wine of the eucharist that confers
forgiveness but the Word which is enclosed in the bread and wine.
Outline: The wonderful words of Jesus --
a. Words of life.
b. Words of truth.
c. Words of love.
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43
1. How great is God! 8:22-30, 41-43
Need: The tendency is to limit God to our own weaknesses and
prejudices. Is he great enough to transcend our limitations and
faults? Is he great enough to persuade us to expand our
understanding of God?
Outline: The greatness of our God --
a. Greatness of his steadfast love -- v. 23.
b. Greatness of his hearing prayers -- vv. 28-30.
c. Greatness of including foreigners -- vv. 41-43.
234
2. The cause of broken covenants. 8:22-30
Need: Is it God's or people's fault that the covenant with God
is broken? David had a covenant with God and in it God promised
he would always have a member of his family on the throne. When
the nation was destroyed in 586 B.C. and the people were captives
in Babylon, the Davidic line came to an end. Whose fault was it?
Outline: If God's covenant is to remain --
a. We must walk before God with all our hearts -- v. 23.
b. We must walk before God as David did -- v. 25.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 6:10-20 (C)
1. Portraits of a Christian soldier. 6:10-20
Need: We love to sing "Onward, Christian Soldiers," but few of
us picture ourselves as soldiers in the army or navy of the Lord.
We think of ourselves as peace-loving, tolerant people. Paul
wants us to think of ourselves as warriors in conflict with
wickedness. In a world of political corruption, wholesale
dishonesty and moral degradation, there is need for Christians to
start fighting.
Outline: Consider the portrait of a Christian soldier --
a. The enemy Christians face -- vv. 10-12.
b. The equipment Christians wear -- vv. 13-17.
c. The power Christians use -- v. 18.
2. Where do you stand? 6:11, 14
Need: It is expected that a Christian takes a definite and
firm stand on moral and spiritual concerns. A soldier takes a
stand against the enemy. During a battle of the Civil War, a
Confederate soldier pointed to General Jackson and yelled, "Look
at Jackson. He is standing there like a stone wall." From that
time, he was known as "Stonewall Jackson."
Outline: Where do you stand?
a. What do you stand against? -- v. 11.
b. What do you stand for? -- v. 14.
3. To win the battle of life. 6:10-17
Need: For most of us, life is a battle. For a Christian, it is
a constant life-long battle against Satan. We are fighters for
peace, for a good society, for honesty in government, for honor
in sex and for goodwill among nations. Can we overcome the enemy
in our own corner of the world? In this passage Paul gives us the
formula for prevailing against the forces of evil.
Outline: To win the battle of life --
a. Be strong in God -- v. 10.
b. Take a stand for God -- v. 14.
c. Use the sword of God's Spirit -- v. 17.
235
his people together for its dedication. The ark of the covenant
was placed in the holy of holies. Then Solomon offered a
dedicatory prayer in which he asks God to hear the prayers of the
people as well as the prayers of foreigners.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 6:10-20 (C)
According to tradition Paul wrote Ephesians while in prison.
The presence of a Roman soldier gave an analogy for this
pericope. He sees a Christian as a soldier properly equipped to
do battle with the world. A Christian is in constant conflict
with the world because it is evil. The enemy to be defeated is
spiritual: evil powers, darkness, wickedness. To conquer this
kind of enemy, the Christian warrior needs appropriate spiritual
equipment which Paul describes in terms of a Roman soldier's
equipment. Since the Christian is now equipped for battle, he
goes forth emboldened and empowered by prayer.
Gospel: John 6:56-59 (C)
At the close of the discourse on Jesus as Bread from heaven,
many of Jesus' followers, other than the disciples, found it
impossible to accept his words on his divine origin and the
eating of him for eternal life. If they were offended at the idea
that Jesus came down from heaven, what would they say if they saw
him ascend to heaven? (v. 62) Jesus goes on to explain that his
words of eating his flesh were not to be taken in a materialistic
way -- "flesh is of no avail." (v. 63) His words give spirit and
life. In spite of this explanation, many desert Jesus and as they
leave, Jesus asks the 12 if they also wish to leave. Peter
answers in a confession similar to that at Caesarea Philippi --
"You have the words of eternal life ... you are the holy one of
God."
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 84 (C) -- "How lovely is your dwelling place." (v. 1)
Psalm 16 (E); Psalm 34:15-22 (L)
Prayer Of The Day
"God of all creation, you reach out to call people of all
nations to your kingdom. As you gather disciples from near and
far, count us also among those who boldly confess your Son Jesus
Christ our Lord."
Hymn Of The Day
"Hope Of The World, Thou Christ Of Great Compassion"
232
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: John 6:56-69 (C)
1. Many (v. 60). Jesus had many more disciples than the 12.
There are degrees or levels of discipleship. A disciple is a
learner, one who puts himself under the discipline of the Master.
These disciples were obviously on the periphery of devotion to
Jesus. They were inquirers and not fully convinced. This shallow
type of discipleship causes people to desert Jesus when they
cannot understand the truth of his person.
2. Hard (v. 60). Jesus' sayings that he was from heaven and
that eating him as the bread of life resulted in eternal life
were too much for many. They could not swallow that bread; they
choked on the thought. In every generation there are people who
can go just so far with Jesus -- as a good man, a prophet, a
brilliant teacher, etc. -- but they cannot accept the claim that
he is God's Son and only redeemer of the world.
3. Words (vv. 63, 68). Jesus' words are spirit and life.
Eternal life is not in the physical eating of bread and wine as
his flesh and blood but in his words. Peter declares that Jesus
has the words of eternal life. At another time, Jesus said, "If
you continue in my word, you shall know the truth ..." Words are
as good as the person who speaks them. The speaker is in his
words. Jesus not only speaks words of life, but he himself is the
Word of life and truth.
4. Believe (vv. 64, 69). Why did many leave Jesus? It is
because they did not believe in Jesus. Why did the 12 choose to
remain loyal? Peter answered, "We have believed." (v. 69) Faith
makes one faithful. To come to Jesus is to believe in him. Yet,
we do not come to him unless the Father gives us faith.
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43
1. No God like you (v. 23). There is no God like the God of
Abraham, Moses and David simply because no other God exists. The
false gods cannot compare with Yahweh who in steadfast love made
a covenant with his people.
2. Successor (v. 25). God promised David that a son would
always be king of Israel. That promise was not kept when the city
of Jerusalem was destroyed in 586 B.C. because the people did not
keep the commandments of God. On a spiritual basis the promise
was kept in Jesus, the son of David, who rules as King of kings.
3. Heaven cannot contain you (v. 27). Though the temple was
huge and marvelous, Solomon realizes that God is too big to be
contained in a building. God is beyond all that we think or say.
God cannot be put in a box of our own making.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 6:10-20 (C)
1. Strong (v. 10). Paul urges us to be "strong in the Lord."
Certainly we want to be, but it is not as easy as saying, "Be
strong." How can we be strong in God? The answer is given in the
second part of this verse, "in the strength of his might." Paul
surely is not implying that to be strong all we need to do is
whistle in the dark or flex our muscles to make believe we are
strong. The strength comes from the might of God received by
faith. Power and strength are the gifts of the Spirit of God.
2. Armor (v. 11). A Christian is a soldier of God. He lives in
an evil world which is in constant conflict with the forces of
righteousness. No military person would think of going into
battle without proper equipment. Broom handles are no substitute
for real guns. The kind of armor is determined by the nature of
the fight and the enemy. Paul points out that Christians fight a
spiritual war and consequently must be spiritually equipped. It
is important to note that a Christian's armor is not self-made,
but it is given by God: truth, righteousness, faith and peace.
The armor is for use in fighting. Without a battle, the armor is
useless, burdensome and futile.
3. Sword (v. 17). Sword, spirit, word -- the three belong
together. The Spirit is like a sword. The sword, Paul explains,
is the Word of God. The Spirit identified with the Word in both
its verbal and non-verbal forms. The Spirit does not come to us
apart from the Word. The preaching-teaching of the Word and the
administration of the Word in the
233
sacraments are indispensable to Christian faith and life. The
power of the Word is in the power of the Spirit. Isaiah promises
that the Word will not return void. Luther, in "A Mighty
Fortress," sings "One little word shall fell him." (Satan) The
Word will fight our battles.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Gospel: John 6:56-69 (C)
1. You are free to leave! 6:66-69
Need: Though we have at one time decided to follow Christ and
join the church, we need not feel that "once a Christian, always
a Christian" is a trap. We are free to come to Christ and free to
leave Christ at any time. Christ does not compel us to stay with
him. In a sense Jesus says to us, "There is the door. You may
leave any time you wish." In the text Jesus asks the 12, "Do you
also wish to go away?" We remain with Christ because we want to -
- "Lord, to whom shall we go?"
Outline: You are free to leave Christ.
a. Advantages of leaving --
1. No concern for sin.
2. No church responsibilities.
3. No need to practice Christian principles.
b. Disadvantages of leaving --
1. No one to be your advocate before God the judge.
2. No one to pay the price of your sin.
3. No one to assure you of life eternal.
2. Faith to be faithful. 6:64, 69
Need: It is estimated that in recent years approximately one
million Protestants leave the church annually. In the average
congregation 40 percent of the members are inactive. In some
denominations more members go out the back door than come in the
front door. In his day Jesus faced the loss of followers after
his Bread of Life address. What makes the difference whether a
person is loyal or disloyal? In the text, we find that the key is
faith.
Outline: The key to being faithful to Christ --
a. Lack of faith makes us faithless -- v. 64.
b. Fullness of faith makes us faithful -- v. 69.
3. Wonderful! Words of life. 6:63, 68
Need: In the Bread of Life discourse the people misunderstood
Jesus when he spoke of eating his flesh to gain eternal life. In
this passage Jesus says flesh is of no avail in giving life. His
words give spirit and life. Peter says, "You have the words of
eternal life." Jesus is in his words. He is true to his words,
his spirit is in his words. His words have the authority of God.
It is not the bread and wine of the eucharist that confers
forgiveness but the Word which is enclosed in the bread and wine.
Outline: The wonderful words of Jesus --
a. Words of life.
b. Words of truth.
c. Words of love.
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43
1. How great is God! 8:22-30, 41-43
Need: The tendency is to limit God to our own weaknesses and
prejudices. Is he great enough to transcend our limitations and
faults? Is he great enough to persuade us to expand our
understanding of God?
Outline: The greatness of our God --
a. Greatness of his steadfast love -- v. 23.
b. Greatness of his hearing prayers -- vv. 28-30.
c. Greatness of including foreigners -- vv. 41-43.
234
2. The cause of broken covenants. 8:22-30
Need: Is it God's or people's fault that the covenant with God
is broken? David had a covenant with God and in it God promised
he would always have a member of his family on the throne. When
the nation was destroyed in 586 B.C. and the people were captives
in Babylon, the Davidic line came to an end. Whose fault was it?
Outline: If God's covenant is to remain --
a. We must walk before God with all our hearts -- v. 23.
b. We must walk before God as David did -- v. 25.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 6:10-20 (C)
1. Portraits of a Christian soldier. 6:10-20
Need: We love to sing "Onward, Christian Soldiers," but few of
us picture ourselves as soldiers in the army or navy of the Lord.
We think of ourselves as peace-loving, tolerant people. Paul
wants us to think of ourselves as warriors in conflict with
wickedness. In a world of political corruption, wholesale
dishonesty and moral degradation, there is need for Christians to
start fighting.
Outline: Consider the portrait of a Christian soldier --
a. The enemy Christians face -- vv. 10-12.
b. The equipment Christians wear -- vv. 13-17.
c. The power Christians use -- v. 18.
2. Where do you stand? 6:11, 14
Need: It is expected that a Christian takes a definite and
firm stand on moral and spiritual concerns. A soldier takes a
stand against the enemy. During a battle of the Civil War, a
Confederate soldier pointed to General Jackson and yelled, "Look
at Jackson. He is standing there like a stone wall." From that
time, he was known as "Stonewall Jackson."
Outline: Where do you stand?
a. What do you stand against? -- v. 11.
b. What do you stand for? -- v. 14.
3. To win the battle of life. 6:10-17
Need: For most of us, life is a battle. For a Christian, it is
a constant life-long battle against Satan. We are fighters for
peace, for a good society, for honesty in government, for honor
in sex and for goodwill among nations. Can we overcome the enemy
in our own corner of the world? In this passage Paul gives us the
formula for prevailing against the forces of evil.
Outline: To win the battle of life --
a. Be strong in God -- v. 10.
b. Take a stand for God -- v. 14.
c. Use the sword of God's Spirit -- v. 17.
235
