Proper 20
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series IV
Lesson 1: Exodus 16:2-15 (C)
Yahweh provides food for the Israelites in the wilderness. Only a few weeks after deliverance from Egypt the people complain about the lack of food. They murmur against Moses and Aaron, but God knows that they complain about him. They doubt whether Yahweh cares about them and his ability to provide for them. In response to their complaints Yahweh sends quail in the evening and bread, "manna," in the morning. To this day the manna is a mystery - "What is it?" Moses answered, "It is the bread the Lord has given you to eat." By this the people are to know he is God.
Lesson 1: Jonah 3:10--4:11 (E)
Jonah is angry with God for forgiving Nineveh.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 55:6-9 (L, RC)
Seek God and return to him for mercy and pardon.
Lesson 2: Philippians 1:21-30 (C); Philippians 1:21-27 (E); Philippians 1:1-5, (6-11), 19-27
(L); Philippians 1:20-24, 27 (RC)
Paul is torn between living and dying. Today we begin a series of four Lessons from Philip-pians. They give a preacher an opportunity to preach a series of sermons as a book sermon. At the time of writing Paul was a prisoner in Ephesus (ca. 52-55). He expected martyrdom, but was released. In the light of his possible execution, he writes that he is in a state of tension: to continue to live or to die. To do the latter would be better, for then he would be with Christ. However, it would be better for the church if he would remain on earth. Then he could visit his people again in Philippi. But, when he comes or not, they are to live lives worthy of the gospel.
Gospel:
Matthew 20:1-16 (C, E, L, RC)
Parable of the laborers in the vineyard. Jesus teaches what the kingdom is like. The parable does not deal with labor relations nor with hours and wages. It teaches that people in the kingdom do not work for rewards. Regardless of how long we have served, the wage is the same - the privilege of serving God. We are reminded that God can do as he pleases with what is his. His generosity is seen by giving the same pay to those who worked the last time. The last who come to the kingdom receive the same as those who enter first.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 (C) - "O give thanks to the Lord (v. 1)."
Psalm 27:1-9 (L) - "My heart says to thee, 'Thy face Lord, do I seek' (v. 8b)."
Psalm 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18 (E, RC) - "The Lord is gracious and mercifiul (v. 8)."
Prayer Of The Day
"Lord God, you call us to work in your vineyard and leave no one standing idle. Set us to our tasks in the work of your kingdom, and help us to order our lives by your wisdom."
Hymn Of The Day
"Salvation Unto Us Has Come"
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel:
Matthew 20:1-16
1. Vineyard (vv. 1, 2). The vineyard in the Bible stands for God's chosen people. For Jews, the vineyard is Israel: for Christians, it is the kingdom or the church. Jesus is addressing the church and not the world. This is not intended to be a teaching on labor relations, wages or hours of labor. The parable deals with God's treatment of his workers in his kingdom and what they receive for their service. It is not teaching that people in the world should get the same wage regardless of hours worked.
2. Idle (vv. 3, 6). The farmer finds men standing idle in the marketplace. The farmer-God apparently feels that every person should work, for there is much to do in the vineyard. Even with only one hour left in the working day, the farmer hires men because they are idle. God expects every person in his kingdom to work, for the harvest is plentiful. Since more of the work of the church is done by a tiny minority and 40 percent, on the average, are inactive in the church, this parable has a message for today's church.
3. Grumbled (v. 11). When the wages are handed out, those who worked one hour received the same pay as those who worked 12 hours. The 12-hour men protested, complained and grumbled. And they were justified in doing so! It was a case of rank injustice! It was unfair to those who worked all day. This is the world's protest, but the kingdom of God is different from the world. God does not use the same methods or measures for reward.
4. Generosity (v. 15). How does God justify the apparent injustice in the payment of wages? God claims he is God, and can do what he pleases with his own. This, too, is different for today's employer. He cannot pay what he wants or hire those he wants to work for him. He is limited by laws. God deals differently from the world. His grace (payment) is not determined by wages or hours worked. God is so generous that he gives the denarius of grace (salvation) to everyone regardless of length of service or quantity of work performed. God goes beyond justice to give his peace to all who come, whenever they come.
Lesson 1: Exodus 16:2-15 (C)
1. Murmur (vv. 2, 7, 8). Didn't the Israelites in the wilderness have a right to murmur against Moses and Yahweh? They followed God's leader out of Egypt where, at least, they had food, but now they were starving. They had reason to complain, but they went about getting food in the wrong way. Instead of complaining, why did they not discuss their needs with Moses and take it to God in prayer? Their complaining reveals a lack of faith in God's hearing and answering prayer.
2. Cloud (v. 10). God's glory appeared in a cloud. Like a cloud, God is mysterious and hidden - one can't see much when flying in a cloud nor driving in a fog. God is the unknowable and hidden God. Yet, as the cloud indicated, God is ever present. His glory appears when he comes to the rescue of his people, who are in need. His glory is seen best in the cross where God in his Son saves the world.
3. What (v. 15). The word, "manna," means "what?" The bread sent to the Israelites was mysterious. To this day no one knows exactly what it was. What is this bread of life? What is spiritual food? Who can explain the Christ as the Bread of Life? How do the bread and wine of the sacrament feed the soul? Though the answers are not forthcoming, we know from experience that this bread from heaven does feed us and provides strength for our spirits.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 55:6-9 (L, RC)
1. Seek (v. 6). Here is an admonition to have a conversion experience, an encounter with God. The very first step toward that experience is openness. This is expressed in seeking for God. It is not a matter that God is lost, for we are lost. It points out the psychological fact that we will not experience God unless we have a desire and feel a need for God. To seek God is to call on him. God is not far away as might be suggested by the text, "while he is near." God is always near us, but our lack of faith and vision place God in the distance. God does not break down the door of our hearts to enter our lives. We open the door because we want and need him.
2. Return (v. 7). "Return" implies we have gone away from God. When we realize how far we have gone away, we turn, seek and call for God. We go back to God. Again, God has not separated himself from us. Through our sins, we left God. If and when we return, God is good and generous in mercy by pardoning us. Pardon implies sin, and sin separates. Mercy removes the separation and pardon restores the relationship.
3. Thoughts (vv. 8, 9). God's thoughts and ways are totally different from ours. This truth is illustrated in today's Gospel, the parable of laborers in the vineyard. If God were like the world, he would not take back his enemies and freely pardon them. The world, rather, would seek revenge and treat enemies with hatred. We, by our nature, do not love or seek reconciliation. We hate and kill and never, never forgive. God is so different - thank God for that!
Lesson 2: Philippians 1:21-27
1. Worthy (v. 27). Paul appeals to his people that they live lives "worthy" of the gospel. Faith and works, doctrine and life, religion and ethics must be equally emphasized. They should not be separated. Believe and accept God and equally practice that faith in everyday living. What kind of life is worthy of the gospel? Paul says it is in having one spirit and one mind as the people work together to build the church. Untold damage is done to the cause of Christ when Christians do not live up to their faith.
2. Joy (v. 25). This letter is peppered with "joy." It is amazing because Paul wrote this letter when he was in jail for preaching the gospel. How can one be so happy under such unhappy circumstances? This points to the truth that a Christian's happiness does not depend on external circumstances or possessions. Joy is a matter of one's spirit and attitude. Paul was happy because of the generosity of the Philippian church, because he had the privilege of suffering for the gospel, and because he had Christ.
3. Gain (v. 21). Paul has a death wish. He wanted to die to be with Christ. Life on earth for Paul was really great because he knew Christ and worked for him. Death for Paul meant a closer relationship with Christ: "now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face." Here is the Christian's attitude toward physical death. It is a passage way to a closer walk with Christ. Immediately upon death the Christian is with Christ, as Jesus said to the penitent thief, "Today you shall be with me in paradise." This is good news, for it means we do not have to wait for the judgment day and the resurrection to be united with Christ. A Christian is with Christ on earth during life, and in death he is with Christ in fuller dimension.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Gospel:
Matthew 20:1-16
1. Zero Unemployment in God's World. 20:1-16
Need: The goal of a nation is to have zero unemployment. America is happy when the unemployment rate is less than six percent. Unemployment means poverty, enforced idleness, increase in crime, welfare payments, etc. In God's kingdom there is not to be any unemployment. God, as the householder, goes to the marketplace at different times of the day and asks, "Why do you stand here idle all the day?" In the average church, 40 percent of the members are inactive - voluntarily unemployed. This sermon is needed to motivate all the people to get to work in God's vineyard.
Outline: God wants no unemployment in his church.
a. Place of work - vineyard - v. 1 . God's work in the church, the kingdom of God.
b. Opportunity to work - vv. 3, 6. God calls every person to go to work.
c. Payment for the work - v. 8. Each worker gets paid the same wage.
2. Grumbling at God's Generosity. 20:1-16
Need: Some people are never satisfied. They are not even satisfied with God's gifts, wages or rewards. It depends on how you look at it. From the world's viewpoint, God's giving the same pay regardless of hours worked is most unjust. From the Christian viewpoint, God's wages are more generous. Because of who we are and the wrong we have done, we rightfully should get nothing but condemnation. God gives his grace to all regardless how long or how well they worked for him. Those who began to work at the beginning of the day have no reason to complain. They had the joy and the privilege of being in the kingdom and of working for God. Christians do not serve for wages. You cannot pay a person for being or doing good. His only reward is being in God's kingdom and doing God's will.
Outline: What is your reaction to God's generosity?
a. Grumble - the world's view of God's generosity - vv. 8-15. Paying the same wage to those who worked 12 hours or one hour is unfair.
b. Grateful - God's view of man's needs - vv. 13-15.
1. God lives up to his promise to pay - v. 13.
2. God has a right to do what he pleases with his own - v. 15.
3. God is generous to all - v. 15.
3. The Wages of God. 20:1-6
Need: Every worker is interested in the wages for his work. Before he takes a job, he asks what the wages will be. If they are not adequate he refuses to work. What is the nature of God's wages? We know what the wages of sin are, but do we know the wages of God?
Outline: The nature of God's wages.
a. The amount is God's decision, not our demand - v. 4.
b. The wages are uniform - everyone gets the same - v. 10.
c. The wages are generous - v. 15.
Lesson 1: Exodus 16:2-15 (C)
1. Any Complaint about God? 16:2-8
Need: The Israelites had reason to complain about their condition - about to die from starvation and God did nothing about it! Though they had reason to murmur, they were mistaken by blaming Moses and complaining about their condition. Their method of getting help was wrong. Their right to complain was confirmed by the fact that God did not punish them for complaining. Their murmuring, however, displayed a lack of trust in God's care. For many today life has its pain and injustice. There is justifiable reason to complain against God. Is that the right thing to do?
Outline: Instead of complaining -
a. Have faith in God's care of you.
b. Take the need to God in prayer.
c. Wait patiently for God to help.
2. When Life Gets in a Jam. 16:2-15
Need: There are times when life gets in a jam. The bottom drops out. We are faced with disaster and death. We are helpless to help ourselves. We do not know where to turn for deliverance. The Israelites were in this kind of a jam - in the wilderness without food. When we get in a jam, we can learn from their experience.
Outline: What to do when in a jam -
a. One's predicament - vv. 2-3.
b. God's answer - vv. 4-8.
c. One's response
1. Curiosity - v. 15.
2. Knowledge - v. 6.
3. Obedience - v. 4.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 55:6-9 (L, RC)
"I Found Him!" 55:6-7
Need: "I found it!" This slogan was used for some time by an evangelistic group. It is not a matter of finding "it" but "him." The text deals with God, getting to know him better and returning to him. God is not lost that he needs to be found, but man in his sin feels as though he has lost God. God is not far off, but for sinners, he seems to be distant. To seek and call upon God is to express an openness to God. This sermon is needed today because for many, Christianity has become dull, routine, mechanical ceremony, without life and reality.
Outline: The way to a fresh experience with God.
a. Be open to God - "Seek the Lord."
b. Repent and return to God - "Let the wicked forsake his way ... let him return to the Lord."
c. Accept God's mercy - "He may have mercy."
Lesson 1: Jonah 3:10-4:11 (E)
God's Angry Man
Need: Jonah was so angry with God that he wanted to die. God did not act like Jonah wanted him to perform. Nineveh was the capitol city of Israel's worst enemy, Assyria. Therefore, patriotic Jonah did not want any good to come to Israel's enemy. In reluctant obedience Jonah preached repentence to the Ninevites, and to his dismay, they repented. Thereupon, the city was saved from destruction. In the same way, we get mad at God. We get angry because God does not act or give as we think he should. But God asks angry ones, "What right do you have to be angry (v. 4)?"
Outline: Consider God's angry men -
a. Angry over God's mercy - v. 2.
b. Angry about a plant - vv. 4-9.
c. Angry about a city's repentance - vv. 10-11.
Lesson 2: Philippians 1:21-27
1. Is There Anything Better Than Life? 1:21-27
Need: Can there be anything better than life itself? Isn't life our greatest good and death our worst enemy? In this passage Paul sees death as something better than life, because it means he will be with Christ in a greater, more intimate measure. This implies that death is not separation from Christ until resurrection day, but is a closer communication with Christ. Death cannot be that bad! Paul struggles with the question whether to live or die. This sermon should help to dispel the fear and dread of death.
Outline: To live or not to live.
a. To live is to serve Christ on earth - vv. 22, 24, 25. Reason for living - people need you here.
b. To die is to gain a closer communion with Christ - vv. 21-23.
2. A Working Church. 1:22, 27
Need: A church is meant to be a group of fellow-Christians working in and for the kingdom of God. Lesson 2 gives a model church in Philippi where it seems all members worked. This harmonizes with the Gospel's parable of the vineyard in which none was to be idle. Paul was not alone in his work, for he thanks the Philippian congregation for its "partnership in the gospel." He exhorts them to continue "striving side by side for the faith."
Outline: A church is a working partnership.
a. Pastor works - v. 22. So work that the people will glory in Christ - v. 26.
b. People work - v. 27. Work with one mind and one spirit - v. 27.
Yahweh provides food for the Israelites in the wilderness. Only a few weeks after deliverance from Egypt the people complain about the lack of food. They murmur against Moses and Aaron, but God knows that they complain about him. They doubt whether Yahweh cares about them and his ability to provide for them. In response to their complaints Yahweh sends quail in the evening and bread, "manna," in the morning. To this day the manna is a mystery - "What is it?" Moses answered, "It is the bread the Lord has given you to eat." By this the people are to know he is God.
Lesson 1: Jonah 3:10--4:11 (E)
Jonah is angry with God for forgiving Nineveh.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 55:6-9 (L, RC)
Seek God and return to him for mercy and pardon.
Lesson 2: Philippians 1:21-30 (C); Philippians 1:21-27 (E); Philippians 1:1-5, (6-11), 19-27
(L); Philippians 1:20-24, 27 (RC)
Paul is torn between living and dying. Today we begin a series of four Lessons from Philip-pians. They give a preacher an opportunity to preach a series of sermons as a book sermon. At the time of writing Paul was a prisoner in Ephesus (ca. 52-55). He expected martyrdom, but was released. In the light of his possible execution, he writes that he is in a state of tension: to continue to live or to die. To do the latter would be better, for then he would be with Christ. However, it would be better for the church if he would remain on earth. Then he could visit his people again in Philippi. But, when he comes or not, they are to live lives worthy of the gospel.
Gospel:
Matthew 20:1-16 (C, E, L, RC)
Parable of the laborers in the vineyard. Jesus teaches what the kingdom is like. The parable does not deal with labor relations nor with hours and wages. It teaches that people in the kingdom do not work for rewards. Regardless of how long we have served, the wage is the same - the privilege of serving God. We are reminded that God can do as he pleases with what is his. His generosity is seen by giving the same pay to those who worked the last time. The last who come to the kingdom receive the same as those who enter first.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 (C) - "O give thanks to the Lord (v. 1)."
Psalm 27:1-9 (L) - "My heart says to thee, 'Thy face Lord, do I seek' (v. 8b)."
Psalm 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18 (E, RC) - "The Lord is gracious and mercifiul (v. 8)."
Prayer Of The Day
"Lord God, you call us to work in your vineyard and leave no one standing idle. Set us to our tasks in the work of your kingdom, and help us to order our lives by your wisdom."
Hymn Of The Day
"Salvation Unto Us Has Come"
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel:
Matthew 20:1-16
1. Vineyard (vv. 1, 2). The vineyard in the Bible stands for God's chosen people. For Jews, the vineyard is Israel: for Christians, it is the kingdom or the church. Jesus is addressing the church and not the world. This is not intended to be a teaching on labor relations, wages or hours of labor. The parable deals with God's treatment of his workers in his kingdom and what they receive for their service. It is not teaching that people in the world should get the same wage regardless of hours worked.
2. Idle (vv. 3, 6). The farmer finds men standing idle in the marketplace. The farmer-God apparently feels that every person should work, for there is much to do in the vineyard. Even with only one hour left in the working day, the farmer hires men because they are idle. God expects every person in his kingdom to work, for the harvest is plentiful. Since more of the work of the church is done by a tiny minority and 40 percent, on the average, are inactive in the church, this parable has a message for today's church.
3. Grumbled (v. 11). When the wages are handed out, those who worked one hour received the same pay as those who worked 12 hours. The 12-hour men protested, complained and grumbled. And they were justified in doing so! It was a case of rank injustice! It was unfair to those who worked all day. This is the world's protest, but the kingdom of God is different from the world. God does not use the same methods or measures for reward.
4. Generosity (v. 15). How does God justify the apparent injustice in the payment of wages? God claims he is God, and can do what he pleases with his own. This, too, is different for today's employer. He cannot pay what he wants or hire those he wants to work for him. He is limited by laws. God deals differently from the world. His grace (payment) is not determined by wages or hours worked. God is so generous that he gives the denarius of grace (salvation) to everyone regardless of length of service or quantity of work performed. God goes beyond justice to give his peace to all who come, whenever they come.
Lesson 1: Exodus 16:2-15 (C)
1. Murmur (vv. 2, 7, 8). Didn't the Israelites in the wilderness have a right to murmur against Moses and Yahweh? They followed God's leader out of Egypt where, at least, they had food, but now they were starving. They had reason to complain, but they went about getting food in the wrong way. Instead of complaining, why did they not discuss their needs with Moses and take it to God in prayer? Their complaining reveals a lack of faith in God's hearing and answering prayer.
2. Cloud (v. 10). God's glory appeared in a cloud. Like a cloud, God is mysterious and hidden - one can't see much when flying in a cloud nor driving in a fog. God is the unknowable and hidden God. Yet, as the cloud indicated, God is ever present. His glory appears when he comes to the rescue of his people, who are in need. His glory is seen best in the cross where God in his Son saves the world.
3. What (v. 15). The word, "manna," means "what?" The bread sent to the Israelites was mysterious. To this day no one knows exactly what it was. What is this bread of life? What is spiritual food? Who can explain the Christ as the Bread of Life? How do the bread and wine of the sacrament feed the soul? Though the answers are not forthcoming, we know from experience that this bread from heaven does feed us and provides strength for our spirits.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 55:6-9 (L, RC)
1. Seek (v. 6). Here is an admonition to have a conversion experience, an encounter with God. The very first step toward that experience is openness. This is expressed in seeking for God. It is not a matter that God is lost, for we are lost. It points out the psychological fact that we will not experience God unless we have a desire and feel a need for God. To seek God is to call on him. God is not far away as might be suggested by the text, "while he is near." God is always near us, but our lack of faith and vision place God in the distance. God does not break down the door of our hearts to enter our lives. We open the door because we want and need him.
2. Return (v. 7). "Return" implies we have gone away from God. When we realize how far we have gone away, we turn, seek and call for God. We go back to God. Again, God has not separated himself from us. Through our sins, we left God. If and when we return, God is good and generous in mercy by pardoning us. Pardon implies sin, and sin separates. Mercy removes the separation and pardon restores the relationship.
3. Thoughts (vv. 8, 9). God's thoughts and ways are totally different from ours. This truth is illustrated in today's Gospel, the parable of laborers in the vineyard. If God were like the world, he would not take back his enemies and freely pardon them. The world, rather, would seek revenge and treat enemies with hatred. We, by our nature, do not love or seek reconciliation. We hate and kill and never, never forgive. God is so different - thank God for that!
Lesson 2: Philippians 1:21-27
1. Worthy (v. 27). Paul appeals to his people that they live lives "worthy" of the gospel. Faith and works, doctrine and life, religion and ethics must be equally emphasized. They should not be separated. Believe and accept God and equally practice that faith in everyday living. What kind of life is worthy of the gospel? Paul says it is in having one spirit and one mind as the people work together to build the church. Untold damage is done to the cause of Christ when Christians do not live up to their faith.
2. Joy (v. 25). This letter is peppered with "joy." It is amazing because Paul wrote this letter when he was in jail for preaching the gospel. How can one be so happy under such unhappy circumstances? This points to the truth that a Christian's happiness does not depend on external circumstances or possessions. Joy is a matter of one's spirit and attitude. Paul was happy because of the generosity of the Philippian church, because he had the privilege of suffering for the gospel, and because he had Christ.
3. Gain (v. 21). Paul has a death wish. He wanted to die to be with Christ. Life on earth for Paul was really great because he knew Christ and worked for him. Death for Paul meant a closer relationship with Christ: "now we see through a glass darkly but then face to face." Here is the Christian's attitude toward physical death. It is a passage way to a closer walk with Christ. Immediately upon death the Christian is with Christ, as Jesus said to the penitent thief, "Today you shall be with me in paradise." This is good news, for it means we do not have to wait for the judgment day and the resurrection to be united with Christ. A Christian is with Christ on earth during life, and in death he is with Christ in fuller dimension.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Gospel:
Matthew 20:1-16
1. Zero Unemployment in God's World. 20:1-16
Need: The goal of a nation is to have zero unemployment. America is happy when the unemployment rate is less than six percent. Unemployment means poverty, enforced idleness, increase in crime, welfare payments, etc. In God's kingdom there is not to be any unemployment. God, as the householder, goes to the marketplace at different times of the day and asks, "Why do you stand here idle all the day?" In the average church, 40 percent of the members are inactive - voluntarily unemployed. This sermon is needed to motivate all the people to get to work in God's vineyard.
Outline: God wants no unemployment in his church.
a. Place of work - vineyard - v. 1 . God's work in the church, the kingdom of God.
b. Opportunity to work - vv. 3, 6. God calls every person to go to work.
c. Payment for the work - v. 8. Each worker gets paid the same wage.
2. Grumbling at God's Generosity. 20:1-16
Need: Some people are never satisfied. They are not even satisfied with God's gifts, wages or rewards. It depends on how you look at it. From the world's viewpoint, God's giving the same pay regardless of hours worked is most unjust. From the Christian viewpoint, God's wages are more generous. Because of who we are and the wrong we have done, we rightfully should get nothing but condemnation. God gives his grace to all regardless how long or how well they worked for him. Those who began to work at the beginning of the day have no reason to complain. They had the joy and the privilege of being in the kingdom and of working for God. Christians do not serve for wages. You cannot pay a person for being or doing good. His only reward is being in God's kingdom and doing God's will.
Outline: What is your reaction to God's generosity?
a. Grumble - the world's view of God's generosity - vv. 8-15. Paying the same wage to those who worked 12 hours or one hour is unfair.
b. Grateful - God's view of man's needs - vv. 13-15.
1. God lives up to his promise to pay - v. 13.
2. God has a right to do what he pleases with his own - v. 15.
3. God is generous to all - v. 15.
3. The Wages of God. 20:1-6
Need: Every worker is interested in the wages for his work. Before he takes a job, he asks what the wages will be. If they are not adequate he refuses to work. What is the nature of God's wages? We know what the wages of sin are, but do we know the wages of God?
Outline: The nature of God's wages.
a. The amount is God's decision, not our demand - v. 4.
b. The wages are uniform - everyone gets the same - v. 10.
c. The wages are generous - v. 15.
Lesson 1: Exodus 16:2-15 (C)
1. Any Complaint about God? 16:2-8
Need: The Israelites had reason to complain about their condition - about to die from starvation and God did nothing about it! Though they had reason to murmur, they were mistaken by blaming Moses and complaining about their condition. Their method of getting help was wrong. Their right to complain was confirmed by the fact that God did not punish them for complaining. Their murmuring, however, displayed a lack of trust in God's care. For many today life has its pain and injustice. There is justifiable reason to complain against God. Is that the right thing to do?
Outline: Instead of complaining -
a. Have faith in God's care of you.
b. Take the need to God in prayer.
c. Wait patiently for God to help.
2. When Life Gets in a Jam. 16:2-15
Need: There are times when life gets in a jam. The bottom drops out. We are faced with disaster and death. We are helpless to help ourselves. We do not know where to turn for deliverance. The Israelites were in this kind of a jam - in the wilderness without food. When we get in a jam, we can learn from their experience.
Outline: What to do when in a jam -
a. One's predicament - vv. 2-3.
b. God's answer - vv. 4-8.
c. One's response
1. Curiosity - v. 15.
2. Knowledge - v. 6.
3. Obedience - v. 4.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 55:6-9 (L, RC)
"I Found Him!" 55:6-7
Need: "I found it!" This slogan was used for some time by an evangelistic group. It is not a matter of finding "it" but "him." The text deals with God, getting to know him better and returning to him. God is not lost that he needs to be found, but man in his sin feels as though he has lost God. God is not far off, but for sinners, he seems to be distant. To seek and call upon God is to express an openness to God. This sermon is needed today because for many, Christianity has become dull, routine, mechanical ceremony, without life and reality.
Outline: The way to a fresh experience with God.
a. Be open to God - "Seek the Lord."
b. Repent and return to God - "Let the wicked forsake his way ... let him return to the Lord."
c. Accept God's mercy - "He may have mercy."
Lesson 1: Jonah 3:10-4:11 (E)
God's Angry Man
Need: Jonah was so angry with God that he wanted to die. God did not act like Jonah wanted him to perform. Nineveh was the capitol city of Israel's worst enemy, Assyria. Therefore, patriotic Jonah did not want any good to come to Israel's enemy. In reluctant obedience Jonah preached repentence to the Ninevites, and to his dismay, they repented. Thereupon, the city was saved from destruction. In the same way, we get mad at God. We get angry because God does not act or give as we think he should. But God asks angry ones, "What right do you have to be angry (v. 4)?"
Outline: Consider God's angry men -
a. Angry over God's mercy - v. 2.
b. Angry about a plant - vv. 4-9.
c. Angry about a city's repentance - vv. 10-11.
Lesson 2: Philippians 1:21-27
1. Is There Anything Better Than Life? 1:21-27
Need: Can there be anything better than life itself? Isn't life our greatest good and death our worst enemy? In this passage Paul sees death as something better than life, because it means he will be with Christ in a greater, more intimate measure. This implies that death is not separation from Christ until resurrection day, but is a closer communication with Christ. Death cannot be that bad! Paul struggles with the question whether to live or die. This sermon should help to dispel the fear and dread of death.
Outline: To live or not to live.
a. To live is to serve Christ on earth - vv. 22, 24, 25. Reason for living - people need you here.
b. To die is to gain a closer communion with Christ - vv. 21-23.
2. A Working Church. 1:22, 27
Need: A church is meant to be a group of fellow-Christians working in and for the kingdom of God. Lesson 2 gives a model church in Philippi where it seems all members worked. This harmonizes with the Gospel's parable of the vineyard in which none was to be idle. Paul was not alone in his work, for he thanks the Philippian congregation for its "partnership in the gospel." He exhorts them to continue "striving side by side for the faith."
Outline: A church is a working partnership.
a. Pastor works - v. 22. So work that the people will glory in Christ - v. 26.
b. People work - v. 27. Work with one mind and one spirit - v. 27.
