Proper 21
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Cycle A, THIRD EDITION
THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Exodus 17:1--7 (C)
Moses brings water out of a rock. In their wilderness wanderings, the Israelites came to Rephidim where there was no water. The people were angry enough to stone Moses to death. He takes the problem to Yahweh who directs him to strike a rock to get water.
Lesson 1: Ezekiel 18:25--28 (RC); Ezekiel 18:1--4, 25--32 (E)
God appeals to Israel to repent and live.
Lesson 2: Philippians 2:1--13 (C, E); Philippians 2:1--11 (RC)
Paul, in appealing for unity, presents Jesus as the model of humanity and obedience. Paul pleads for unity in the congregation at Philippi. He uses Jesus as an example of humility. In this pericope Paul shows the dual reality of the humanity and divinity of Jesus. His deity is indicated by the words, "in the form of God" and "equality with God." His humanity is expressed in the phrases, "emptied himself," "the likeness of men," "in human form," "obedient unto death." This humility and obedience led to Christ's exaltation. It is God's will that every tongue confess him as Lord. In the light of this, Christians are to work out their salvation as God works in them.
Gospel: Matthew 21:23--32 (C); Matthew 21:28--32 (RC, E)
The parable of the two sons. With this parable, Jesus confronts the religious leaders of his time (priests, scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees) who condemn Jesus for his association with sinners (publicans, prostitutes, and so on). This one son who says, "I go" but does not, represents the religious leaders. The other son who says, "I will not go" but later changes his mind and obeys, represents the sinners. Moreover, Jesus points out that when the religious leaders saw sinners repenting upon hearing John the Baptist, they still did not repent. Consequently, the sinners will enter the kingdom before the leaders will.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 78:1--4, 12--16 (C) - "We will tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord" (v. 4).
Psalm 125:4--9 (RC) - "Do good, O Lord, to those who are good" (v. 4).
Psalm 25:1--10 (E) - "Be mindful of thy mercy, O Lord, and of thy steadfast love, for they have been from of old" (v. 6).
Prayer Of The Day
"God of love, you know our frailties and failings. Give us your grace to overcome them; keep us from these things that harm us; and guide us in the way of salvation."
Hymn Of The Day
"O Master Let Me Walk With You"
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: Matthew 21:23--32
1. Think (v. 28). "What do you think?" Jesus asked this question of his enemies during the last week of his life. Here we see a teaching technique of Jesus. At the time of giving the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus used the same technique by asking the lawyer, "Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor?" Jesus challenges us to think for ourselves and to come to the answers. If you ask the right questions, you may get the right answers. Jesus did not use a deductive or dogmatic approach, but the inductive method that arouses people to come to their own conclusions. The religious leaders came to the right answer in this case, "They said, 'The first.' " People learn more and come to a conviction faster when they become involved by thinking through a question.
2. Repented (v. 29). Here is a case of repentance in action. One son refused to go to work in his father's vineyard. Then he changed his mind and went to work. This about--face, change of mind from disobedience, from no to yes, from going in the wrong direction to turning in the right direction is the meaning of repentance. When the religious leaders heard the Baptist's call to repentance, they did not heed it, while the sinners of the day did. It was shocking to the professional religious leaders that Jesus claimed the sinners and not the religious ones were in the kingdom.
3. Sir (v. 30). One of the sons was very polite and respectful of his father. He addressed him as "Sir." This son said he would go to work as the father expected. He gave the right answer and showed the proper respect, but he was not as good as his word. This son represents "religious people" who know the right things to say in worship and prayer. They consent to God's laws and make promises to obey but do nothing. They gave confession without execution. Jesus says these people do not get into the kingdom. They failed to repent. This does not mean that we are saved by acts of obedience, but it points out that a superficial and artificial relationship with God does not count.
Lesson 1: Exodus 17:1--7 (C)
1. Fault (vv. 2, 7). Whose "fault" is it that there is not water for the people in the wilderness? Can the people be blamed for finding fault with their leader who brought them to this desert? If anyone is at fault, it is God and not Moses. He is only following the directions of God. So Moses asked, "Why do you find fault with me?" Find fault with God? How can this be? God is wholly good and just. His love does not permit him to do wrong for his people. We may find fault with humans, but never with God unless we sin by doing so.
2. Out (v. 6). The Lord ordered Moses to strike a rock with the rod with which he separated the waters of the Red Sea and the needed water would be there for the people. Did anyone ever see water coming "out" of a rock? We have seen water coming over a rock or flowing under a rock. Isn't a rock solid stone? If water was brought out of a rock, it emphasizes the magnitude of the miracle and God's power.
3. Proof (v. 7). The people in the wilderness demanded "proof" that Yahweh was with them, that he cared about them, and that he would provide for their physical needs. Who is humankind to question the providence of God? It shows lack of faith. Thus, we will not put God to the test but will trust him in all things.
Lesson 1: Ezekiel 18:25--28 (RC); Ezekiel 18:1--4, 25--32 (E)
1. Just (v. 25). The Israelites in Babylonian captivity are angry with God. They complain that he is unfair and unjust to make them suffer in exile for the wickedness of their fathers back in the old days of national existence in Palestine. God turns their charge around by asking if they are not the ones who are unjust. They have disobeyed and they are receiving due reward for their sins. God is just in that disobedience brings penalty. On the other hand, God is just by accepting those who turn from their sins to the ways of righteousness.
2. One (v. 30). God says he judges everyone according to his ways. It is an individual affair. One person will not be judged or punished for another's or a nation's sin. Each is judged according to his own acts of obedience or disobedience. This was a change in Israel's thinking because the emphasis was placed on the corporateness of the nation - one suffered for the sins of the people in general. Each must now answer for his own life and each must pay for his own sins. Ultimately, then, religion is a personal, individual relationship with God. Yet, this is one side of a coin. The other side is the corporate body of believers, the church, made up of individuals but cemented into one body, the church.
3. New (v. 31). Turn from evil to good and you shall live. With that we can agree, but the rub comes in making the turn. What will create a desire to change? Where does one get the power to break away from sin to walk in righteousness? The answer is in "a new heart and a new spirit." But how does one get a new heart? This takes us to Jesus who said, "You must be born new." Thus, one does not straighten out his life and then come to Jesus. He comes to Jesus as he is in sin and gets a new spirit. He then follows a new way of life.
4. Pleasure (v. 32). What hurts God? What gives him pleasure? Because God is love, he loves all of his people and desires them to live with him and for him. He made us to live in him and with him. Even a human being who loves finds pleasure in having his children with him and his children obeying him. God wants no one to die; God sends no one to hell. If we go, we send ourselves by virtue of our rejection of God. God is defeated when any one person dies in sin. God wants each to have life, joy, and peace. To accomplish this, God sent his Son to earth to convince us of God's love and desire to have us all with him.
Lesson 2: Philippians 2:1--13
1. Same (v. 2). Twice Paul uses the word in this verse to express the need for unity in the congregation. Like all congregations there is division among the members, cliques, and a party spirit. One of the dreads of the ministry is a divided or split congregation. What is the solution? It is for the members to have one mind and one spirit. They are to think alike and feel alike. What shall that one mind and one spirit be? It is the mind and spirit of Christ. Thus, the closer church members live to Christ, the closer they will be to each other in harmony and unity.
2. Selfishness (v. 3). What is the cause of church friction? In this case, it was not doctrinal controversies. It was not a question of ethics. It was not a Christian's relation to the world. Paul points to the source of disunity, selfishness, and conceit. The selfish look out for Number One, themselves. Related to selfishness is pride, arrogance, and conceit. Here is the taproot of the trouble - a wrong spirit of selfishness. Even today in our church problems of disunity, we find the same basis causes of the trouble.
3. Mind (v. 5). What is the solution to lack of church unity? Paul urges his people to have the mind of Christ. His mind was one of humility demonstrated in his taking the form of a servant and dying on a cross. Humility is expressed by considering others better than yourself and being concerned more about others than yourself. Arrogance and pride divide and cause trouble while humility draws together into a unity.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Gospel: Matthew 21:28--32
1. What Kind Of Sinner Are You? 21:28--32
Need: The Bible testifies to the fact that all are sinners, whether in the church or in the world. In that event, why be a Christian? If all are sinners, even Christians, who can be saved? It is important for Christians to realize they are sinners lest they become holier--than--thou in their attitude toward non--Christians. It is not a matter of being a sinner; it matters what kind of sinner you are. One type is lost and another type goes to heaven.
Outline: The two sons represent two kinds of sinners.
a. The lost sinner - the one who said, "I go, sir" - v. 30.
1. Had respect and piety - "Sir."
2. Lip service - "I go."
3. Failed to do what he said - "but did not go."
b. The saved sinner - v. 29.
1. Repented - "he repented."
2. Obeyed - "went."
2. Who Is Going To Heaven? 21:28--32
Need: Those who think they are going to heaven may not get there. Those who do not expect to make it to heaven may be surprised. The religious leaders of Jesus' day were surprised to learn who was going to heaven. They thought they were, because they considered themselves righteous and devout. The publicans and harlots never thought they had a chance, but Jesus says they are the ones going to heaven. In our day church people identify with the religious people, and probably drug addicts, alcoholics, criminals, and prostitutes think there is no chance for them. It all depends on whether there is repentance and acceptance of Christ.
Outline: Who is going to heaven?
a. Who is not: the obedient who disobey - vv. 30, 32.
1. They refuse to repent.
2. They see no need of Christ.
b. Who is: the disobedient who obey - vv. 29, 31.
1. They turn from evil to good.
2. They respond to Christ.
3. What Do You Think? 21:28--32
Need: Jesus was in the midst of a controversy with the religious leaders of his day. They opposed him because of his friendliness toward sinners. Note the method Jesus used to answer his opponents and to justify his position. He used the inductive rather than the deductive method. He did not say, "Listen to me. I am telling the truth. You righteous people will not get to heaven, but repentant sinners will." This would have stopped the discussion and the leaders would have gone away more convinced than ever that Jesus was wrong. But, Jesus used an open--ended method. "What do you think?" He let them come to the conclusion that they needed to repent. In this sermon we need to use the inductive method to accomplish the same end.
Outline: What do you think?
a. Are sinners lost? - "I will not."
b. Are the righteous saved? - "I go."
c. Which of the two goes to heaven? - "Afterward he repented."
Lesson 1: Exodus 17:1--7 (C)
1. How God Does The Impossible. 17:1--7
Need: Is there anything too hard for God? Do we ask God to do what we think is in the realm of possibility? If we limit God to that, we lack faith in his omnipotence and we restrict our prayers to trifles. Consider the text. Is God able to provide water for a million people in a desert where there is no water? In life we face "impossible" situations. Our need is to trust God to do the impossible for us.
Outline: How God does the impossible for us -
a. He knows our impossible need - v. 2.
b. He is present as a possible God - v. 6a.
c. He uses human instrumentality to do the impossible - v. 6b.
2. What Will God Do To A People Like Us? 17:1--7
Need: Moses cries to God, "What shall I do with this people?" He has his hands full with a multitude of complaining and rebellious people who are about to stone him to death for not providing water. Moses turns the problem over to God who may ask, "What shall I do with this people?" Rest assured, God's number one problem is his people. They sin, they rebel, they do not trust him, they do not faithfully follow his leaders. What will God do to a people like us? Consider some possibilities.
Outline: What God may do to a people like us -
a. He can ignore us in our need - v. 2.
b. He can blot us out of existence - v. 4.
c. He can provide for our needs anyway - v. 6.
Lesson 1: Ezekiel 18:25--28 (RC); Ezekiel 18:1--4, 25--32 (E)
The Heart Of The Matter. "Get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit!" 18:31
Need: We know what we ought to do but we do not do it. We don't want to do what we do. We know that to sin is to die and to obey God's laws is to live. We are convinced we need to repent. All well and good! But, how do you get yourself a new heart and spirit which will give you strength to change? For this reason this text is inadequate. It tells us what to do and what we need, but we have no way of getting it. People in our churches are in the same situation. They feel helpless to change, to do right, and do not know how to make the change.
Outline: Consider the heart of the matter -
a. The need to have a new heart and spirit.
1. A heart that loves God.
2. A heart that obeys God.
b. The way to a new heart.
1. God's creation: "Create in me a clean heart, O God."
2. The Spirit's work: "You must be born anew."
Lesson 2: Philippians 2:1--13
1. You Can Have A United Church. 2:1--5
Need: It is quite self--evident that almost every church needs to be united in harmony and peace. It is an exceptional church that does not have cliques and power structures competing with each other. The average pastor is constantly walking on eggs in trying to keep all parties happy and cooperative. Even Paul had the problem of a split church in Philippi. What can be done to have a united church? Paul writes the prescription.
Outline: To have a united church -
a. Have the same mind - v. 2.
b. Have the same love - v. 2.
c. Have the same humility - vv. 3--5.
2. Having The Mind Of Christ. 2:5--8
Need: If we had the mind of Christ, our church problems with divisions would be solved. Paul's final appeal is for all his people to have the mind of Christ. Does this mean we are to know as much as Jesus did? Can we match his wisdom? Can we ever be as sharp and as intelligent as he? No way! Yet, we can have the mind of Christ in a spiritual way. At least, we can approximate it.
Outline: What is the mind of Christ?
a. A mind of humility - "humbled himself."
b. A mind of service - "taking the form of a servant."
c. A mind of sacrifice - "obedient unto death."
Lesson 1: Exodus 17:1--7 (C)
Moses brings water out of a rock. In their wilderness wanderings, the Israelites came to Rephidim where there was no water. The people were angry enough to stone Moses to death. He takes the problem to Yahweh who directs him to strike a rock to get water.
Lesson 1: Ezekiel 18:25--28 (RC); Ezekiel 18:1--4, 25--32 (E)
God appeals to Israel to repent and live.
Lesson 2: Philippians 2:1--13 (C, E); Philippians 2:1--11 (RC)
Paul, in appealing for unity, presents Jesus as the model of humanity and obedience. Paul pleads for unity in the congregation at Philippi. He uses Jesus as an example of humility. In this pericope Paul shows the dual reality of the humanity and divinity of Jesus. His deity is indicated by the words, "in the form of God" and "equality with God." His humanity is expressed in the phrases, "emptied himself," "the likeness of men," "in human form," "obedient unto death." This humility and obedience led to Christ's exaltation. It is God's will that every tongue confess him as Lord. In the light of this, Christians are to work out their salvation as God works in them.
Gospel: Matthew 21:23--32 (C); Matthew 21:28--32 (RC, E)
The parable of the two sons. With this parable, Jesus confronts the religious leaders of his time (priests, scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees) who condemn Jesus for his association with sinners (publicans, prostitutes, and so on). This one son who says, "I go" but does not, represents the religious leaders. The other son who says, "I will not go" but later changes his mind and obeys, represents the sinners. Moreover, Jesus points out that when the religious leaders saw sinners repenting upon hearing John the Baptist, they still did not repent. Consequently, the sinners will enter the kingdom before the leaders will.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 78:1--4, 12--16 (C) - "We will tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord" (v. 4).
Psalm 125:4--9 (RC) - "Do good, O Lord, to those who are good" (v. 4).
Psalm 25:1--10 (E) - "Be mindful of thy mercy, O Lord, and of thy steadfast love, for they have been from of old" (v. 6).
Prayer Of The Day
"God of love, you know our frailties and failings. Give us your grace to overcome them; keep us from these things that harm us; and guide us in the way of salvation."
Hymn Of The Day
"O Master Let Me Walk With You"
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: Matthew 21:23--32
1. Think (v. 28). "What do you think?" Jesus asked this question of his enemies during the last week of his life. Here we see a teaching technique of Jesus. At the time of giving the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus used the same technique by asking the lawyer, "Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor?" Jesus challenges us to think for ourselves and to come to the answers. If you ask the right questions, you may get the right answers. Jesus did not use a deductive or dogmatic approach, but the inductive method that arouses people to come to their own conclusions. The religious leaders came to the right answer in this case, "They said, 'The first.' " People learn more and come to a conviction faster when they become involved by thinking through a question.
2. Repented (v. 29). Here is a case of repentance in action. One son refused to go to work in his father's vineyard. Then he changed his mind and went to work. This about--face, change of mind from disobedience, from no to yes, from going in the wrong direction to turning in the right direction is the meaning of repentance. When the religious leaders heard the Baptist's call to repentance, they did not heed it, while the sinners of the day did. It was shocking to the professional religious leaders that Jesus claimed the sinners and not the religious ones were in the kingdom.
3. Sir (v. 30). One of the sons was very polite and respectful of his father. He addressed him as "Sir." This son said he would go to work as the father expected. He gave the right answer and showed the proper respect, but he was not as good as his word. This son represents "religious people" who know the right things to say in worship and prayer. They consent to God's laws and make promises to obey but do nothing. They gave confession without execution. Jesus says these people do not get into the kingdom. They failed to repent. This does not mean that we are saved by acts of obedience, but it points out that a superficial and artificial relationship with God does not count.
Lesson 1: Exodus 17:1--7 (C)
1. Fault (vv. 2, 7). Whose "fault" is it that there is not water for the people in the wilderness? Can the people be blamed for finding fault with their leader who brought them to this desert? If anyone is at fault, it is God and not Moses. He is only following the directions of God. So Moses asked, "Why do you find fault with me?" Find fault with God? How can this be? God is wholly good and just. His love does not permit him to do wrong for his people. We may find fault with humans, but never with God unless we sin by doing so.
2. Out (v. 6). The Lord ordered Moses to strike a rock with the rod with which he separated the waters of the Red Sea and the needed water would be there for the people. Did anyone ever see water coming "out" of a rock? We have seen water coming over a rock or flowing under a rock. Isn't a rock solid stone? If water was brought out of a rock, it emphasizes the magnitude of the miracle and God's power.
3. Proof (v. 7). The people in the wilderness demanded "proof" that Yahweh was with them, that he cared about them, and that he would provide for their physical needs. Who is humankind to question the providence of God? It shows lack of faith. Thus, we will not put God to the test but will trust him in all things.
Lesson 1: Ezekiel 18:25--28 (RC); Ezekiel 18:1--4, 25--32 (E)
1. Just (v. 25). The Israelites in Babylonian captivity are angry with God. They complain that he is unfair and unjust to make them suffer in exile for the wickedness of their fathers back in the old days of national existence in Palestine. God turns their charge around by asking if they are not the ones who are unjust. They have disobeyed and they are receiving due reward for their sins. God is just in that disobedience brings penalty. On the other hand, God is just by accepting those who turn from their sins to the ways of righteousness.
2. One (v. 30). God says he judges everyone according to his ways. It is an individual affair. One person will not be judged or punished for another's or a nation's sin. Each is judged according to his own acts of obedience or disobedience. This was a change in Israel's thinking because the emphasis was placed on the corporateness of the nation - one suffered for the sins of the people in general. Each must now answer for his own life and each must pay for his own sins. Ultimately, then, religion is a personal, individual relationship with God. Yet, this is one side of a coin. The other side is the corporate body of believers, the church, made up of individuals but cemented into one body, the church.
3. New (v. 31). Turn from evil to good and you shall live. With that we can agree, but the rub comes in making the turn. What will create a desire to change? Where does one get the power to break away from sin to walk in righteousness? The answer is in "a new heart and a new spirit." But how does one get a new heart? This takes us to Jesus who said, "You must be born new." Thus, one does not straighten out his life and then come to Jesus. He comes to Jesus as he is in sin and gets a new spirit. He then follows a new way of life.
4. Pleasure (v. 32). What hurts God? What gives him pleasure? Because God is love, he loves all of his people and desires them to live with him and for him. He made us to live in him and with him. Even a human being who loves finds pleasure in having his children with him and his children obeying him. God wants no one to die; God sends no one to hell. If we go, we send ourselves by virtue of our rejection of God. God is defeated when any one person dies in sin. God wants each to have life, joy, and peace. To accomplish this, God sent his Son to earth to convince us of God's love and desire to have us all with him.
Lesson 2: Philippians 2:1--13
1. Same (v. 2). Twice Paul uses the word in this verse to express the need for unity in the congregation. Like all congregations there is division among the members, cliques, and a party spirit. One of the dreads of the ministry is a divided or split congregation. What is the solution? It is for the members to have one mind and one spirit. They are to think alike and feel alike. What shall that one mind and one spirit be? It is the mind and spirit of Christ. Thus, the closer church members live to Christ, the closer they will be to each other in harmony and unity.
2. Selfishness (v. 3). What is the cause of church friction? In this case, it was not doctrinal controversies. It was not a question of ethics. It was not a Christian's relation to the world. Paul points to the source of disunity, selfishness, and conceit. The selfish look out for Number One, themselves. Related to selfishness is pride, arrogance, and conceit. Here is the taproot of the trouble - a wrong spirit of selfishness. Even today in our church problems of disunity, we find the same basis causes of the trouble.
3. Mind (v. 5). What is the solution to lack of church unity? Paul urges his people to have the mind of Christ. His mind was one of humility demonstrated in his taking the form of a servant and dying on a cross. Humility is expressed by considering others better than yourself and being concerned more about others than yourself. Arrogance and pride divide and cause trouble while humility draws together into a unity.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Gospel: Matthew 21:28--32
1. What Kind Of Sinner Are You? 21:28--32
Need: The Bible testifies to the fact that all are sinners, whether in the church or in the world. In that event, why be a Christian? If all are sinners, even Christians, who can be saved? It is important for Christians to realize they are sinners lest they become holier--than--thou in their attitude toward non--Christians. It is not a matter of being a sinner; it matters what kind of sinner you are. One type is lost and another type goes to heaven.
Outline: The two sons represent two kinds of sinners.
a. The lost sinner - the one who said, "I go, sir" - v. 30.
1. Had respect and piety - "Sir."
2. Lip service - "I go."
3. Failed to do what he said - "but did not go."
b. The saved sinner - v. 29.
1. Repented - "he repented."
2. Obeyed - "went."
2. Who Is Going To Heaven? 21:28--32
Need: Those who think they are going to heaven may not get there. Those who do not expect to make it to heaven may be surprised. The religious leaders of Jesus' day were surprised to learn who was going to heaven. They thought they were, because they considered themselves righteous and devout. The publicans and harlots never thought they had a chance, but Jesus says they are the ones going to heaven. In our day church people identify with the religious people, and probably drug addicts, alcoholics, criminals, and prostitutes think there is no chance for them. It all depends on whether there is repentance and acceptance of Christ.
Outline: Who is going to heaven?
a. Who is not: the obedient who disobey - vv. 30, 32.
1. They refuse to repent.
2. They see no need of Christ.
b. Who is: the disobedient who obey - vv. 29, 31.
1. They turn from evil to good.
2. They respond to Christ.
3. What Do You Think? 21:28--32
Need: Jesus was in the midst of a controversy with the religious leaders of his day. They opposed him because of his friendliness toward sinners. Note the method Jesus used to answer his opponents and to justify his position. He used the inductive rather than the deductive method. He did not say, "Listen to me. I am telling the truth. You righteous people will not get to heaven, but repentant sinners will." This would have stopped the discussion and the leaders would have gone away more convinced than ever that Jesus was wrong. But, Jesus used an open--ended method. "What do you think?" He let them come to the conclusion that they needed to repent. In this sermon we need to use the inductive method to accomplish the same end.
Outline: What do you think?
a. Are sinners lost? - "I will not."
b. Are the righteous saved? - "I go."
c. Which of the two goes to heaven? - "Afterward he repented."
Lesson 1: Exodus 17:1--7 (C)
1. How God Does The Impossible. 17:1--7
Need: Is there anything too hard for God? Do we ask God to do what we think is in the realm of possibility? If we limit God to that, we lack faith in his omnipotence and we restrict our prayers to trifles. Consider the text. Is God able to provide water for a million people in a desert where there is no water? In life we face "impossible" situations. Our need is to trust God to do the impossible for us.
Outline: How God does the impossible for us -
a. He knows our impossible need - v. 2.
b. He is present as a possible God - v. 6a.
c. He uses human instrumentality to do the impossible - v. 6b.
2. What Will God Do To A People Like Us? 17:1--7
Need: Moses cries to God, "What shall I do with this people?" He has his hands full with a multitude of complaining and rebellious people who are about to stone him to death for not providing water. Moses turns the problem over to God who may ask, "What shall I do with this people?" Rest assured, God's number one problem is his people. They sin, they rebel, they do not trust him, they do not faithfully follow his leaders. What will God do to a people like us? Consider some possibilities.
Outline: What God may do to a people like us -
a. He can ignore us in our need - v. 2.
b. He can blot us out of existence - v. 4.
c. He can provide for our needs anyway - v. 6.
Lesson 1: Ezekiel 18:25--28 (RC); Ezekiel 18:1--4, 25--32 (E)
The Heart Of The Matter. "Get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit!" 18:31
Need: We know what we ought to do but we do not do it. We don't want to do what we do. We know that to sin is to die and to obey God's laws is to live. We are convinced we need to repent. All well and good! But, how do you get yourself a new heart and spirit which will give you strength to change? For this reason this text is inadequate. It tells us what to do and what we need, but we have no way of getting it. People in our churches are in the same situation. They feel helpless to change, to do right, and do not know how to make the change.
Outline: Consider the heart of the matter -
a. The need to have a new heart and spirit.
1. A heart that loves God.
2. A heart that obeys God.
b. The way to a new heart.
1. God's creation: "Create in me a clean heart, O God."
2. The Spirit's work: "You must be born anew."
Lesson 2: Philippians 2:1--13
1. You Can Have A United Church. 2:1--5
Need: It is quite self--evident that almost every church needs to be united in harmony and peace. It is an exceptional church that does not have cliques and power structures competing with each other. The average pastor is constantly walking on eggs in trying to keep all parties happy and cooperative. Even Paul had the problem of a split church in Philippi. What can be done to have a united church? Paul writes the prescription.
Outline: To have a united church -
a. Have the same mind - v. 2.
b. Have the same love - v. 2.
c. Have the same humility - vv. 3--5.
2. Having The Mind Of Christ. 2:5--8
Need: If we had the mind of Christ, our church problems with divisions would be solved. Paul's final appeal is for all his people to have the mind of Christ. Does this mean we are to know as much as Jesus did? Can we match his wisdom? Can we ever be as sharp and as intelligent as he? No way! Yet, we can have the mind of Christ in a spiritual way. At least, we can approximate it.
Outline: What is the mind of Christ?
a. A mind of humility - "humbled himself."
b. A mind of service - "taking the form of a servant."
c. A mind of sacrifice - "obedient unto death."
