Proper 25
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VII Cycle C
Seasonal Theme
Jesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Theme For The Day
Saint Paul's legacy and farewell which calls for keeping the faith and finishing the race.
Old Testament Lesson
Joel 2:23-32
The Blessings Of God
The passage begins with a glorious promise of early and late rain and the blessing derived from it. Verses 24-27 list out some of the blessings when the land has ample rain, contrasted with locust and drought. We are told that Israel can count on Yahweh's action toward her. Verses 28-32 continue the blessings of God with the pouring out of the spirit upon the people -- there is a new power for them. The spirit will bless everyone. Moses had asked for it (Numbers 11:29). We have the signs in verses 30 and 31 of the day of Yahweh. To "call upon the name of the Lord" (v. 32) is to serve him in the temple liturgy.
According to Charles F. Kraft in The Interpreter's One Volume Commentary on the Bible: "Acts 2:17-21, the Pentecost speech of Peter, verses 28-32 are quotes as found in the LXX. The events of Pentecost were seen as part of the pattern proclaimed by the prophet." Verse 28 gives us the outpouring afterward. Romans 10:13 also quotes verse 32a.
New Testament Lesson
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Paul's Finish
This is the last New Testament Reading from Timothy for this church year. We have had seven in a row. And this one is definitely a closing one. Paul says he has given his all like a sacrifice poured out (see Philippians 2:17) and he has now come to the end. He is confident of his place in heaven. He regrets that all deserted him when he needed them -- but Jesus stood by him and he was able to proclaim the gospel to the Gentiles. Not bad for a rabid converted Jew who at one time was out to persecute the early Christians!
The word for "departure" is rich (analusis). It is for a soldier taking down his tent or the loosing of a boat from its moorings. Perhaps to young Timothy it seemed Paul was coming to his end. But Paul saw it as being released from all those things which held him back here on earth (see also Philippians 1:23).
The tense of verse 16 suggests that this was a defense which was preliminary and that it was successful. Still, it's sad that this great missionary who had given his all had no one there to speak on his behalf. "Out of the mouth of the lion" is a common metaphor for escaping some severe danger. It's doubtful the lion referred to the emperor or the amphitheater.
For preaching, the three assertions will do powerfully: 1) fought the good fight; 2) finished the race; and 3) kept the faith. The results are a crown of righteousness.
The Gospel
Luke 18:9-14
The Pharisee And Tax Collector
So much here in these few sentences! This Pharisee was a very good member of the church. There are a number of good things about him: he fasted, he tithed, he prayed, he was in church. But his attitude was pride in all these things. He prayed to himself rather than to God.
But it was the one who admitted to God his/her sins whose prayers God heard. This teaches us several things about prayer:
1. In comparing ourselves, the comparison should be with Jesus' example and not with other sinners.
2. We can't pray well with hate in our hearts for other people. We do not place ourselves above others when we pray.
3. Pride can block the acceptance by God of our prayers. True discipleship ought to have a realistic humility.
This Pharisee may not have been there to pray at all but rather to show off to others how great a Jew he was. Still, where is a better place for a fellow like that to be than in the church?
Preaching Possibilities
A. If you have not addressed the spiritual discipline of prayer recently, the Gospel parable teaches it well. The above three lessons in the Gospel for today will work. I don't think the three readings are selected to go together on any common sermon theme.
B. The Old Testament Reading from Joel will preach about God's promises and the outpouring of God's spirit. The early and late rain for a country suffering from severe drought and plagues of locust is strong imagery. It's a good time to talk about natural disasters, what insurance companies call "acts of God," and why God allows or causes them to take place.
C. But because the farewell of Paul to Timothy is our last reading from Timothy, and because there are such rich phrases employed by Paul, I'll go with the Second Reading.
Possible Outline Of Sermon Moves
A. Begin by telling your hearers this is the seventh reading from Timothy. And that the Timothy books are two very special letters in which Paul is writing to his spiritual son. So far we have heard Paul say to young Timothy:
1. Don't drift away to false teachers and continue to be persistent in your witnesses (Proper 24).
2. Even when facing hardships we can anticipate great things ahead (Proper 23).
3. Live up to your mother and grandmother's strong faith (Proper 22).
4. Be careful about materialism and be content with what you have (Proper 21).
5. Pray for everyone in an inclusive manner (Proper 20).
6. There are no limits to God's transforming power (Proper 19).
B. Move to Paul's farewell words to Timothy, and read verses 6-8.
C. Call attention to the three assertions of Paul in verse 7.
1. "Fought the good fight." The Greek here is for a military victory or first place in an athletic event.
2. "Finished the race." Here we have the idea of not winning the race, but finishing it. This is endurance in Christian life and service.
3. "Kept the faith." There have been various interpretations of this often quoted phrase. It could be keeping the rules of a race or a military man's oath of fidelity (Calvin) or continuing to guard the deposit like a steward. One commentary regards it as simply a business formula for keeping an appointment.
D. Relate an example which puts Paul's message into your context. See below.
E. Consider the flip side of the above three assertions.
1. Gave up and surrendered to enemies;
2. Only ran part of the way and dropped out; and
3. Drifted away from the faith.
F. Look for a familiar hymn verse for the three assertions and have the congregation sing between each assertion above (or could be sung as a solo by one of the congregation).
1. Could be "Onward Christian Solders,"
2. Could be "Lead on O King Eternal," and
3. Could be "Faith of our Fathers."
G. One more move can be for you to say what this means to you and your congregation.
1. There are times when we would remain quiet rather than "fight" for our Christianity.
2. There are times in our Christian discipleship when we want to quit part way through.
3. There are many times when we are tempted to compromise our faith to be loved by everyone or to take part fully in our consumerism culture.
H. Frame your sermon by returning to the fact that it's Paul's farewell and it's our own farewell to the books of Timothy.
Prayer For The Day
We need your help, O God, to remain faithful and diligent in our discipleship. We rejoice you have given us faithful models like Timothy and Saint Paul. Help us to be models of discipleship for others who know us as well. And, dear God, teach us to pray in the right way. In Christ's name. Amen.
Possible Metaphors And Stories
A little Asian girl twiddling her thumbs was observed at the Washington, D.C., airport. She was sitting next to her father, twiddling her thumbs at the same speed as he. He would slow up; she would slow up. He would move them rapidly and so would she. He never noticed.
Little people watch us and often copy our actions. It's a big responsibility to be an adult whom children watch.
In an NBC special on The Life of Florence Nightingale, a war between Russia and England in 1853 was depicted. Nightingale felt "called by God" to go to Turkey to help care for the soldiers as a nurse. "You will be going to a country in the worst of circumstances." Florence replied, "No, the worst of circumstances for Christians is to do nothing."
Richard Mills, whom she loved, wrote to her as she was about to leave: "Florence, hold your head high -- few of us can ever say, 'I made a difference' -- you are one of those few."
In 1991 Newsweek did a story on economic hard times. The following were three responses in the letters to the editor:
"It takes an enormous amount of gall for the administration to try to solve the problems of others when our own country is going down the drain."
"What next -- serfs and peasants?"
"Hard times," wrote one, "free us to discover what we truly value in life."
Going through white water rapids is quite an experience! When we went through the roughest one of all, part way through, we lost our rudder and then our guide fell in. Some fell into the center of the rubber raft and some fell out into the river. Finally came the calm water and I thought we had made it, only to discover all were gone. I was on the raft alone! The guide and all the passengers had been dumped. I think we often experience that kind of disaster in the wake of our hollow victories.
Heads Up Alert
The next three Sundays we will read from 2 Thessalonians. It's a good chance to preach a three-sermon series on this wonderful little book.
Consider these themes: Vital signs and commands.
A.Proper 26 -- 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- three vital signs of a Christian Church:
1. a strong faith,
2. love for one another, and
3. steadfastness under suffering.
B.Proper 27 -- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 -- three vital signs of a Christian disciple of Jesus:
1. chosen by God,
2. sanctified by the Spirit, and
3. having the glory of Jesus Christ.
C.Proper 28 -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 -- three commands to follow:
1. Keep away from lazy believers.
2. Imitate Saint Paul in discipleship.
3. Do your work quietly and don't be weary in well doing.
Consider placing something like this in next week's bulletin:
The next three weeks we'll be reading from 1 Thessalonians for our Second Reading. Paul founded this church and had to leave after a very short ministry. In first Thessalonians he writes to them about the second coming of Christ and in this second letter he deals with the subject of "last things." Our pastor will begin today a series of three sermons based on the Second Readings from Thessalonians. The titles will be: (list)
Jesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Theme For The Day
Saint Paul's legacy and farewell which calls for keeping the faith and finishing the race.
Old Testament Lesson
Joel 2:23-32
The Blessings Of God
The passage begins with a glorious promise of early and late rain and the blessing derived from it. Verses 24-27 list out some of the blessings when the land has ample rain, contrasted with locust and drought. We are told that Israel can count on Yahweh's action toward her. Verses 28-32 continue the blessings of God with the pouring out of the spirit upon the people -- there is a new power for them. The spirit will bless everyone. Moses had asked for it (Numbers 11:29). We have the signs in verses 30 and 31 of the day of Yahweh. To "call upon the name of the Lord" (v. 32) is to serve him in the temple liturgy.
According to Charles F. Kraft in The Interpreter's One Volume Commentary on the Bible: "Acts 2:17-21, the Pentecost speech of Peter, verses 28-32 are quotes as found in the LXX. The events of Pentecost were seen as part of the pattern proclaimed by the prophet." Verse 28 gives us the outpouring afterward. Romans 10:13 also quotes verse 32a.
New Testament Lesson
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Paul's Finish
This is the last New Testament Reading from Timothy for this church year. We have had seven in a row. And this one is definitely a closing one. Paul says he has given his all like a sacrifice poured out (see Philippians 2:17) and he has now come to the end. He is confident of his place in heaven. He regrets that all deserted him when he needed them -- but Jesus stood by him and he was able to proclaim the gospel to the Gentiles. Not bad for a rabid converted Jew who at one time was out to persecute the early Christians!
The word for "departure" is rich (analusis). It is for a soldier taking down his tent or the loosing of a boat from its moorings. Perhaps to young Timothy it seemed Paul was coming to his end. But Paul saw it as being released from all those things which held him back here on earth (see also Philippians 1:23).
The tense of verse 16 suggests that this was a defense which was preliminary and that it was successful. Still, it's sad that this great missionary who had given his all had no one there to speak on his behalf. "Out of the mouth of the lion" is a common metaphor for escaping some severe danger. It's doubtful the lion referred to the emperor or the amphitheater.
For preaching, the three assertions will do powerfully: 1) fought the good fight; 2) finished the race; and 3) kept the faith. The results are a crown of righteousness.
The Gospel
Luke 18:9-14
The Pharisee And Tax Collector
So much here in these few sentences! This Pharisee was a very good member of the church. There are a number of good things about him: he fasted, he tithed, he prayed, he was in church. But his attitude was pride in all these things. He prayed to himself rather than to God.
But it was the one who admitted to God his/her sins whose prayers God heard. This teaches us several things about prayer:
1. In comparing ourselves, the comparison should be with Jesus' example and not with other sinners.
2. We can't pray well with hate in our hearts for other people. We do not place ourselves above others when we pray.
3. Pride can block the acceptance by God of our prayers. True discipleship ought to have a realistic humility.
This Pharisee may not have been there to pray at all but rather to show off to others how great a Jew he was. Still, where is a better place for a fellow like that to be than in the church?
Preaching Possibilities
A. If you have not addressed the spiritual discipline of prayer recently, the Gospel parable teaches it well. The above three lessons in the Gospel for today will work. I don't think the three readings are selected to go together on any common sermon theme.
B. The Old Testament Reading from Joel will preach about God's promises and the outpouring of God's spirit. The early and late rain for a country suffering from severe drought and plagues of locust is strong imagery. It's a good time to talk about natural disasters, what insurance companies call "acts of God," and why God allows or causes them to take place.
C. But because the farewell of Paul to Timothy is our last reading from Timothy, and because there are such rich phrases employed by Paul, I'll go with the Second Reading.
Possible Outline Of Sermon Moves
A. Begin by telling your hearers this is the seventh reading from Timothy. And that the Timothy books are two very special letters in which Paul is writing to his spiritual son. So far we have heard Paul say to young Timothy:
1. Don't drift away to false teachers and continue to be persistent in your witnesses (Proper 24).
2. Even when facing hardships we can anticipate great things ahead (Proper 23).
3. Live up to your mother and grandmother's strong faith (Proper 22).
4. Be careful about materialism and be content with what you have (Proper 21).
5. Pray for everyone in an inclusive manner (Proper 20).
6. There are no limits to God's transforming power (Proper 19).
B. Move to Paul's farewell words to Timothy, and read verses 6-8.
C. Call attention to the three assertions of Paul in verse 7.
1. "Fought the good fight." The Greek here is for a military victory or first place in an athletic event.
2. "Finished the race." Here we have the idea of not winning the race, but finishing it. This is endurance in Christian life and service.
3. "Kept the faith." There have been various interpretations of this often quoted phrase. It could be keeping the rules of a race or a military man's oath of fidelity (Calvin) or continuing to guard the deposit like a steward. One commentary regards it as simply a business formula for keeping an appointment.
D. Relate an example which puts Paul's message into your context. See below.
E. Consider the flip side of the above three assertions.
1. Gave up and surrendered to enemies;
2. Only ran part of the way and dropped out; and
3. Drifted away from the faith.
F. Look for a familiar hymn verse for the three assertions and have the congregation sing between each assertion above (or could be sung as a solo by one of the congregation).
1. Could be "Onward Christian Solders,"
2. Could be "Lead on O King Eternal," and
3. Could be "Faith of our Fathers."
G. One more move can be for you to say what this means to you and your congregation.
1. There are times when we would remain quiet rather than "fight" for our Christianity.
2. There are times in our Christian discipleship when we want to quit part way through.
3. There are many times when we are tempted to compromise our faith to be loved by everyone or to take part fully in our consumerism culture.
H. Frame your sermon by returning to the fact that it's Paul's farewell and it's our own farewell to the books of Timothy.
Prayer For The Day
We need your help, O God, to remain faithful and diligent in our discipleship. We rejoice you have given us faithful models like Timothy and Saint Paul. Help us to be models of discipleship for others who know us as well. And, dear God, teach us to pray in the right way. In Christ's name. Amen.
Possible Metaphors And Stories
A little Asian girl twiddling her thumbs was observed at the Washington, D.C., airport. She was sitting next to her father, twiddling her thumbs at the same speed as he. He would slow up; she would slow up. He would move them rapidly and so would she. He never noticed.
Little people watch us and often copy our actions. It's a big responsibility to be an adult whom children watch.
In an NBC special on The Life of Florence Nightingale, a war between Russia and England in 1853 was depicted. Nightingale felt "called by God" to go to Turkey to help care for the soldiers as a nurse. "You will be going to a country in the worst of circumstances." Florence replied, "No, the worst of circumstances for Christians is to do nothing."
Richard Mills, whom she loved, wrote to her as she was about to leave: "Florence, hold your head high -- few of us can ever say, 'I made a difference' -- you are one of those few."
In 1991 Newsweek did a story on economic hard times. The following were three responses in the letters to the editor:
"It takes an enormous amount of gall for the administration to try to solve the problems of others when our own country is going down the drain."
"What next -- serfs and peasants?"
"Hard times," wrote one, "free us to discover what we truly value in life."
Going through white water rapids is quite an experience! When we went through the roughest one of all, part way through, we lost our rudder and then our guide fell in. Some fell into the center of the rubber raft and some fell out into the river. Finally came the calm water and I thought we had made it, only to discover all were gone. I was on the raft alone! The guide and all the passengers had been dumped. I think we often experience that kind of disaster in the wake of our hollow victories.
Heads Up Alert
The next three Sundays we will read from 2 Thessalonians. It's a good chance to preach a three-sermon series on this wonderful little book.
Consider these themes: Vital signs and commands.
A.Proper 26 -- 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- three vital signs of a Christian Church:
1. a strong faith,
2. love for one another, and
3. steadfastness under suffering.
B.Proper 27 -- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 -- three vital signs of a Christian disciple of Jesus:
1. chosen by God,
2. sanctified by the Spirit, and
3. having the glory of Jesus Christ.
C.Proper 28 -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 -- three commands to follow:
1. Keep away from lazy believers.
2. Imitate Saint Paul in discipleship.
3. Do your work quietly and don't be weary in well doing.
Consider placing something like this in next week's bulletin:
The next three weeks we'll be reading from 1 Thessalonians for our Second Reading. Paul founded this church and had to leave after a very short ministry. In first Thessalonians he writes to them about the second coming of Christ and in this second letter he deals with the subject of "last things." Our pastor will begin today a series of three sermons based on the Second Readings from Thessalonians. The titles will be: (list)
