Proper 25 / Ordinary Time 30
Preaching
THE WESLEYAN PREACHING ANNUAL 2001--2002
Worship Resources for Cycle A
WORSHIP HELPS
CALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Hebrews 4:12--16)
Leader: Jesus is our High Priest ready to introduce us to God.
People: He is a priest who is in touch with our realities.
Leader: Jesus knows our weaknesses. He has experienced our infirmities. He has been tested just like us.
People: But without sin! He is ready to give us mercy.
All: Let's accept the help.
OFFERING THOUGHT
God, today we come with glorious praise because You are the Giver of good gifts. Amen.
BENEDICTION
God has given us life to be understood and not misinterpreted. Go today knowing the great, "I AM" of God.
SERMON BRIEFS
What Drives Our Ministry?
Deuteronomy 34:1--12; 1 Thessalonians 2:1--8
Introduction
When a stranger walks into our church and asks to speak to a minister, every member should be able to answer, "I am a minister. How can I help you?" Pastors, staff, and laypersons alike have been given spiritual gifts "for the work of the ministry" (Ephesians 4:12b). What a joy to exercise our gifts for the blessing and building up of the body of Christ. We are all ministers. What drives our ministry? What is our ministry motive? Why do we do what we do for Christ and his church?
Paul writes a letter to the Thessalonian church answering some of the malicious rumored accusations against him and his ministry. These ministry--demeaning comments had come from persons who reported on Paul's prison record in Philippi. It was a wearisome attack that the missionary apostle gently attempted to answer. In one sense, we celebrate those slanderous words because it gave Paul reason to write a powerful description of Christ--centered motives for ministry. As we listen to Paul's defense, whether we are lay or clergy ministers, we are inspired to reject all motivation of the flesh and embrace Christian impulse ministry motives
I. Bold to speak the gospel - not timid (v. 2)
In spite of great conflict and opposition they had to endure, Paul and his missionary team proclaimed the glorious grace message. This boldness is the fulfillment of Acts 2:8 where the Lord promises his disciples that they will receive power to be bold witnesses when the Holy Spirit comes in sanctifying fullness. Cowardice and timidity to the wind, Spirit infused believers are not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God unto salvation. My ministry motive is winsome boldness to preach the gospel.
II. Creative sanctified vision - not unclean delusion (v. 3)
The Philippian critics accused Paul of teaching from sheer delusion. Oh that we were all accused of being insanely visionary! The courageous, creative, innovative leaders have often been called crazy. Jesus himself was accused of that (Mark 3:21) when the people turned against Him. Too often we are guilty of insipid minuscule boring mini--visions rather than embracing big audacious goals. My ministry motive is sanctified, colossal, creative visioning.
III. Teach liberating joy - not people--pleasing flattery (vv. 4--6)
There is no greater ministry bondage than attempting to please people and gain personal prestige and church fame. By the same token, there is no greater liberating ministry joy and grace than surrendering my reputation on the altar of total consecration. Our heavenly Father will raise us up when He chooses to and allow us to learn new humility lessons whenever He deems it best. If God cannot protect "my good name" I certainly will not succeed in that endeavor. My ministry motive is to please God in humble liberating obedient joy.
IV. Generous selflessness - not greedy cash seekers (vv. 5, 9)
One of the earliest Christian writings "The Didache - Teaching of the Twelve Apostles" written less than 70 years after the Lord's resurrection speaks of those covetous false prophet ministers who attempted to take advantage of the New Testament church by free--loading and constantly asking for money. This sheep fleecing is certainly not unique to our era. Paul speaks of self--sacrificing service rather than insisting on being pampered and financially prospered. The horrendous sin of child abuse is the ministerial sin of trading on charity! My ministry motive is to be wisely generous with my life and resources learning to trust the Lord God as my provider.
V. Gentle mother love - not dictatorial abuse (v. 7--8)
Paul reminds the Thessalonian church that Christ--focused ministers are not power freaks but gentle loving servant--leaders. Whatever our ministry may be, we are called to be servants. Too often we are guilty of trying to manipulate those around us to help us reach our self--focused goals. A great definition of servant is one who finds their greatest joy in seeing those whom they serve reach their goals. Those I serve have become so dear to me that I find sheer delight in facilitating their spiritual pilgrimage and helping them reach their divine calling. My ministry motive is to gently love those I serve as a mother loves her child.
Conclusion
Paul was accused of impure ministry motives. In his defense he portrays the kind of Christ--motivation that should drive our lay and clergy ministries. We are called to a bold, visionary, God--pleasing, generous, gentle, loving ministry. Ultimately Paul is sketching a profile of Jesus Christ as the ultimate ministry model for us all.
Jerry D. Porter
Our Dependence Is Upon God
Psalm 90:1--6, 13--17
This prayer--psalm, attributed to Moses, recalls and reports several insights about life and living. For one thing, there is the recognition that human safety rests in the hands of God (vv. 1--2). For another, because of human sin the sentence of death is upon our short lives (vv. 3--10). For yet another, only God's favor can help our life endure and make our labors effective (v. 17). This prayer--psalm reminds us of the importance of God to our frail and troubled lives, and it encourages us to depend upon God for succour, sustenance, and stability.
I. God, our true dwelling
"Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations" (Psalm 90:1). His thought influenced no doubt by the Hebrew nation's many years of wandering, and earlier his own, always in unsafe settings and amidst challenging experiences, Moses was now steadied by an understanding that he and they were nevertheless "at home" in the God who was guiding them. With the eternal God as their "refuge and strength, an ever--present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1), Moses knew that the people of God dwell securely in God's will, that as God's people they are always safely encompassed.
The Lord God is our true dwelling. Each of us and all of us are encompassed by God, encircled by God's caring Presence. Thus Paul's use of that quote from the Cretan poet Epimenides, "For in him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28a).
We are encompassed. Our lives are contained and derived. We did not have the first word about our life, nor do we have the last word, for we were born without our consent and we die despite any protest to keep living. We are derived beings. Our distinctiveness as humans shows itself best when we act with some sense that we are not the whole world but only a unit of meaning in the world, when we act responsibly as part of a larger whole that belongs to God. Being encompassed makes our life a strange and mysterious journey, and the strangeness prods continuous questioning on our part, while the mystery stirs perpetual wonder and awe within us as we live, move, and have our being in God's containing plan.
We are God--encompassed beings. When we acknowledge the importance of this fact we begin to understand that we are thus companioned, that we are never alone in life or death because God holds us. The psalmist understood this. He lived daily with an awareness that he was companioned and eternally contained. He thus opened himself to be conditioned for life at its best.
II. A prayer for an established life and effective work
"May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands upon us - yes, establish the work of our hands" (Psalm 90:17).
This prayer--plea voices perfectly the concern about which those who are serious about life remain mindful: that the favor of God must crown our lives and services to make them effectively fruitful. This is the concerned prayer of all who take life and living seriously. Moses wanted all of his interest, all of his thinking, all of his energies to be buttressed and blessed. He wanted his life to have a lasting impact, and he asked God for this. Moses knew that his work should explain his purpose for being, and that his service should mark and validate his place in the world. We see here an awareness about the stewardship of life and work. In our most thoughtful hours, we understand the psalmist's prayer and identify with it, making it our own before God: "Establish the work of our hands."
Our work is the witness of our life. It is "the work of our hands," our labors, that reveals who we are, what we are about, why we live, and how we relate. Any proper theology about human life has to deal with the uses to which we humans put ourselves and the understandings at work within us as we plan and act.
The words of this prayer--plea remind that there is a right framework to view what we do, that there can be a clear focus for what we do, and that there should be some thought about a future for what we do. All of this must have been in the concern of Moses as he prayed, "Establish the work of our hands."
We each have a God--given life and a God--ordained work to do. God is pleased when we seek needed guidance and divine favor in doing that work. Blessed by this understanding, we can give ourselves to thought, planning, and disciplined and persistent effort, doing what is ours to do, and trusting God to bless it all as He alone can do.
Be comforted, then, when tempted to quiver as you face new experiences and the threatening unknowns looming before you. Be comforted that you are encompassed by God, contained in his love. God's eyes beheld our life, in all its stages, before we ever came to birth. Be comforted, and rest in the faith that the God who produced us knows how to guide, preserve, and fulfill us. Yes, rest assured in God, because God's hand holds us. The psalmist was so assured, thus his affirmation: "Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations ... you are God" (Psalm 90:1a, 2b). Influenced by this psalm and its assurance, Isaac Watts (1674--1748) penned that now--familiar hymn "Our God, Our Help," intent, like Moses, to celebrate the God of his assurance:
Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be thou our guard while troubles last,
And our eternal home.
James E. Massey
CALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Hebrews 4:12--16)
Leader: Jesus is our High Priest ready to introduce us to God.
People: He is a priest who is in touch with our realities.
Leader: Jesus knows our weaknesses. He has experienced our infirmities. He has been tested just like us.
People: But without sin! He is ready to give us mercy.
All: Let's accept the help.
OFFERING THOUGHT
God, today we come with glorious praise because You are the Giver of good gifts. Amen.
BENEDICTION
God has given us life to be understood and not misinterpreted. Go today knowing the great, "I AM" of God.
SERMON BRIEFS
What Drives Our Ministry?
Deuteronomy 34:1--12; 1 Thessalonians 2:1--8
Introduction
When a stranger walks into our church and asks to speak to a minister, every member should be able to answer, "I am a minister. How can I help you?" Pastors, staff, and laypersons alike have been given spiritual gifts "for the work of the ministry" (Ephesians 4:12b). What a joy to exercise our gifts for the blessing and building up of the body of Christ. We are all ministers. What drives our ministry? What is our ministry motive? Why do we do what we do for Christ and his church?
Paul writes a letter to the Thessalonian church answering some of the malicious rumored accusations against him and his ministry. These ministry--demeaning comments had come from persons who reported on Paul's prison record in Philippi. It was a wearisome attack that the missionary apostle gently attempted to answer. In one sense, we celebrate those slanderous words because it gave Paul reason to write a powerful description of Christ--centered motives for ministry. As we listen to Paul's defense, whether we are lay or clergy ministers, we are inspired to reject all motivation of the flesh and embrace Christian impulse ministry motives
I. Bold to speak the gospel - not timid (v. 2)
In spite of great conflict and opposition they had to endure, Paul and his missionary team proclaimed the glorious grace message. This boldness is the fulfillment of Acts 2:8 where the Lord promises his disciples that they will receive power to be bold witnesses when the Holy Spirit comes in sanctifying fullness. Cowardice and timidity to the wind, Spirit infused believers are not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God unto salvation. My ministry motive is winsome boldness to preach the gospel.
II. Creative sanctified vision - not unclean delusion (v. 3)
The Philippian critics accused Paul of teaching from sheer delusion. Oh that we were all accused of being insanely visionary! The courageous, creative, innovative leaders have often been called crazy. Jesus himself was accused of that (Mark 3:21) when the people turned against Him. Too often we are guilty of insipid minuscule boring mini--visions rather than embracing big audacious goals. My ministry motive is sanctified, colossal, creative visioning.
III. Teach liberating joy - not people--pleasing flattery (vv. 4--6)
There is no greater ministry bondage than attempting to please people and gain personal prestige and church fame. By the same token, there is no greater liberating ministry joy and grace than surrendering my reputation on the altar of total consecration. Our heavenly Father will raise us up when He chooses to and allow us to learn new humility lessons whenever He deems it best. If God cannot protect "my good name" I certainly will not succeed in that endeavor. My ministry motive is to please God in humble liberating obedient joy.
IV. Generous selflessness - not greedy cash seekers (vv. 5, 9)
One of the earliest Christian writings "The Didache - Teaching of the Twelve Apostles" written less than 70 years after the Lord's resurrection speaks of those covetous false prophet ministers who attempted to take advantage of the New Testament church by free--loading and constantly asking for money. This sheep fleecing is certainly not unique to our era. Paul speaks of self--sacrificing service rather than insisting on being pampered and financially prospered. The horrendous sin of child abuse is the ministerial sin of trading on charity! My ministry motive is to be wisely generous with my life and resources learning to trust the Lord God as my provider.
V. Gentle mother love - not dictatorial abuse (v. 7--8)
Paul reminds the Thessalonian church that Christ--focused ministers are not power freaks but gentle loving servant--leaders. Whatever our ministry may be, we are called to be servants. Too often we are guilty of trying to manipulate those around us to help us reach our self--focused goals. A great definition of servant is one who finds their greatest joy in seeing those whom they serve reach their goals. Those I serve have become so dear to me that I find sheer delight in facilitating their spiritual pilgrimage and helping them reach their divine calling. My ministry motive is to gently love those I serve as a mother loves her child.
Conclusion
Paul was accused of impure ministry motives. In his defense he portrays the kind of Christ--motivation that should drive our lay and clergy ministries. We are called to a bold, visionary, God--pleasing, generous, gentle, loving ministry. Ultimately Paul is sketching a profile of Jesus Christ as the ultimate ministry model for us all.
Jerry D. Porter
Our Dependence Is Upon God
Psalm 90:1--6, 13--17
This prayer--psalm, attributed to Moses, recalls and reports several insights about life and living. For one thing, there is the recognition that human safety rests in the hands of God (vv. 1--2). For another, because of human sin the sentence of death is upon our short lives (vv. 3--10). For yet another, only God's favor can help our life endure and make our labors effective (v. 17). This prayer--psalm reminds us of the importance of God to our frail and troubled lives, and it encourages us to depend upon God for succour, sustenance, and stability.
I. God, our true dwelling
"Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations" (Psalm 90:1). His thought influenced no doubt by the Hebrew nation's many years of wandering, and earlier his own, always in unsafe settings and amidst challenging experiences, Moses was now steadied by an understanding that he and they were nevertheless "at home" in the God who was guiding them. With the eternal God as their "refuge and strength, an ever--present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1), Moses knew that the people of God dwell securely in God's will, that as God's people they are always safely encompassed.
The Lord God is our true dwelling. Each of us and all of us are encompassed by God, encircled by God's caring Presence. Thus Paul's use of that quote from the Cretan poet Epimenides, "For in him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28a).
We are encompassed. Our lives are contained and derived. We did not have the first word about our life, nor do we have the last word, for we were born without our consent and we die despite any protest to keep living. We are derived beings. Our distinctiveness as humans shows itself best when we act with some sense that we are not the whole world but only a unit of meaning in the world, when we act responsibly as part of a larger whole that belongs to God. Being encompassed makes our life a strange and mysterious journey, and the strangeness prods continuous questioning on our part, while the mystery stirs perpetual wonder and awe within us as we live, move, and have our being in God's containing plan.
We are God--encompassed beings. When we acknowledge the importance of this fact we begin to understand that we are thus companioned, that we are never alone in life or death because God holds us. The psalmist understood this. He lived daily with an awareness that he was companioned and eternally contained. He thus opened himself to be conditioned for life at its best.
II. A prayer for an established life and effective work
"May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands upon us - yes, establish the work of our hands" (Psalm 90:17).
This prayer--plea voices perfectly the concern about which those who are serious about life remain mindful: that the favor of God must crown our lives and services to make them effectively fruitful. This is the concerned prayer of all who take life and living seriously. Moses wanted all of his interest, all of his thinking, all of his energies to be buttressed and blessed. He wanted his life to have a lasting impact, and he asked God for this. Moses knew that his work should explain his purpose for being, and that his service should mark and validate his place in the world. We see here an awareness about the stewardship of life and work. In our most thoughtful hours, we understand the psalmist's prayer and identify with it, making it our own before God: "Establish the work of our hands."
Our work is the witness of our life. It is "the work of our hands," our labors, that reveals who we are, what we are about, why we live, and how we relate. Any proper theology about human life has to deal with the uses to which we humans put ourselves and the understandings at work within us as we plan and act.
The words of this prayer--plea remind that there is a right framework to view what we do, that there can be a clear focus for what we do, and that there should be some thought about a future for what we do. All of this must have been in the concern of Moses as he prayed, "Establish the work of our hands."
We each have a God--given life and a God--ordained work to do. God is pleased when we seek needed guidance and divine favor in doing that work. Blessed by this understanding, we can give ourselves to thought, planning, and disciplined and persistent effort, doing what is ours to do, and trusting God to bless it all as He alone can do.
Be comforted, then, when tempted to quiver as you face new experiences and the threatening unknowns looming before you. Be comforted that you are encompassed by God, contained in his love. God's eyes beheld our life, in all its stages, before we ever came to birth. Be comforted, and rest in the faith that the God who produced us knows how to guide, preserve, and fulfill us. Yes, rest assured in God, because God's hand holds us. The psalmist was so assured, thus his affirmation: "Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations ... you are God" (Psalm 90:1a, 2b). Influenced by this psalm and its assurance, Isaac Watts (1674--1748) penned that now--familiar hymn "Our God, Our Help," intent, like Moses, to celebrate the God of his assurance:
Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be thou our guard while troubles last,
And our eternal home.
James E. Massey
