Proper 26
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series IV
Lesson 1: Joshua 3:7-17 (C)
Under Joshua the Israelites cross the Jordan into the promised land. Moses died and Joshua succeeded him. The people are assembled east of the Jordan River and are ready to cross over to the promised land. Forty years of wandering are now at an end, the destination reached. As the Red Sea was parted, the Jordan also is divided to allow the people to enter a new land with dry feet.
Lesson 1: Amos 5:18-24 (L)
The day of the Lord is one of darkness because of religosity rather than of social justice. This pericope comes from the section of Amos dealing with the Day of the Lord. The Day of the Lord is to be the day of Yahweh's wrath. Unlike the Parousia, the end is not of the world but of Israel as a nation. The cause of the coming doom is the failure of Israel to establish social justice and righteousness. Indeed, the people are religious and they worship, but Yahweh finds their worship unacceptable while the people tolerate social injustice.
Lesson 1: Micah 3:5-12 (E)
The wicked disapprove of a true prophet's message.
Lesson 1: Malachi 1:14--2:2, 8-10 (RC)
The wider ministry.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 (C); 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, 17-20 (E); 1 Thessalonians
2:7-9, 13 (RC)
For the Thessalonians Paul worked hard, led an exemplary life, preached the Word and longed to see his people again. Paul reminds his people in Thessalonica how he worked day and night in order not to be a financial burden on them. Also, he reminds them he lived a life that was worthy of imitation and, in a fatherly way he urged them to live a life worthy of God. Moreover, he is grateful that they accepted his preaching as the very Word of God. Because of this warm and close fellowship with them, Paul is anxious to visit them again, for they are his joy and glory.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (15-18) (L)
Paul assures the church that the dead in Christ will come with Christ when he returns at the last day. In Paul's day Christians expected the Parousia in their lifetime. However, some of them did die. The living were concerned whether the dead in Christ would miss the victorious and glorious return. Their concern implies that the dead in Christ are dead. Paul assures them that Christ will bring the dead with him when he comes, and thus the living will not have an advantage over the dead. Paul's teaching implies that the dead in Christ are living with Christ.
Gospel:
Matthew 23:1-12 (C, E, RC)
Jesus urges his disciples to follow what the Pharisees taught but not what they practiced. New Testament scholarship does not credit Jesus with these words but, rather, Matthew. At the time of writing, the church was having a struggle with the Jews. The harsh words of Pharasaic hypocrisy should be understood in the light of the historical situation. Jesus exhorts both people and disciples not to follow the Pharisees who do not practice what they preach, but to attain greatness through humility and service. In contrast to self and title-seeking, Jesus urged his followers to renounce pride and titles in favor of service to God.
Gospel:
Matthew 25:1-13 (L)
The parable of the wise and foolish maidens. The parable of the wise and foolish virgins is found only in Matthew. The previous chapter dealt with the last days. Matthew 25 gives the practical implications of the Parousia. The point of the parable is "Be ready for Jesus' return." The parable emphasizes the immediacy of the Parousia, the delay of the Parousia, the foolishness of not being prepared, the inability to transfer faith from those who have it to those who have it not, and the finality of the judgment without a second chance.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 107: 1-7, 33-37 (C) - "O give thanks to the Lord (v. 1)."
Psalm 43 (E) - "Hope in God (v. 5)."
Psalm 63:1-8 (L) - "My soul thirsts for thee (v. 1)."
Psalm 13 (RC) - "I trusted in your steadfast love (v. 5)."
Prayer Of The Day
"Lord, when the day of wrath comes, we have no hope except in your grace. Make us so to watch for the last days that the consummation of our hope may be the joy of the marriage feast of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."
Hymn Of The Day
"Wake, Awake, For Night Is Flying"
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel:
Matthew 23:1-12 (C, E, RC)
1. Preach ... practice (v. 3). These two belong together, but often they are not. The preaching may be all right, but the practice has not the same quality. Jesus urges his listeners to practice what the scribes and Pharisees preach, but not to follow their practice. Can we do this? Can we separate preaching from practice? Most of us repudiate the preaching that is not practiced. Yet, what preacher can perfectly practice his preaching?
2. Seen (v. 5). Religious leaders are prone to be proud of themselves, their positions and their piety. They want to be "seen." "Look at me" - see how good I am ! They want their gifts publicized and want due credit. They like to wear large crosses and put religious slogans on bumpers. They want to be seated up front and they love their titles. All these add up to pride. They want to be "seen." Who are "they?"
3. Greatest (v. 11). The world does not agree with Jesus on the question, who is the greatest. In the world the greatest is a star like Johnny Carson or Robert Redford. The greatest is a champion like Muhammad Ali. The greatest is a billionaire like an Onassis. The greatest is a monarch of a nation bike the Queen of England. This kind of greatness is for few people. For Jesus' greatness, every person can be the greatest. It takes only humble service. The greatest can be poor, uneducated, unknown - just a humble person living for others.
Gospel:
Matthew 25:1-13 (L)
1. Lamps (v. 1). The 10 young women in the parable took lamps on their way to the wedding. Why lamps? Weddings are not usually held at night but in the day. The night is usually reserved for the bridal couple to be in the bridal suite! In an allegorical sense the maidens are waiting for Christ the Bridegroom to return. The days are dark with sin and Jesus returns unexpectedly at midnight (v. 6). When things get their worst and darkest, Christ will return.
2. Foolish (v. 2). Half of the girls were "foolish." Is that an accurate percentage of today's people? In the parable the girls were foolish because they were not prepared for the Parousia. Among the foolish are those who say there is no God (Psalm 14:1). Moreover, he is a fool who has no spiritual resources (Luke 12:20). On the other hand, we are to be fools for Christ's sake (1 Corinthians 4:10).
3. Buy (v. 9). Were the wise maidens selfish and cruel not to give the foolish ones some of their oil? Refusing to share, they said, "Go and buy for yourselves." On the surface it seems to be heartless, but it is more than that. The wise could not give their oil to the foolish ones. The oil is faith. It cannot be given to others. One must go to the dealer of oil. The one dealer of faith is God. Faith is a gift of God through the Holy Spirit. No one can get to heaven on a borrowed or bought faith.
4. Shut (v. 10). When the foolish girls eventually arrived at the wedding feast, they found the door "shut." They came too late. They were shut out of the kingdom of God. In our reconciliation with God there is a cutting off place. The opportunity to get right with God does not go on endlessly. The day of grace comes to an end. As Paul wrote, now is the acceptable time; today is the day of salvation. Tomorrow the door of salvation may be shut and the foolish are left out in the cold.
Lesson 1: Joshua 3:7-17 (C)
1. Exalt (v. 7). Moses was a hard act to follow. Who could measure up to Moses and his leadership? So highly was he regarded that when he tarried on Mount Sinai, the people thought God had forsaken them. Now Joshua takes over. Will he be adequate? Will he be as acceptable to God as Moses was? Yahweh exalts Joshua as the new leader, promises to be with him and gave him authority to command the people. Human beings come and go, but God raises up new leaders to carry on his work.
2. Hear (v. 9). Joshua's first act is to call an assembly for the people to hear God's Word. They are to hear the good news that Yahweh was still with them and promised to give them victory over the armies in the new land. God speaks to them through their new leader. A prophet is one who speaks for God. Paul wrote that faith comes from hearing the preached Word of God. When we hear God, we receive guidance, promise and good news of God's continual care.
3. Front (v. 14). The ark of the covenant symbolized the presence of Yahweh and the covenant made on Mount Sinai. To put the ark first is to put God first. In the church the altar is the symbol of God's presence and is therefore usually placed in an elevated position at the front of the church's interior. Joshua ordered 12 priests to carry the ark first in line. God was to come first in their lives, nation and future. When God is placed on the front line, human battles are won.
Lesson 1: Amos 5:18-24 (L)
1. Woe (v. 18). Woe to you who want the Day of the Lord to come! We Christians are like those in Amos' day. We, too, want Jesus to return, for we pray, "Maranatha," Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly. We want the day to come, for we think it will be a day of triumph, glory and salvation. Why do we desire the end of the world when that day will be one of judgment, dankness, doom and gloom? It is a day when we must answer for our sins.
2. Hate (v. 21). Can a God of love hate? According to Amos, God hates and despises our worship. Indeed, God loves the sinner but hates sin. What is the sin? It is not the crimes committed by unbelievers. It is the false worship of God's people. Does God not want to be thanked and praised? Religious people are not in trouble with God for gross crimes but for using worship as a cop-out for doing his will. Worship without service arouses God's hatred.
3. But (v. 24). "But" is a transition word from what we are doing to what God wants us to do. Worship dare not be a substitute for justice and righteousness. It is okay with God to sing, "Lord, Lord" if we do what he commands in terms of love for one's neighbor. Social concerns dealing with poverty, illiteracy and injustice must be related to religious devotion. It can never be either personal or a social gospel. It must be both to have God's approval.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 (C); 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, 17-20 (E); 1 Thessalonians
2:7-9, 13 (RC)
1. Gospel (vv. 8, 9). Paul and his associates come to Thessalonica for one purpose: to give them the gospel. Whatever became of the gospel in our day? What is the gospel? It is good news - not good news about man, about his latest accomplishments. It is the good news about God's great act of redeeming and reconciling many through the cross. It is the good news that God loves and accepts us though we are sinners. Does the modern person need this gospel? Is he worried about his sin and his reconciliation to God? Today many do not know what sin is nor are they sure there is a God. How can you get a hearing for the gospel in these times?
2. Life worthy (v. 12). Paul charged his people to lead lives worthy of God. This presupposes we have faith in God and respond to God. We belong to God. What kind of lives shall we live that would be worthy of God? Paul describes his life in terms of "holy, righteous and blameless." Why can't we be members of God's kingdom without worrying about our lifestyle? It is because of who God is and what his nature is. A good, loving and holy God demands that we be what he is.
3. Word of God (v. 13). What is preaching? Is it the word of the man who is speaking from a pulpit or is it the Word of God? Paul says that the Thessalonians accepted his preaching as the Word of God. Thus, preaching is not one human's opinion or wisdom, but it is God's Word coming in and through the words of a human. Why would they consider Paul's words as God's Word? It is because he preached the gospel. He was determined to know nothing but Jesus and the cross. He preached Jesus Christ and him crucified. Jesus is the incarnate Word. To preach him is to preach the Word. When this is done, the congregation recognizes it not as the preacher's word but as God's Word.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (15-18) (L)
1. Ignorant (v. 13). What do we know about the dead? Where are they: in heaven, hell on Hades? In what condition are they? Are they alive and well? If we do not know about the dead in Christ, we may have needless concern for them. How can we be anything other than "ignorant," for who has come back from the dead to inform us? Without proper information, we may unnecessarily grieve for them. To overcome ignorance, Paul informs us of the dead's present and future.
2. Asleep (v. 13). Death is portrayed as a sleep. It is a pleasant and helpful analogy. If to die is like falling asleep after a hard day's work, dying will not be too bad. When we are asleep, there is no awareness of the passage of time or of happenings. To be asleep implies an awakening. On earth we fall asleep in death only to awaken in heaven. For a restful and peaceful sleep we need to fall asleep in Jesus.
3. Bring (v. 14). In Paul's generation, Christians expected Jesus to return before they died. Since his coming was delayed, some wondered if those who died would miss his triumphant return. When he comes again, he is to gather his people and take them to heaven. Will the dead miss out on this? No, Paul says, for Christ will bring the dead with him and with the living they will enter eternal life. Where then are the Christian dead? They are alive with Christ in heaven, just as Jesus promised the repentant thief on the cross, "Today you will be with me in paradise."
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
That Will Be the Day!
Need: When people experience an injustice of some kind or when people doubt some great or important happening, they often say, "That will be the day!" They could be thinking of a time for retribution and judgment. There will come a day when history will end and all things will be righted. History is more than going on and on and on. The end is known as the Day of the Lord. What this "day" will be depends on who and whose we are.
Outline: There'll come a day -
a. For the ungodly, a day of judgment - Lesson 1 - Amos 5:18-24.
b. For the dead in Christ, a day of resurrection - Lesson 2 - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14.
c. For Christians, a day of Christ's return - Gospel - Matthew 25:1-13.
Gospel:
Matthew 23:1-12 (C, E, RC)
1. The Danger of Being Religious. 23:1-12
Need: It is not altogether safe to be a religious person. You can fall into various pits that bring destruction to the soul. Many think of religion as a fortress in which they are perfectly safe from Satan and his wiles of destruction. This Gospel lesson tells of top neligious leaders in Jesus' day who became victims of their religion. What happened then happens today among religious people.
Outline: Christian leaders need to -
a. Beware of the dangers of religious leadership.
1. Profession without performance - v. 3.
2. Pride - vv. 5-7.
b. Follow Jesus' example of humble service - vv. 11-12.
2. "I Preach to Myself." 23:1-12
Need: The lessons deal primarily with priests, apostles, scribes and Pharisees. There are professional religious leaders - clergy people. This includes the pastor of this church, the preacher of this sermon. This gives the pastor an opportunity to preach an innovative sermon, a monologue. He could preach the sermon to himself with the congregation overhearing the gospel. This should result in knowing the pastor better and in enlisting the congregation in better support of the pastor in his work of leadership.
Outline: The kind of pastor I want to be.
a. One who practices what he preaches - v. 3.
b. One who does for God what he asks others to do - v. 4.
c. One who is humble - vv. 5-10.
d. One who serves - v. 11.
3. We Are the Pharisees. 23:1-12
Need: This pericope is for both clergy and laity. Jesus spoke about the scribes and the Pharisees. The scribes were the professional, ordained clergy who were scholars, teachers and rabbis. The Pharisees were not theologically educated; they were lay people who were leaders dedicated and zealous in keeping the Law. The people assembled for worship can be classified today as Pharisees. They are the 30 percent of the congregation present for worship. They are the cream of the crop, the most active and the leaders of the congregation. This message is for them as well as for the clergy.
Outline: We are the Pharisees.
a. Our strength: teaching and preaching the Word - vv. 2-3.
b. Our weaknesses: do not do as the Pharisees - vv. 3-7.
c. Our goal: humbler service - vv. 11-12.
Gospel:
Matthew 25:1-13 (L)
Don't Be a Fool! 25:1-13
Need: The parable contrasts wise and foolish people. Who are the wise? Who are the foolish? Frequently, somebody says to another, "Don't be a fool!" Don't be a fool and work so hard. Don't be a fool and give your money to church or charity. From the parable we take the theme of being foolish and then we find in scripture times other than the Parousia when we could be fools. The need all of us feel is "Be smart!"
Outline: Don't be a fool -
a. Believe in God - Psalm 14:1.
b. Have treasure in heaven - Luke 12:20.
c. Build on a sure foundation - Matthew 7:24-27.
d. Be prepared for the end - Matthew 25:4.
Lesson 1: Joshua 3:7-17 (C)
This Nation Behind God
Need: In our pledge of allegiance we Americans say, "One nation under God." For Israel in Joshua's time it was the nation behind God. Upon God's direction Joshua ordered the 12 men carrying the ark of the covenant, the symbol of God's presence, to lead the procession into the promised land. God was to come first. People were to be followers of God. Our need today is to put God first in our lives and nation. Other gods of power and pleasure are popular leaders. If God is allowed to go first, great blessings follow.
Outline: When God is given first place -
a. He exalts us to leadership - v. 7.
b. He promises us victory over our enemies - v. 10.
c. He leads us to a promised land - v. 17.
Lesson 1: Amos 5:18-24 (L)
The End: Sooner Than You Think
Need: A sign often seen on a highway says, "Jesus is coming soon." Most people ignore the "soon" because the church has been waiting for his return for almost 2,000 years. The end of the nation, Israel, as prophesied by Amos in our text occurred in the very next century. With today's nuclear warheads the end of the world may come sooner than we think. The problem we face in preaching on this passage is to proclaim the gospel of deliverance and hope. The saving of our world from destruction depends on our establishment of justice and righteousness in our society. For this to happen, we must have the gospel which motivates people to do justly and live righteously.
Outline: The world today faces -
a. Gloom - v. 20. The prospects for a secure world are not bright.
b. Doom - v. 18. Judgment brings death and hell.
c. Soon - v. 24.
1. Justice and righteousness must be established soon to avoid disaster.
2. The end of the world through nuclear war may be soon.
3. Christ's return may be soon.
Lesson 1: Malachi 1:14-2:2, 8-10 (RC)
The Lay Priesthood. 1:14-2:2, 8-10
Need: Today's three lessons deal with religious leaders. In the gospel Jesus criticizes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. In contrast, Paul's ministry is ideal. Lesson 1 deals with priestly failings. If this sermon were to be preached to clergymen, the message would be focused upon the ordained priesthood. Since the sermon is directed to the congregation, we need to show the laity that in their own way as believers, they can serve God as priests.
Outline: As a lay priest -
a. You offer true sacrifices to God - v. 14 (Romans 12:1).
b. You glorify God's name - v. 2 (1 Corinthians 10:31).
c. You teach the truth of God - vv. 8-9.
d. You are faithful to God's covenant - v. 10.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 (C); 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, 17-20 (E); 1 Thessalonians 2:7-9, 13 (RC)
1. A Life worthy of God. 2:9-13.
Need: What kind of lives shall we live? As a citizen, we want to live a life worthy of our country lest our nation be ashamed of us as "ugly Americans." A child should try to live a life worthy of his parents. A spouse tries to live a life worthy of the marital mate: adultery is not a worthy life for a married person. Paul in this passae talks of our living lives worthy of God. Here is our highest challenge. What kind of a life is worthy of God? Must one be an ascetic or a martyr to be worthy of God?
Outline: A life worthy of God -
a. Serves for love and not for money - v. 9.
b. Presents a good example to others - v. 10.
c. Hears and accepts the Word of God - v. 13.
2. Is That God Speaking? 2:9, 13
Need: During sermon time, is that a person speaking or God speaking through a person? How many people listen to a sermon as though God were speaking? How many preachers think of themselves as God's mouthpieces? If it is God speaking, our attitude toward the sermon will be enhanced. We will pay attention, take heed and obey the Word. On the other hand, is all preaching to be considered the Word of God? In this text, Paul says that the Thessalonians considered his preaching as the Word of God which, he says, it was. This sermon is needed to help people to understand the sermon as the Word of God.
Outline: The sermon is the Word of God when -
a. It is preached by a person of God: called and ordained to preach.
b. The sermon presents the gospel - vv. 8-9.
c. The sermon is received and accepted - v. 13.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (15-18) (L)
Need: The world of the dead is as unknown to us as a distant star. Consequently, people are curious about the dead and ask many questions. The bereaved are anxious to know about their departed loved ones. The living will one day face death and want to know what lies ahead. This was the situation in Paul's church. Will the dead in Christ be involved in the glorious Parousia? This pericope answers a few questions about those who died in the Lord.
Outline: This we know about the dead -
a. They are asleep in Jesus - v. 13.
b. They are living with Christ - v. 14.
c. They will come with Christ - v. 14.
Under Joshua the Israelites cross the Jordan into the promised land. Moses died and Joshua succeeded him. The people are assembled east of the Jordan River and are ready to cross over to the promised land. Forty years of wandering are now at an end, the destination reached. As the Red Sea was parted, the Jordan also is divided to allow the people to enter a new land with dry feet.
Lesson 1: Amos 5:18-24 (L)
The day of the Lord is one of darkness because of religosity rather than of social justice. This pericope comes from the section of Amos dealing with the Day of the Lord. The Day of the Lord is to be the day of Yahweh's wrath. Unlike the Parousia, the end is not of the world but of Israel as a nation. The cause of the coming doom is the failure of Israel to establish social justice and righteousness. Indeed, the people are religious and they worship, but Yahweh finds their worship unacceptable while the people tolerate social injustice.
Lesson 1: Micah 3:5-12 (E)
The wicked disapprove of a true prophet's message.
Lesson 1: Malachi 1:14--2:2, 8-10 (RC)
The wider ministry.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 (C); 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, 17-20 (E); 1 Thessalonians
2:7-9, 13 (RC)
For the Thessalonians Paul worked hard, led an exemplary life, preached the Word and longed to see his people again. Paul reminds his people in Thessalonica how he worked day and night in order not to be a financial burden on them. Also, he reminds them he lived a life that was worthy of imitation and, in a fatherly way he urged them to live a life worthy of God. Moreover, he is grateful that they accepted his preaching as the very Word of God. Because of this warm and close fellowship with them, Paul is anxious to visit them again, for they are his joy and glory.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (15-18) (L)
Paul assures the church that the dead in Christ will come with Christ when he returns at the last day. In Paul's day Christians expected the Parousia in their lifetime. However, some of them did die. The living were concerned whether the dead in Christ would miss the victorious and glorious return. Their concern implies that the dead in Christ are dead. Paul assures them that Christ will bring the dead with him when he comes, and thus the living will not have an advantage over the dead. Paul's teaching implies that the dead in Christ are living with Christ.
Gospel:
Matthew 23:1-12 (C, E, RC)
Jesus urges his disciples to follow what the Pharisees taught but not what they practiced. New Testament scholarship does not credit Jesus with these words but, rather, Matthew. At the time of writing, the church was having a struggle with the Jews. The harsh words of Pharasaic hypocrisy should be understood in the light of the historical situation. Jesus exhorts both people and disciples not to follow the Pharisees who do not practice what they preach, but to attain greatness through humility and service. In contrast to self and title-seeking, Jesus urged his followers to renounce pride and titles in favor of service to God.
Gospel:
Matthew 25:1-13 (L)
The parable of the wise and foolish maidens. The parable of the wise and foolish virgins is found only in Matthew. The previous chapter dealt with the last days. Matthew 25 gives the practical implications of the Parousia. The point of the parable is "Be ready for Jesus' return." The parable emphasizes the immediacy of the Parousia, the delay of the Parousia, the foolishness of not being prepared, the inability to transfer faith from those who have it to those who have it not, and the finality of the judgment without a second chance.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 107: 1-7, 33-37 (C) - "O give thanks to the Lord (v. 1)."
Psalm 43 (E) - "Hope in God (v. 5)."
Psalm 63:1-8 (L) - "My soul thirsts for thee (v. 1)."
Psalm 13 (RC) - "I trusted in your steadfast love (v. 5)."
Prayer Of The Day
"Lord, when the day of wrath comes, we have no hope except in your grace. Make us so to watch for the last days that the consummation of our hope may be the joy of the marriage feast of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."
Hymn Of The Day
"Wake, Awake, For Night Is Flying"
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel:
Matthew 23:1-12 (C, E, RC)
1. Preach ... practice (v. 3). These two belong together, but often they are not. The preaching may be all right, but the practice has not the same quality. Jesus urges his listeners to practice what the scribes and Pharisees preach, but not to follow their practice. Can we do this? Can we separate preaching from practice? Most of us repudiate the preaching that is not practiced. Yet, what preacher can perfectly practice his preaching?
2. Seen (v. 5). Religious leaders are prone to be proud of themselves, their positions and their piety. They want to be "seen." "Look at me" - see how good I am ! They want their gifts publicized and want due credit. They like to wear large crosses and put religious slogans on bumpers. They want to be seated up front and they love their titles. All these add up to pride. They want to be "seen." Who are "they?"
3. Greatest (v. 11). The world does not agree with Jesus on the question, who is the greatest. In the world the greatest is a star like Johnny Carson or Robert Redford. The greatest is a champion like Muhammad Ali. The greatest is a billionaire like an Onassis. The greatest is a monarch of a nation bike the Queen of England. This kind of greatness is for few people. For Jesus' greatness, every person can be the greatest. It takes only humble service. The greatest can be poor, uneducated, unknown - just a humble person living for others.
Gospel:
Matthew 25:1-13 (L)
1. Lamps (v. 1). The 10 young women in the parable took lamps on their way to the wedding. Why lamps? Weddings are not usually held at night but in the day. The night is usually reserved for the bridal couple to be in the bridal suite! In an allegorical sense the maidens are waiting for Christ the Bridegroom to return. The days are dark with sin and Jesus returns unexpectedly at midnight (v. 6). When things get their worst and darkest, Christ will return.
2. Foolish (v. 2). Half of the girls were "foolish." Is that an accurate percentage of today's people? In the parable the girls were foolish because they were not prepared for the Parousia. Among the foolish are those who say there is no God (Psalm 14:1). Moreover, he is a fool who has no spiritual resources (Luke 12:20). On the other hand, we are to be fools for Christ's sake (1 Corinthians 4:10).
3. Buy (v. 9). Were the wise maidens selfish and cruel not to give the foolish ones some of their oil? Refusing to share, they said, "Go and buy for yourselves." On the surface it seems to be heartless, but it is more than that. The wise could not give their oil to the foolish ones. The oil is faith. It cannot be given to others. One must go to the dealer of oil. The one dealer of faith is God. Faith is a gift of God through the Holy Spirit. No one can get to heaven on a borrowed or bought faith.
4. Shut (v. 10). When the foolish girls eventually arrived at the wedding feast, they found the door "shut." They came too late. They were shut out of the kingdom of God. In our reconciliation with God there is a cutting off place. The opportunity to get right with God does not go on endlessly. The day of grace comes to an end. As Paul wrote, now is the acceptable time; today is the day of salvation. Tomorrow the door of salvation may be shut and the foolish are left out in the cold.
Lesson 1: Joshua 3:7-17 (C)
1. Exalt (v. 7). Moses was a hard act to follow. Who could measure up to Moses and his leadership? So highly was he regarded that when he tarried on Mount Sinai, the people thought God had forsaken them. Now Joshua takes over. Will he be adequate? Will he be as acceptable to God as Moses was? Yahweh exalts Joshua as the new leader, promises to be with him and gave him authority to command the people. Human beings come and go, but God raises up new leaders to carry on his work.
2. Hear (v. 9). Joshua's first act is to call an assembly for the people to hear God's Word. They are to hear the good news that Yahweh was still with them and promised to give them victory over the armies in the new land. God speaks to them through their new leader. A prophet is one who speaks for God. Paul wrote that faith comes from hearing the preached Word of God. When we hear God, we receive guidance, promise and good news of God's continual care.
3. Front (v. 14). The ark of the covenant symbolized the presence of Yahweh and the covenant made on Mount Sinai. To put the ark first is to put God first. In the church the altar is the symbol of God's presence and is therefore usually placed in an elevated position at the front of the church's interior. Joshua ordered 12 priests to carry the ark first in line. God was to come first in their lives, nation and future. When God is placed on the front line, human battles are won.
Lesson 1: Amos 5:18-24 (L)
1. Woe (v. 18). Woe to you who want the Day of the Lord to come! We Christians are like those in Amos' day. We, too, want Jesus to return, for we pray, "Maranatha," Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly. We want the day to come, for we think it will be a day of triumph, glory and salvation. Why do we desire the end of the world when that day will be one of judgment, dankness, doom and gloom? It is a day when we must answer for our sins.
2. Hate (v. 21). Can a God of love hate? According to Amos, God hates and despises our worship. Indeed, God loves the sinner but hates sin. What is the sin? It is not the crimes committed by unbelievers. It is the false worship of God's people. Does God not want to be thanked and praised? Religious people are not in trouble with God for gross crimes but for using worship as a cop-out for doing his will. Worship without service arouses God's hatred.
3. But (v. 24). "But" is a transition word from what we are doing to what God wants us to do. Worship dare not be a substitute for justice and righteousness. It is okay with God to sing, "Lord, Lord" if we do what he commands in terms of love for one's neighbor. Social concerns dealing with poverty, illiteracy and injustice must be related to religious devotion. It can never be either personal or a social gospel. It must be both to have God's approval.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 (C); 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, 17-20 (E); 1 Thessalonians
2:7-9, 13 (RC)
1. Gospel (vv. 8, 9). Paul and his associates come to Thessalonica for one purpose: to give them the gospel. Whatever became of the gospel in our day? What is the gospel? It is good news - not good news about man, about his latest accomplishments. It is the good news about God's great act of redeeming and reconciling many through the cross. It is the good news that God loves and accepts us though we are sinners. Does the modern person need this gospel? Is he worried about his sin and his reconciliation to God? Today many do not know what sin is nor are they sure there is a God. How can you get a hearing for the gospel in these times?
2. Life worthy (v. 12). Paul charged his people to lead lives worthy of God. This presupposes we have faith in God and respond to God. We belong to God. What kind of lives shall we live that would be worthy of God? Paul describes his life in terms of "holy, righteous and blameless." Why can't we be members of God's kingdom without worrying about our lifestyle? It is because of who God is and what his nature is. A good, loving and holy God demands that we be what he is.
3. Word of God (v. 13). What is preaching? Is it the word of the man who is speaking from a pulpit or is it the Word of God? Paul says that the Thessalonians accepted his preaching as the Word of God. Thus, preaching is not one human's opinion or wisdom, but it is God's Word coming in and through the words of a human. Why would they consider Paul's words as God's Word? It is because he preached the gospel. He was determined to know nothing but Jesus and the cross. He preached Jesus Christ and him crucified. Jesus is the incarnate Word. To preach him is to preach the Word. When this is done, the congregation recognizes it not as the preacher's word but as God's Word.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (15-18) (L)
1. Ignorant (v. 13). What do we know about the dead? Where are they: in heaven, hell on Hades? In what condition are they? Are they alive and well? If we do not know about the dead in Christ, we may have needless concern for them. How can we be anything other than "ignorant," for who has come back from the dead to inform us? Without proper information, we may unnecessarily grieve for them. To overcome ignorance, Paul informs us of the dead's present and future.
2. Asleep (v. 13). Death is portrayed as a sleep. It is a pleasant and helpful analogy. If to die is like falling asleep after a hard day's work, dying will not be too bad. When we are asleep, there is no awareness of the passage of time or of happenings. To be asleep implies an awakening. On earth we fall asleep in death only to awaken in heaven. For a restful and peaceful sleep we need to fall asleep in Jesus.
3. Bring (v. 14). In Paul's generation, Christians expected Jesus to return before they died. Since his coming was delayed, some wondered if those who died would miss his triumphant return. When he comes again, he is to gather his people and take them to heaven. Will the dead miss out on this? No, Paul says, for Christ will bring the dead with him and with the living they will enter eternal life. Where then are the Christian dead? They are alive with Christ in heaven, just as Jesus promised the repentant thief on the cross, "Today you will be with me in paradise."
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
That Will Be the Day!
Need: When people experience an injustice of some kind or when people doubt some great or important happening, they often say, "That will be the day!" They could be thinking of a time for retribution and judgment. There will come a day when history will end and all things will be righted. History is more than going on and on and on. The end is known as the Day of the Lord. What this "day" will be depends on who and whose we are.
Outline: There'll come a day -
a. For the ungodly, a day of judgment - Lesson 1 - Amos 5:18-24.
b. For the dead in Christ, a day of resurrection - Lesson 2 - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14.
c. For Christians, a day of Christ's return - Gospel - Matthew 25:1-13.
Gospel:
Matthew 23:1-12 (C, E, RC)
1. The Danger of Being Religious. 23:1-12
Need: It is not altogether safe to be a religious person. You can fall into various pits that bring destruction to the soul. Many think of religion as a fortress in which they are perfectly safe from Satan and his wiles of destruction. This Gospel lesson tells of top neligious leaders in Jesus' day who became victims of their religion. What happened then happens today among religious people.
Outline: Christian leaders need to -
a. Beware of the dangers of religious leadership.
1. Profession without performance - v. 3.
2. Pride - vv. 5-7.
b. Follow Jesus' example of humble service - vv. 11-12.
2. "I Preach to Myself." 23:1-12
Need: The lessons deal primarily with priests, apostles, scribes and Pharisees. There are professional religious leaders - clergy people. This includes the pastor of this church, the preacher of this sermon. This gives the pastor an opportunity to preach an innovative sermon, a monologue. He could preach the sermon to himself with the congregation overhearing the gospel. This should result in knowing the pastor better and in enlisting the congregation in better support of the pastor in his work of leadership.
Outline: The kind of pastor I want to be.
a. One who practices what he preaches - v. 3.
b. One who does for God what he asks others to do - v. 4.
c. One who is humble - vv. 5-10.
d. One who serves - v. 11.
3. We Are the Pharisees. 23:1-12
Need: This pericope is for both clergy and laity. Jesus spoke about the scribes and the Pharisees. The scribes were the professional, ordained clergy who were scholars, teachers and rabbis. The Pharisees were not theologically educated; they were lay people who were leaders dedicated and zealous in keeping the Law. The people assembled for worship can be classified today as Pharisees. They are the 30 percent of the congregation present for worship. They are the cream of the crop, the most active and the leaders of the congregation. This message is for them as well as for the clergy.
Outline: We are the Pharisees.
a. Our strength: teaching and preaching the Word - vv. 2-3.
b. Our weaknesses: do not do as the Pharisees - vv. 3-7.
c. Our goal: humbler service - vv. 11-12.
Gospel:
Matthew 25:1-13 (L)
Don't Be a Fool! 25:1-13
Need: The parable contrasts wise and foolish people. Who are the wise? Who are the foolish? Frequently, somebody says to another, "Don't be a fool!" Don't be a fool and work so hard. Don't be a fool and give your money to church or charity. From the parable we take the theme of being foolish and then we find in scripture times other than the Parousia when we could be fools. The need all of us feel is "Be smart!"
Outline: Don't be a fool -
a. Believe in God - Psalm 14:1.
b. Have treasure in heaven - Luke 12:20.
c. Build on a sure foundation - Matthew 7:24-27.
d. Be prepared for the end - Matthew 25:4.
Lesson 1: Joshua 3:7-17 (C)
This Nation Behind God
Need: In our pledge of allegiance we Americans say, "One nation under God." For Israel in Joshua's time it was the nation behind God. Upon God's direction Joshua ordered the 12 men carrying the ark of the covenant, the symbol of God's presence, to lead the procession into the promised land. God was to come first. People were to be followers of God. Our need today is to put God first in our lives and nation. Other gods of power and pleasure are popular leaders. If God is allowed to go first, great blessings follow.
Outline: When God is given first place -
a. He exalts us to leadership - v. 7.
b. He promises us victory over our enemies - v. 10.
c. He leads us to a promised land - v. 17.
Lesson 1: Amos 5:18-24 (L)
The End: Sooner Than You Think
Need: A sign often seen on a highway says, "Jesus is coming soon." Most people ignore the "soon" because the church has been waiting for his return for almost 2,000 years. The end of the nation, Israel, as prophesied by Amos in our text occurred in the very next century. With today's nuclear warheads the end of the world may come sooner than we think. The problem we face in preaching on this passage is to proclaim the gospel of deliverance and hope. The saving of our world from destruction depends on our establishment of justice and righteousness in our society. For this to happen, we must have the gospel which motivates people to do justly and live righteously.
Outline: The world today faces -
a. Gloom - v. 20. The prospects for a secure world are not bright.
b. Doom - v. 18. Judgment brings death and hell.
c. Soon - v. 24.
1. Justice and righteousness must be established soon to avoid disaster.
2. The end of the world through nuclear war may be soon.
3. Christ's return may be soon.
Lesson 1: Malachi 1:14-2:2, 8-10 (RC)
The Lay Priesthood. 1:14-2:2, 8-10
Need: Today's three lessons deal with religious leaders. In the gospel Jesus criticizes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. In contrast, Paul's ministry is ideal. Lesson 1 deals with priestly failings. If this sermon were to be preached to clergymen, the message would be focused upon the ordained priesthood. Since the sermon is directed to the congregation, we need to show the laity that in their own way as believers, they can serve God as priests.
Outline: As a lay priest -
a. You offer true sacrifices to God - v. 14 (Romans 12:1).
b. You glorify God's name - v. 2 (1 Corinthians 10:31).
c. You teach the truth of God - vv. 8-9.
d. You are faithful to God's covenant - v. 10.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 (C); 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, 17-20 (E); 1 Thessalonians 2:7-9, 13 (RC)
1. A Life worthy of God. 2:9-13.
Need: What kind of lives shall we live? As a citizen, we want to live a life worthy of our country lest our nation be ashamed of us as "ugly Americans." A child should try to live a life worthy of his parents. A spouse tries to live a life worthy of the marital mate: adultery is not a worthy life for a married person. Paul in this passae talks of our living lives worthy of God. Here is our highest challenge. What kind of a life is worthy of God? Must one be an ascetic or a martyr to be worthy of God?
Outline: A life worthy of God -
a. Serves for love and not for money - v. 9.
b. Presents a good example to others - v. 10.
c. Hears and accepts the Word of God - v. 13.
2. Is That God Speaking? 2:9, 13
Need: During sermon time, is that a person speaking or God speaking through a person? How many people listen to a sermon as though God were speaking? How many preachers think of themselves as God's mouthpieces? If it is God speaking, our attitude toward the sermon will be enhanced. We will pay attention, take heed and obey the Word. On the other hand, is all preaching to be considered the Word of God? In this text, Paul says that the Thessalonians considered his preaching as the Word of God which, he says, it was. This sermon is needed to help people to understand the sermon as the Word of God.
Outline: The sermon is the Word of God when -
a. It is preached by a person of God: called and ordained to preach.
b. The sermon presents the gospel - vv. 8-9.
c. The sermon is received and accepted - v. 13.
Lesson 2: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (15-18) (L)
Need: The world of the dead is as unknown to us as a distant star. Consequently, people are curious about the dead and ask many questions. The bereaved are anxious to know about their departed loved ones. The living will one day face death and want to know what lies ahead. This was the situation in Paul's church. Will the dead in Christ be involved in the glorious Parousia? This pericope answers a few questions about those who died in the Lord.
Outline: This we know about the dead -
a. They are asleep in Jesus - v. 13.
b. They are living with Christ - v. 14.
c. They will come with Christ - v. 14.
