Proper 6
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook - SERIES C
The Lessons
1 Kings 19:1-8
Threatened by Jezebel, Elijah flees for his life and is fed by an angel on his way to Mount Horeb. To understand this pericope, we need to get the background in chapter 18. On Mount Carmel, Elijah calls down fire from heaven to prove that Yahweh is the only true God. This is followed by his slaughter of the four hundred fifty prophets of Baal supported by King Ahab and Queen Jezebel who sends a messenger to Elijah to tell him that within twenty-four hours she will have his life. Scared to death Elijah flees to Beersheba and to the wilderness out of the reach of Jezebel. Under a broom tree alone, he sits discouraged, depressed, and desires death. He falls asleep but Yahweh as an angel comes to him with food and drink and twice orders him to eat that he might have strength to go to Mount Horeb. In this story we see a paradox: Elijah is afraid to die at the hands of Jezebel but asks Yahweh to let him die.
2 Samuel 11:26--12:10, 13-15 (L)
2 Samuel 12:7-10, 13 (RC)
Nathan makes David aware of his sin with Bathsheba.
Galatians 2:15-21 (C)
Galatians 2:11-21 (L)
Galatians 2:16, 19-21
Justification is not by works of the law but by faith in Christ.
Justification is the subject of this pericope. Justification means being right with God. Paul claims that a right relationship with God is a matter of grace received by faith and not by works of the Law. A Christian is one who died to the Law and now lives with Christ in newness of life. If one were able to get right with God by good works, Christ died in vain. This was an issue in the early church, for some like Peter at Antioch compromised this truth by associating with those who demanded circumcision as a prerequisite for becoming a Christian. Accordingly, Paul opposed Peter face to face on this issue because it was central to the Christian religion.
Luke 7:36--8:3 (RC)
Luke 7:36-50 (L)
Jesus forgives a sinful woman in the house of a Pharisee, and women follow and support Jesus with their means.
Here we see the place of women in the ministry of Jesus. While he is a dinner guest in the home of a Pharisee, a prostitute anoints the feet of Jesus as an act of devotion and gratitude. The Pharisee silently objects, but Jesus points out that those who are forgiven much, love much. The prostitute expressed her love because Jesus had forgiven her by his acceptance. Later he confirmed his acceptance by saying that she was forgiven and that her faith saved her. Then Luke tells of a group of women who followed Jesus and supported him with their means.
Prayer of the Day
"God, our maker and redeemer, you have made us a new company of priests to bear witness to the Gospel. Enable us to be faithful to our calling to make known your promises to all the world."
Hymn of the Day
"O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts"
Theological Reflections
Gospel:
Luke 7:36--8:3
1. Eat (v. 36). Jesus had a dinner date with a Pharisee in his home. It indicates that not all Pharisees were opposed to Jesus. We do not invite people home for dinner unless we love and appreciate them as friends. To eat together indicates equality, fellowship, and hospitality. It was recognition on the Pharisee's part that he considered Jesus to be a good, law-abiding, and pious person. Since the Pharisee was his host, Jesus had a right to receive courtesies which he did not receive. (vv. 44-46)
2. Sinner (vv. 37, 39). The woman who crashed the dinner party was a "sinner," a woman of the streets, a prostitute. The Pharisee had doubt whether Jesus was a prophet when Jesus permitted the woman to anoint his feet. The basis for this attitude was that "good" people will have no contact with "bad" people, for it would approve of their wrongdoing. Apparently, the Pharisee did not consider himself a sinner. The truth is that both were sinners - the woman's sin of the flesh and the Pharisee's sin of the spirit. Which of the two was the greater sinner?
3. Forgiven (vv. 47, 48). The dinner party turns into a theological issue concerning forgiveness. Was the woman forgiven because she loved, or did she love because she was forgiven? According to the parable Jesus told at the dinner, the more one is forgiven, the more one loves. When Jesus forgives the prostitute, the dinner guests question who Jesus thinks he is that he can forgive sins. Is it not true that only God can forgive sin?
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 19:1-8
1. Life (vv. 2, 4). Does he or does he not want to die? When his life is threatened by Jezebel, Elijah takes off to the wilderness to escape death. Yet, when he gets there, he asks God to take away his life. Is this not a contradiction? When all is well, we think life is worth living. When defeat and failure come, we see no reason to live in misery. Then life is not worth living. So God has a problem with his prophet. Note that Elijah has no thought of ending his life. Since God gave life, only he has the right to take it.
2. Enough (v. 4). Behold, how human Elijah was! Under the broom tree of depression, Elijah says to God, "This is it. I've had it. I can't take any more. Enough is enough." There are times when we come to the end of our ropes and we cannot take any more. We are at the breaking point and our patience has run out. At this low point, Elijah was not told "have faith" or "cheer up." God did not try to argue or persuade Elijah that he was not a failure nor a hopeless case.
3. Eat (vv. 5, 7). What is at least one answer to depression? It is food, drink, and rest. Elijah was probably suffering from fatigue. He was physically tired and worn out. To get Elijah back on even keel, God in the form of an angel twice brought food and drink. Twice Elijah fell asleep and had to be wakened to take food. From that physical food, Elijah received strength to go to Mount Horeb. Our mental outlook is often affected by our physical condition.
Lesson 2: Galatians 2:15-21
1. Sinners (v. 15). Are Jews not sinners? Paul refers to those born as Jews as though they are not sinners, for at the same time he speaks of "Gentile sinners." Gentiles and sinners seem synonymous. Paul is referring to the Jews as a people in covenant with God and people who had the Law. Gentiles had neither possession nor privilege. Even with these advantages, Jews need justification. If they with the religious heritage and covenant relationship with God need to be justified by faith rather than by the Law, how necessary it is for all sinners, Jew and Gentile, to be saved by grace through faith in Christ.
2. No one (v. 16). Here is a flat, absolute statement of fact. Paul mentions no exceptions to this rule. The fact is that no one regardless of sex, age, or religion can be brought into right relations with God except by grace. To save oneself is an utter impossibility. Why then, according to a recent poll, do 70 percent of those questioned say that they expect to go to heaven by their good works or intentions?
3. Crucified (v. 20). A disciple is not better than his master. If the Master was crucified, the follower should do likewise. Paul says, "I am crucified with Christ." What does he mean? If he had said, "I crucified Christ," we could understand, for we know that sin crucifies Christ afresh. Paul is referring to his former self, the self before Christ, the old Adam, one's carnal nature. The old, sinful self must die so that a new person may arise with Christ in the resurrection.
Preaching Possibilities
Gospel:
Luke 7:36--8:3
1. The Value of a True Confession. 7:36-50
Need: We need to see that it is far better to give a true confession of sin than not to give one. He who claims he has no sin misses out on the greatest things of life. In today's gospel, the poor, unfortunate character was not the sinful woman but the "good," proud Pharisee. His life was empty. There are many "good" Christians who claim guiltlessness but are perfectly miserable.
Outline: The values of a true confession of sin.
a. The value of being forgiven - v. 48
b. The value of loving - v. 47
c. The value of having peace - v. 50
2. Our Church is Too Small. 7:36-50
Need: One of our problems is, we have too many small churches. In a population that is forty percent unchurched, our churches should be forty percent larger. In recent years mainline denominations have not been keeping up with the population growth but losing more members than they are winning. This calls for an evangelistic outreach. The church today is taking the role of Simon the Pharisee who objected to a "sinner" coming to Jesus.
Outline: Our church is too small.
a. Sinners outside the church belong inside, vss. 36-39. Though they may not, like Simon, realize they are sinners, church members are sinners. Sin transcends sex, station, and status. Sinners like Simon in the church need to invite sinners to come to church to be with Jesus.
b. Sinners outside the church need forgiveness, vss. 47-50. The sinful Woman was forgiven. Simon, too, needed forgiveness.
c. Sinners outside the church can love Jesus, vss. 44-47. Love flows from a grateful heart which experiences forgiveness.
3. For Women, Too! 7:36--8:3
Need: For too long the church has placed women in the church kitchen and church nursery caring for little children. The time has come for the church to acknowledge women as equal to men, to minister to them as first-class people, and to utilize their talents fully. Jesus never discriminated against women but loved, appreciated, and used them in his ministry. In our text, we see how women can be regarded, served, and used in today's church and world.
Outline: Jesus needs women, too, as they need him -
a. Women too can love the Lord - vv. 37-38
b. Women too need forgiveness - vv. 47-48
c. Women too need healing - 8:2
d. Women too can support Christ's work - 8:3
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 19:1-8
1. A Troubler in Trouble! 19:1-3
Need: Elijah was known in his country as a troubler. Now he is in trouble after the greatest victory of his life. Whenever one stands up for God, for truth, justice, and righteousness, one gets in trouble with those who support immorality and godlessness. In our day good people tolerate evil conditions and wickedness flourishes. A Christian should champion the cause of Christ and work to defeat all evil persons. To do so, however, may get us into trouble as Elijah got in trouble with Queen Jezebel.
Outline: How you can get into trouble -
a. Champion the cause of God - 18:30-40
b. Eradicate the false gods of our day - 19:1
2. A Way Out ofDepression. 19:4-8
Need: Doctors claim that depression affects more people than any other emotional disorder. Many of us at times get discouraged and depressed. We feel we are nobodies and failures. Like Elijah we may come to the point where we no longer want to live. Depression can be experienced by the best people who may be very religious. After all, Elijah was a prophet. How did he recover from depression? Look at the text.
Outline: There is a way out of your depression -
a. Confess your feelings - v. 4
b. Get some rest - v. 5
c. Take physical nourishment - vv. 5-7
d. Continue life with strength - v. 8
Lesson 2: Galatians 2:15-21
1. When A Christian Can't Compromise. 2:11-14
Need: In non-essentials Christians have freedom; in essentials, unity. Christians need to be adaptable to changing times - to new situations, new needs, new problems, but Christians dare not compromise essentials of the faith. In Lesson 2 Peter adapts to the Judaizers to avoid offense, but he compromises the essentials of the faith - justification by grace. Paul is quick to see the error, and openly condemns Peter for his compromise. Christians today are tempted to compromise with the secular world and to non-Christian religions for the sake of being accepted. We need to have Paul bring us back to the essentials of the gospel.
Outline: There can be no compromise.
a. Salvation is by grace.
b. Grace comes through faith.
c. Faith is sufficient.
2. The Crucified Christian. 2:19-21
Need: People today are pre-occupied with self: self-image, self-identity, self-fulfillment, self-acceptance. Little, if anything, is heard about self-denial or self-crucifixion. It is the day not for crossing out one's self but for affirming the self: to love, respect, and honor self. This does not harmonize with the experience or teaching of Paul in our text. He claims a true Christian is a crucified Christian, one who was crucified with Christ.
Outline: The Crucified Christian
a. Dies to the law to live to God - v. 19
b. Dies with Christ to live with Christ - v. 20
c. Dies to self to live by faith - v. 20
PROPER 7
June 19-25
Common
PENTECOST 5
Lutheran
ORDINARY TIME 12
Roman Catholic
The Lessons
1 Kings 19:9-14 (C)
A discouraged Elijah hears God speak in a still, small voice. This pericope is a continuation of the story begun last Sunday. We left a scared and dejected Elijah in the wilderness where an angel brought him food to give him strength to go to Mount Horeb, the mountain of God. When he arrives Yahweh asks him why he is there. Elijah explains that he has been jealous for the Lord, that God's people turned to idols, and that he is the only faithful one left in Israel. Yahweh told Elijah to meet him on top of the mountain. A terrific storm of wind, earthquake, and fire came but Yahweh was not in it. After the storm, Elijah heard the voice of Yahweh in the sound of silence. Elijah learned that Yahweh does not speak in the powerful forces of nature but in the quiet Word.
Zechariah 12:7-10 (L)
Zechariah 12:10-11 (RC)
Judah is promised victory and a spirit of compassion and supplication.
Galatians 3:23-29 (C, L)
Galatians 3:26-29 (RC)
By faith in Christ, we are children of God and one in Christ.
If we are justified by grace through faith in Christ, what is the function of Law? Paul answers:
before faith in Christ came, the Law served as a custodian or tutor teaching and leading us to Christ. Now that we are one in Christ through baptism, we no longer need the Law as our custodian. Our oneness in Christ transcends all ethnic, social, and sexual differences.
Luke 9:18-24
After Peter confessed Jesus as the Christ, Jesus announces his corn-ing passion, death, and resurrection. In response to Jesus' question as to who he is, Peter confesses him as the Christ. Then as the Messiah, he announces the necessity of his going to Jerusalem to suffer, to be rejected, to be killed, and to rise from the dead. A follower of the Christ will do the same: deny self, take up his cross, and follow him by losing his life in Christ's cause and thereby saving his life.
Prayer of the Day
"O God our defender, storms rage about us and cause us to be afraid. Rescue your people from despair, deliver your sons and daughters from fear, and preserve us all from unbelief."
Hymn of the Day
"Christ is Made the Sure Foundation"
Theological Reflections
Gospel:
Luke 9:18-24
1. Who (v. 18). Who am I? Who do you think I am? Jesus had the answer to the first question. He knew he was the Messiah, the Son of God. Twice God told him at his baptism and transfiguration. It is just as important for others to know who he is. If he is the Christ, then he is our Savior. If he is the Christ, we must follow him.
2. Must (v. 22). Jesus referred to his coming passion as a "must." Perhaps that is the reason Jesus ordered that the Disciples should not tell anyone that he is the Messiah. How could a people crucify the God who came to liberate them? Jesus knew he had to go to the cross, for it was God's will. Since there is no redemption without the shedding of blood, the sacrifice on the cross was necessary.
3. If (v. 23). As Jesus realized that he had to go to death for the redemption of the world, a true Christian is to follow in his steps. Accordingly, one is to deny oneself, take up one's cross, and lose one's life for Christ's sake. For Jesus the cross was a "must," but for a prospective Christian, it is an "If." "If any man ..." No one is forced to take up his cross. No one must be a Christian. It is a voluntary matter expressed in the "If." If you do want to follow Jesus, there is a price to be paid.
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 19:9-14
1. Came (v. 9). There is no hiding place from God. Elijah fled to a cave in a wilderness, because he was afraid of Queen Jezebel's revenge. No one but God knew where he was. Wherever we go,
"Behold, thou art there." Here is an illustration of grace. God comes to Elijah who is frightened. He is in need of encouragement and assurance. Elijah needs to be sent back into the fray. This is grace - God takes the initiative and comes to us who are in trouble.
2. Jealous (vv. 10, 14). Twice God asks Elijah, "What are you doing here?" Elijah explains that he is jealous for God. Enemies have destroyed God's altars and killed his prophets. The people have forsaken God. Elijah is jealous for God. He wants God to be adored, obeyed, and followed. Apparently he failed to bring his nation to that point. He feels he has failed God. He runs away as a defeated warrior. God did not condemn Elijah for being jealous, but he brought Elijah out of the discouragement resulting from his zeal for God.
3. Voice (v. 12). It is a problem of epistemology, the knowlede of God. A cure for despondency is to know God. He is not known in the spectacular, majestic phenomena of nature: wind, earthquake, and fire. God reveals himself in the quiet, intimate "small voice." The Word (Bible) is God's primary way of revealing himself. If we are to hear God's still, small voice, we must get quiet and listen.
Lesson 2:Galatians 3:23-29
1. Custodian (vv. 24, 25). Paul sees the Law as our custodian until we come to Christ. It is sometimes translated "tutor" (NEB) or "Schoolmaster." (KJV) A custodian in Greek and Roman times was usually a slave who was given the responsibility to watch over, care for, and possibly teach the small child. Before Christ the Law kept us straight and law-abiding. Now we are in Christ and the Law is no longer needed to make us acceptable to God. Christ set us free from the Law by fulfilling the Law for us.
2. Baptized (v. 27). What happens, if anything, when a person is baptized? Is it a dedication, a giving of self or a child to God? It depends on the baptism. Is it a baptism into Christ? If so, baptism is putting on Christ. Christ is accepted as Lord and Savior. Christ by the Spirit comes into the heart. To have Christ is to be accepted and adopted as a child of God, for Christ's atoning death reconciled us to God. When then did Christ first come into your heart? It was at the time of your baptism.
3. One (v. 28). By baptism we are made one in Christ. This means that each true Christian is one in Christ. It naturally follows that all Christians regardless of their ethnic, social, and sexual differences are one in Christ. This unity transcends all our differences. We do not lose our differences, but in Christ they are adiaphora.
Preaching Possibilities
Three Lessons
1 Kings 19:9-14; Galatians 3:23-29; Luke 9:18-24
So You Think You are a Christian!
Need: Who is a Christian? Is the person a Christian in name only? How is a Christian identified
- by church membership, by confessing a creed, or by the quality of daily living? Today's three lessons help us to test whether we are genuine Christians.
Outline: A true Christian is one who -
a. Listens to the voice of God - Lesson 1
b. Confesses Jesus as the Christ - Gospel
c. Experiences a oneness with Christ - Lesson 2
Gospel:
Luke 9:18-24
1. And Who Are You? Galatians 3:26-29; Luke 9:18-24
Need: A popular question in our day is identity. It is a question and often a subject of controversy. Lesson 2 deals with the Christian's identity. The Gospel concerns the identity of Jesus, a controversial question of modern times. A current movement, "Jesus for Jews," centers on the question, "Who is Jesus?" Non-Christian Jews are alarmed over the central doctrine of the movement, "Yeshua is the Messiah." For non-Christian Jews, this identity of Jesus is considered idolatry.
Outline: Basic identity questions.
a. What do others think of Christ? Luke 9:18-19
b. What do you think of Christ? Luke 9:20
c. What do you think of a Christian? Galatians 3:26-27
2. Knowing About or Knowing? Luke 9:18-20
Need: Most people know about Jesus - his birth, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection. His is probably the best known life of any in history. The text reminds us that "knowing about" is not enough to be a true Christian. There needs to be a personal knowledge of Christ reached from living with him. "Who do men say that I am?" concerns knowing about Jesus. Then comes the personal, individual knowledge: "Who do you say that I am?" A Christian, after living with Jesus, comes to the conclusion, "The Christ is God." He does not start with this but ends with it as a conviction based on personal experience with Christ. The need for this sermon is based on the fact that many in our churches know about Jesus but do not really know him personally.
Outline: Two ways of knowing Jesus.
a. Know about Jesus - vv. 18-19
b. Know Jesus - v. 20
3. The Daily Life of a Christian. Luke 9:23
Need: The common view of the price of discipleship is that it is paid once when one becomes a Christian - forsakes the past, renounces sin, repudiates a former way of life. Luke adds the significant word, "daily." Every day is a Good Friday for a Christian. Paul put it, "I die daily."
Outline: The daily price of following Jesus.
a. Daily denial of self
b. Daily carrying a cross
c. Daily following Jesus
4. How to Save Your Life. Luke 9:24
Need: You cannot save your soul, but, according to Jesus, you can save your life. You can save your life in the sense of making it count for something worthwhile. You can have a meaningful, fulfilled, satisfying life. In this text, Jesus pronounces the most important principle for getting the most out of life. In most instances, the idea of saving your life is in terms of self-protection, self-affirmation, and of the acquisition of self-glory and body comforts. In this text Jesus teaches that the abundant life is the opposite: self-giving, self-investment. It harmonizes with the thought of carrying a cross and following Jesus in a life of service.
Outline: The key to success in life.
a. The giving of self - "lose his life." We are in this world to give, give, give of ourselves to others - our time, selves, possessions. A Christian goes through life asking, "Can I help you?"
b. The giving of self to a worthy cause - "for my sake." Life ends up in waste, tragedy, and disillusionment when a life is given to a cause not worthy of a life. There is but one cause you can be sure is worthy of your life - the cause of Christ.
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 19:9-14
1. Out of the Depths. 19:9-18
Need: In this sermon we deal with a universal experience: discouragement, despair, and failure. Elijah proves that even preachers get discouraged! Though we champion the cause of God, we do not always meet with success. This leads to depression and discouragement. Elijah was just upon Mount Carmel, on the mountain of success, in championing God, and now he is in the valley of despair. This is a universal experience: we have our highs and lows. God finds the prophet in this condition and restores him to positive action. In this text we see how God can lift us out of despair.
Outline: The way to overcome the blues -
a. Tell your trouble to God - vv. 9-10
b. Renew your relationship with God - vv. 11-18
c. Get busy - vv. 15-17
2. What are You doing Here? 19:9-18
Need: Twice God asked Elijah what he was doing here in a cave away from his work. He quit being a prophet. He was an escapee from his calling and responsibility. What is a prophet doing away from the job and hiding in a cave? This question God can ask you and me. He asks it when we give up our work because of discouragement.
Outline: What are you doing here?
a. Are you jealous for God?
b. Are you afraid of your enemies?
c. Are you the only true follower of God?
Lesson 1: Zechariah 12:7-10
1. Victory through Suffering
Need: Everybody wants to be a victor, but few are willing to pay the price for it. There is no easy way to gain victory. Most of us want a crown without a cross, payday without workday, joy without pain, Easter without Good Friday. Lesson 1 deals with the principle that victory follows suffering. This corresponds to the New Testament: "Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin."
Outline: Victory has her price.
a. Promise of victory - v. 7. Who wants to fail? Who chooses to be a loser? We want victory over temptation, self, sin and death.
b. Price of victory - v. 10. "On him whom they have pierced." Blood, sweat, tears are the price of victory. This price was paid on Calvary.
2. Compassion for a Passionate World. 12:10
Need: In a world of brutality, violence, and bloodshed, there is great need for a spirit of compassion. Every person has some hurt. We are a bruised, battered, and fragmented people. What the world needs is the spirit of compassion.
Outline: How can a passionate world become compassionate?
a. Receive the spirit of compassion from God. "I will pour out ... a spirit of compassion."
b. Look to the cross - "whom they have pierced." "O sacred head now wounded." Let the mercy and love incarnated in the Christ of the cross melt your frozen hearts to be compassionate toward those who suffer.
Lesson 2: Galatians 3:23-29
1. "Who Do You Think You are?" 3:26-29
Need: When Alex Haley, author ofRoots, appeared on Johnny Carson's "Tonight" show, he received 18,000 letters asking him for help in finding who they are. Self-identity is the big question and problem for many in our day. A Christian should not have this problem, for Paul in our text tells who a Christian is.
Outline: You are sons and daughters of God because -
a. You have faith in Christ - v. 26
b. You have been baptized in Christ - v. 27
c. You have put on Christ - v. 27
2. Christ's - With or Without the Apostrophe. 3:26-29
Need: Few realize who they are and what they are to do. Who understands that he belongs to Christ and how and when that "belonging" took place? Is it blasphemous to be called not only a Christian but a Christ?
Outline: You are Christ's -
a. With the apostrophe - v. 29: "If you are Christ's ..." You are Christ's by virtue of your faith and baptism.
b. Without the apostrophe - v. 27. You are little Christs, for Christ lives in you and you have put on Christ. "He who hears you, hears me." "Inasmuch as you have done it to one of the least of these my brothers you have done it to me."
PROPER 8
June 26 - July 2
Common
PENTECOST 6
Lutheran
ORDINARY TIME 13
Roman Catholic
The Lessons
1 Kings 19:15-21 (C)
1 Kings 19:14-21 (L)
1 Kings 19:16, 19-21 (RC)
Elijah obeys Yahweh's command to anoint two kings and a prophet.
This and the previous two lections deal with the problem of depression as Elijah experienced it. A preacher might use these three Lessons for a series on overcoming depression. The way out: (1) Elijah is physically restored by rest and food provided by an angel; (2) Elijah had an experience with God on top of Mount Horeb where he heard the still, small voice of God; (3) in today's Lesson the final step in overcoming depression is God's call for him to get busy. Elijah is to arrange for new leadership in government and to call Elisha as his successor. Yahweh thus reassures him that the wicked government of Ahab and Jezebel will be removed, and that his work will be continued by Elisha. Moreover, Yahweh reminds Elijah that he is not the only faithful one in Israel, but there are seven thousand more.
Galatians 5:1, 13-25 (C, L)
Galatians 5:1, 13-18 (RC)
Christian freedom is to live and walk by the Spirit.
The Galatian churches were in danger of being bound by a false gospel. Some were advocating a slavery to rules, regulations, and rituals such as circumcision and other Mosaic laws. In contrast, a Christian has freedom from these things because Christ fulfilled the Law for us. We are free from the demands of the Law to be saved. By faith in Christ, love is in our hearts through the Holy Spirit. This Spirit of love fulfills the Law. The spirit of the flesh causes various wickednesses. The Spirit of God gives us the nine virtues. Out of this Spirit flows voluntarily and automatically the virtuous life.
Luke 9:51-62
Jesus calls for total commitment. Today's gospel opens the special Lukan section (9:51--19:27) which contains material peculiar to Luke. Jesus has just announced his plan to go to Jerusalem to suffer, die, and rise again. The special section contains his teachings while on his way to Jerusalem. On the way, Jesus and his Disciples come to a village in Samaria which did not want him, for they perceived he was bound for Jerusalem. James and John wanted to wipe out the town in vengeance by calling fire down from heaven, but Jesus would have none of it. Later several men volunteered to follow Jesus but they were not accepted because total commitment was required. This was based on the fact that nothing is more important than the Kingdom of God.
Prayer of the Day
"O God, you have prepared for those who love you joys beyond understanding. Pour into our hearts such love for you, that loving you above all things, we may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire."
Hymn of the Day
"O God, Send Heralds who will Never Falter"
Theological Reflections
Gospel:
Luke 9:51-62
1. Set (v. 51). After announcing the necessity for him to suffer and die, Jesus "set" his face to go to Jerusalem to die. It means he was determined, that he had a one-track mind about it. Nothing was going to cause him to stray from this mission. If a Samaritan village refuses to have him, what is that to him? There are more important things. He goes on to another village on his way to Jerusalem. When several volunteer to be his disciples, he demands total commitment because the Kingdom of God is of first importance.
2. Rebuked (v. 55). When James and John suggested calling down fire to burn up the village that rejected him, Jesus "rebuked" them. We often forget this side of Jesus. We usually think of a man meek and mild and one who always turns the other cheek. We think of Jesus solely as a person of perfect kindness and understanding. But Jesus can become angry over wrong. He criticised and gave strong disapproval to James and John for wanting to get revenge. Like God, Jesus is a person of love and justice. When something is wrong, Jesus does not hesitate to condemn it.
3. Fit (v. 62). Who is "fit" to be a disciple of Jesus? Who is worthy? Who is not qualified? Jesus answers: one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back, one who puts his family before Jesus, and one who takes care of family responsibilities before Jesus. The only ones "fit" for discipleship are those who forsake all, who put the Kingdom first in their lives, and who risk even life itself to follow Jesus. Who said Christianity was easy? Do we have any further volunteers for discipleship?
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 19:15-21
1. Go (v. 15). One way out of a depression is the way in to service. This is the method God used to cure Elijah's discouragement. "Get up and go" on a dangerous mission of anointing two new kings to replace the present ones. That is revolution! Elijah was told to go also to call Elisha to be his successor. One of the best ways to overcome despondency is to go to help someone in a worse condition than yourself.
2. Leave (v. 18). Elijah thought that he was the only faithful believer in Israel. But God told him he was leaving seven thousand faithful ones. This taught Elijah that things were not as bad as he thought. God, not man, knows who are faithful. We are not the only ones fighting battles for God. There are untold multitudes even in our godless generation that are still true to God. This fact should not only humble us but encourage us in continuing the fight for God.
3. Mantle (v. 19). How does God call a person to be his prophet? The call may come in various ways: an Isaiah worshiping in a temple and a Paul on a Damascus road. In the case of Elisha, his call came in having Elijah's mantle thrown on him. God can just as truly and effectively call a person into the ministry through another human. Elijah was God's voice and was acting in obedience to God when the mantle of the call was given to Elisha.
Lesson 2: Galatians 5:1, 13-25
1. Free (v. 1). Christ has set us free for freedom, not for another type of slavery. It is a freedom of law and responsibility. If not, our freedom can become license "as an opportunity for the flesh." (v. 13) Because of Christ, a Christian is the freest of all persons, subject to none except Christ. Yet, at the same time, a Christian is a servant (slave) to all others because of love. We are free to be servants to all people because we have the spirit of love in our hearts. Thus, love is the fulfilling of the Law. As a Christian is a saint and a sinner at the same time, so a Christian is the freest of all but also at the same time servant of all.
2. Flesh (v. 13). In this passage Paul uses the word "flesh" six times. The word in Greek is "sarx," meaning the physical body. It is translated in various ways: "flesh," "lower nature," "human nature," "sinful nature," and "self-indulgence." It does not mean that the human body is evil. "Flesh" is a way of referring to our evil desires, selfishness, materialism, and worldliness that produce wickedness of all kinds.
3. Fruit (v. 22). The products of the "flesh" are called "works." But the products of the Holy Spirit are named "fruit." As a good tree brings forth good fruit, a good heart possessed by the Spirit yields good virtues. Paul lists none of them that flow automatically and naturally out of a spirit-filled heart. Therefore,Christians do not work hard, or try harder, to do the right thing, but they are concerned about having the Spirit who in due season produces the fruit of character.
Preaching Possibilities
Gospel:
Luke 9:51-62
1. Demands of Discipleship. 9:57-62
Need: Many people would not mind being Christians if it did jiot cost anything in the way of personal hardship and sacrifice. Our churches are filled with half-hearted, nominal, easy-going members. In order to add members, pastors have often minimized the demands of discipleship and urged people to join the church for the good they will get from membership. In this text Jesus confronts us with the truth of the high cost of being his followers. He turns away several who want the honor and prestige of being disciples without fulfilling the demands.
Outline: What Jesus demands of a disciple.
a. There is no money in it! 9:57-58 You won't get rich by becoming a Christian. A Christian does not make money the goal of his life. If he has money, his love for Christ will cause him to share it. This raises a question about modern sects which get amazing amounts of money to buy hotels,
banks, and estates. Popular radio-TV evangelists can have luxurious palaces for homes.
b. There is urgency about it! 9:59 Being a disciple demands immediate response. Not even something as important as arranging and attending your father's funeral should keep you from responding. Let someone else attend the funeral. The Kingdom of God cannot wait until you fulfill lesser responsibilities.
c. There is asingleness of purpose! 9:61-62 No one who plows looks back. The eye is on the goal ahead. You cannot go back to say "Goodbye" to your family. A disciple is like Paul: "One thing I do, forgetting those things that are behind ..." A true Christian has a one-track mind, one purpose in life, one task, one devotion: Jesus Christ.
2. For What are You Living? 9:51-56
Need: People today lack a purpose in life. They are committed to no one nor to anything. This results in double-mindedness, shiftlessness, drifting here and there, inconstancy. They have not made up their minds what they are to do with their lives. A genuine Christian is not one of these. He follows the example of Christ in our text. He knows where he is going, what he is to do, and why he is doing it. Here we see Jesus' total commitment to God's call to be the Messiah. This requires his total interest, effort, and sacrifice. What Jesus does in terms of commitment he expects of each follower. The sermon needs to show how it is possible to be totally committed to Christ in the midst of daily claims for his allegiance.
Outline: Like Jesus, a Christian -
a. Knows where he is going - v. 51
b. Knows what he must do - vv. 51, 52
Jesus sends his disciples ahead to prepare the people for his coming. He wants to teach, preach, and heal, to bring the Kingdom to these people.
c. Knows why he is going - v. 51. "When the days drew near for him to be received up." The time is short; his days are numbered. He must work while it is day, for soon the night of Calvary is coming. He knows his mission is to give his life a ransom for the sin of the world.
3. No Volunteers for Jesus. 9:57-62
Need: The U.S. armed forces are no longer dependent on volunteers; it is paid manpower. Service organizers rely largely upon volunteers - Red Cross, hospital aides, the church. In our text Jesus turns down volunteers as disciples. Rather Jesus chooses his followers after all-night prayer. "You have not chosen me but I have chosen you." It is not ours to make a decision to accept and follow Christ. Prospective followers are called by the Holy Spirit through the gospel. Faith is the fruit of the Spirit. Luther:
"I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ or come to him ..."
Outline: Why Jesus cannot use volunteers -
a. The work of the Kingdom is too important for volunteers.
b. The responsibilities of discipleship are too heavy for volunteers.
c. Volunteers fail to meet the requirements.
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 19:15-21
1. What it Means to be Called of God. 19:19-21
Need: Our people need to realize that all Christians, not only preachers, are called of God to serve him. But, they are not sure they are called of God, for they do not know what constitutes a call.
Outline: In Elisha's call we can see what God's call involves.
a. A plain person - a farmer plowing - v. 19
b. Contact with God's ambassador - Elijah put his mantle on Elisha - v. 19
c. Break with the past - "took the yoke of oxen and slew them" - v. 21
d. Service - "and ministered to him" - v. 21
2. Can One Be Totally Committed Today? 19:14-16
Need: Does the average layperson know what preachers mean when they call for "total commit-ment?" Elijah was totally committed. In the text we see the elements of commitment for us today. Every parish pastor knows that most of his people are not fully committed to Christ. This is seen in church attendance, stewardship of funds, and lack of witnessing and service in and through the congregation. This sermon is to challenge the worshipers to take one further step toward total commitment.
Outline: Elijah shows what commitment involves.
a. A jealousy for and championing of God and his cause - v. 14
b. Obedience to God's orders - vv. 15, 16
c. Enlistment of others to carry on your work for God - v. 16
Lesson 2: Galatians 5:1, 13-25
This Second Lesson fits into the Theme for the Day: "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore ..." Paul urges us to be committed to Christian freedom which involves living by the Spirit.
1. A Free Way ofLife. 5:1, 12-25
Need: In many large cities there are freeways. By using them motorists are free from the traffic congestion of regular streets. People today need religious freeways to avoid the congestion and bondage of a non-Christian or a pseudo-Christian life. Christianity is often thought of in terms of negatives, duties, denials, and sacrifices. In today's second Lesson Paul teaches us a lesson on how to live as free people in Christ.
Outline: Christ has made us free.
a. Free to love - v. 13a
b. Free to serve - v. 13b
c. Free to live - vv. 16, 22, 25
2. Is Love Enough? 5:13-25
Need: Is love enough for all situations? Young couples learn that they cannot live on love alone. Is the law of love the only one we need to obey? It seems as though Paul was the first to offer "Situation Ethics." This text needs to be considered in the perspective of the total Bible. Love fulfills all the laws in the sense that love obeys the other commands. One cannot kill, nor steal in the name of love. "Love your neighbor as yourself" is only one half of a command to love. Paul is assuming that Christians love God who in Christ justified them. Love of neighbor is possible only when God is truly loved. The average person is overwhelmed with all the laws and rules of being a Christian. Daily he is faced with doing the Christian thing as he confronts specific situations. The point here is to show people how the principle of love can be applied to every situation where specific laws are non-existent.
Outline: Love is enough because -
a. Love fulfills every law - v. 14
b. Love applies to every life situation - v. 25
c. Love comes from the Spirit - v. 22
1 Kings 19:1-8
Threatened by Jezebel, Elijah flees for his life and is fed by an angel on his way to Mount Horeb. To understand this pericope, we need to get the background in chapter 18. On Mount Carmel, Elijah calls down fire from heaven to prove that Yahweh is the only true God. This is followed by his slaughter of the four hundred fifty prophets of Baal supported by King Ahab and Queen Jezebel who sends a messenger to Elijah to tell him that within twenty-four hours she will have his life. Scared to death Elijah flees to Beersheba and to the wilderness out of the reach of Jezebel. Under a broom tree alone, he sits discouraged, depressed, and desires death. He falls asleep but Yahweh as an angel comes to him with food and drink and twice orders him to eat that he might have strength to go to Mount Horeb. In this story we see a paradox: Elijah is afraid to die at the hands of Jezebel but asks Yahweh to let him die.
2 Samuel 11:26--12:10, 13-15 (L)
2 Samuel 12:7-10, 13 (RC)
Nathan makes David aware of his sin with Bathsheba.
Galatians 2:15-21 (C)
Galatians 2:11-21 (L)
Galatians 2:16, 19-21
Justification is not by works of the law but by faith in Christ.
Justification is the subject of this pericope. Justification means being right with God. Paul claims that a right relationship with God is a matter of grace received by faith and not by works of the Law. A Christian is one who died to the Law and now lives with Christ in newness of life. If one were able to get right with God by good works, Christ died in vain. This was an issue in the early church, for some like Peter at Antioch compromised this truth by associating with those who demanded circumcision as a prerequisite for becoming a Christian. Accordingly, Paul opposed Peter face to face on this issue because it was central to the Christian religion.
Luke 7:36--8:3 (RC)
Luke 7:36-50 (L)
Jesus forgives a sinful woman in the house of a Pharisee, and women follow and support Jesus with their means.
Here we see the place of women in the ministry of Jesus. While he is a dinner guest in the home of a Pharisee, a prostitute anoints the feet of Jesus as an act of devotion and gratitude. The Pharisee silently objects, but Jesus points out that those who are forgiven much, love much. The prostitute expressed her love because Jesus had forgiven her by his acceptance. Later he confirmed his acceptance by saying that she was forgiven and that her faith saved her. Then Luke tells of a group of women who followed Jesus and supported him with their means.
Prayer of the Day
"God, our maker and redeemer, you have made us a new company of priests to bear witness to the Gospel. Enable us to be faithful to our calling to make known your promises to all the world."
Hymn of the Day
"O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts"
Theological Reflections
Gospel:
Luke 7:36--8:3
1. Eat (v. 36). Jesus had a dinner date with a Pharisee in his home. It indicates that not all Pharisees were opposed to Jesus. We do not invite people home for dinner unless we love and appreciate them as friends. To eat together indicates equality, fellowship, and hospitality. It was recognition on the Pharisee's part that he considered Jesus to be a good, law-abiding, and pious person. Since the Pharisee was his host, Jesus had a right to receive courtesies which he did not receive. (vv. 44-46)
2. Sinner (vv. 37, 39). The woman who crashed the dinner party was a "sinner," a woman of the streets, a prostitute. The Pharisee had doubt whether Jesus was a prophet when Jesus permitted the woman to anoint his feet. The basis for this attitude was that "good" people will have no contact with "bad" people, for it would approve of their wrongdoing. Apparently, the Pharisee did not consider himself a sinner. The truth is that both were sinners - the woman's sin of the flesh and the Pharisee's sin of the spirit. Which of the two was the greater sinner?
3. Forgiven (vv. 47, 48). The dinner party turns into a theological issue concerning forgiveness. Was the woman forgiven because she loved, or did she love because she was forgiven? According to the parable Jesus told at the dinner, the more one is forgiven, the more one loves. When Jesus forgives the prostitute, the dinner guests question who Jesus thinks he is that he can forgive sins. Is it not true that only God can forgive sin?
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 19:1-8
1. Life (vv. 2, 4). Does he or does he not want to die? When his life is threatened by Jezebel, Elijah takes off to the wilderness to escape death. Yet, when he gets there, he asks God to take away his life. Is this not a contradiction? When all is well, we think life is worth living. When defeat and failure come, we see no reason to live in misery. Then life is not worth living. So God has a problem with his prophet. Note that Elijah has no thought of ending his life. Since God gave life, only he has the right to take it.
2. Enough (v. 4). Behold, how human Elijah was! Under the broom tree of depression, Elijah says to God, "This is it. I've had it. I can't take any more. Enough is enough." There are times when we come to the end of our ropes and we cannot take any more. We are at the breaking point and our patience has run out. At this low point, Elijah was not told "have faith" or "cheer up." God did not try to argue or persuade Elijah that he was not a failure nor a hopeless case.
3. Eat (vv. 5, 7). What is at least one answer to depression? It is food, drink, and rest. Elijah was probably suffering from fatigue. He was physically tired and worn out. To get Elijah back on even keel, God in the form of an angel twice brought food and drink. Twice Elijah fell asleep and had to be wakened to take food. From that physical food, Elijah received strength to go to Mount Horeb. Our mental outlook is often affected by our physical condition.
Lesson 2: Galatians 2:15-21
1. Sinners (v. 15). Are Jews not sinners? Paul refers to those born as Jews as though they are not sinners, for at the same time he speaks of "Gentile sinners." Gentiles and sinners seem synonymous. Paul is referring to the Jews as a people in covenant with God and people who had the Law. Gentiles had neither possession nor privilege. Even with these advantages, Jews need justification. If they with the religious heritage and covenant relationship with God need to be justified by faith rather than by the Law, how necessary it is for all sinners, Jew and Gentile, to be saved by grace through faith in Christ.
2. No one (v. 16). Here is a flat, absolute statement of fact. Paul mentions no exceptions to this rule. The fact is that no one regardless of sex, age, or religion can be brought into right relations with God except by grace. To save oneself is an utter impossibility. Why then, according to a recent poll, do 70 percent of those questioned say that they expect to go to heaven by their good works or intentions?
3. Crucified (v. 20). A disciple is not better than his master. If the Master was crucified, the follower should do likewise. Paul says, "I am crucified with Christ." What does he mean? If he had said, "I crucified Christ," we could understand, for we know that sin crucifies Christ afresh. Paul is referring to his former self, the self before Christ, the old Adam, one's carnal nature. The old, sinful self must die so that a new person may arise with Christ in the resurrection.
Preaching Possibilities
Gospel:
Luke 7:36--8:3
1. The Value of a True Confession. 7:36-50
Need: We need to see that it is far better to give a true confession of sin than not to give one. He who claims he has no sin misses out on the greatest things of life. In today's gospel, the poor, unfortunate character was not the sinful woman but the "good," proud Pharisee. His life was empty. There are many "good" Christians who claim guiltlessness but are perfectly miserable.
Outline: The values of a true confession of sin.
a. The value of being forgiven - v. 48
b. The value of loving - v. 47
c. The value of having peace - v. 50
2. Our Church is Too Small. 7:36-50
Need: One of our problems is, we have too many small churches. In a population that is forty percent unchurched, our churches should be forty percent larger. In recent years mainline denominations have not been keeping up with the population growth but losing more members than they are winning. This calls for an evangelistic outreach. The church today is taking the role of Simon the Pharisee who objected to a "sinner" coming to Jesus.
Outline: Our church is too small.
a. Sinners outside the church belong inside, vss. 36-39. Though they may not, like Simon, realize they are sinners, church members are sinners. Sin transcends sex, station, and status. Sinners like Simon in the church need to invite sinners to come to church to be with Jesus.
b. Sinners outside the church need forgiveness, vss. 47-50. The sinful Woman was forgiven. Simon, too, needed forgiveness.
c. Sinners outside the church can love Jesus, vss. 44-47. Love flows from a grateful heart which experiences forgiveness.
3. For Women, Too! 7:36--8:3
Need: For too long the church has placed women in the church kitchen and church nursery caring for little children. The time has come for the church to acknowledge women as equal to men, to minister to them as first-class people, and to utilize their talents fully. Jesus never discriminated against women but loved, appreciated, and used them in his ministry. In our text, we see how women can be regarded, served, and used in today's church and world.
Outline: Jesus needs women, too, as they need him -
a. Women too can love the Lord - vv. 37-38
b. Women too need forgiveness - vv. 47-48
c. Women too need healing - 8:2
d. Women too can support Christ's work - 8:3
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 19:1-8
1. A Troubler in Trouble! 19:1-3
Need: Elijah was known in his country as a troubler. Now he is in trouble after the greatest victory of his life. Whenever one stands up for God, for truth, justice, and righteousness, one gets in trouble with those who support immorality and godlessness. In our day good people tolerate evil conditions and wickedness flourishes. A Christian should champion the cause of Christ and work to defeat all evil persons. To do so, however, may get us into trouble as Elijah got in trouble with Queen Jezebel.
Outline: How you can get into trouble -
a. Champion the cause of God - 18:30-40
b. Eradicate the false gods of our day - 19:1
2. A Way Out ofDepression. 19:4-8
Need: Doctors claim that depression affects more people than any other emotional disorder. Many of us at times get discouraged and depressed. We feel we are nobodies and failures. Like Elijah we may come to the point where we no longer want to live. Depression can be experienced by the best people who may be very religious. After all, Elijah was a prophet. How did he recover from depression? Look at the text.
Outline: There is a way out of your depression -
a. Confess your feelings - v. 4
b. Get some rest - v. 5
c. Take physical nourishment - vv. 5-7
d. Continue life with strength - v. 8
Lesson 2: Galatians 2:15-21
1. When A Christian Can't Compromise. 2:11-14
Need: In non-essentials Christians have freedom; in essentials, unity. Christians need to be adaptable to changing times - to new situations, new needs, new problems, but Christians dare not compromise essentials of the faith. In Lesson 2 Peter adapts to the Judaizers to avoid offense, but he compromises the essentials of the faith - justification by grace. Paul is quick to see the error, and openly condemns Peter for his compromise. Christians today are tempted to compromise with the secular world and to non-Christian religions for the sake of being accepted. We need to have Paul bring us back to the essentials of the gospel.
Outline: There can be no compromise.
a. Salvation is by grace.
b. Grace comes through faith.
c. Faith is sufficient.
2. The Crucified Christian. 2:19-21
Need: People today are pre-occupied with self: self-image, self-identity, self-fulfillment, self-acceptance. Little, if anything, is heard about self-denial or self-crucifixion. It is the day not for crossing out one's self but for affirming the self: to love, respect, and honor self. This does not harmonize with the experience or teaching of Paul in our text. He claims a true Christian is a crucified Christian, one who was crucified with Christ.
Outline: The Crucified Christian
a. Dies to the law to live to God - v. 19
b. Dies with Christ to live with Christ - v. 20
c. Dies to self to live by faith - v. 20
PROPER 7
June 19-25
Common
PENTECOST 5
Lutheran
ORDINARY TIME 12
Roman Catholic
The Lessons
1 Kings 19:9-14 (C)
A discouraged Elijah hears God speak in a still, small voice. This pericope is a continuation of the story begun last Sunday. We left a scared and dejected Elijah in the wilderness where an angel brought him food to give him strength to go to Mount Horeb, the mountain of God. When he arrives Yahweh asks him why he is there. Elijah explains that he has been jealous for the Lord, that God's people turned to idols, and that he is the only faithful one left in Israel. Yahweh told Elijah to meet him on top of the mountain. A terrific storm of wind, earthquake, and fire came but Yahweh was not in it. After the storm, Elijah heard the voice of Yahweh in the sound of silence. Elijah learned that Yahweh does not speak in the powerful forces of nature but in the quiet Word.
Zechariah 12:7-10 (L)
Zechariah 12:10-11 (RC)
Judah is promised victory and a spirit of compassion and supplication.
Galatians 3:23-29 (C, L)
Galatians 3:26-29 (RC)
By faith in Christ, we are children of God and one in Christ.
If we are justified by grace through faith in Christ, what is the function of Law? Paul answers:
before faith in Christ came, the Law served as a custodian or tutor teaching and leading us to Christ. Now that we are one in Christ through baptism, we no longer need the Law as our custodian. Our oneness in Christ transcends all ethnic, social, and sexual differences.
Luke 9:18-24
After Peter confessed Jesus as the Christ, Jesus announces his corn-ing passion, death, and resurrection. In response to Jesus' question as to who he is, Peter confesses him as the Christ. Then as the Messiah, he announces the necessity of his going to Jerusalem to suffer, to be rejected, to be killed, and to rise from the dead. A follower of the Christ will do the same: deny self, take up his cross, and follow him by losing his life in Christ's cause and thereby saving his life.
Prayer of the Day
"O God our defender, storms rage about us and cause us to be afraid. Rescue your people from despair, deliver your sons and daughters from fear, and preserve us all from unbelief."
Hymn of the Day
"Christ is Made the Sure Foundation"
Theological Reflections
Gospel:
Luke 9:18-24
1. Who (v. 18). Who am I? Who do you think I am? Jesus had the answer to the first question. He knew he was the Messiah, the Son of God. Twice God told him at his baptism and transfiguration. It is just as important for others to know who he is. If he is the Christ, then he is our Savior. If he is the Christ, we must follow him.
2. Must (v. 22). Jesus referred to his coming passion as a "must." Perhaps that is the reason Jesus ordered that the Disciples should not tell anyone that he is the Messiah. How could a people crucify the God who came to liberate them? Jesus knew he had to go to the cross, for it was God's will. Since there is no redemption without the shedding of blood, the sacrifice on the cross was necessary.
3. If (v. 23). As Jesus realized that he had to go to death for the redemption of the world, a true Christian is to follow in his steps. Accordingly, one is to deny oneself, take up one's cross, and lose one's life for Christ's sake. For Jesus the cross was a "must," but for a prospective Christian, it is an "If." "If any man ..." No one is forced to take up his cross. No one must be a Christian. It is a voluntary matter expressed in the "If." If you do want to follow Jesus, there is a price to be paid.
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 19:9-14
1. Came (v. 9). There is no hiding place from God. Elijah fled to a cave in a wilderness, because he was afraid of Queen Jezebel's revenge. No one but God knew where he was. Wherever we go,
"Behold, thou art there." Here is an illustration of grace. God comes to Elijah who is frightened. He is in need of encouragement and assurance. Elijah needs to be sent back into the fray. This is grace - God takes the initiative and comes to us who are in trouble.
2. Jealous (vv. 10, 14). Twice God asks Elijah, "What are you doing here?" Elijah explains that he is jealous for God. Enemies have destroyed God's altars and killed his prophets. The people have forsaken God. Elijah is jealous for God. He wants God to be adored, obeyed, and followed. Apparently he failed to bring his nation to that point. He feels he has failed God. He runs away as a defeated warrior. God did not condemn Elijah for being jealous, but he brought Elijah out of the discouragement resulting from his zeal for God.
3. Voice (v. 12). It is a problem of epistemology, the knowlede of God. A cure for despondency is to know God. He is not known in the spectacular, majestic phenomena of nature: wind, earthquake, and fire. God reveals himself in the quiet, intimate "small voice." The Word (Bible) is God's primary way of revealing himself. If we are to hear God's still, small voice, we must get quiet and listen.
Lesson 2:Galatians 3:23-29
1. Custodian (vv. 24, 25). Paul sees the Law as our custodian until we come to Christ. It is sometimes translated "tutor" (NEB) or "Schoolmaster." (KJV) A custodian in Greek and Roman times was usually a slave who was given the responsibility to watch over, care for, and possibly teach the small child. Before Christ the Law kept us straight and law-abiding. Now we are in Christ and the Law is no longer needed to make us acceptable to God. Christ set us free from the Law by fulfilling the Law for us.
2. Baptized (v. 27). What happens, if anything, when a person is baptized? Is it a dedication, a giving of self or a child to God? It depends on the baptism. Is it a baptism into Christ? If so, baptism is putting on Christ. Christ is accepted as Lord and Savior. Christ by the Spirit comes into the heart. To have Christ is to be accepted and adopted as a child of God, for Christ's atoning death reconciled us to God. When then did Christ first come into your heart? It was at the time of your baptism.
3. One (v. 28). By baptism we are made one in Christ. This means that each true Christian is one in Christ. It naturally follows that all Christians regardless of their ethnic, social, and sexual differences are one in Christ. This unity transcends all our differences. We do not lose our differences, but in Christ they are adiaphora.
Preaching Possibilities
Three Lessons
1 Kings 19:9-14; Galatians 3:23-29; Luke 9:18-24
So You Think You are a Christian!
Need: Who is a Christian? Is the person a Christian in name only? How is a Christian identified
- by church membership, by confessing a creed, or by the quality of daily living? Today's three lessons help us to test whether we are genuine Christians.
Outline: A true Christian is one who -
a. Listens to the voice of God - Lesson 1
b. Confesses Jesus as the Christ - Gospel
c. Experiences a oneness with Christ - Lesson 2
Gospel:
Luke 9:18-24
1. And Who Are You? Galatians 3:26-29; Luke 9:18-24
Need: A popular question in our day is identity. It is a question and often a subject of controversy. Lesson 2 deals with the Christian's identity. The Gospel concerns the identity of Jesus, a controversial question of modern times. A current movement, "Jesus for Jews," centers on the question, "Who is Jesus?" Non-Christian Jews are alarmed over the central doctrine of the movement, "Yeshua is the Messiah." For non-Christian Jews, this identity of Jesus is considered idolatry.
Outline: Basic identity questions.
a. What do others think of Christ? Luke 9:18-19
b. What do you think of Christ? Luke 9:20
c. What do you think of a Christian? Galatians 3:26-27
2. Knowing About or Knowing? Luke 9:18-20
Need: Most people know about Jesus - his birth, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection. His is probably the best known life of any in history. The text reminds us that "knowing about" is not enough to be a true Christian. There needs to be a personal knowledge of Christ reached from living with him. "Who do men say that I am?" concerns knowing about Jesus. Then comes the personal, individual knowledge: "Who do you say that I am?" A Christian, after living with Jesus, comes to the conclusion, "The Christ is God." He does not start with this but ends with it as a conviction based on personal experience with Christ. The need for this sermon is based on the fact that many in our churches know about Jesus but do not really know him personally.
Outline: Two ways of knowing Jesus.
a. Know about Jesus - vv. 18-19
b. Know Jesus - v. 20
3. The Daily Life of a Christian. Luke 9:23
Need: The common view of the price of discipleship is that it is paid once when one becomes a Christian - forsakes the past, renounces sin, repudiates a former way of life. Luke adds the significant word, "daily." Every day is a Good Friday for a Christian. Paul put it, "I die daily."
Outline: The daily price of following Jesus.
a. Daily denial of self
b. Daily carrying a cross
c. Daily following Jesus
4. How to Save Your Life. Luke 9:24
Need: You cannot save your soul, but, according to Jesus, you can save your life. You can save your life in the sense of making it count for something worthwhile. You can have a meaningful, fulfilled, satisfying life. In this text, Jesus pronounces the most important principle for getting the most out of life. In most instances, the idea of saving your life is in terms of self-protection, self-affirmation, and of the acquisition of self-glory and body comforts. In this text Jesus teaches that the abundant life is the opposite: self-giving, self-investment. It harmonizes with the thought of carrying a cross and following Jesus in a life of service.
Outline: The key to success in life.
a. The giving of self - "lose his life." We are in this world to give, give, give of ourselves to others - our time, selves, possessions. A Christian goes through life asking, "Can I help you?"
b. The giving of self to a worthy cause - "for my sake." Life ends up in waste, tragedy, and disillusionment when a life is given to a cause not worthy of a life. There is but one cause you can be sure is worthy of your life - the cause of Christ.
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 19:9-14
1. Out of the Depths. 19:9-18
Need: In this sermon we deal with a universal experience: discouragement, despair, and failure. Elijah proves that even preachers get discouraged! Though we champion the cause of God, we do not always meet with success. This leads to depression and discouragement. Elijah was just upon Mount Carmel, on the mountain of success, in championing God, and now he is in the valley of despair. This is a universal experience: we have our highs and lows. God finds the prophet in this condition and restores him to positive action. In this text we see how God can lift us out of despair.
Outline: The way to overcome the blues -
a. Tell your trouble to God - vv. 9-10
b. Renew your relationship with God - vv. 11-18
c. Get busy - vv. 15-17
2. What are You doing Here? 19:9-18
Need: Twice God asked Elijah what he was doing here in a cave away from his work. He quit being a prophet. He was an escapee from his calling and responsibility. What is a prophet doing away from the job and hiding in a cave? This question God can ask you and me. He asks it when we give up our work because of discouragement.
Outline: What are you doing here?
a. Are you jealous for God?
b. Are you afraid of your enemies?
c. Are you the only true follower of God?
Lesson 1: Zechariah 12:7-10
1. Victory through Suffering
Need: Everybody wants to be a victor, but few are willing to pay the price for it. There is no easy way to gain victory. Most of us want a crown without a cross, payday without workday, joy without pain, Easter without Good Friday. Lesson 1 deals with the principle that victory follows suffering. This corresponds to the New Testament: "Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin."
Outline: Victory has her price.
a. Promise of victory - v. 7. Who wants to fail? Who chooses to be a loser? We want victory over temptation, self, sin and death.
b. Price of victory - v. 10. "On him whom they have pierced." Blood, sweat, tears are the price of victory. This price was paid on Calvary.
2. Compassion for a Passionate World. 12:10
Need: In a world of brutality, violence, and bloodshed, there is great need for a spirit of compassion. Every person has some hurt. We are a bruised, battered, and fragmented people. What the world needs is the spirit of compassion.
Outline: How can a passionate world become compassionate?
a. Receive the spirit of compassion from God. "I will pour out ... a spirit of compassion."
b. Look to the cross - "whom they have pierced." "O sacred head now wounded." Let the mercy and love incarnated in the Christ of the cross melt your frozen hearts to be compassionate toward those who suffer.
Lesson 2: Galatians 3:23-29
1. "Who Do You Think You are?" 3:26-29
Need: When Alex Haley, author ofRoots, appeared on Johnny Carson's "Tonight" show, he received 18,000 letters asking him for help in finding who they are. Self-identity is the big question and problem for many in our day. A Christian should not have this problem, for Paul in our text tells who a Christian is.
Outline: You are sons and daughters of God because -
a. You have faith in Christ - v. 26
b. You have been baptized in Christ - v. 27
c. You have put on Christ - v. 27
2. Christ's - With or Without the Apostrophe. 3:26-29
Need: Few realize who they are and what they are to do. Who understands that he belongs to Christ and how and when that "belonging" took place? Is it blasphemous to be called not only a Christian but a Christ?
Outline: You are Christ's -
a. With the apostrophe - v. 29: "If you are Christ's ..." You are Christ's by virtue of your faith and baptism.
b. Without the apostrophe - v. 27. You are little Christs, for Christ lives in you and you have put on Christ. "He who hears you, hears me." "Inasmuch as you have done it to one of the least of these my brothers you have done it to me."
PROPER 8
June 26 - July 2
Common
PENTECOST 6
Lutheran
ORDINARY TIME 13
Roman Catholic
The Lessons
1 Kings 19:15-21 (C)
1 Kings 19:14-21 (L)
1 Kings 19:16, 19-21 (RC)
Elijah obeys Yahweh's command to anoint two kings and a prophet.
This and the previous two lections deal with the problem of depression as Elijah experienced it. A preacher might use these three Lessons for a series on overcoming depression. The way out: (1) Elijah is physically restored by rest and food provided by an angel; (2) Elijah had an experience with God on top of Mount Horeb where he heard the still, small voice of God; (3) in today's Lesson the final step in overcoming depression is God's call for him to get busy. Elijah is to arrange for new leadership in government and to call Elisha as his successor. Yahweh thus reassures him that the wicked government of Ahab and Jezebel will be removed, and that his work will be continued by Elisha. Moreover, Yahweh reminds Elijah that he is not the only faithful one in Israel, but there are seven thousand more.
Galatians 5:1, 13-25 (C, L)
Galatians 5:1, 13-18 (RC)
Christian freedom is to live and walk by the Spirit.
The Galatian churches were in danger of being bound by a false gospel. Some were advocating a slavery to rules, regulations, and rituals such as circumcision and other Mosaic laws. In contrast, a Christian has freedom from these things because Christ fulfilled the Law for us. We are free from the demands of the Law to be saved. By faith in Christ, love is in our hearts through the Holy Spirit. This Spirit of love fulfills the Law. The spirit of the flesh causes various wickednesses. The Spirit of God gives us the nine virtues. Out of this Spirit flows voluntarily and automatically the virtuous life.
Luke 9:51-62
Jesus calls for total commitment. Today's gospel opens the special Lukan section (9:51--19:27) which contains material peculiar to Luke. Jesus has just announced his plan to go to Jerusalem to suffer, die, and rise again. The special section contains his teachings while on his way to Jerusalem. On the way, Jesus and his Disciples come to a village in Samaria which did not want him, for they perceived he was bound for Jerusalem. James and John wanted to wipe out the town in vengeance by calling fire down from heaven, but Jesus would have none of it. Later several men volunteered to follow Jesus but they were not accepted because total commitment was required. This was based on the fact that nothing is more important than the Kingdom of God.
Prayer of the Day
"O God, you have prepared for those who love you joys beyond understanding. Pour into our hearts such love for you, that loving you above all things, we may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire."
Hymn of the Day
"O God, Send Heralds who will Never Falter"
Theological Reflections
Gospel:
Luke 9:51-62
1. Set (v. 51). After announcing the necessity for him to suffer and die, Jesus "set" his face to go to Jerusalem to die. It means he was determined, that he had a one-track mind about it. Nothing was going to cause him to stray from this mission. If a Samaritan village refuses to have him, what is that to him? There are more important things. He goes on to another village on his way to Jerusalem. When several volunteer to be his disciples, he demands total commitment because the Kingdom of God is of first importance.
2. Rebuked (v. 55). When James and John suggested calling down fire to burn up the village that rejected him, Jesus "rebuked" them. We often forget this side of Jesus. We usually think of a man meek and mild and one who always turns the other cheek. We think of Jesus solely as a person of perfect kindness and understanding. But Jesus can become angry over wrong. He criticised and gave strong disapproval to James and John for wanting to get revenge. Like God, Jesus is a person of love and justice. When something is wrong, Jesus does not hesitate to condemn it.
3. Fit (v. 62). Who is "fit" to be a disciple of Jesus? Who is worthy? Who is not qualified? Jesus answers: one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back, one who puts his family before Jesus, and one who takes care of family responsibilities before Jesus. The only ones "fit" for discipleship are those who forsake all, who put the Kingdom first in their lives, and who risk even life itself to follow Jesus. Who said Christianity was easy? Do we have any further volunteers for discipleship?
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 19:15-21
1. Go (v. 15). One way out of a depression is the way in to service. This is the method God used to cure Elijah's discouragement. "Get up and go" on a dangerous mission of anointing two new kings to replace the present ones. That is revolution! Elijah was told to go also to call Elisha to be his successor. One of the best ways to overcome despondency is to go to help someone in a worse condition than yourself.
2. Leave (v. 18). Elijah thought that he was the only faithful believer in Israel. But God told him he was leaving seven thousand faithful ones. This taught Elijah that things were not as bad as he thought. God, not man, knows who are faithful. We are not the only ones fighting battles for God. There are untold multitudes even in our godless generation that are still true to God. This fact should not only humble us but encourage us in continuing the fight for God.
3. Mantle (v. 19). How does God call a person to be his prophet? The call may come in various ways: an Isaiah worshiping in a temple and a Paul on a Damascus road. In the case of Elisha, his call came in having Elijah's mantle thrown on him. God can just as truly and effectively call a person into the ministry through another human. Elijah was God's voice and was acting in obedience to God when the mantle of the call was given to Elisha.
Lesson 2: Galatians 5:1, 13-25
1. Free (v. 1). Christ has set us free for freedom, not for another type of slavery. It is a freedom of law and responsibility. If not, our freedom can become license "as an opportunity for the flesh." (v. 13) Because of Christ, a Christian is the freest of all persons, subject to none except Christ. Yet, at the same time, a Christian is a servant (slave) to all others because of love. We are free to be servants to all people because we have the spirit of love in our hearts. Thus, love is the fulfilling of the Law. As a Christian is a saint and a sinner at the same time, so a Christian is the freest of all but also at the same time servant of all.
2. Flesh (v. 13). In this passage Paul uses the word "flesh" six times. The word in Greek is "sarx," meaning the physical body. It is translated in various ways: "flesh," "lower nature," "human nature," "sinful nature," and "self-indulgence." It does not mean that the human body is evil. "Flesh" is a way of referring to our evil desires, selfishness, materialism, and worldliness that produce wickedness of all kinds.
3. Fruit (v. 22). The products of the "flesh" are called "works." But the products of the Holy Spirit are named "fruit." As a good tree brings forth good fruit, a good heart possessed by the Spirit yields good virtues. Paul lists none of them that flow automatically and naturally out of a spirit-filled heart. Therefore,Christians do not work hard, or try harder, to do the right thing, but they are concerned about having the Spirit who in due season produces the fruit of character.
Preaching Possibilities
Gospel:
Luke 9:51-62
1. Demands of Discipleship. 9:57-62
Need: Many people would not mind being Christians if it did jiot cost anything in the way of personal hardship and sacrifice. Our churches are filled with half-hearted, nominal, easy-going members. In order to add members, pastors have often minimized the demands of discipleship and urged people to join the church for the good they will get from membership. In this text Jesus confronts us with the truth of the high cost of being his followers. He turns away several who want the honor and prestige of being disciples without fulfilling the demands.
Outline: What Jesus demands of a disciple.
a. There is no money in it! 9:57-58 You won't get rich by becoming a Christian. A Christian does not make money the goal of his life. If he has money, his love for Christ will cause him to share it. This raises a question about modern sects which get amazing amounts of money to buy hotels,
banks, and estates. Popular radio-TV evangelists can have luxurious palaces for homes.
b. There is urgency about it! 9:59 Being a disciple demands immediate response. Not even something as important as arranging and attending your father's funeral should keep you from responding. Let someone else attend the funeral. The Kingdom of God cannot wait until you fulfill lesser responsibilities.
c. There is asingleness of purpose! 9:61-62 No one who plows looks back. The eye is on the goal ahead. You cannot go back to say "Goodbye" to your family. A disciple is like Paul: "One thing I do, forgetting those things that are behind ..." A true Christian has a one-track mind, one purpose in life, one task, one devotion: Jesus Christ.
2. For What are You Living? 9:51-56
Need: People today lack a purpose in life. They are committed to no one nor to anything. This results in double-mindedness, shiftlessness, drifting here and there, inconstancy. They have not made up their minds what they are to do with their lives. A genuine Christian is not one of these. He follows the example of Christ in our text. He knows where he is going, what he is to do, and why he is doing it. Here we see Jesus' total commitment to God's call to be the Messiah. This requires his total interest, effort, and sacrifice. What Jesus does in terms of commitment he expects of each follower. The sermon needs to show how it is possible to be totally committed to Christ in the midst of daily claims for his allegiance.
Outline: Like Jesus, a Christian -
a. Knows where he is going - v. 51
b. Knows what he must do - vv. 51, 52
Jesus sends his disciples ahead to prepare the people for his coming. He wants to teach, preach, and heal, to bring the Kingdom to these people.
c. Knows why he is going - v. 51. "When the days drew near for him to be received up." The time is short; his days are numbered. He must work while it is day, for soon the night of Calvary is coming. He knows his mission is to give his life a ransom for the sin of the world.
3. No Volunteers for Jesus. 9:57-62
Need: The U.S. armed forces are no longer dependent on volunteers; it is paid manpower. Service organizers rely largely upon volunteers - Red Cross, hospital aides, the church. In our text Jesus turns down volunteers as disciples. Rather Jesus chooses his followers after all-night prayer. "You have not chosen me but I have chosen you." It is not ours to make a decision to accept and follow Christ. Prospective followers are called by the Holy Spirit through the gospel. Faith is the fruit of the Spirit. Luther:
"I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ or come to him ..."
Outline: Why Jesus cannot use volunteers -
a. The work of the Kingdom is too important for volunteers.
b. The responsibilities of discipleship are too heavy for volunteers.
c. Volunteers fail to meet the requirements.
Lesson 1: 1 Kings 19:15-21
1. What it Means to be Called of God. 19:19-21
Need: Our people need to realize that all Christians, not only preachers, are called of God to serve him. But, they are not sure they are called of God, for they do not know what constitutes a call.
Outline: In Elisha's call we can see what God's call involves.
a. A plain person - a farmer plowing - v. 19
b. Contact with God's ambassador - Elijah put his mantle on Elisha - v. 19
c. Break with the past - "took the yoke of oxen and slew them" - v. 21
d. Service - "and ministered to him" - v. 21
2. Can One Be Totally Committed Today? 19:14-16
Need: Does the average layperson know what preachers mean when they call for "total commit-ment?" Elijah was totally committed. In the text we see the elements of commitment for us today. Every parish pastor knows that most of his people are not fully committed to Christ. This is seen in church attendance, stewardship of funds, and lack of witnessing and service in and through the congregation. This sermon is to challenge the worshipers to take one further step toward total commitment.
Outline: Elijah shows what commitment involves.
a. A jealousy for and championing of God and his cause - v. 14
b. Obedience to God's orders - vv. 15, 16
c. Enlistment of others to carry on your work for God - v. 16
Lesson 2: Galatians 5:1, 13-25
This Second Lesson fits into the Theme for the Day: "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore ..." Paul urges us to be committed to Christian freedom which involves living by the Spirit.
1. A Free Way ofLife. 5:1, 12-25
Need: In many large cities there are freeways. By using them motorists are free from the traffic congestion of regular streets. People today need religious freeways to avoid the congestion and bondage of a non-Christian or a pseudo-Christian life. Christianity is often thought of in terms of negatives, duties, denials, and sacrifices. In today's second Lesson Paul teaches us a lesson on how to live as free people in Christ.
Outline: Christ has made us free.
a. Free to love - v. 13a
b. Free to serve - v. 13b
c. Free to live - vv. 16, 22, 25
2. Is Love Enough? 5:13-25
Need: Is love enough for all situations? Young couples learn that they cannot live on love alone. Is the law of love the only one we need to obey? It seems as though Paul was the first to offer "Situation Ethics." This text needs to be considered in the perspective of the total Bible. Love fulfills all the laws in the sense that love obeys the other commands. One cannot kill, nor steal in the name of love. "Love your neighbor as yourself" is only one half of a command to love. Paul is assuming that Christians love God who in Christ justified them. Love of neighbor is possible only when God is truly loved. The average person is overwhelmed with all the laws and rules of being a Christian. Daily he is faced with doing the Christian thing as he confronts specific situations. The point here is to show people how the principle of love can be applied to every situation where specific laws are non-existent.
Outline: Love is enough because -
a. Love fulfills every law - v. 14
b. Love applies to every life situation - v. 25
c. Love comes from the Spirit - v. 22
