Second Sunday After The Epiphany
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VI, Cycle A
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 49:1-7 (C, E); Isaiah 49:3, 5-6 (RC)
The prophet assumes the identity of his nation, continuing the theme we find running through much of the book of Isaiah: Israel's election to be a shining light to all the nations of the world, a missionary assigned to call all people to a loyalty to the one God. Israel was conceived in her very beginning for this single purpose. Denigrated, looked down upon by the rest of the world, she was to demonstrate by her resolute courage in the face of continual suffering and defeat that God was supplying her with the strength she needed, not merely to survive, but finally to prevail. Not everyone within the community would accept this calling, but those in whom the power of God was at work would do so. There would be hours of discouragement. There would be times when she would wonder if her efforts and sacrifices were wasted. But she would continue on, and she would fulfill her calling.
Those of us who believe in the Church of Christianity must be inspired by such resolve. Men and women like Isaiah are few in numbers, but their unfailing faith, even when strength and courage falter, call the rest of us to renew our own commitment to this same continuing mission.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 (C, E); 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 (RC)
Following his presentation of credentials as an apostle, Paul greets the people of the Corinthian Christian community, along with a rather sweeping inclusion of everyone. As you read this, you can sense Paul's affection for those people. Surely, he had spent time with them on an earlier occasion and held them in high regard. If they were like most churches I have known, they probably had their faults like the rest of us. But Paul, perhaps to his own credit as a man of good spirit, credits them with "not lacking in any spiritual gift." I sometimes feel that way about some of my people, though I realize they're imperfect. Aren't we all? What strikes one here is Paul's reference to his friends as being "called to be saints" and the fact that they "have been enriched in him." Finally, he assures them that God will "strengthen them to the end" so they may be blameless on "the day of our Lord Jesus Christ."
That last raises some questions. Paul seems to have expected a return of Jesus within his own time, an expectation which even Paul gave up later. Setting that aside, we have a clear message to the church: "You are good people, empowered by God to do what you are called to do, and God will strengthen you so that you can be faithful all the way."
Gospel: John 1:29-42 (C); John 1:29-34 (RC); John 1:29-41 (E)
William Barclay makes an interesting point that the word baptizein is Greek for dip or submerge. It was used to describe a ship under water, or clothes being dyed, or -- here was his point -- a man who is totally inebriated, soaked in alcohol. Barclay suggests that John's perception was that Jesus was filled with the Spirit and henceforth, in baptizing others, could see that we are literally filled with the Spirit of God. Thus, we are soaked in the spirit, saturated with it. A powerful image.
The reader is reminded that the concept guiding John's perception was Jewish since there was no such thing as Christian baptism then. To a Jew, the Spirit had three qualities: power, life, and God. And Jesus being called as "the lamb of God" was, by Jewish word usage, called to be a sacrifice for the sins of others.
Although there's much more in this passage, the preacher may work with the idea that Christ suffered for us so that we might be saturated with God's Spirit, bringing us power and life. Thereafter, we are to try to serve in the same way. As Peter said: "Christ suffered for you, leaving an example that you should follow."
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: "A Light To The Nation"
Text: Isaiah 49:1-7
Theme: As was true of the people to whom Isaiah spoke, we in the church are called to be that people who call the rest into the Lord's marvelous light. The word "evangelism" comes to mind. Today's church has a twofold mission. For one thing, speaking as a pastor, we have a responsibility to those within our ranks. As a famous newspaperman once said about the press, so it can be said about the gospel preacher: we are "to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable." Most pastors have learned that some of our people whom we assume to be among the "comfortable" are, in fact, among the "afflicted." That's a judgment we do well not to make, though I occasionally encounter a grouchy minister who assumes that everyone in some upscale churches is comfortable. Not so.
We are, however, also called to serve as a beacon to those outside the church. The effort to reach the so-called "unchurched" (that term makes me a bit uncomfortable -- it sounds a tiny bit self-righteous) is a profound responsibility. Just as Isaiah called his people to accept suffering as their witness, so we in the church are called to approach the world, not as superior beings offering our gift, but as people who love those outside our own ranks and are willing to share what we have. Part of this effort will involve a willingness to undergo change as a church. Teenagers, young parents, people beginning to discover that there's more to life than consuming and having fun and succeeding will need a church able to address them "where they are."
1. The church is called to be a suffering servant.
2. The church is to witness to God's willingness to sustain us.
3. The church is to welcome as equal members those who come to her.
4. The church is to minister to those who join, but to encourage them to join in witnessing as well.
Title: "Called To Be Saints"
Text: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Theme: How are we to win outsiders to the faith and to the church? Not, certainly, by being self-righteous or judgmental. If I walked into your church and felt like someone there thought I was a sinner, I'd be out of there in a hurry. "Who in the world are you," I'd be thinking, "to judge me? If you'd been through, and so forth." However, if you made me feel welcome and accepted, no matter what I'm like, well, then, I just might stay to find out what made you such a darn nice person.
Paul, in reminding his friends that they were called to be saints, was reminding them that if they were to build up the church, they must be the kind of people whom others would wish to be like. In a sense, he was calling them to be witnesses to the gifts of the spirit. Just as a wise parent commends a child for certain qualities which may not yet be fully developed, thus encouraging the child to develop those qualities, I suspect that Paul was crediting his people with gifts on which they were, in fact, still working. So with us.
1. As a Christian I am to develop the gifts of the spirit.
2. Some of those gifts are kindness, forbearance, forgiveness, and repentance.
3. If I'll do this, God will enable me.
4. In this way I can serve as a role model for others.
Title: "Gifts Of The Spirit"
Text: John 1:29-42
Theme: As suggested, the Lamb of God, Jesus, voluntarily suffered for all of us in order that we might have access to the Holy Spirit which brings power, and life (not in the animal sense, but in the sense of vitality and vigor), and God himself. This gift is free, yet carries with it the hope on God's part that once we receive it, we will give it to others.
1. Christianity involves suffering. The preacher can think of people who have given something up, something valuable, for the sake of their faith. I saw a commercial on television the other day, sponsored by a local church group. It showed a muscular young man riding a bicycle on a trail, when another young man driving a four-wheel drive vehicle passed close by, splashing the cyclist with muddy water. A short while later, he came upon the stopped vehicle. The driver was having car trouble. The cycling athlete, passing up this opportunity to gloat and perhaps to scold, began helping the other man fix his car. He gave up something all of us can surely recognize in order to be a forgiving Christian.
2. Being this kind of person involves a lot of inner struggle. There are those generous souls who can easily act this way, I suppose. Most of us are not able to be sacrificial quite so easily. That means part of the sacrifice is the inner struggle. In our early years particularly, it can take a lot of work. But the time can come when we have become that kind of person. Jesus probably understands that, for most of us, this doesn't happen all at once.
3. God works within us. It need not be a lonely battle. That saturating Spirit continually strengthens us in doing what's right when we choose to do it. Reinhold Niebuhr once said, "It doesn't take much of a man to be a Christian, but it takes all of him." For most of us, this is a lifetime undertaking, but one well worthwhile.
4. An inner wholeness, the path to peace of mind must pass this way. That gift of "life" which comes from the Spirit has nothing to do with worldly success or prosperity. It has to do with a higher level of life, one for which we all search in one way or another, but only in this way is it ever found.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
Several years ago, a young prostitute went for counseling. She was determined to mend her ways and, she hoped, regain her self-respect. She had reached the age where she wanted a marriage and children. The counselor, seeing that she was serious, told her that one important step would be to find a church. After visiting two or three, she found what she thought was the right place. For several Sundays she found solace in worship. But one Sunday she was recognized. The word was passed, that the new young woman was a prostitute. People began to stare. She was shunned. The poor girl soon realized she would have to leave as the congregation was unable to accept her as a new being.
____________
Dr. Weatherhead told of two men who worked together at the same company for years. At night they would walk to the bus together. Once in a while, they would stop off together for a pint. One day, after many years, the wife of one man became ill. Soon she died, and the other man went to visit his friend. The visitor, realizing that his friend had no church affiliation, remarked on this to his grieving friend, saying how much strength he could have found in faith had he gone to church. For a long moment, the man stared at his friend. Then he replied angrily: "For all these years you and I have been friends. But not once -- not ONCE -- did you ever invite me to your church."
____________
Many years ago, I worked with a man who said he used to go to church but gave it up. It seems his wife was ill. They began attending church each Sunday, making fairly generous contributions, saying their prayers at home. For years they did this. But he said his wife's illness got worse, not better. So they quit the church, feeling that religion had been misrepresented to them.
____________
A man of my acquaintance, one whom I admire very much, was an all-American basketball player many years ago. He played professional ball for a few years, then went into the insurance business where he has been very successful. He is also a devout Christian. One of his sports is handball, and several days a week he and some friends play handball at the local Y. The other men are basically good people, but rather salty ex-athletes, given to rather offensive language in the locker room. One day I was finished with a workout and was standing at my locker when the gang of them came in swearing like stevedores. But my friend, heading for the showers, began singing "Amazing Grace" at the top of his lungs. For a long time there was silence. Then the men resumed their banter, but without the profanity. They respected this man and his standards. He hadn't scolded them or preached at them. That would only have resulted in more well-intended kidding on their part. He had witnessed. And they had understood.
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 40:1-11 (C, E) -- "The Lord is my light."
Prayer Of The Day (from Norman Vincent Peale -- the prayer of a very successful man who finally realized how miserable he had become)
"Lord, I'm a louse, but you know that without my telling you. I'm a no-account bum, and if I started telling you all the dirt I've done, you would not have time to listen to anyone else, for you're pretty busy. Besides, you know all about me anyway, so how could I fool you?
"But believe me, God, I don't want to fool you. I'm sick of the lousy way I live and think and act. I don't want to be this way anymore. And that's the truth, too, God. I gotta admit that even as I talk I'm holding back a few reservations but please don't let me be a phony. Help me to come clean as Dr. Peale says.
"I can't do anything about myself, so I put myself completely in your hands. Let your blood which fell from the cross fall over me now. I've just got to be changed."
Lesson 1: Isaiah 49:1-7 (C, E); Isaiah 49:3, 5-6 (RC)
The prophet assumes the identity of his nation, continuing the theme we find running through much of the book of Isaiah: Israel's election to be a shining light to all the nations of the world, a missionary assigned to call all people to a loyalty to the one God. Israel was conceived in her very beginning for this single purpose. Denigrated, looked down upon by the rest of the world, she was to demonstrate by her resolute courage in the face of continual suffering and defeat that God was supplying her with the strength she needed, not merely to survive, but finally to prevail. Not everyone within the community would accept this calling, but those in whom the power of God was at work would do so. There would be hours of discouragement. There would be times when she would wonder if her efforts and sacrifices were wasted. But she would continue on, and she would fulfill her calling.
Those of us who believe in the Church of Christianity must be inspired by such resolve. Men and women like Isaiah are few in numbers, but their unfailing faith, even when strength and courage falter, call the rest of us to renew our own commitment to this same continuing mission.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 (C, E); 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 (RC)
Following his presentation of credentials as an apostle, Paul greets the people of the Corinthian Christian community, along with a rather sweeping inclusion of everyone. As you read this, you can sense Paul's affection for those people. Surely, he had spent time with them on an earlier occasion and held them in high regard. If they were like most churches I have known, they probably had their faults like the rest of us. But Paul, perhaps to his own credit as a man of good spirit, credits them with "not lacking in any spiritual gift." I sometimes feel that way about some of my people, though I realize they're imperfect. Aren't we all? What strikes one here is Paul's reference to his friends as being "called to be saints" and the fact that they "have been enriched in him." Finally, he assures them that God will "strengthen them to the end" so they may be blameless on "the day of our Lord Jesus Christ."
That last raises some questions. Paul seems to have expected a return of Jesus within his own time, an expectation which even Paul gave up later. Setting that aside, we have a clear message to the church: "You are good people, empowered by God to do what you are called to do, and God will strengthen you so that you can be faithful all the way."
Gospel: John 1:29-42 (C); John 1:29-34 (RC); John 1:29-41 (E)
William Barclay makes an interesting point that the word baptizein is Greek for dip or submerge. It was used to describe a ship under water, or clothes being dyed, or -- here was his point -- a man who is totally inebriated, soaked in alcohol. Barclay suggests that John's perception was that Jesus was filled with the Spirit and henceforth, in baptizing others, could see that we are literally filled with the Spirit of God. Thus, we are soaked in the spirit, saturated with it. A powerful image.
The reader is reminded that the concept guiding John's perception was Jewish since there was no such thing as Christian baptism then. To a Jew, the Spirit had three qualities: power, life, and God. And Jesus being called as "the lamb of God" was, by Jewish word usage, called to be a sacrifice for the sins of others.
Although there's much more in this passage, the preacher may work with the idea that Christ suffered for us so that we might be saturated with God's Spirit, bringing us power and life. Thereafter, we are to try to serve in the same way. As Peter said: "Christ suffered for you, leaving an example that you should follow."
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: "A Light To The Nation"
Text: Isaiah 49:1-7
Theme: As was true of the people to whom Isaiah spoke, we in the church are called to be that people who call the rest into the Lord's marvelous light. The word "evangelism" comes to mind. Today's church has a twofold mission. For one thing, speaking as a pastor, we have a responsibility to those within our ranks. As a famous newspaperman once said about the press, so it can be said about the gospel preacher: we are "to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable." Most pastors have learned that some of our people whom we assume to be among the "comfortable" are, in fact, among the "afflicted." That's a judgment we do well not to make, though I occasionally encounter a grouchy minister who assumes that everyone in some upscale churches is comfortable. Not so.
We are, however, also called to serve as a beacon to those outside the church. The effort to reach the so-called "unchurched" (that term makes me a bit uncomfortable -- it sounds a tiny bit self-righteous) is a profound responsibility. Just as Isaiah called his people to accept suffering as their witness, so we in the church are called to approach the world, not as superior beings offering our gift, but as people who love those outside our own ranks and are willing to share what we have. Part of this effort will involve a willingness to undergo change as a church. Teenagers, young parents, people beginning to discover that there's more to life than consuming and having fun and succeeding will need a church able to address them "where they are."
1. The church is called to be a suffering servant.
2. The church is to witness to God's willingness to sustain us.
3. The church is to welcome as equal members those who come to her.
4. The church is to minister to those who join, but to encourage them to join in witnessing as well.
Title: "Called To Be Saints"
Text: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Theme: How are we to win outsiders to the faith and to the church? Not, certainly, by being self-righteous or judgmental. If I walked into your church and felt like someone there thought I was a sinner, I'd be out of there in a hurry. "Who in the world are you," I'd be thinking, "to judge me? If you'd been through, and so forth." However, if you made me feel welcome and accepted, no matter what I'm like, well, then, I just might stay to find out what made you such a darn nice person.
Paul, in reminding his friends that they were called to be saints, was reminding them that if they were to build up the church, they must be the kind of people whom others would wish to be like. In a sense, he was calling them to be witnesses to the gifts of the spirit. Just as a wise parent commends a child for certain qualities which may not yet be fully developed, thus encouraging the child to develop those qualities, I suspect that Paul was crediting his people with gifts on which they were, in fact, still working. So with us.
1. As a Christian I am to develop the gifts of the spirit.
2. Some of those gifts are kindness, forbearance, forgiveness, and repentance.
3. If I'll do this, God will enable me.
4. In this way I can serve as a role model for others.
Title: "Gifts Of The Spirit"
Text: John 1:29-42
Theme: As suggested, the Lamb of God, Jesus, voluntarily suffered for all of us in order that we might have access to the Holy Spirit which brings power, and life (not in the animal sense, but in the sense of vitality and vigor), and God himself. This gift is free, yet carries with it the hope on God's part that once we receive it, we will give it to others.
1. Christianity involves suffering. The preacher can think of people who have given something up, something valuable, for the sake of their faith. I saw a commercial on television the other day, sponsored by a local church group. It showed a muscular young man riding a bicycle on a trail, when another young man driving a four-wheel drive vehicle passed close by, splashing the cyclist with muddy water. A short while later, he came upon the stopped vehicle. The driver was having car trouble. The cycling athlete, passing up this opportunity to gloat and perhaps to scold, began helping the other man fix his car. He gave up something all of us can surely recognize in order to be a forgiving Christian.
2. Being this kind of person involves a lot of inner struggle. There are those generous souls who can easily act this way, I suppose. Most of us are not able to be sacrificial quite so easily. That means part of the sacrifice is the inner struggle. In our early years particularly, it can take a lot of work. But the time can come when we have become that kind of person. Jesus probably understands that, for most of us, this doesn't happen all at once.
3. God works within us. It need not be a lonely battle. That saturating Spirit continually strengthens us in doing what's right when we choose to do it. Reinhold Niebuhr once said, "It doesn't take much of a man to be a Christian, but it takes all of him." For most of us, this is a lifetime undertaking, but one well worthwhile.
4. An inner wholeness, the path to peace of mind must pass this way. That gift of "life" which comes from the Spirit has nothing to do with worldly success or prosperity. It has to do with a higher level of life, one for which we all search in one way or another, but only in this way is it ever found.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
Several years ago, a young prostitute went for counseling. She was determined to mend her ways and, she hoped, regain her self-respect. She had reached the age where she wanted a marriage and children. The counselor, seeing that she was serious, told her that one important step would be to find a church. After visiting two or three, she found what she thought was the right place. For several Sundays she found solace in worship. But one Sunday she was recognized. The word was passed, that the new young woman was a prostitute. People began to stare. She was shunned. The poor girl soon realized she would have to leave as the congregation was unable to accept her as a new being.
____________
Dr. Weatherhead told of two men who worked together at the same company for years. At night they would walk to the bus together. Once in a while, they would stop off together for a pint. One day, after many years, the wife of one man became ill. Soon she died, and the other man went to visit his friend. The visitor, realizing that his friend had no church affiliation, remarked on this to his grieving friend, saying how much strength he could have found in faith had he gone to church. For a long moment, the man stared at his friend. Then he replied angrily: "For all these years you and I have been friends. But not once -- not ONCE -- did you ever invite me to your church."
____________
Many years ago, I worked with a man who said he used to go to church but gave it up. It seems his wife was ill. They began attending church each Sunday, making fairly generous contributions, saying their prayers at home. For years they did this. But he said his wife's illness got worse, not better. So they quit the church, feeling that religion had been misrepresented to them.
____________
A man of my acquaintance, one whom I admire very much, was an all-American basketball player many years ago. He played professional ball for a few years, then went into the insurance business where he has been very successful. He is also a devout Christian. One of his sports is handball, and several days a week he and some friends play handball at the local Y. The other men are basically good people, but rather salty ex-athletes, given to rather offensive language in the locker room. One day I was finished with a workout and was standing at my locker when the gang of them came in swearing like stevedores. But my friend, heading for the showers, began singing "Amazing Grace" at the top of his lungs. For a long time there was silence. Then the men resumed their banter, but without the profanity. They respected this man and his standards. He hadn't scolded them or preached at them. That would only have resulted in more well-intended kidding on their part. He had witnessed. And they had understood.
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 40:1-11 (C, E) -- "The Lord is my light."
Prayer Of The Day (from Norman Vincent Peale -- the prayer of a very successful man who finally realized how miserable he had become)
"Lord, I'm a louse, but you know that without my telling you. I'm a no-account bum, and if I started telling you all the dirt I've done, you would not have time to listen to anyone else, for you're pretty busy. Besides, you know all about me anyway, so how could I fool you?
"But believe me, God, I don't want to fool you. I'm sick of the lousy way I live and think and act. I don't want to be this way anymore. And that's the truth, too, God. I gotta admit that even as I talk I'm holding back a few reservations but please don't let me be a phony. Help me to come clean as Dr. Peale says.
"I can't do anything about myself, so I put myself completely in your hands. Let your blood which fell from the cross fall over me now. I've just got to be changed."
