Trinity Sunday
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VII Cycle C
Seasonal Theme
Jesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Theme For The Day
Jesus has sent a Paraclete we can ask for help, inspiration, and presence.
Old Testament Lesson
Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
Wisdom At Creation
In this collection of wisdom from the ancient world, we have wisdom presented as a woman at the city gates and at the crossroads announcing her concerns. And her message is for "... all that live" not just Israel. Then we move to verses 22-31. We have a foundation here for a belief of a cosmic wisdom (Wisdom of Solomon 7:22-81) and for the New Testament idea of Logos, which helps us understand Christology.
It's an interesting picture of Wisdom standing by God's side at the time of Creation. And the bonus is that Wisdom standing by God is a "she." The Interpreter's One-Volume Commentary claims: "... it seems probable that the conception derives ultimately from a Canaanite source and that 'wisdom' was originally a pagan goddess of wisdom." Whatever its reason, perhaps here is an opportunity to use the feminine in presenting God and God's work of creation and wisdom.
So Wisdom, according to verse 30, is present with the Lord at creation. We must ask what she is doing there. Perhaps there are several answers:
1. She is a child who plays before him (v. 31) or
2. She is helping with the creation task as a crafts (wo)man, (v. 3:19), or a "master worker."
While this passage was no doubt selected to help present the Triune God on this special Trinity Sunday, it may do more to confuse than to elucidate.
New Testament Lesson
Romans 5:1-5
Results Of Justification
Paul lays out for us the results of being justified, which can easily be our outline of sermon moves as well. Because:
1. We are justified by faith (v. 1);
2. We have peace (v. 1);
3. We have obtained access to God's grace (v. 2);
4. We share God's glory (v. 2);
5. We can endure our sufferings (v. 3);
6. We always have hope (v. 5);
7. Our hearts are full of God's love (v. 5); and
8. We have been given the Holy Spirit (v. 5).
I like the first best of all. It describes a new relationship with God as peace which is now available to us. Notice verses 3 and 4. Sufferings produce character. Verse 2 is also marvelous. We have access to God: see Ephesians 2:15 and 3:12 and Hebrews 7:25 and 9:24 for additional support of this idea that Jesus worked for us access to God. This means really that God is willing to love and deal with us sinners. Now that's good news!
The Gospel
John 16:12-15
Promises Of A Continual Presence
In this portion of John's Gospel we learn much about the Paraclete. The text is often called Jesus' farewell discourse. Here we have the function of the Paraclete among the believers. The disciples' future was very uncertain -- they will be tested, but they will not be alone. Jesus is the truth and thus the Paraclete is the "Spirit of Truth" (v. 13). The Paraclete is also described in similar terms in John 7:16-17; 8:26, 40; 12:49-50. Also in verse 13 the Paraclete will help them in the future for which Jesus cannot prepare them before he departs. It's because of the changing times in which they live and carry out their mission and ministry.
In verse 15, we have what Jesus spoke of many times during his ministry (vv. 5:19-20). The Paraclete is a full part of the revelation of God and the proclamation of that fullness to those disciples who follow after them.
From John's Gospel we can say two basic things about the Paraclete:
1. Jesus continues his presence in the early church and among the congregations of believers after his ascension through the Paraclete, and
2. The Paraclete is our witness and our teacher.
Preaching Possibilities
A. If on this Trinity Sunday we go with the theme of Jesus' continued presence through the Paraclete, we can look at John's teachings about the Paraclete. Here are the passages: 14:16-17; 14:26; 15:26; 16:7-11; 16:12-15.
One could use a theme like "The love of God continues ..." and then develop the idea of Jesus sending out the Paraclete so the incarnate God's love continues through the faith community.
B. This is the one and only Sunday named for a doctrine of the faith rather than for an event in the life and teachings and ministry of Jesus. So we ought to consider seriously doing a doctrinal sermon teaching about our concept of God as Trinity. An outline could be:
1. Wrong ideas about the Trinity, like "... three Gods";
2. The scripture's foundation for the concept of the Trinity;
3. The Trinity as an explanation of God's presence with us in different times and conditions:
a. As our creator God
b. As our savior Jesus
c. As God's presence with us now to inspire and instruct.
4. The implications for us as individuals and for us as a community of faith now:
a. We treat all creation with reverence, as we know it comes from, and still is, God's;
b. We celebrate our forgiveness and salvation and invite others into the kingdom of the sacred;
c. When we are hard-pressed, afraid, struggling, and have doubts, we have help through the Paraclete who is God's presence now.
5. Relate a story regarding the Trinity found below.
C. The Old Testament also gives us an opportunity to speak forcefully about women in the church and in God's plan of creation and redemption. Then one could move to the Romans reading, making the point that the benefits Paul lists that we have because we are justified are for women and men alike. We believe that there is no difference. Then list out how we as individuals and as a congregation ought to practice complete equality in our ministry and mission. And if there are sexist abuses, hold them up for all to see. Finish with female Wisdom being there at creation from the Proverbs account.
D. One more possibility for Trinity Sunday.
1. The Old Testament Lesson -- God as creator.
2. The New Testament Lesson -- God as our savior.
3. The Gospel -- God as spirit presence with us now.
It's a perfect three-point and three-story sermon.
Possible Outline Of Sermon Moves
A. Begin with the first illustration below.
B. Move to the scripture reading: read John 16:13.
C. Move to the background of why Jesus said this. He was leaving the disciples and they needed some assurance he would be with them in spirit even after he left bodily, and so on.
D. Move to explain what this having a Paraclete means to us as a congregation. We must take seriously the Spirit with us in our worship, and in our life together. And we can be that presence of Jesus to others with this Spirit's help.
E. Move to what the Paraclete meant to those disciples back then and what it means to us now.
1. We don't face our suffering alone.
2. We have help to believe.
3. Jesus' words are dynamic and can be applied to all ages and situations.
4. We have help beyond what the world can ever provide.
F. Move to your own testimony.
1. When is it God's Paraclete is most felt by you?
2. When is it you most need this help?
3. How does the Paraclete help you as a preacher?
G. Frame your sermon by returning to the opening story and rereading John 16:13.
Prayer For The Day
Holy Spirit, come upon and with us here today as you promised you would. Give us courage when we need it; lift us up, warming our hearts with a knowledge of your love and presence; and teach us how to obey Jesus' words and live together as disciples. In the name of God, our Holy Parent and Creator; of Jesus, our loving and forgiving Savior; and of the Holy Spirit, God's presence with us now. Amen.
Possible Metaphors And Stories
Herbert W. Chilstrom, former Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, said: "Perhaps William Barclay is most helpful of all when he suggests 'paraclete' is derived from a term used by the Greeks to describe a very special person who went to war with the soldiers. He carried no weapons. His purpose was simply to be with the men as a source of wisdom, common sense, and encouragement. When the battle went badly, it was his task to remind them that only a battle had been lost and not the war. When they did well and came home heady with pride and overconfidence, it was his task to remind them they had only won a battle, not the war. In this role, 'the paraclete' was often the key to victory. His help at the right moment, his word of encouragement, his wise counsel were often the difference between victory and defeat." It is the role the Holy Spirit would play in our lives as well. (See John 15:26-27.)
On a car at Methodist Hospital parking lot were two stickers: "Things go better with wine," and below: "Christians have more fun, especially later." Great to give out that kind of message about being a Christian; however, I would want to say about the second message: "Christians have more fun, especially right now." We often give the impression our faith is mostly for eternal life, while we have the Holy Spirit to equip us for life here and now.
According to the Batak adat of Sumatra, they have what is called the laws of dalihan natohr. It means it takes three stones put under the cooking pot to hold it in right position. If one of the stones is missing, the pot falls down and the people couldn't cook.
The Indonesian Batak word sahala means a concrete power belonging to important and powerful people, such as a raja (who is a chief) and a datu, a religious person. And they will tell you the signs of a sahala: worldly success, large and fruitful fields, many cattle, many children, and the ability to be a leader. Now, what can we who live in an English-speaking country say are the signs that we have God's Paraclete with us?
Jesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Theme For The Day
Jesus has sent a Paraclete we can ask for help, inspiration, and presence.
Old Testament Lesson
Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
Wisdom At Creation
In this collection of wisdom from the ancient world, we have wisdom presented as a woman at the city gates and at the crossroads announcing her concerns. And her message is for "... all that live" not just Israel. Then we move to verses 22-31. We have a foundation here for a belief of a cosmic wisdom (Wisdom of Solomon 7:22-81) and for the New Testament idea of Logos, which helps us understand Christology.
It's an interesting picture of Wisdom standing by God's side at the time of Creation. And the bonus is that Wisdom standing by God is a "she." The Interpreter's One-Volume Commentary claims: "... it seems probable that the conception derives ultimately from a Canaanite source and that 'wisdom' was originally a pagan goddess of wisdom." Whatever its reason, perhaps here is an opportunity to use the feminine in presenting God and God's work of creation and wisdom.
So Wisdom, according to verse 30, is present with the Lord at creation. We must ask what she is doing there. Perhaps there are several answers:
1. She is a child who plays before him (v. 31) or
2. She is helping with the creation task as a crafts (wo)man, (v. 3:19), or a "master worker."
While this passage was no doubt selected to help present the Triune God on this special Trinity Sunday, it may do more to confuse than to elucidate.
New Testament Lesson
Romans 5:1-5
Results Of Justification
Paul lays out for us the results of being justified, which can easily be our outline of sermon moves as well. Because:
1. We are justified by faith (v. 1);
2. We have peace (v. 1);
3. We have obtained access to God's grace (v. 2);
4. We share God's glory (v. 2);
5. We can endure our sufferings (v. 3);
6. We always have hope (v. 5);
7. Our hearts are full of God's love (v. 5); and
8. We have been given the Holy Spirit (v. 5).
I like the first best of all. It describes a new relationship with God as peace which is now available to us. Notice verses 3 and 4. Sufferings produce character. Verse 2 is also marvelous. We have access to God: see Ephesians 2:15 and 3:12 and Hebrews 7:25 and 9:24 for additional support of this idea that Jesus worked for us access to God. This means really that God is willing to love and deal with us sinners. Now that's good news!
The Gospel
John 16:12-15
Promises Of A Continual Presence
In this portion of John's Gospel we learn much about the Paraclete. The text is often called Jesus' farewell discourse. Here we have the function of the Paraclete among the believers. The disciples' future was very uncertain -- they will be tested, but they will not be alone. Jesus is the truth and thus the Paraclete is the "Spirit of Truth" (v. 13). The Paraclete is also described in similar terms in John 7:16-17; 8:26, 40; 12:49-50. Also in verse 13 the Paraclete will help them in the future for which Jesus cannot prepare them before he departs. It's because of the changing times in which they live and carry out their mission and ministry.
In verse 15, we have what Jesus spoke of many times during his ministry (vv. 5:19-20). The Paraclete is a full part of the revelation of God and the proclamation of that fullness to those disciples who follow after them.
From John's Gospel we can say two basic things about the Paraclete:
1. Jesus continues his presence in the early church and among the congregations of believers after his ascension through the Paraclete, and
2. The Paraclete is our witness and our teacher.
Preaching Possibilities
A. If on this Trinity Sunday we go with the theme of Jesus' continued presence through the Paraclete, we can look at John's teachings about the Paraclete. Here are the passages: 14:16-17; 14:26; 15:26; 16:7-11; 16:12-15.
One could use a theme like "The love of God continues ..." and then develop the idea of Jesus sending out the Paraclete so the incarnate God's love continues through the faith community.
B. This is the one and only Sunday named for a doctrine of the faith rather than for an event in the life and teachings and ministry of Jesus. So we ought to consider seriously doing a doctrinal sermon teaching about our concept of God as Trinity. An outline could be:
1. Wrong ideas about the Trinity, like "... three Gods";
2. The scripture's foundation for the concept of the Trinity;
3. The Trinity as an explanation of God's presence with us in different times and conditions:
a. As our creator God
b. As our savior Jesus
c. As God's presence with us now to inspire and instruct.
4. The implications for us as individuals and for us as a community of faith now:
a. We treat all creation with reverence, as we know it comes from, and still is, God's;
b. We celebrate our forgiveness and salvation and invite others into the kingdom of the sacred;
c. When we are hard-pressed, afraid, struggling, and have doubts, we have help through the Paraclete who is God's presence now.
5. Relate a story regarding the Trinity found below.
C. The Old Testament also gives us an opportunity to speak forcefully about women in the church and in God's plan of creation and redemption. Then one could move to the Romans reading, making the point that the benefits Paul lists that we have because we are justified are for women and men alike. We believe that there is no difference. Then list out how we as individuals and as a congregation ought to practice complete equality in our ministry and mission. And if there are sexist abuses, hold them up for all to see. Finish with female Wisdom being there at creation from the Proverbs account.
D. One more possibility for Trinity Sunday.
1. The Old Testament Lesson -- God as creator.
2. The New Testament Lesson -- God as our savior.
3. The Gospel -- God as spirit presence with us now.
It's a perfect three-point and three-story sermon.
Possible Outline Of Sermon Moves
A. Begin with the first illustration below.
B. Move to the scripture reading: read John 16:13.
C. Move to the background of why Jesus said this. He was leaving the disciples and they needed some assurance he would be with them in spirit even after he left bodily, and so on.
D. Move to explain what this having a Paraclete means to us as a congregation. We must take seriously the Spirit with us in our worship, and in our life together. And we can be that presence of Jesus to others with this Spirit's help.
E. Move to what the Paraclete meant to those disciples back then and what it means to us now.
1. We don't face our suffering alone.
2. We have help to believe.
3. Jesus' words are dynamic and can be applied to all ages and situations.
4. We have help beyond what the world can ever provide.
F. Move to your own testimony.
1. When is it God's Paraclete is most felt by you?
2. When is it you most need this help?
3. How does the Paraclete help you as a preacher?
G. Frame your sermon by returning to the opening story and rereading John 16:13.
Prayer For The Day
Holy Spirit, come upon and with us here today as you promised you would. Give us courage when we need it; lift us up, warming our hearts with a knowledge of your love and presence; and teach us how to obey Jesus' words and live together as disciples. In the name of God, our Holy Parent and Creator; of Jesus, our loving and forgiving Savior; and of the Holy Spirit, God's presence with us now. Amen.
Possible Metaphors And Stories
Herbert W. Chilstrom, former Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, said: "Perhaps William Barclay is most helpful of all when he suggests 'paraclete' is derived from a term used by the Greeks to describe a very special person who went to war with the soldiers. He carried no weapons. His purpose was simply to be with the men as a source of wisdom, common sense, and encouragement. When the battle went badly, it was his task to remind them that only a battle had been lost and not the war. When they did well and came home heady with pride and overconfidence, it was his task to remind them they had only won a battle, not the war. In this role, 'the paraclete' was often the key to victory. His help at the right moment, his word of encouragement, his wise counsel were often the difference between victory and defeat." It is the role the Holy Spirit would play in our lives as well. (See John 15:26-27.)
On a car at Methodist Hospital parking lot were two stickers: "Things go better with wine," and below: "Christians have more fun, especially later." Great to give out that kind of message about being a Christian; however, I would want to say about the second message: "Christians have more fun, especially right now." We often give the impression our faith is mostly for eternal life, while we have the Holy Spirit to equip us for life here and now.
According to the Batak adat of Sumatra, they have what is called the laws of dalihan natohr. It means it takes three stones put under the cooking pot to hold it in right position. If one of the stones is missing, the pot falls down and the people couldn't cook.
The Indonesian Batak word sahala means a concrete power belonging to important and powerful people, such as a raja (who is a chief) and a datu, a religious person. And they will tell you the signs of a sahala: worldly success, large and fruitful fields, many cattle, many children, and the ability to be a leader. Now, what can we who live in an English-speaking country say are the signs that we have God's Paraclete with us?
