Have You Ever Preached a Sermon?

Yesterday I asked our congregation what they would say if they were called on to preach.

As long as it is an abstract idea, most of us have an idea how we might preach. I’ve had many people who have said something life this, “If they would give me a chance to preach, I would tell them a thing or two!”

And, maybe they would.

But as they anticipated the day and spent time with God in His word and in prayer, they might change their way of thinking.

The awesome responsibility of speaking God’s word to a congregation has a way of changing your thinking. If you had only one opportunity to preach God’s word, would you really “tell them a thing or two?”

It might be that you would go into the mode of many pastors who contemplate, “If I only have one sermon to preach?”

What would you say if you were given the opportunity to preach?

When Paul had those opportunities to communicate with a congregation by letter, he sought to influence them to do the great things. What would you say?

These are themes of Paul.

First, Paul emphasized love and unity. It seems he knew that the greatest threat to the church came from within. Would the church thrive or merely survive? Would they love one another or break up because of jealousy and power plays?

The biggest issue with today’s church is not outside persecution but inside selfishness.

Paul told the church at Philippi to take on the mind of Christ and emphasize unity and selflessness. He used Jesus as the ultimate example.

Second, Paul emphasized the way to God by grace through faith. Paul used every opportunity to put Jesus in His rightful place as the Savior of the church and the hope of the world.

Third, Paul called the churches to seek what God could do in them and through them. He knew that the church would thrive only as it depended on God and allowed God to work through them. Too many churches seek to do what they can without letting God have the church to do what He can. No wonder so many churches have declined to the point of death.

Fourth, Paul always spoke of thanksgiving to God for His blessings. Paul never got over His amazing salvation. He knew he deserved nothing and that God had given Him everything. He practiced gratitude, and he encouraged gratitude on the part of the church.

Finally, Paul called on the churches to live righteously and to live as an example of what God can do through a person wholly dedicated to Him.

Could we preach any better sermon?

I write daily for the people of God. If you would like to receive other of daily devotionals, you can sign up at waylonbailey.com or in the box below.


 

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One Response

  1. I agree that Paul never got over his amazing salvation. I think he also never forgot the amazing grace Stephen displayed as he died. I love Paul’s letters…they overflow with God’s grace.

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