I learned that when I preach a message, I need to present the context of the text, explain the text itself, and apply it to life.
Sweet Anna and I visited a friend’s church today, a Korean speaking church. I caught bits and pieces of the sermon (my Korean is very limited) but because I can read a little and know many of the books of the Bible, I figured out the outline of the message (there is a point to these details). Sweet Anna told me it was about ring encouraged. So as I followed the texts on the slides I saw the sermon shaping up as I read their contexts: like figures in Scripture, we get frustrated and discouraged in life, but there is hope.
Moses was frustrated by the whining of the people and expressed his own struggles to God.
If you will treat me like this, kill me at once, if I find favor in your sight, that I may not see my wretchedness.” (Numbers 11:15 ESV)
Elijah on the run from Jezebel.
But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” (1Ki.19.4 ESV)
Jonah (you should need no intro).
Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.” (Jonah 4.3 ESV)
Let’s press on. They got discouraged, but God used them:
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Gal. 6.9)
The Prodigal came to his senses and ran home to his waiting father. God is waiting for us:
And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. (Luke 15:20 ESV)
Look to Jesus who endured, Jesus is our strength to endure and press on:
…looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. (Heb. 12.2-3)
Press on!
Here’s the beauty of this sermon: it was so based on Scripture and the power of God’s word, it was not dependent on the preacher (or my ability to totally understand the preacher’s words).
The Word of God preached its own message.
Preachers, let’s be reminded: God doesn’t need your passion, pastoral abilities or plans, just preach the Word of God as the Word of God.
Preach the Bible not your agenda. The Bible preaches itself as long as we keep ourselves out of its way.
Press on in Jesus’ power, sharing His word! Be encouraged!
kingdom travelin' 