Liturgical Moment of the Week: The Sermon

By Fr. Brian+

The sermon in a worship service comes in the first third of the service, after the readings, after the proclamation of the Gospel, and before the affirmation of the Nicene Creed. The Liturgy of the Word enables us to hear, speak, and digest the Word of God.

Sunday in my sermon I said:

A sermon by nature is best when I engage God on what He wants me to say, and ask Him to give me the words to share with you, as I study His Word and its true meaning and significance for today.

I’m trusting that God will change your life with his Word, in part because He is leading and using me to proclaim it in a particular way. 

Some take the sermon as the priest giving his or her opinion, or saying something because he has to, or passing the time until communion. Some priests want to entertain, tickle ears, and be provocative so you’ll come back for more.

My intention is to give you heartfelt words from the throne of God, empowered by his Spirit. 

Here is how I approach a sermon:

• I’m sharing God’s Word which is living and active.

• I’m trusting God’s Spirit, who is making the Word sharper than any two-edged sword.

• I’m expecting God’s work in you, applying what I’m saying in a relevant way to you.

• I’m anticipating God to change you because of my message and his faithfulness.

If my words aren’t resulting in you becoming more like Jesus, then there’s a problem:

• I’m not being faithful in speaking OR

• You’re not being faithful in hearing.

I think it’s that simple. A sermon is a time for life-giving interaction with God’s Spirit. While I can improve my speaking, we all can improve our hearing.

Here are a few key verses speaking to the significance of the sermon.

All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the person of God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.                                                                         2 Timothy 3:16-17, NRSV

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: 2 proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage with the utmost patience in teaching.                                                  2 Timothy 4:1-2, NRSV

But he [Jesus] said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!”

                                                                                    Luke 11:28, NRSV

I love studying God’s Word, praying for you as I prepare a sermon, applying the sermon to my own life before I speak it to you, sharing it with you, and hearing and seeing your lives change.

Finally, please pray for Fr. Frans, Josh, and myself, that we would be faithful in our teaching and preaching, because:

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will face stricter judgment.

                                                                                       James 3:1, NRSV