Page 1 Sixth Sunday after Epiphany 12 February 2017 The Mission and Discipleship Council would like to thank Rev Tina Kemp, Auxiliary Minister with Helensburgh Parish Church linked with Rhu and Shandon Parish Church for her thoughts on the sixth Sunday after Epiphany. Contents Deuteronomy 30: 15-20... 2 Psalm 119: 1-8... 2 1 Corinthians 3: 1-9... 3 Matthew 5: 21-37... 4 Sermon ideas... 5 Time with children... 6 Prayers... 7 Musical suggestions... 13 Additional Resources... 14
Page 2 Helping people prepare for reading the Bible in worship can make a real difference. Overcoming nerves, reading in ways suitable to the text, speaking clearly etc. You may wish to email these three links to the people reading Scripture on Sunday to support them in their involvement in worship: Managing your nerves; Creative readings; Worship at the Lectern Deuteronomy 30: 15-20 As we near the end of this final book of the Pentateuch, the promise given to God s people is coming nearer to fulfilment. Here Moses draws to a close his address to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. He offers them a straight choice - and an enduring one - between life and blessing or death and destruction. He calls them to covenant faithfulness to the God who has rescued them and brought them to the cusp of a new life after years in the wilderness. Faithfulness and unfaithfulness to the law of God, he reminds them, produce respectively blessing and curse. To follow is to prosper, to deny means destruction. Faithfulness is not beyond their reach and there is no excuse for failing to respond. Moses is saying they need look no further than the commands God has given them through him to understand what is required of them. The answer is reflected in God s loyalty to them of which they have been reminded in previous chapters. The frequent use of the word today throughout these verses emphasises the crucial importance of this choice and the immediacy of the call to faithfulness as the people prepare to settle in a new land. But Moses words also indicate such blessing is not simply for now but is an enduring covenant promise for generations to come. It is God himself who is life and he will never pass away. The law of God may seem to restrict and constrain but it is the blueprint for a life of blessing. Psalm 119: 1-8 This longest psalm of the Bible is also the greatest example of an acrostic (alphabetic) psalm and has been referred to as the golden ABC of the word of God. It is a celebration of the fundamental truth that God s living word as revealed through teaching and revelation is central to the life of his people. These eight short verses, which form the Aleph (the first of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet) in many ways embody the challenges of a life of faithfulness. The psalm
Page 3 begins with an assertion emphasised by a repetition of blessing of obedience to God through constancy and commitment as the key to life. God has already revealed how humanity should walk in his ways therefore (verse 4) in an echo of our Deuteronomy passage, God s demand for faithfulness from his people is clear, immediate and unequivocal. The pivotal verse 5 is one which strikes a chord with any disciple the I wish! of a life of faith in which all of us, not least the writer of this verse, recognises the difficult reality of obedience to God s commands. It is followed by further acknowledgement, which again reflects the Deuteronomy verses, that making the wrong choice leads to disgrace. But the writer makes his choice for he knows that only obedience will allow him to live an effective and moral life. In verse 8 he makes his bold statement of choice to follow God s word, with the little proviso at the end keep a grip on me, God! 1 Corinthians 3: 1-9 By the time Paul visited Corinth in AD50, it was the largest and most influential city in southern Greece. Its key geographical position on the east-west sea route between Italy and Asia Minor made it not just a thriving commercial centre but also a perfect location as a centre of missionary activity. In a city of many different cultures, beliefs and social norms, maintaining and growing a Christian presence was challenging and the early church struggled to contend with the influences of a secular society. In this pastoral letter, the first of two to the Christian church in Corinth, Paul is tackling problems of divisiveness on a range of pastoral and theological matters. These verses look at some of the ongoing problems and Paul s advice on how to tackle them, in particular a misunderstanding of the relationship of teachers himself and Apollos to the people of God. Paul makes it clear from the outset that the church in Corinth is allowing itself to be guided not by the word of God but by secular norms and thinking. It has chosen to be unfaithful to God s command which is evident in its tendency to quarrelling and jealousy. The people are not ready, Paul tells them, for they are still clinging to worldly and not godly standards. Like others in Corinthian society, they are evaluating people by their status, ie to which teacher they have pledged their allegiance. Paul, in assigning the title servant to both himself and Apollos, reminds them that none of us can claim personal credit for our God-given work. He emphasises their lowly status with an illustration about gardening one of the manual
Page 4 tasks looked down on by the elitist Roman colony. He stresses the equality and value of all as coworkers in fulfilling God s purpose and the need to focus on God alone and not his messengers. Matthew 5: 21-37 Matthew s Gospel, regarded as the teaching Gospel, is a collection of stories and sayings of Jesus which have particular relevance to the life of the church. These verses form the first of five discourses which examine the themes of discipleship, mission, teaching, relationships and judgement. These verses follow on from the Sermon on the Mount which set the scene for a new and radical interpretation of the law as fulfilled in Jesus. Here Jesus sets out a statement and follows it up with teaching which seems to contrast with accepted understanding of Old Testament law. Jesus demands supersede the complicated legalism of the Pharisees and teachers to surpass that of Old Testament law which is inadequate in the new context of the kingdom of heaven. While the Pharisees demand strict and scrupulous attention to the letter of the law, Jesus words go beyond blind compliance to discern the true will of God enshrined in the law. He strengthens rather than contradicts a particular law, thereby clarifying its true meaning. Merely refraining from murder and adultery, he says, deals only with the symptom rather than the cause. The heart of the problem is that of a fundamental attitude of hatred and lust. Rather than pass judgement, God s law calls for a change of attitude before it leads to sinful action. Straightforward truthfulness is at the heart of our relationship with God and one another. The regulations and demands of the law as set down by the Pharisees must not be allowed to take precedence over God s original intention. Once again we are faced with a choice laws interpreted and compromised by men or that which is built on the positive purpose of God.
Page 5 Sermon ideas Today s passages hinge largely on choices and what choosing to follow God s ways means for us. Deuteronomy sets the scene for the renewal of covenant between God and his chosen people as they prepare to begin a new life. For the Israelites, making the choice between life and blessing or death and destruction might seem easy. Moses stresses that choice comes with the responsibilities of obedience and commitment to God s word and ways - something which has been sadly lacking during their time in the wilderness. The Psalmist acknowledges the blessings and constant challenges - of a life of covenant faithfulness. In Corinth, Paul highlights the messy repercussions of a life focused not on God but on worldly ways. These passages move from the demands of the old covenant made between God s people to the new covenant embodied in Jesus. The demands are the same obedience, obligation, loyalty but in Jesus they go beyond simply observing laws and statutes. Living out the new covenant involves not an intellectual agreement but a change and transformation of heart and mind. It is the Christ s interpretation of the law which is ultimately authoritative and brings it to fulfilment. In Matthew, Jesus gives practical examples of how to live out this kingdom covenant reconciliation, forgiveness, truthfulness. Through this, he points not just to a new way of obedience but to a new way of being human, of living out of our covenant relationship with God through him. Following God in a covenant relationship is not a soft option. As church, we are good at teaching how people should live and behave. How might we challenge ourselves to go beyond simply observing the rules of Christian discipleship to a deeper understanding of our faith? Are we ready for that? In what practical ways can we demonstrate what it means to live out the word of God? How are God s blessings revealed our lives? It s not just about how to live and behave, but about discovering the living and dying Jesus and how to reflect that love into the world that so badly needs it. Rev Dr Sam Cappleman (thisischurch.com)
Page 6 Time with children Our Scripture passages today are largely about right and wrong choices. The game Wrong to be Right (as featured in a west of Scotland radio show) poses a series of quick-fire general knowledge statements to children, the aim being to give the wrong answer in order to be right and win a prize. For example, Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Scotland. The correct answer for the purposes of the game would be false. Similarly, the Scottish saltire flag is red and white. The correct answer would be true, and so on. Each right answer gains a point. It sounds harder than you think because the immediate reaction is to give the correct answer (which of course is wrong!), and often that s what happens. It can take several seconds for the brain to adjust. Try this game with the children. Those who give a wrong answer have to sit down and another child takes over. See if anyone can get to the end of the list of statements without making a mistake. Don t keep a score. The point of this exercise is that we know the right way God wants us to behave but sometimes we do the wrong thing. Often doing the right thing can be much harder. It takes a lot of hard work and thought to be the people God wants us to be. Throughout the Bible are people who get it wrong a lot of the time but as our passages show us, God still loves and blesses them as he does us. He also doesn t keep a score. What right choices can we make this week at school, at home, with our friends which might reflect what God asks of us? (eg working hard, helping our parents, being kind).
Page 7 Prayers Prayer of approach and confession Creator God you come among us in the colour and richness of this day full of promises. In richness of the earth and the joy of fellowship we meet you. Living God you sweep in among us in the life and energy which gives rhythm to the day. In the faces of friends and of strangers we greet you. Spirit God you speak to us, words of challenge and comfort which give purpose to our day, whispering encouragement, calling us to love. We listen to you. If you were content, Lord God, you would not bother with us. But you are restless; through anger and through love, you will all things to change and be made new.
Page 8 If your job were complete, Lord God, you would not need us. But you are always working, Lord, and you have asked us to join you in fulfilling your kingdom hope for the world. If we were perfect, Lord God, we would not bother with you. But we are failed and fragmented people. We seek different goals and we serve contradictory causes. We talk liberation and live oppression we shout peace and practice violence we speak of justice and walk in injustice our faith deserts us when we most need it. Through your compassion have mercy on us. Enable us to hear your voice among the dissenters, to walk your path among the diverters, to dream your dreams among the scoffers, to speak your truth among the cynics. Enter our trusting, enter our fearing, enter our letting go, enter our holding back, that we might be renewed and reopened to your love, in the service of your world. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Page 9 Prayer of thanksgiving Lord God we take comfort from the fact that your chosen people were not always obedient. We take comfort because we too are your people who complain, who forsake, who deny, who blame. Thank you, Lord, that our poor choices do nothing to diminish your love for us and your belief in us. Thank you that in spite of your frustration at our failures and failings, you remain faithful to us. Bless us in our disbelief and in our complete belief and guide us as we seek your way. Amen. Prayers of intercession It is your truth alone, loving God, which can change hearts; your healing power which can transform troubled souls; your Spirit which can move mountains of despair.
Page 10 So we pray today, Lord, for change in places where tradition has a stranglehold on vision; where fear prevents the hope of a better future; where injustice is ingrained and the same voices shout the loudest. Lord, let there be change. We pray for transformation in hearts left cold by hurt; in lives destroyed by loneliness; in bodies held to ransom by pain and souls crying out for relief. Lord, let there be transformation. We pray for healing for those known to us who are troubled in body, mind and spirit. May they know your presence in the comfort of others and in your timeless promises fulfilled Christ Jesus, our Saviour. Lord, let there be healing. We pray for movement, Lord. in our churches that the past may not dictate the present or the possible; in our communities that entrenched opinions may be challenged and shaken;
Page 11 in our world that reconciliation and peace may become an achievable reality and not just a dream of the hopeful. Lord, let there be movement. And we pray, Lord, for ourselves, here in this congregation, that we may together offer help, hope and encouragement to one another and to those in need. May you continue to encounter and to confront us along the pathways of life, Lord, that our faith may be strengthened and transformed making us worthy of your blessing and ready in your service. Amen. Choices (A reflection from Pray Now 2010 ) Indecision is a blessing undisguised. It forgives us our uncertainty and graces us with time. And so we linger at life s junctions and seek pardon for our pondering. No such luxury for you, Lord, you for who confronting crossroads, even in deserted places and among uncomplicated souls, was not chance but choice.
Page 12 Until you reached a garden and the fork in the road, fogged by fear, fury and frustration, became less clear. Until you reached a garden where options seemed as limited as the wakefulness of friends. Until you reached a garden where you agonised again and again, at one final outrage. Until you reached a garden and made the finite choice. Thank you for picking us, Lord, when you had other options. Thank you, that you took the cup and saw your own reflection mirrored in its ruby richness. Thank you that you caressed the coldness of its grip with lips which parted in love. Thank you that you drank its bitterness and felt it course like blood through living veins. Thank you that in your indecision we may see our struggling selves in your divine disguise and, in our humanity, choose you. (Tina Kemp)
Page 13 Blessing (Pray Now 2010) God s love has chosen us, God s justice has saved us, God s grace has blessed us. May the God of love, justice and grace Be with us in our choices And in our chances This day and always. Amen. (Tina Kemp) In addition to the above prayers, prepared by our contributor, other prayers may be found in People of the Way which is the theme for this year s Pray Now. It was also the theme for Heart and Soul 2016. People of the Way is available from St Andrew Press. Musical suggestions CH4 153 CH4 346 CH4 550 CH4 577 CH4 634 CH4 192 CH4 553 Great is thy faithfulness a reminder of God s constancy in the face of our failings The word of the Lord lasts forever a hymn which speaks of the enduring word of God As the deer pants for the water the chorus acknowledges the desire to put God at the centre of life. Christ be beside me a prayerful praise of God s action in every area of life. Word of the father a baptismal hymn but relevant to our Gospel passage as Jesus, the law, the word of life fulfilled. All my hope on God is founded the enduring blessings of God in our past, present and future. Just as I am an acknowledgement of our failings and need for God s guidance.
Page 14 Additional Resources Resourcing Mission Resourcing Mission is host to Starters for Sunday and other key mission resources for download and purchase. Online booking is available for Mission & Discipleship events. Please check back regularly, as new items are being added all the time. If there is something you d like to see on this new site, please contact us via the website. Prayer Resources These materials are designed to be a starting point for what you might look for in prayers. People of the Way is available from St Andrew Press. Music Resources The hymns mentioned in this material are ideas of specific hymns you might choose for this week s themes. However, for some excellent articles on church music and ideas for new music resources, please check out our online music pages Different Voices. Preaching Resources These materials are designed to be a starting point for what you might preach this Sunday. Preachers Perspectives is a resource where we have asked twelve preachers to share the insights they have gathered through their experiences of writing and delivering sermons regularly. Scots Worship Resources The Kirk's Ear - Scots i the Kirk series for Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Pentecost and other times of the year Wurship Ouk bi Ouk - Metrical psalms, hymns, prayers and words for worship Scots Sacraments may give you helpful material if you are celebrating Communion or have a Baptism. The Mission and Discipleship Council would like to express its thanks to the Rev Tina Kemp for providing us with this Sunday s material. Please note that the views expressed in these materials are those of the individual writer and not necessarily the official view of the Church of Scotland, which can be laid down only by the General Assembly.