August 10th, Sermon & Ministry Resources

"LIVING BETWEEN PROMISE AND PRESENCE" (Luke 12:32-40)

Lectionary Readings — Ninth Sunday after Pentecost — August 10, 2025

Isaiah 1:1,10-20; Psalm 50:1-8,22-23; Hebrews 11:1-3,8-16; Luke 12:32-40

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Call to Worship (based on Luke 12:32-40)

Leader: Do not be afraid, little flock!

People: For it is our Father's good pleasure to give us the kingdom!

Leader: Come, all who would trade earthly treasure for heavenly riches.

People: We come to make purses that do not wear out, unfailing treasure in heaven.

Leader: Come, all who are dressed for action with your lamps lit.

People: We come as those waiting for our Master to return from the wedding banquet.

Leader: Come, all who are alert and ready to serve.

People: We come knowing that blessed are those servants whom the Master finds awake.

Leader: For our Master will fasten his belt and have us sit down to eat.

People: And he will come and serve us! What amazing grace!

Leader: Whether he comes in the middle of the night or near dawn.

People: We will be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.

Leader: Let us worship the God who delights in giving us the kingdom!

People: Let us praise the Master who serves his faithful servants!

Leader: Come, let us worship with hearts full of joyful expectation!

People: We worship the One who is coming again! Amen!

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Opening Prayer (based on Isaiah 1:1,10-20)

Let us pray:

Almighty God, we come before You this morning knowing that You see not only our outward worship but also the condition of our hearts. Through Your prophet Isaiah, You have reminded us that ritual without righteousness, worship without justice, and prayers without transformed lives are empty in Your sight.

We confess, Lord, that too often we have been like the people of Isaiah's day—faithful in our religious observances but careless in our daily living. We have brought our offerings and sung our songs while failing to seek justice for the oppressed, defend the orphan, or plead for the widow. We have lifted up holy hands in worship while those same hands have been slow to acts of mercy and kindness.

Forgive us, gracious God, for the times when we have wearied You with worship that lacks integrity, when our festivals and prayers have become burdens to You rather than offerings that delight Your heart. Cleanse us from the sin that separates us from You and from one another.

We praise You for Your amazing promise that though our sins are like scarlet, they can become white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they can become like wool. Only You can transform hearts of stone into hearts of flesh, only You can make the unclean clean, only You can wash away the stains of our selfishness and pride.

As we gather for worship this morning, help us to bring not just our voices but our lives as living sacrifices. Teach us to cease doing evil and learn to do good. Show us how to seek justice in our community, how to rescue the oppressed in our world, how to defend those who have no voice, and how to care for those who are forgotten.

Make us willing and obedient, Lord, that we may eat the good of the land You have prepared for us. Guard us from the rebellion that leads to destruction, and lead us in paths of righteousness for Your name's sake.

Speak to us through Your Word today. Let Your truth penetrate not just our minds but our hearts. Transform us from people who merely go through religious motions into people whose worship flows from authentic love for You and genuine care for others.

We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the justice and mercy You desire.

Amen.

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Sermon Outline: [NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon].

[Note: All Scripture is taken from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.]

Sermon Outline: "LIVING BETWEEN PROMISE AND PRESENCE"

Based on Luke 12:32-40

INTRODUCTION:

• Context: Following Jesus' teaching about the rich fool and his warning against greed

• The transition from anxiety about possessions to assurance about God's provision

• Central tension: Living in the "already" of God's kingdom promise and the "not yet" of Christ's return

• Theme: How do we live faithfully between divine promise and divine presence?

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I. PROVISION: God's Gracious Gift (vv. 32-34)

A. The Father's Promise (v. 32)

B. The Faithful Response (vv. 33-34)

C. Living in Kingdom Reality

II. PREPARATION: Watchful Service (vv. 35-38)

A. The Posture of Readiness (v. 35)

B. The Model of Vigilance (v. 36)

C. The Surprising Reversal (vv. 37-38)

D. Practical Watchfulness

III. PRESENCE: The Unexpected Hour (vv. 39-40)

A. The Thief Analogy (v. 39)

B. The Application (v. 40)

C. The Urgency of Now

Conclusion: The Kingdom Life

A. The Integration of All Three

B. Practical Applications

C. The Paradox of Kingdom Living

D. Final Challenge

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Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers