December 15th, Sermon & Ministry Resources

"Preparing the Path: John's Call to Authentic Advent" (Luke 3:7-18)

Lectionary Readings — Third Sunday of Advent — December 15, 2024

Zephaniah 3:14-20; Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18

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Call to Worship (based on Luke 3:7:18)

Leader: Come, prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight the paths that lead to God.

People: We come seeking renewal and transformation, ready to bear good fruit.

Leader: What then should we do? Share with those in need, act with honesty and justice.

People: We bring our gifts and talents, offering them in service to God and neighbor.

Leader: One more powerful than I is coming, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.

People: We wait with hope, preparing our hearts for the One who brings God's winnowing fork.

Leader: The good news is proclaimed to all people, calling us to lives of justice and peace.

People: Let us worship the God who refines us like silver and purifies us like gold.

Together: With thankful hearts, we gather to worship the coming Christ, who brings salvation to all people. Amen.

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Opening Prayer (based on Isaiah 12:2-6)

Let us pray:

Gracious and Holy God,

we gather in this season of anticipation and hope, drawing near to you as we light the candles of Advent. As the prophet Isaiah proclaimed, "Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord is my strength and my defense." In these words, we find courage for today and hope for tomorrow.

Like those who draw water with joy from the wells of salvation, we come to drink deeply of your presence. Fill us with the gladness of your Spirit, that we might sing your praises in all the earth.

We pause now to remember those among us who need your tender care. For those who are ill, bring healing. For those who mourn, bring comfort. For those who are lonely, bring companionship. For those who are anxious, bring peace. For those who seek direction, bring guidance.

Make us instruments of your grace, that we might proclaim your deeds among the nations and make known that your name is exalted. Let us shout aloud and sing for joy, for great in our midst is the Holy One of Israel. As we journey through this Advent season, keep our hearts fixed on the promise of your coming, that we might be ready to receive your gift of love anew.

In the name of the One who was, and is, and is to come, 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: "Preparing the Path: John's Call to Authentic Advent" (Luke 3:7-18)

Introduction:

• Setting the context of John's ministry

• Connection to Third Sunday of Advent (Joy/Rejoicing)

• The tension between preparation and celebration

I. Proclamation of Repentance (vv. 7-9)

A. John's confrontational approach to the crowds

• Harsh words with purposeful intent

• Breaking down false security

B. The warning against presumption

• "We have Abraham as our ancestor"

• God's ability to raise children from stones

• Application: Examining our own religious presumptions - Where do we place false security? - How does tradition sometimes replace authentic faith?

C. The urgency of genuine repentance

• 1. The ax at the root

• 2. The impending judgment

• 3. Connection to Zephaniah 3:14-20 - Joy comes through purification

II. Practice of Righteousness (vv. 10-14)

A. The crowd's crucial question: "What should we do?"

• The universal need for guidance

• Application: Our own searching for direction

B. Three specific examples of ethical behavior

• Sharing possessions (v. 11) - Contemporary applications of generosity - Connection to Philippians 4:4-7 - Joy in giving

• Economic justice (tax collectors, v. 12-13) - Modern workplace ethics - Integrity in business

• Professional integrity (soldiers, v. 14) - Using power responsibly - Contentment with wages

III. Promise of Redemption (vv. 15-18)

A. Messianic expectations

• People wondering about John's identity

• John's clear denial of messiahship

• Connection to Isaiah 12:2-6 - The joy of salvation

B. The coming Messiah's ministry

• Baptism with Holy Spirit and fire

• The winnowing fork imagery

• Application: Understanding spiritual renewal - How are we being refined? - Where do we need the Spirit's fire?

C. The good news aspect of John's message

• Judgment and joy together

• The promise of transformation

• Application: Finding joy in spiritual growth

Conclusion:

• The paradox of Advent joy through preparation

• The call to authentic repentance and renewal

• Living in expectation of Christ's transforming presence

Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers