Lectionary Readings — Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost — October 5, 2025
Lamentations 1:1-6, 3:19-26; Psalm 137; 2 Timothy 1:1-14; Luke 17:5-10
Call to Worship (based on Luke 17:5-10)
Leader: Come, all who seek to know the Lord!
Congregation: We come, asking God to increase our faith!
Leader: The Lord responds: "Even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains."
Congregation: We trust not in the size of our faith, but in the greatness of our God!
Leader: Come, let us worship the One who makes the impossible possible.
Congregation: To Him who can uproot trees and plant them in the sea!
Leader: We gather not as heroes seeking glory, but as servants finding joy.
Congregation: We are God's people, called to faithful service!
Leader: Let us worship with humble hearts and willing hands.
Congregation: We have done only what we ought to do—we worship because He is worthy!
Leader: Come, let us place our trust in the God who is faithful.
Congregation: Our small faith rests in His great love!
All: Let us worship the Lord with gladness and serve Him with joy! Blessed be the name of the Lord!
Opening Prayer (based on 2 Timothy 1:1-14)
Let us pray:
Gracious and eternal God, we gather this morning in the name of Christ Jesus, through whom you have given us the promise of life that never ends. We come before you with thanksgiving in our hearts, knowing that you have called us to be your people and set us apart for your glory.
Lord, we thank you for the gift of faith—faith that has been passed down through generations of believers. Just as Timothy received sincere faith from his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice, we are grateful for those who have gone before us, faithfully sharing the gospel and modeling Christian discipleship. We thank you for parents, grandparents, teachers, and mentors who have invested in our spiritual lives and helped shape our understanding of your truth.
Father, we ask that you would rekindle the gifts you have placed within each of us. Stir up the flames of our love for you and for others. Awaken in us fresh passion for your Word, renewed commitment to prayer, and deepened compassion for those who need your grace. Do not let the fire of our faith grow dim, but fan it into flame through your Holy Spirit.
We confess, Lord, that we sometimes struggle with fear and timidity. We are tempted to be ashamed of the gospel, to blend in with the world around us, or to keep silent when we should speak your truth in love. Forgive us for the times we have chosen cowardice over courage.
Instead, fill us with the spirit you have given us—a spirit not of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline. Give us boldness to share our testimony, strength to stand firm in our convictions, and wisdom to speak your truth with gentleness and respect. Help us to guard the good treasure of faith that has been entrusted to us by your Holy Spirit.
We pray for our church family gathered here today. Comfort those who are grieving, heal those who are sick, encourage those who are discouraged, and strengthen those who are weak. For those facing difficult decisions, grant wisdom. For those experiencing conflict, bring peace. For those questioning their faith, provide assurance of your love.
Lord, help us to be faithful guardians of the pattern of sound teaching we have received. Make us people who hold fast to faith and love in Christ Jesus. Use this time of worship to transform our hearts, renew our minds, and prepare us to serve you faithfully in the week ahead.
May our worship today bring glory to your name and draw us closer to the heart of Christ, in whose name we pray.
Amen.
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: "FAITH AND FAITHFUL SERVICE"
Based on Luke 17:5-10
I. REQUESTING More Faith (v. 5)
A. The disciples' recognition of inadequacy
B. The misunderstanding about faith's nature
C. Our tendency to seek faith increases
II. RECOGNIZING True Faith (v. 6)
A. Jesus' surprising response about faith's size
B. The mulberry tree illustration
C. The object of faith, not the amount
III. RENDERING Faithful Service (vv. 7-9)
A. The parable of the working servant
B. The master-servant relationship
C. Application to Christian discipleship
IV. REMEMBERING Our Place (v. 10)
A. The declaration: "We are worthless slaves"
B. The perspective: "Only what we ought to have done"
C. The heart of humble discipleship
Conclusion:
A. The paradox of faith and humility
B. The call to faithful service
C. Personal application
Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers
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