September 22nd, Sermon & Ministry Resources

The Path to Peace: Pursuing Godly Wisdom

Lectionary Readings — Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost — September 22, 2024

Proverbs 31:10-31; Psalm 1; James 3:13-4:3,7-8a; Mark 9:30-37

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Call to Worship (based on James 3:13-4:3,7-8a)

Leader: Come, let us gather in the presence of our God, who gives wisdom generously to all who ask.

People: We come seeking wisdom from above, pure and peaceable.

Leader: Let us set aside selfish ambition and earthly desires.

People: We humble ourselves before the Lord, resisting the devil and drawing near to God.

Leader: Where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will be disorder and wickedness of every kind.

People: But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits.

Leader: What causes conflicts among you? Is it not your cravings that are at war within you?

People: We confess our wrongdoings and turn our hearts to You, O God.

Leader: Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

People: We draw near to God, and God will draw near to us.

Leader: Let us worship in spirit and in truth, with hearts cleansed and hands purified.

All: We come to worship the Lord, the giver of all good gifts.

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Opening Prayer (based on Psalm 1)

Loving and Merciful God,

As we gather in Your presence, we are reminded of the psalmist's words about the blessedness of those who delight in Your law and meditate on it day and night.

Lord, make us like trees planted by streams of water, our roots reaching deep into the nourishing soil of Your Word. May we bear fruit in due season, our leaves ever green, sustained by Your unfailing love.

Guide us away from the counsel of the wicked and the path of sinners. Instead, draw us near to You, that we might walk in Your ways and seek Your face in all we do.

We know, O Lord, that You watch over the way of the righteous. As we strive to live lives that honor You, we lift up those in our church community who are struggling and in need of Your touch:

For those battling illness, we ask for Your healing hand. For those facing financial hardships, we pray for Your provision. For those grieving losses, we seek Your comfort and peace. For those grappling with doubt or spiritual dryness, we ask for a renewal of faith.

Like a life-giving stream in a parched land, may Your love flow through us to support and uplift one another. Help us to be Your hands and feet, offering practical help and heartfelt prayers for our brothers and sisters in need.

As we begin our time of worship, may our hearts be like fertile ground, ready to receive the seeds of Your wisdom. Let Your Spirit move among us, refreshing our souls and strengthening our community bonds.

We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Rock and our Redeemer.

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: Title: "The Path to Peace: Pursuing Godly Wisdom"

Introduction:

• Brief overview of the letter of James and its practical approach to faith

• Context of our passage within the larger themes of the letter

I. The Portrayal of Wisdom (James 3:13-18)

II. The Problem of Worldliness (James 4:1-3)

III. The Prescription for Wholeness (James 4:7-8a)

Conclusion:

• Call to action: Choosing the path of godly wisdom in daily life

• Closing prayer for wisdom and strength to live out these truths

Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers