Your July 16, Lectionary Resources
We utilize at least 3 of the Scripture Readings in our Resources for each week. 1 for the Sermon Text, 1 for the Opening Prayer, and 1 for the Call to Worship. Published weekly.
Lectionary Readings — Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, July 16, 2023
Gen. 25:19-34; Psalm 119:105-112; Rom. 8:1-11; Matt. 13:1-9;18-23.
Call to Worship (based on Psalm 119:105-112)
L: God's Word lights our path, guiding us on our journey!
P: We commit to follow Your Word, O Lord, our faithful guide!
L: Though trials may surround us, our hearts stand firm.
P: With songs of joy, we will obey Your laws forever, to the end!
L: Your promises revive us, they bring joy to our hearts!
P: We choose Your guidance, O Lord, cherishing Your truths.
L: Our hearts are inclined to follow Your statutes, today and always.
P: With unwavering devotion, we pledge to live by Your Word, our ultimate joy and delight!
Opening Prayer (based on Genesis 25:19-34)
Gracious and Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth, the One who set the stars in their places and breathes life into all that lives, we approach Your throne of grace this day with hearts full of gratitude for Your abundant blessings and mercy.
Father, we have gathered here today to worship You, to learn from You, to be shaped by Your word. As we reflect on the story of Isaac and Rebekah and their sons, Esau and Jacob, we ask for Your wisdom. Just like Isaac and Rebekah, we too face complex issues and complicated relationships. We need Your guidance to navigate the intricate paths of life.
Lord, help us to learn from the example of Esau and Jacob. As Esau traded his birthright for a bowl of stew, so often we can trade the eternal for the immediate, the significant for the trivial. Give us a clear understanding of what is truly important. Help us to prioritize our spiritual inheritance over the temporary comforts of this world.
Father, we are also reminded that You are a God of reconciliation and redemption. Even in the midst of our poor choices and failures, Your love and grace abound. Despite the broken relationships and disputes, You bring healing and restoration.
As we delve deeper into Your Word today, we ask that you open our minds and hearts to its transformative power. Let Your Holy Spirit guide us in understanding and applying Your teachings to our daily lives.
We ask all of this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus, the One who reconciled us back to You through His life, death, and resurrection. Amen.
Sermon Outline (based on Romans 8:1-11)
Purpose: The purpose of this sermon is to delve into the profound truths found in Romans 8:1-11, enabling believers to understand and appreciate the transformative power of life in the Spirit. The message seeks to illuminate the stark contrast between a life dominated by the flesh and a life guided by the Spirit, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace the freedom and righteousness offered by life in Christ, assured of the Spirit's indwelling and the promise of resurrection.
Title: "Living in the Freedom of the Spirit” (Romans 8:1-11)
I. Freedom Found in Christ (Romans 8:1-4)
A. The Pronouncement of Pardon (Romans 8:1)
No Condemnation (John 3:17)
B. The Principle of Liberty (Romans 8:2)
Liberation from the Law of Sin and Death (John 8:34-36)
C. The Provision of Righteousness (Romans 8:3-4)
The Incarnation and Its Purpose (John 1:14, 2 Corinthians 5:21)
The Fulfillment of the Law (Matthew 5:17)
II. Contrast between Carnality and Spirituality (Romans 8:5-8)
A. The Mindset of the Flesh (Romans 8:5-6)
Death-dealing Desires (Galatians 5:19-21)
B. The Mindset of the Spirit (Romans 8:6)
Life-giving Longings (Galatians 5:22-23)
C. The Carnal Mind's Opposition to God (Romans 8:7-8)
Enmity against God (James 4:4)
Inability to Please God (Hebrews 11:6)
III. Dwelling in the Spirit's Dominion (Romans 8:9-11)
A. The Spirit’s Indwelling and its Implications (Romans 8:9)
The Spirit as Proof of Belonging to Christ (1 Corinthians 3:16)
B. The Dual Reality of the Christian Life (Romans 8:10)
Death because of Sin, Life because of Righteousness (2 Corinthians 4:10-11)
C. The Assurance of Resurrection (Romans 8:11)
The Spirit as the Guarantee of Our Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-22)
Closing Thoughts: As we depart today, let's remember to live in the joyous freedom granted by Christ, guided by His Spirit within us, holding onto the hope of resurrection and eternal life that His Spirit promises.
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