Your September 3rd, Lectionary Resources

These resources are published free weekly for all who want to use them. The paid version includes a full manuscript sermon in addition to the free materials.

Lectionary Readings — 14th Sunday after Pentecost, September 3, 2023

Exodus 3:1-15; Psalm 105:1-6,23-26,45b; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28.

Call to Worship (based on Psalm 105)

Leader: Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known His deeds among the peoples!

People: We sing to the Lord, we sing praises to Him; we tell of all His wonderful works!

Leader: Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!

People: We seek the Lord and His strength; we seek His presence continually!

All: Praise the Lord! Let us worship Him with joyful hearts, reflecting on His mighty deeds and His steadfast love. Amen!

Opening Prayer (based on Matthew 16:21-28)

Gracious and Eternal God,

We come before You today with minds fixed on Your Son, Jesus Christ, who set His face towards Jerusalem, knowing the suffering and the rejection that awaited Him. As we reflect on His words, may we too be reminded of the path that we are called to follow, the way of the cross.

Lord, grant us the wisdom to discern Your will, even when it is challenging or difficult to understand. May we resist the temptation to see things merely from a human perspective. Give us the courage to embrace Your divine purpose, knowing that it may lead us to places of sacrifice and service.

Help us, O God, to take up our cross daily and follow You. Teach us to lose our lives for Your sake, that we might find true life in You. Let us not be lured by the fleeting riches and honors of this world, but rather inspire us to seek the eternal treasure of Your Kingdom.

Forgive us when we falter, and strengthen us by Your Spirit to walk faithfully with You. Make us mindful of the promise that whoever endures to the end will be saved and will be with You in glory.

We pray for those among us who are burdened, suffering, or facing trials. May they find comfort in knowing that You are the God who understands pain and walks with us through every valley.

Guide us now, O Lord, as we worship You. Let our praise be a sweet fragrance to You, and may our hearts be open to hear Your Word. May we be transformed by Your grace, that our lives would reflect the glory of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

In His precious name, we pray,

Amen.

Sermon Outline (based on Romans 12:9-21)

Purpose: To provide a comprehensive guide to a Christian life that is rooted in genuine love and faithful practice. Drawing from Romans 12:9-21, the sermon aims to inspire and challenge believers to embody the principles of sincere love in all aspects of life. It seeks to encourage the church community to take the lead in practicing diligence, fostering unity, and enduring in labor, all while reflecting Christ's love. By aligning daily actions and attitudes with these scriptural mandates, the sermon calls the congregation to a deeper and more authentic relationship with God, one that resonates not only within the church walls but ripples outward into the broader community.

Title: Love's Labor: Leading with Compassion, Living with Conviction (Romans 12:9-21)

Introduction:

• Context of Romans 12:9-21

• The call to Christian living: Love, Live, Lead, Labor

I. Love Unfeigned (Romans 12:9-10)

A. Genuine Affection

• 1. Love Without Hypocrisy (v. 9a)

• 2. Brotherly Affection (v. 10a)

B. Goodness and Honor

• 1. Abhorring Evil (v. 9b)

• 2. Holding Fast to Good (v. 9c)

• 3. Outdoing One Another in Honor (v. 10b)

II. Living Wholeheartedly (Romans 12:11-13)

A. Zealous Service

• 1. Fervency in Spirit (v. 11a)

• 2. Serving the Lord (v. 11b)

B. Hopeful Patience

• 1. Rejoicing in Hope (v. 12a)

• 2. Patient in Tribulation (v. 12b)

C. Hospitable Giving

• 1. Constant in Prayer (v. 12c)

• 2. Contributing to Needs (v. 13a)

• 3. Showing Hospitality (v. 13b)

III. Leading Through Compassion (Romans 12:14-16)

A. Blessing Enemies

• 1. Bless and Do Not Curse (v. 14)

B. Empathetic Engagement

• 1. Rejoicing with the Joyful (v. 15a)

• 2. Weeping with Mourners (v. 15b)

C. Humble Harmony

• 1. Living in Harmony (v. 16a)

• 2. No Haughty Thoughts (v. 16b)

• 3. Associating with the Lowly (v. 16c)

IV. Laboring for Good (Romans 12:17-21)

A. Righteous Responses

• 1. Repay No One Evil for Evil (v. 17)

• 2. Honorable in Sight of All (v. 17)

B. Living Peaceably

• 1. Live Peaceably (v. 18)

C. Leaving Judgment

• 1. Never Avenge (v. 19)

• 2. Leave Vengeance to God (v. 19)

D. Overcoming with Love

• 1. Feeding the Enemy (v. 20)

• 2. Overcoming Evil with Good (v. 21)

Conclusion:

• Application to Daily Living

• Invitation to Embrace Love, Live Wholeheartedly, Lead with Compassion, Labor for Good

• Closing Prayer

Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers