4th Sunday after Trinity – Sermon 43
Prayer to start
May the words of my lips and the thought of our hearts be graciously received for the Glory and Honour of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
AMEN
Introduction
“Lead us heavenly Father Lead us
through this worlds tempestuous sea”
one of our most popular hymns – and if you watched the thanksgiving service in the week – a favourite of the Queen Mum
But– having sung it – do we really mean it? –
Do we allow God to lead us through life – is His love at the centre of everything we say and do – or do we leave Him here in church – when we go out – these doors ?
How much of God’s love do we bring – into our homes – our wok – our community – into Lymm –
Our two readings this evening are examples of people sharing God’s love with others in communities – Putting God’s love into practice in peoples lives
We are are going to look at each one in turn – to see if it helps our understanding of how we should put Gods love into practice in Lymm
Point 1
Ecclesestacus – or “the church book” is one of the most quoted books of the Apochropha. It has a Latin title but the church only recognises the Greek text
In Greek the book is named after its author – “The Wisdom of Jesus Ben Sirach” – who was a scribe who lived in Jerusalem early in the second century BC. It was a time when Palestine came under the rule of the Syrians who favoured a pro-Greek culture – known as Hellenism. They tried to impose this culture on to the Jews by force – persuading some sections of the Jewish ruling class to change – and this put great pressure on the other traditionalist Jews to follow suit–
Ben Sirach wrote this book to help the Jews who were being persecuted for their faith – and “to teach wisdom to all who are eager for it”
So what is wisdom literature?
The dictionary definition of wisdom include words like experience, knowledge, common sense, simplifying something into a single rule or saying and applying it in a situation –
For example –
Red sky at night – shepherds delight –
Red sky in the morning – shepherd warning
its true to say that non of us can really predict the weather and most of us no nothing about the meterology– yet we all believe that saying to be true
Wisdom literature is a bit like that saying – except instead of giving rules about the weather – it gives rules about life – or at least most of it –
practical advice and counsel for everyday situations and problems –
In Hebrew and Jewish literature they are concentrated in 3 books – Proverbs, Eccleseastes and Ecceleasticus –
In his book Ben Sirach says “All wisdom comes from God” – and refers to wisdom as “she”
“to serve her is to serve the Holy One”
The book was the first to link wisdom and the Law of Moses – to stress its moral rather than its religious prescriptions – In our reading he focuses on humility and truth – how we should speak and act concerning ourselves and others and the truth about God –
For example –
“Never remain silent when a word might put things right” – how many times have we fallen foul of that one –
“Do not argue against the truth – never be ashamed to admit your mistakes”
“Do not be forward in your speech – while slack and feeble in deeds”
“Do not keep your hand wide open to receive – but closed when its time to repay”
Learning and the study of scripture is a central theme in his book – but while it gives prominence to the covenant teaching –It deals only with things of the world and says nothing of what is beyond
It teaches about life but says nothing about death –
Ben Shirach believed in retribution – that the wicked must suffer punishment – but he couldn’t see how God could reward people accordingly – He has no awareness of a Messanic deliverance – to come
But he did recognise the importance of preserving the faith – for the future – and supporting and encouraging others to maintain and use that faith to help them in life –
In this he was succesful – he was able to help a future generation defend its faith against persecution – from outside influences – and preserve a little island of faith in Israel – in which the teaching of Jesus would take root –
Point 2 Paul’s letter to the Romans
In our NT lesson – Paul is also looking towards the future – telling the Gentile church in Rome of his plans to come and see them
He had spent 10 years “taking the Gospel to places where the name of Christ has not been heard” – 3 heroic missionary journeys encircling the mediterraen – “I have no further scope for these parts” –he said – he now felt that the time was right to visit them
Rome was the greatest city in the Gentile world – and capital of the greatest Empire – and although he was a Roman citizen – he had never been there –and he longed to help them in their faith –
As a mixed church Paul knew there was a friction and misunderstanding between the Jewish and Gentile Christians – and they were in need his help and encouragement –
In his letter he gives them an account of the very essence of his belief – what God expects from them as Christians – He would also need their help – his ministry prevents him from staying with them – so he intends – only to pass through – on his way to Spain – and looked to them for some practical help and support –
There are few passages in Scripture that reveal Paul’s character better than this one – he speaks to them honestly and with sincerity – he tells them all his travel plans and why he makes them – he doesn’t tell them what to do – but reminds them of what they already know – assuring them that he knows and appreciates their qualities – and abilities –
Someone once said about Micheal Angelo – that when he began to carve out an image from a slab of marble – his purpose was to release the angel that was imprisoned within it
Well Paul was like that – Paul’s concern was not for what they are now – but what they might become in Christ –
He also tells them about his trip to Jerusalem – and – a scheme very dear to his heart.
He had arranged for a collection to be taken from his young Gentile churches to the poor in the church at Jerusalem – much of the employment in the city was strongly connected with the temple and temple authorities – who despised christians – so many Christians in Jerusalem found it difficult if not impossible to find work – and were in need of food and support –
Here was a practical way in which the Gentile churches could help the Jewish Christians – a way of showing gratitiude for the Spiritual gifts they have recieved from the church – putting Christian love into practical action – turning Christian words into Christian deeds –
Paul was a pioneer for the Gentiles – he was also a pioneer for Christian love in action – his whole life was about giving and helping others – and helping bring people to Christ
Point 3
So what about us – how can we bring God’s love into Lymm – like Paul – help others find Jesus Christ –
Our two readings stress the importance of words and deeds – of showing God’s love in the way we talk and the way we act in the presence of others
Also the importance of humility – of greeting people on equal terms – telling them the truth as we understand it – and beginning where they are – Paul reminded the Roman church of what he expected them to know and then confirmed it before explaining things further
We must – take people into our confidence – if we are not open with others they will not be open with us
Give people practical information of what it means to be a Christian – by our own example and the example of others – Paul did this by telling them about the young Gentile churches and how they were activly helping the Jewish church in Jerusalem
Paul –considered himself to be a pioneer and an instrument of Christ – we too are pioneers and instruments for Christ here in Lymm – Like Paul we must allow ourselves to be used to bring others to the Christian faith – and to build up the faith in our church and in Lymm
Paul also stresses the importance of the Holy Spirit –The Holy Spirit – is the key to all our Christian action – He guides and directs us – and provide us with all we need to to carry Christs message and love to others – like Paul we must call upon His power for help and guidance through prayer
Conclusions
Last week Ian reminded us that God has given each one of us – the freedom to respond to his grace – that we are all free to choose – free to act – free to accept His love and share it with others
The author of the book of Eccleseasticus used his freedom – to provide practical guidance for future generations on how to live –and to preserve an island of faith from which Jesus’ ministry could begin –
Paul too when writing to the Roman church used all his tact and sincerity to encourage the Gentile Christians there to hold firm to Christs doctrine and put their faith into practice use for the benefit of others.
Paul saw himself as an Apostle to the Gentiles and an instrument of Jesus Christ – guided by Him through the power of the Holy Spirit – To him there was only one purpose in life – and that was to go forward for Christ –
So like Paul – we too should follow the lead of Jesus Christ – and like Paul share the greatest gift of love that mankind can ever receive
Prayer to finish
In the name of the Father Son and Holy Spirit
AMEN