Great Sermons In The Bible - Today In The Word
O C TO B ER 2 015Let your lightshine beforeothers, that theymay see yourgood deedsand glorify yourFather in heaven.Mat thew 5:16Great Sermons in the Bible
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TODAY WITH PAUL NYQUISTPresident of Moody Bible InstituteWhat Makes a Great Sermon?The first real sermon Ipreached was on myfirst Sunday as thesenior pastor of achurch in Omaha,Nebraska. Quitefrankly, it was very,very forgettable.I was preaching on 2 Corinthians 4:1–6, andbetween my inexperience and my high levelof nervousness, when I finished I was sureI was going to have the shortest pastoraltenure in history! Fortunately, the congregation was patient with me, and I enjoyedthirteen more wonderful years at that church.Having been trained at Dallas TheologicalSeminary, I had the privilege to sit undersome giants in the homiletics world. Theones I remember the most are Dr. HaddonRobinson and Dr. Donald Sunukjian. Theyare five-star chefs when it comes tocreating and serving tasty theologicalmorsels to hungry, needy audiences.Some preachers are fiery and others arequiet. Some are great storytellers andothers favor a more direct exposition ofScripture. But no matter what the style orability of the preacher, God can workthrough sermons to transform people’s lives.I consider a great sermon one that is true toGod’s Word, relevant to contemporary needsand delivered in such a way that it inspiresbelievers to make life changes in response. Agreat sermon also begins with prayer. Most1-800-356-6639pastors will agree that God must speak tothem before He can speak through them.As John Stott said, “I have always found ithelpful to do as much of my sermonpreparation as possible on my knees, withthe Bible open before me, in prayerful study.”The Bible is filled with examples of great,life-changing sermons. From the momentwhen the heavens themselves declared“the glory of God” (Psalm 19) to Jesus’hillside delivery of the Sermon on theMount (Matthew 5—7), we are able towitness God’s eternal truth being communicated in ways that our limited humanminds are able to comprehend.In the great sermons recorded in God’sWord, we see His truth being communicatedto believers and to the lost. We hear theprophets warning the people to follow God,and we encounter the Apostles encouragingand admonishing the early church.These sermons are still applicable to ustoday because God’s Word is neveroutdated. Hebrews 4:12 tells us, “the Wordof God is living and active and sharperthan any two-edged sword.”When we encounter these great biblicalsermons, may we do so prayerfully—onour knees—asking God to use His Wordto speak directly into our lives. These arethe greatest teachings ever given tohumanity, with the power to bring aboutauthentic transformation in our lives inresponse to God’s leading.
THEOLOGY MATTERSby John KoesslerProphecy, Preaching, TeachingThe Bible uses several terms to describeministries of the church that proclaim theWord of God. Three of the most importantare prophecy, preaching, and teaching.What is the relationship between these?Is prophecy the same as preaching? Isteaching different from preaching?Prophets and teachers seem to bedistinguished from one another in Acts13:1, which notes: “Now in the church atAntioch there were prophets and teachers:Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius ofCyrene, Manaen (who had been broughtup with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul.”The two gifts are also distinguished fromeach other in the list of spiritual gifts in1 Corinthians 12:28, where Paul ranksteachers third after apostles and prophets.Prophecy is inspired speech that is theresult of divine revelation. The words of theprophet were to be regarded as the wordof God. Although the prophet’s ownvocabulary and personality were evidentin what they said, the Holy Spirit controlledthe outcome so that it was without error.The prophets were “carried along” by theSpirit of God (2 Peter 1:21).Teaching is speech that explains andapplies what God has revealed. The HolySpirit is also the source of the gift ofteaching. But teaching operates differentlyfrom prophecy. Teachers provide instruction, not revelation. Their ministry is basedon what God has already said. Theirwords have authority only to the degreethat they agree with what God has said inScripture. The ministry of the prophets, likethat of the Apostles, seems to have beenprimarily associated with establishing thechurch. Teaching is both foundational andongoing for the church (Eph. 2:20).Is preaching in a separate category whencompared to teaching? Or does it alignmore with prophecy? In the New Testament, preaching is usually linked withteaching. A common New Testament wordfor preaching had the meaning, “to act asa herald.” For instance, in Matthew 4:23and Acts 28:31 the word is used in thisway. Those who preach are teaching.Many today distinguish between preachingand teaching. Some claim that teachinginvolves doctrine, while preaching requiresapplication. They also note that teaching ismore conversational. But this differencedoes not hold up in Scripture. Teaching andadmonishing are associated in Colossians1:28 and 3:16. Preaching can includediscussion and even incorporate questionand-answer time; Scripture never insiststhat preaching must be a monologue. Andteaching that does not apply to the lives ofthe hearers is really just weak teaching.For Further StudyTo learn more about the theology of preaching, read Folly, Grace, and Power: TheMysterious Act of Preaching by John Koessler (Zondervan).w w w.to dayintheword.com
FROM THE EDITORSby Heather MoffittAppreciating Our PastorsThose who are called to serve Godthrough the ministry of pastoring churcheshave a special place in my heart. I am thedaughter of a man who faithfully pastoredchurches—mostly small, rural congregations—for over forty years. I am marriedto an associate minister who has preachedand prayed and taught Bible studies forGod’s people year after year. I have seenthe work of pastors behind the scenes:late-night phone calls, visitation in hospitalsand prisons and nursing homes, meetingswith the elders and deacons and boardsand congregations, weeping with thosewho weep and rejoicing with those whorejoice, and the many hours of sermonpreparation.In addition to my father and my husband,God has blessed me through the ministryof other pastors, those who prayed withour family, encouraged my children, andinspired the church to follow Jesus. And thesermons! A series on Revelation that gaveme a fresh perspective on the worship ofChrist a study on God’s leading thepeople of Israel in the book of Numbersthat encouraged my own weary heart an exploration of the book of Ephesiansthat I never wanted to end. Nothing onearth is like the dynamic moment when theHoly Spirit has empowered the servant ofGod to proclaim the Scripture in thehearing of the people of God.October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Thisis a wonderful opportunity to praise theLord for the influence and guidance of1-800-356-6639godly pastors in your life, and to take timeto let your pastors—past and present—know how much you appreciate theirministry. The reality is that many pastorslove serving the church, but they also oftenfeel lonely, overworked, and stressed. Likemany service professions, they hear all theways that they haven’t met expectationsand too seldom hear the ways that Godis using them to make a difference insomeone’s life.One tangible way to express appreciationis to sponsor your pastors to attendMoody’s Pastors’ Conference. This eventdraws together hundreds of pastors frommany denominations across the countryfor worship, refreshment, and support. Thisconference is hosted by pastors and forpastors; some attendees come year afteryear because it makes such a difference intheir ministry. For more information, seemoodyconferences.com/pastorsconference.Your pastor might also appreciate the giftof receiving Today in the Word. Whetheras a resource to share with others who arelooking for a quality Bible study devotionalor to use as part of their own time with theLord each day, pastors say Today in theWord is a vital part of their ministry. If you’dlike to give this gift to your pastor, let usknow at www.todayintheword.org/contact.As1 Timothy 5:17 tells us: “The elders whodirect the affairs of the church well areworthy of double honor, especially thosewhose work is preaching and teaching.”
VOLUME 28 ISSUE 10EXECUTIVE EDITORPaul B. CurrieMANAGING EDITORHeather MoffittASSOCIATE EDITORGreat Sermons in the BibleElena MafterCONTRIBUTING EDITORSJohn KoesslerJamie JanoszWRITERJohn Koessler1-800-DL MOODY (356-6639)www.moodyglobal.orgPRESIDENTJ. Paul NyquistPROVOSTJunias VenugopalEXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENTAND CHIEF OPERATINGOFFICERSteven MogckSENIOR VICE PRESIDENTGreg R. ThorntonCHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERKen HeulittVICE PRESIDENTSTimothy ArensLarry DavidhizarJim ElliottBruce EverhartChristine GorzJohn A. JelinekCollin G. LambertFrank W. Leber Jr.Paul SanthouseJames SpencerJanet StivenDebbie ZelinskiTRUSTEE CHAIRMANT. Randall FairfaxTRUSTEESChristopher DenisonThomas S. FortsonManuel GutierrezJerry B. JenkinsJ. Paul NyquistDavid SchipperJulianna SlatteryPaul Von TobelMark WagnerRichard E. WarrenRichard YookTRUSTEE EMERITUSPaul JohnsonBible scholars agree that the Sermon on the Mount is thegreatest sermon ever preached. In His discourse about“kingdom living,” recorded in Matthew 5—7, Jesuspresented to His disciples the way of righteous living forthose who are in God’s family.Since then, Christians have quoted, studied, and wrestledwith this section of Scripture. Augustine called it “a perfectstandard of the Christian life.” John Donne, English poetand cleric, stated that all sermons find their origin in theSermon on the Mount. Even those outside the Christianfaith, such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jewish scholar G. C.Montefiori, admired the sermon. Our study of the greatsermons in the Bible this month will, of course, include theSermon on the Mount: the do’s and don’ts of the kingdom,true righteousness, and the wisdom of God’s Law.We’ll also look at many other discourses in the Bible, fromDeuteronomy to Revelation. We’ll hear King David’s“preaching” from the Psalms and listen to Noah’s silentsermon, we’ll share in the insights of King Solomon, andwe’ll marvel at the force of Jesus’ condemnation of scribesand Pharisees. We’ll learn about the unheard sermonfrom Hebrews, and learn from Joshua about the inadequacy of good intentions alone.We pray this issue of Today in the Word will help youbetter understand the question in Micah 6:8: “What doesthe LORD require of you?” and help you live in God’sgrace. Thank you for studying with us!Moody Bible Institute is the sole publisher of Today in the Word, copyright 2015 by Moody Bible Institute. All rights reserved. Please direct all Todayin the Word inquiries to Donor Resource Management, 820 N. LaSalle Blvd.,Chicago, IL 60610. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New InternationalVersion , NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. TMUsed by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture taken fromthe New American Standard Bible , Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968,1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used bypermission. Printed in the U.S.A. Today in the Word is published monthly.Printed on 30% recycled paper.w w w.to dayintheword.com
Read: Psalm 19Thursday, October 1The First Sermon Ever PreachedToday we begin our study of the great evidence which creation offers if we aresermons of the Bible with the first ser- to understand God.mon ever preached. It isn’t a sermon inthe traditional sense. It wasn’t preached to The psalmist points to the solution. Goda congregation during a worship service. has also revealed Himself by word. God’sThere was no pulpit or sermon outline. In verbal revelation was put into writing befact, there weren’t even any words. The ginning with the Law. In verses 7 through 11,preacher was God, and the message is the psalmist describes the character andHis creation: “The heavensbenefit of this written revdeclare the glory of God;elation that takes variousGod’s invisiblethe skies proclaim the workforms, including statutes,qualities—hisof his hands” (v. 1). Creationprecepts, and commands.eternal power andis a divine monologue thatThis verbal revelationreveals God’s glory. It prodivine nature—is completely trustworthyvides a universal testimonyand can give us a betterhave beenabout God’s nature, espeunderstandingof ourselvesclearly seen.cially His eternal powerand of God. But we cannotRomans 1:20and divine nature.understand it without help.The psalmist closes with aprayer for protection fromAlthough the testimonyof creation is nonverbal, it reveals truth hidden faults and willful sins (vv. 12–13).about God that is accessible to peopleeverywhere. God has revealed some- We need God’s written word to interpretthing about Himself in every spot on the the silent message of creation. We needglobe. Unfortunately, sin obscures this the ministry of the Holy Spirit to underuniversal witness. It causes those who ob- stand and apply God’s written Word. Toserve creation to “suppress the truth by aid us in this task Jesus Christ has giventheir wickedness” (Rom. 1:18). This means those who preach to equip the saints (Eph.that we need something more than the 4:11–12).Apply the WordPray with UsTake a walk and examine the message ofcreation. What does it tell you about God?What does the drama, beauty, and sustenance ofnature reveal about the Creator? When you arefinished with your walk, read the first chapter ofthe book of Romans. Which message is clearer?Creation is a great gift—but the gift of God’sWord is even greater.We pray today for ourEducational Ministries faculty:Gina Behrens, Timothy Downey,Dennis Fledderjohann, andNancy Kane. Pray that, as theyminister to their students, theywould also be open to God’sguidance for their lives.6 Mo o dy Bible Institute
Read: 2 Peter 2:1–9Friday, October 2Noah’s Silent SermonLast year director Darren Aronofsky Noah’s life was a testimony to the righreleased a film that recast the biblical teousness of God.story of Noah for modern audiences.In an interview in Christianity Today, The context of our passage today mayAronofsky said his aim was to portray also provide a clue about Noah’s preachthe psychological toll of the Flood on ing when it compares Noah’s behaviorNoah and his family. In the movie Noah to Lot, who is described as “a righteousis portrayed as a good man and an envi- man, who was distressed by the depravedronmentalist. But Scriptureconduct of the lawless” (v.describes him as much7). This description of Lot ismore: he was “a preachereven more surprising! Lot’sof righteousness” (v. 5).reluctance to leave SodomThis description might beNoah found favor inmakes his obedience seema surprise. We know Noahhalf-hearted at best.the eyes of the L ORD.built the ark that saved theGenesis 6:8remnant of humanity fromThe New Testament revealsdivine judgment. Did hethat both men stood outalso preach to any whoamong their generationcame to watch during itsas testimonies to God’sconstruction? If so, whatrighteousness. Both aredid his sermons sound like?praised for their faith in Hebrews 11. Bothwere grieved by the unrighteousnessThe account of Noah in Genesis 6 around them. Both are portrayed in thethrough 9 does not include a record of Bible as flawed human beings. They wereany sermon that Noah preached. It does righteous—but they weren’t perfect. Theysay that he was “a righteous man, blame- were people who “found favor in the eyesless among the people of his time, and he of the Lord” (Gen. 6:8). In other words,walked faithfully with God” (Gen. 6:9). they experienced the grace of God.Apply the WordPray with UsNoah and Lot are proof that God can useordinary sinners to communicate His messageabout the grace and forgiveness that comes to usthrough Jesus Christ. Their example also remindsus that this task of preaching involves more thanwords. Our whole lives are a sermon. Why notask a neighbor or coworker to describe whatthey think you are saying with your life?As we continue to keep in prayerMoody’s undergraduate facultyfrom the Educational Ministriesdepartment, please mentionRobert MacRae, Mary Martin,Michael Milco, Elizabeth Smith,and Peter Worrall during yourtime with God today.To day in the Word 7
Read: Job 19:23–29Saturday, October 3I Know That My Redeemer LivesIn its broadest sense, to preach is simply toproclaim. In the life of the church sermonsoften take a particular form. But anybodywho proclaims the good news about JesusChrist is “preaching.” Job provides an early example of someone who “preaches”the good news about Christ’s incarnation.Redeemer God to “stand on the earth”and speak in his defense.The New Testament clarifies the hope thatJob first describes. It also supplies a namefor this Redeemer who is also an advocate. It is Jesus Christ. He was with Godin the beginning and He was God. Heis the Word who becameflesh and lived among us(John 1:2, 14). He is also theBlessed are theone who is coming againpure in heart, forto judge the living and thethey will see God.dead (2 Tim. 4:1).Job’s testimony of faithfollows on the heelsof complaint. Profoundlydisappointed at the coldcomfort offered to him byhis three friends, Job criedout, “How long will you torMatthew 5:8ment me and crush me withJesus enables us to put awords?” (Job 19:2). Aftername to Job’s hope. He isasking them to take pitythe object and capstone ofon him, he expressed his confidence that our faith. Like Job, we look forward to ahe would one day see God with his own day when we will stand in the presence ofeyes. According to Job this will take place Christ. And even now, we know that Jesus“after my skin has been destroyed” (v. 26). serves as an advocate for us in heavenJob’s hope was not only that he would with God the Father (1 John 2:1).see his Redeemer but that he would seeHim face to face (v. 25). Job expected thisApply the WordPray with UsThanks to the Scriptures, we know more aboutGod and His plan than Job did. Yet we are likeJob in one important respect. We are trusting in aRedeemer that we have not yet seen. Jesuspromised us a special blessing for this when hetold Thomas: “Because you have seen me, youhave believed; blessed are those who have notseen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).Dr. Junias Venugopal, provost anddean of Education, leads aphenomenal group of Moody’sfaculty and students in the studyand teaching of God’s Word.Will you take time today to askfor the Holy Spirit’s power inthis pursuit?8 Mo o dy Bible Institute
Read: Genesis 18:22–33Sunday, October 4Do the Right Thing“Prayer sermons” are sermons disguisedas prayers. Some people use publicprayer as an occasion to scold the church.They supposedly address the prayer toGod—but everyone knows that the congregation is the real audience.out this encounter, God showed patienceand grace.Abraham’s boldness may have beenprompted by the exchange of verses 17through 19 that seems to have taken placewithin his hearing. The Lord had two reaIn today’s passage, Abraham uses prayer sons for drawing Abraham into his plan.First, Abraham’s descen
In the great sermons recorded in God’s Word, we see His truth being communicated to believers and to the lost. We hear the prophets warning the people to follow God, and we encounter the Apostles encouraging and admonishing the early church. These sermons are still applicable to us today because God’s Word is never outdated.
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The Writing of Sermons Imagination in Preaching 6. The Preparation of Sermons 4 General Preparation Special Preparation Preparation of Special Types of Sermons Planning a Preaching Program 7. The Delivery of Sermons 5 The Methods of Delivery The Voice in Delivery The Body
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