Sermon Prep Diary

[Peter J Barban]

I am going to give a sermon on June 4 and on this thread I will show my thoughts on preparing the sermon.

This sermon will be delivered to a small (20 people) Protestant English-language congregation of Taiwanese who a part of a large church in Taipei, Taiwan. They have no regular pastor, just visiting speakers who come once a month. I have preached there 3 or 4 times a year for the past 3 years.

I am a 55-year-old self-supported English teacher/missionary trained in the Evangelical tradition. Over the years I have ministered in Evangelical, Mainline and Charismatic churches.

Last year, I did a series on the Hebrew names of God in the Bible. This year, I am doing a series on the 7 "I am" statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John. My first sermon, "Jesus is the Bread of Life" went well, but I felt that it should have been better. First, it was primarily an evangelistic message, but everyone at the meeting was already a believer. So the message, while true and informative, didn't really meet their needs in the way that I hoped. Second, I did not have any clear application at the end. I have mixed feelings about giving people applications as this can feel to controlling and result-oriented, though the congregation leader would prefer that I have applications. I have to decide if I want to have strong applications this time.

My new sermon will continue the "I am" theme: Jesus is the light of the world:

John 8:12When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

As I meditate on this passage, I look forward to whatever comes next.

 

[Peter J Barban]

I have been meditating, though not deeply, on this passage for several months. My initial thoughts are connecting "Jesus is the Light" with "Thy word is a lamp to my feet." We could even sing the Amy Grant song, which was very influential after my conversion in 1981. But it could be confusing to ESL listeners that Jesus is the word of God and the Bible is the word of God. (I know a false teacher that claims Jesus is the only true word of God, the Bible is not God's word. He claims that my belief in the Bible as God's word is almost idolatry. He is really leading his congregation to hell. However, the June 4 congregation does not know this false teacher or his message, so connecting Jesus with the Bible isn't a priority.)

A second thought is connecting the light with the truth and the truth with wisdom. As the world turns away from the Biblical Jesus to create a Jesus in its own image, the world becomes more foolish and dangerous.

However, these are just possible choices. I have no real leading from God on this topic, so now it is time to dig into the word. But first, let's google "Jesus is the the light of the world" and see if anything interesting comes up. It sounds lazy but this seems better than staring into space for hours, and easier that rereading the whole Bible.

Two sources seem immediately useful:
A John Piper sermon, "I am the Light of the World"

Baker's Evangelical Dictionary on Light as a metaphor in the Bible

By the way, unless I directly quote from these sources, I won't mention where I got my information. People in Taiwan just don't care about that kind of thing. I guess I would verbally footnote my sermons if the culture cared about it.

 

[Peter J Barban]

One of the things that bugs me about the passage from John Chapter 8 is that Jesus only mentions a tiny bit about being the light of the world when the Pharisees challenged his testimony and we never get back to Jesus' teaching on the light of the world. However, in his sermon, Piper makes it clear that the "detour" with the Pharisees is connected with Jesus message on being the light of the world. Piper connects it back to Jesus being one with the Father.

"At least seven times in this passage, Jesus points to the fact that he is from the Father, and speaks on the authority of the Father, and is going to the Father, and does nothing on his own. He claims, in other words, that his authority is not owing to any human origin. It’s owing to his relationship with God the Father."

Also, Piper makes it clear that Jesus is using "I am" statement with the Pharisees, something that was an important part of my last sermon and I can build on that in this present sermon:

"Imagine the greatest human authority you can, and he is saying: I don’t pretend to have that. What I claim is that I speak from God and for God and as God. I don’t testify to any autonomous human greatness. What I claim — in and under all I say and do — is that “I am.” I am one with God, the great “I am” (Exodus 3:14). Verse 24: “Unless you believe that I am [the he is added in our English translation] you will die in your sins.” Verse 28: “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am [again, the he is added].”"

Piper also does a good job explaining the basis for the Pharisees attack against Jesus:

"But now begins this seeming detour. Verse 13: “So the Pharisees said to him, ‘You are bearing witness about yourself; your testimony is not true.’” Where did this come from? It came from John 5:31 where Jesus said, taking his words very strictly, “If I bear witness about myself, my testimony is not true.” The Pharisees pick up on this strict wording of what he said, and say, “See you are contradicting yourself and so your testimony is false, because you are bearing witness about yourself. You just said, ‘I am the light of the world.’”

It is when I follow the Bible in John Chapter 5, that I get an idea of where I think my sermon should focus

31“If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. 32There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is true.

33“You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. 34Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved. 35John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.

36“I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me. 37And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, 38nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. 39You studyc the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, 40yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

Everything Piper said was good, but I don't think I want to go the same direction. However, he has pointed me into a previously unseen direction: light as a metaphor for testimony to the truth, ie. revelation.
Jesus says that John the Baptist was a lamp that gave light. What was John's light? It was his testimony to the truth. The truth about Jesus. I think that I will research this more and see if I can make the case. Already I can see a connection with

Hebrews 1:1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.

Jesus is the light of the world in that he reveals the glory of God. This is in harmony with Piper's emphasis on Jesus' relationship with the Father.

A little bit too rambly for my readers, but this is going well from my point of view.

 

[Peter J Barban]

Continuing my study of Light in the Bible from Baker's Evangelical Dictionary. I chose this source mostly because it was on the first page of my google search on my light of the world search, and I did use it occasionally when I lived in America.

It has a good summary of how John and Paul use the word "light".
The Johannine writings gather up the Old Testament understanding of light and show its summation in Jesus Christ (thirty-three of the seventy-two occurrences of phos [fw'"] in the New Testament are found in the Johannine literature). Light is the revelation of God's love in Jesus Christ and the penetration of that love into lives darkened by sin ( 1 John 1:5-7 ). Jesus declares that he is "the light of the world" ( John 8:12 ; 9:5 ). Jesus is the incarnate Word of God, who has come as the light that enlightens all people ( John 1:4-14 ), so that those believing in him will no longer be in darkness ( 12:46 ).

Paul concurs as he harks back to the creation account: "For God, who said, Let light shine out of darkness, ' make his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ" ( 2 Cor 4:6 ). Through the Word of God light came into existence ( Gen 1:1-3 ), and through the revelation of God in Jesus Christ the Word brought light to humanity.

I am drawn more and more to the idea that "light of the world" refers to the revelation of God's glory. This is supported by the following verses, copied from Baker:

"In the New Jerusalem there will be no more night ( Rev 22:5 ), and the city will not need the sun, moon, or created light to shine on it, "for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light" ( Rev 21:23-24 )."

The glory of God will give light to the world. Jesus is the lamp that will give light to the nations. I need a deeper understanding of this verse before preaching it.

I see a connection with Hebrews 1:3
The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

 

[Peter J Barban]

Regarding "and the city will not need the sun, moon, or created light to shine on it, "for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light" ( Rev 21:23-24 )."

This seems a fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 60:19 "The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory."

It seems Jesus is claiming that he is the fulfillment of Isaiah 60:19, yet Jesus also knew that his time on earth was temporary

John 9:5 "While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

John 12:35 Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. 36 Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.....44 Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. 45 The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. 47 “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. 49 For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. 50 I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”

 

[Peter J Barban]

Obvious Application: Live as children of Light (reveal the Glory of God to the world)

Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)

Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Philippians 12:14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.

Thessalonians 1:5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

As Jesus revealed the glory of God, so our obedience and spiritual fruit also reveal the glory of God.

 

[Paidiske]

If I may interject - I don't know if you'd like others' thoughts or not - you might find it interesting to look at William Holman Hunt's painting, The Light of the World, and the symbolism in it. There's some information on it here: Chapel History and Treasures — Keble College

 

[Peter J Barban]

If I may interject - I don't know if you'd like others' thoughts or not - you might find it interesting to look at William Holman Hunt's painting, The Light of the World, and the symbolism in it. There's some information on it here: Chapel History and Treasures — Keble College

Based on your suggestion, I am looking at the painting now. Thanks! Other people are welcome to post, too.

 

[GTW27]

I am going to give a sermon on June 4 and on this thread I will show my thoughts on preparing the sermon.

This sermon will be delivered to a small (20 people) Protestant English-language congregation of Taiwanese who a part of a large church in Taipei, Taiwan. They have no regular pastor, just visiting speakers who come once a month. I have preached there 3 or 4 times a year for the past 3 years.

I am a 55-year-old self-supported English teacher/missionary trained in the Evangelical tradition. Over the years I have ministered in Evangelical, Mainline and Charismatic churches.

Last year, I did a series on the Hebrew names of God in the Bible. This year, I am doing a series on the 7 "I am" statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John. My first sermon, "Jesus is the Bread of Life" went well, but I felt that it should have been better. First, it was primarily an evangelistic message, but everyone at the meeting was already a believer. So the message, while true and informative, didn't really meet their needs in the way that I hoped. Second, I did not have any clear application at the end. I have mixed feelings about giving people applications as this can feel to controlling and result-oriented, though the congregation leader would prefer that I have applications. I have to decide if I want to have strong applications this time.

My new sermon will continue the "I am" theme: Jesus is the light of the world:

John 8:12When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

As I meditate on this passage, I look forward to whatever comes next.

Blessings in Christ Jesus. Why not just have faith that The Lord will give you what you need at that very moment. Will He not know, what is needed, for the 20, before you on that day? Pray and ask, and He is faithful to provide.

 

[Peter J Barban]

Why not just have faith that The Lord will give you what you need at that very moment. Will He not know, what is needed, for the 20, before you on that day? Pray and ask, and He is faithful to provide.

God can certainly do what you suggest. However, I don't think that God is leading me in that direction. For me to show up without being prepared would be putting God to the test.

Luke 4:9The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. 10For it is written:

“ ‘He will command his angels concerning you
to guard you carefully;
11they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”
12Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”
On the other hand, if after having prepared myself, God gives me something new at that very moment, I am ready to put my prepared message aside and speak as God provides.

 

[Peter J Barban]

Here is my outline, due tomorrow. We are having a national holiday next week, so the church asked me to prepare everything a week early. Here is my outline:

Jesus is the light of the world

1. Jesus claims to be the light of World

A. John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

B. John9:5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

C. John 12:35 Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going… 46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

2. The Prophetic Meaning of Light of the World

A. Genesis 1:3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

B. Isaiah 60:19 "The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory."

C. Revelation 21:21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.

22 I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it.

3. Light is a symbol for Revelation of God's glory

A. John 5:33“You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. 34Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved. 35John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.

B. 2 Corinthians 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

C. Hebrews 1:1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.

4. Application: Live as children of Light

A. Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)

B. Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

C. Philippians 12:14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.

 

[Paidiske]

That looks good and solid. I would be inclined to add two minor points:

- a mention of the transfiguration, and
- an unpacking of God's "glory" as power and presence; both God's holiness and intimacy with us.

But I think you've done well!

 

[Peter J Barban]

Thanks, Paidiske. I put in the passage about the transfiguration as you suggested. I didn't even think of that passage. I have just sent in my final outline. Now I need to work up some questions and answers prompted by the texts.

 

[Peter J Barban]

For my practical application, here is a list of things we can do to be children of light, summarized from Ephesians 4-6:

10 ways we can be light to the world

1. Be honest in all you do
2. Control your tongue
3. Forgive others
4. Respect everyone
5. Be sexually pure
6. Be thankful
7. Be filled with the Spirit
8. Love one another
9. Be strong in the Lord
10. Pray for God's people

 

[Peter J Barban]

I delivered my sermon yesterday to a small congregation of about 20 people. It went very well, some said it was inspiring. They really appreciated to 10 point application on how to be light.

Two weak points: I feel that my introductions are weak or at best uneven. I want to draw people's attention without being overly practiced or manipulative. Second, I didn't have much time to go over the applications. I just repeated them and explained a couple. The sermon would have been better if I could have spent more time on the application part.

 

[Paidiske]

"Inspiring" is good feedback. Well done!

Introductions can be one of the trickiest things to get right; don't beat yourself up too much if you need some more practice with that.

 

[Peter J Barban]

Thanks for your help, Paidiske!