Lectionary resources Ordinary Sunday 13 Year C

Lectionary for Ordinary Sunday 13 Year C

2 Kings 2:1-2,6-14 Elijah departs and his mantle passes to Elisha
Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 I will call to mind the deeds of the Lord
Galatians 5:1,13-25 The fruit of the Spirit
Luke 9:51-62 Claims of discipleship

Possible Hymns (numbers refer to The Australian Hymn Book)
30 Through all the changing scenes of life
66 God is love, his mercy brightens
82 God, who made the earth
112 God, who stretched the spangled heavens
146 Let him to whom we now belong
206 Thou didst leave thy throne and thy kingly crown
252 Alone you once went forth O Lord
357 Come dearest Lord, descend and dwell
427 Jesus, we thus obey
450 Now let us from this table rise
467 Who would true valour see
477 God of all power and truth and Grace
487 A charge to keep I have
500 I heard the voice of Jesus say `Come unto me and rest'
514 O Jesus I have promised
528 Make me captive Lord
547 O day of God draw nigh

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Sermon Summary Pentecost 4 Year C (Click here for complete sermon)

Freedom and Self-indulgence

You were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. -- Galatians 5:13. One of the saddest things is that so often people are led to believe that the Christian life is one of following restrictive rules. So critics often say `It is love the matters, not the rules'. That is very strange, because it is exactly what St. Paul said -- you were called to freedom. Paul understood the work of Christ as liberating. [Galatians 3:23-26; 5:1]

The struggle for freedom
Paul had been fighting a battle with traditional teachers who wanted to have new Gentile Christians placed under the strictures of the old Jewish law. It was a cause of exasperation for Paul [Galatians 2:21-3:3]. The old law and `the flesh' were similar in their capacity to imprison people. Both were contrasted by Paul with the freedom of the Spirit that comes through faith. Liberation was a very powerful experience of early believers, just as it has been the experience of new converts in recent times when people, for example in Papua New Guinea, have been liberated from fear of witchcraft and evil spirits [Galatians 4:8-9].

The results of self-indulgence and the fruits of the Spirit
Devotion to the flesh was any kind of self-indulgence:... do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence; ... [see also Galatians 5:14-15]. The Spirit desires love in the service of one another, while devotion to the flesh is self seeking and exploitative [Galatians 5:17;19-23]. The fruit of the Spirit, bringing liberation, includes self-control.

The example of marriage
Contrast the freedom of marriage with the slavery of self-indulgence in casual uncommitted relationships. Marriage is one of the means of fulfilling God's plan for creation [Mark 10:6-9; Genesis 1:27; 2:24; 5:2], that all things might be brought into a unity in Christ [Colossians 1:20; Ephesians 1:9-10]. When love is expressed in serving each other the purpose is realised. A good marriage is liberating and fulfilling in contrast to the slavery of self-indulgence and exploitation.

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Order of Service Pentecost 4 (O13) Year C)

The Gathering of the People of God

CALL TO WORSHIP
Let us worship God in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ who welcomes us to his table.
People will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God. -- Luke 13:29
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! -- Revelation 22:20

HYMN 112 God, who stretched the spangled heavens

PRAYER OF ADORATION
CONFESSION [In three parts, concluding ...] Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy. Christ have mercy.
Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy.
DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. -- 1 Timothy 1:15
Hear then Christ's word of grace to us: Your sins are forgiven.
Thanks be to God.
DOXOLOGY: Gloria in Excelsis [Sing Alleluia 100b, Congregation sings the refrain]

Service of the Word

INTRODUCTION OF THEME: Called to freedom, not self-indulgence
A word to the children.
OLD TESTAMENT 2 Kings 2:1-2,6-14 Elijah departs and his mantle passes to Elisha
PSALM 77:1-2, 11-20 I will call to mind the deeds of the Lord
Choir: Father most holy
EPISTLE Galatians 5:1,13-25 The fruit of the Spirit
GOSPEL Luke 9:51-62 Claims of discipleship
HYMN 30 Through all the changing scenes of life

SERMON
NICENE CREED

OFFERING
SHARING TIME [Notices, Celebrations and requests for intercessions]
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.
For all people in their daily life and work;
for our families, friends and neighbours, and for those who are alone.
For this community, our country, and the world;
for all who work for justice, freedom and peace.

Especially for the Parliament of Australia;
that good laws may be made for peace and justice in relations between people of different races.
For the Prime Minister and members of the Australian Government;
that the challenge of disaffected people, especially in rural areas, may be met with fairness to all concerned.

For the just and proper use of your creation;
for the victims of hunger, fear, injustice and oppression.
For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
for those who minister to the sick, the friendless and the needy.
For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
for all who proclaim the gospel, and for all seek the truth.
For the Uniting Church in Australia,
for James, President of the Assembly,
for .... moderator and for [... chairperson of presbytery and for ..., presbytery minister]
for elders and members of the parish council,
and for all who hold office in this congregation;
for all who serve God in the church.
For our own needs, and for others for whom you have called us to pray.

[Silence:The people may offer their own petition]

Hear us, Lord
for your mercy is great.

We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of life.

[Silence: The people may offer their own thanksgivings]

We exalt you, O God our king;
and praise your name for ever and ever.

We give thanks for all those who have died in the peace of Christ, and for the promise of your eternal kingdom.
In Christ you have called us to eternal glory;
to you be praise for ever and ever. Amen.

COLLECT FOR THE DAY
O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

THE LORD'S PRAYER [Front of the Hymn Book]

The Sending Forth of the People of God

HYMN 465 All my hope on God is founded
WORD OF MISSION
BLESSING
DISMISSAL Go in peace to love and serve the Lord: In the name of Christ. Amen.

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