Towards An Epiphany Sermon for a New Year (Ephesians 3)

One of the things about preaching from the Lectionary is the same texts and themes year after year. Yet I have found the Epiphany surprisingly rich and fresh year after year. 

(See further: https://marclloyd.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-epiphany-matthew-2.html)

It is a suitable theme for New Year because it presents us with:

(1) A grand compelling vision 

(2) Our part(s) in it

This is the kind of thing that can motivate and inform our plans for 2021 whatever our circumstances. 

Thinking of Christ, the Magi and the lectionary reading from Ephesians 3, one could preach Ephipnay in terms of:

(1) The REVELATION of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations

(2) A faithful RESPONSE:

(a) Seek Jesus

(b) Serve Jesus

(c) Share Jesus

Or if you wanted to focus more on Ephesians 3, it might be summed up in two words: REVELATION and PROCLAMATION. 

Some further jottings on Ephesians 3 (mainly stolen from John Stott, I suspect):

3:1-13

 

3v1 – “for this reason” – link back to 2vv19-22 and God’s plan to include the Gentiles with Israel in the church

 

V1, v14, “For this reason I…”

vv2-13 grammatically, a digression sparked by Paul’s mention of himself as a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of the Gentiles

 

Vv2, 7 repeat the same words: “God’s grace that was given to me”

2 privileges which God in his unmerited favour has given to Paul:

a certain revelation as a result of which Paul had come to know something (vv2-3)

a certain commission as a result of which Paul was responsible to make something known to others (vv7-8)

 

Vv2-7 – how the grace of God gave Paul this message and ministry

Vv8-12 – how the grace of God empowered Paul for this ministry

 

A revelation and a commission

 

(1) Revelation – the mystery revealed (vv2-7)

 

mystery: v3, 4, 9

 

V6 tells us the content of the mystery:

 

V6 tells us the content of the mystery:

the equal inclusion of the Gentiles with Israel

 

3 things – in the NIV 3 “together”s

(a) Co-heirs: fellow heirs of the same blessing

(b) Con-corporate: fellow members of the same body

(c) Co-sharers: fellow partakers of the same promise

 

I.e. the mystery is what Paul explained in 2:11-22

 

The OT did reveal something of God’s purpose for the gentiles: Gen 12:1-3; Ps 2:8; Is 42:6; 2:2-4 – radical nature of God’s plan for replacement of nation with international people of God not clear in OT times, equal union

 

(2) Commission – the mystery must be made known (vv8-13)

 

V8 – Paul the least because of his persecution of the church of God – 1 Cor 15:9

 

Paul elaborates the privileged ministry entrusted to him in 3 ways:

 

(a) Making known Christ’s riches to the gentiles (v8)

 

(b) Making known the mystery to all men (v9)

 

(c) Making known God’s wisdom to the cosmic powers (v10)

 

SO, v13, don’t lose heart

 

Conclusions:

 

(a) The church is central to history

 

(b) The church is central to the gospel

 

(c) The church is central to Christian living

 

To put it another way / application / how this might be preached:

 

(1) The shock of revelation: you can be part of the church

 

(2) The necessity of proclamation: the world must know this truth

 

(3) The result:

Satan will see God’s wisdom

Sinners can approach God’s throne

Suffering for the gospel makes sense

 

Psalm 31 study questions

 We're planning to look at Psalm 31 in our midweek meeting on Wednesday 9th December. There's no need to prepare, but if you do want to think about it in advance, you might find these questions prepared by a member of our congregation helpful:

Verses 1-8 David expresses his confidence in God. In this confidence he prays for deliverance.

Read this but not study it.

Study begins at v9  

1. 9 What is David asking the Lord to do?
2. Why does he ask this?
3. 9-13 List all the things which are distressing him.
4. How does this relate to the Lord Jesus Christ? See  Isaiah 53 v1-4
5. How does this relate to Job Chapter 2v12, 3v25-26
6. 14-15a  In spite of all that is going on v14 begins BUT    …… what great truths is David proclaiming here?
7. 15b  What is David praying here?
8. 16-17a 19-20 What are the characteristics of God which give David confidence to pray this prayer?
9. 17b-18 What about unbelievers?
10. How is Ephesians 6 v 12 relevant to this Psalm? 
11. 21-22 What is David praising God for?
12. 23 What is David’s exhortation to fellow believers?
13. What about unbelievers? Compare Psalm 28 v 4 from the other week.
14. 24 What does v24 encourage believers to do?  Compare John 16 v 33
15. What evidence have we seen in this Psalm that hoping in the Lord, enables the believer to continue the fight of faith?

Service Notes for 29/11/20

 

 

God-willing our church services will be live on Facebook on a Sunday at 9:30am at: https://www.facebook.com/malloyd

After that you can catch up there or on the churches Facebook pages or Warbleton Church You Tube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPBFrhqP5nL6QnmkZKfP5yw

 

Our weekly notice sheet is available here: https://www.warbletonchurch.org.uk/

 

From Sunday 6^th December, we plan to be back to services in the church buildings.

 

You can find details of all the Benefice services in December here: https://www.warbletonchurch.org.uk/whatson/december-2020/

 

(Before the service we will play the hymn Come Thou Long Expected Jesus. You can find the words here: https://hymnary.org/text/come_thou_long_expected_jesus_born_to)

 

Some words from the letter to the Romans:

 

Now is the time to wake out of sleep, for our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.

The night is far spent, the day is at hand:

Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armour of light.

 

(Romans 13:11-12)

 

When the Lord comes, he will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness, and will disclose the purposes of the heart.

Therefore in the light of Christ let us confess our sins.

 

(cf. 1 Corinthians 4:5)

 

Turn to us again, O God our Saviour, and let your anger cease from us:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

 

Show us your compassion, O Lord, and grant us your salvation:

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

 

Your salvation is near for those that fear you, that glory may dwell in our land:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

 

May God who loved the world so much that he sent his Son to be our Saviour forgive you your sins and make you holy to serve him in the world, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Hymn: O Come, O Come Emmanuel

 

Isaiah 64:1-9

 

This is the Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

 

1 Corinthians 1:3-9

 

This is the Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

 

Hymn: Faithful One, so unchanging

 

The Apostles’ Creed  

                                                 

 I believe in God, the Father almighty,

 creator of heaven and earth.

           

 I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

 who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

 born of the Virgin Mary,

 suffered under Pontius Pilate,

 was crucified, died, and was buried;

 he descended to the dead.

 On the third day he rose again;

 he ascended into heaven,

 he is seated at the right hand of the Father,

 and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

           

 I believe in the Holy Spirit,

 the holy catholic Church,

 the communion of saints,

 the forgiveness of sins,

 the resurrection of the body,

 and the life everlasting.

 Amen.

 

Intercessions

 

The Collect for the First Sunday of Advent

 

Almighty God,

give us grace to cast away the works of darkness

and to put on the armour of light,

now in the time of this mortal life,

in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility;

that on the last day,

when he shall come again in his glorious majesty

to judge the living and the dead,

we may rise to the life immortal;

through him who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

 

The Lord’s Prayer

 

Gathering our prayers and praises into one,

 let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us:

                         

Our Father, who art in heaven,

 hallowed be thy name;

 thy kingdom come;

 thy will be done;

 on earth as it is in heaven.

 Give us this day our daily bread.

 And forgive us our trespasses,

 as we forgive those who trespass against us.

 And lead us not into temptation;

 but deliver us from evil.

 For thine is the kingdom,

 the power, and the glory

 for ever and ever.

 Amen.

 

The Blessing

 

Christ the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you,

Scatter the darkness from before your path,

And make you ready to meet him when he comes in glory;

and the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always.

Amen.

 

(After the service we’ll play the hymn Love Divine. You can find the words here: https://hymnary.org/text/love_divine_all_love_excelling_joy_of_he)

Benefice Church Services December 2020

 We'd love you to join us for services either in person or online during December:

We are planning the following Covid secure services with social distancing. All are welcome subject to capacity / booking where required:

BY PARISH

Warbleton

Sunday 6th December – All-Age Christingle Family Service with Christingle kits available for children 11am

Sunday 13th December – Morning Worship with Holy Communion 11am

Sunday 20th December - Carols by Candlelight 6:30pm – Booking required. To book please ring Steve on 07786 973106 or email bookings@warbletonchurch.org.uk

Christmas Day – All-Age Service with Holy Communion 11am – Booking required. To book please ring Steve on 07786 973106 or email bookings@warbletonchurch.org.uk

Sunday 27th December – Online service only 11am

Please note that we are not expecting congregational singing to be allowed. A small group of socially distanced singers will help to lead worship.

Our services will be livestreamed to the Warbleton Parish Church Facebook Page:

facebook.com/WarbletonParishChurch

And will be available afterwards on the Warbleton Parish Church You Tube Channel.

Bodle Street Green

Sunday 6th December - Morning Worship with Holy Communion 9:30am

Sunday 13th December - All Age Christingle Family Service with Christingle kits available 9:30am

Sunday 20th December - Morning Worship with Holy Communion 9:30am

Tuesday 22nd December - Carols by Candlelight – Booking required: please call 07860 889203 (This service will be repeated on Christmas Eve) 6pm

Christmas Eve - Carols by Candlelight – Booking required: please call 07860 889203 (This will be a repeat of Tuesday’s service) 6pm

Christmas Day - All Age Family Service with Holy Communion 9:30am

Please note that we are not expecting congregational singing to be allowed. A small socially distanced choir will help to lead worship with some use of recorded items.

Dallington

Sunday 6th December - Service of the Word 11am

Sunday 13thDecember - Book of Common Prayer Evensong 6:30pm

Sunday 20th December - Holy Communion 11am

Christmas Eve - Midnight Communion 11:30pm

Please note that we are not expecting congregational singing to be allowed. We will make some use of recorded music.

IN DATE ORDER

Please note that we are not expecting congregational singing to be allowed.

Services from Warbleton will also be livestreamed to the Warbleton Parish Church Facebook Page:

facebook.com/WarbletonParishChurch

. And will be available afterwards on the Warbleton Parish Church You Tube Channel.

Sunday 6th December - Morning Worship with Holy Communion 9:30am – Bodle Street Green

Sunday 6th December – All-Age Christingle Family Service 11am with Christingle kits available for children – Warbleton

Sunday 6th December - Service of the Word 11am – Dallington

Sunday 13th December - All Age Christingle Family Service with Christingle kits available 9:30am - Bodle Street Green

Sunday 13th December – Morning Worship with Holy Communion 11am – Warbleton

Sunday 13th December - Book of Common Prayer Evensong 6:30pm – Dallington

Sunday 20th December - Morning Worship with Holy Communion 9:30am - Bodle Street Green

Sunday 20th December - Holy Communion 11am – Dallington

Sunday 20th December - Carols by Candlelight 6:30pm – Booking required. To book please ring Steve on 07786 973106 or email bookings@warbletonchurch.org.uk - Warbleton

Tuesday 22nd December - Carols by Candlelight – Booking required: please call 07860 889203 (This service will be repeated on Christmas Eve) – Bodle Street Green

Christmas Eve - Carols by Candlelight – Booking required: please call 07860 889203 (This will be a repeat of Tuesday’s service) 6pm – Bodle Street Green

Christmas Eve - Midnight Communion 11:30pm – Dallington

Christmas Day - All Age Family Service with Holy Communion 9:30am – Bodle Street Green

Christmas Day – All-Age Service with Holy Communion 11am – Booking required. To book please ring Steve on 07786 973106 or email bookings@warbletonchurch.org.uk - Warbleton

Sunday 27th December – Online service only 11am – Warbleton

Service Notes for 22/11/20

 

SERVICE NOTES

 

God-willing our church services will be live on Facebook on a Sunday at 9:30am at: https://www.facebook.com/malloyd

After that you can catch up there or on the churches Facebook pages or Warbleton Church You Tube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPBFrhqP5nL6QnmkZKfP5yw

 

 Our weekly notice sheet is available here: https://www.warbletonchurch.org.uk/

 

ORDER OF SERVICE

 

Welcome, notices and introduction

 

Grace, mercy and peace

 from God our Father

 and the Lord Jesus Christ

 be with you

(and also with you.)

                         

 This is the day that the Lord has made.

Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

                         

 Jesus says, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.'

 So let us turn away from our sin and turn to Christ,

 confessing our sins in penitence and faith.

                         

O King enthroned on high,

Filling the earth with your glory:

Holy is your name,

Lord God almighty.

In our sinfulness we cry to you

To take our guilt away,

And to cleanse our lips to speak your word,

Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

                         

 May the Father of all mercies

 cleanse you from your sins,

 and restore you in his image

 to the praise and glory of his name,

 through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

                         

Blessed is the Lord,

for he has heard the voice of our prayer;

                         

therefore shall our hearts dance for joy

and in our song will we praise our God.

 

Hymn: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation

 

Bible Reading: Acts 21:37-22:29

 

Followed by the response:

                                                     

This is the Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God!

 

Sermon

 

Hymn: King of the ages, Almighty God

 

 The Apostles’ Creed 

                                                 

 I believe in God, the Father almighty,

 creator of heaven and earth.

           

 I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

 who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

 born of the Virgin Mary,

 suffered under Pontius Pilate,

 was crucified, died, and was buried;

 he descended to the dead.

 On the third day he rose again;

 he ascended into heaven,

 he is seated at the right hand of the Father,

 and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

           

 I believe in the Holy Spirit,

 the holy catholic Church,

 the communion of saints,

 the forgiveness of sins,

 the resurrection of the body,

 and the life everlasting.

 Amen.

                                     

 Prayers          

                         

Intercessions using the response:

 

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

 

The Collect for Christ the King – The Sunday next before Advent

 

Eternal Father,

whose Son Jesus Christ ascended to the throne of heaven that he might rule over all things as Lord and King:

keep the Church in the unity of the Spirit

and in the bond of peace,

and bring the whole created order to worship at his feet;

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

                         

 The Lord's Prayer

 

  Gathering our prayers and praises into one,

 let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us:

                         

Our Father, who art in heaven,

 hallowed be thy name;

 thy kingdom come;

 thy will be done;

 on earth as it is in heaven.

 Give us this day our daily bread.

 And forgive us our trespasses,

 as we forgive those who trespass against us.

 And lead us not into temptation;

 but deliver us from evil.

 For thine is the kingdom,

 the power, and the glory

 for ever and ever.

 Amen.

                                     

The Blessing