What is the sermon?
The sermon is a preaching of, and comment on, God’s Word. It is intended to apply the teachings of God’s Word to our lives. It consists of the application of Law and Gospel rightly divided so that we flee from our sins to Jesus for forgiveness, eternal life, and the grace to live as God’s children.
What does the sermon have to do with our worship?
The sermon is placed at this point in the service because we have just heard God’s Word, confessed our faith in the Creed, and now take opportunity to listen to, and think about, how God’s Word for the day applies to our lives. It is a time when we seek answers to the often asked question, “What does this mean?”.
What does the Bible say about this?
Isaiah 52:7 – The feet of those who bring the Gospel of peace are said to be beautiful because of the wonders that come from that preaching.
Isaiah 61:1-2 – The Messiah is anointed to preach good tidings to the poor and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.
Matthew 5 – Jesus preaches the Sermon on the Mount.
Romans 1:15-17 – Paul is anxious to preach the Gospel to them because it is God’s power to save.
2 Timothy 4:1-5 – Paul charges Timothy to preach the Word and to be strong in the face of those who reject God’s Word
Suggestions
Talk to your family about what sermons or sermon points they remember. Why do they remember it? Talk about the purpose of sermons; to apply the Gospel to our lives. You may want to sing the following hymns: Lutheran Service Book 580, 681, and 682
Object Lesson
Find some simple object that you use regularly. Ask your children what it is and how it is used. Tell them that the pastor explains God’s Word in the sermon. He is simply trying to teach us what the Bible says and what that means as we live each day.
Prayer
Lord, we thank You for Your Word. May Your Word be proclaimed in all its truth by our pastor. Give him the wisdom to apply God’s Word to us all. In Jesus’ name. Amen.