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Sunday, May 25, 2008

Who Do You Serve?

Second Sunday after Pentecost

Scriptures: Isaiah 49:8–16a; Psalm 131; I Corinthians 4:1–5; Matthew 6:24–34/6:24–39 IV; III Nephi 5:85–90; Doctrine and Covenants 17:5

Sharing Christ’s Peace

Generously share the invitation, ministries, and sacraments through which people can encounter the Living Christ who heals and reconciles through redemptive relationships in sacred community.—Doctrine and Covenants 163:2b

Prelude

A person pretending to be a servant sets a table with a place setting for one at the front of the church during the prelude.

*Hymn

“Here I Am, Lord” NS 12
OR “O Jesus, I Have Promised” HS 463

*Invocation

Call to Worship: Doctrine and Covenants 17:5 Use several readers of various ages.

Testimonies

Ask two congregation members to give brief testimonies of how God has provided in their lives, telling how they have shown thanks.

Hymn

“Lord, Speak to Me” HS 412
OR “Make Me a Servant” NS 35

Statement

There is only one place setting at the table. Who have you invited to be your master? Who do you serve?

Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:25–34

For the scripture you may play or sing the song “Jehovah” by Amy Grant (Album: Straight Ahead, ©1984 Word Incorporated). Or have the scripture (or lyrics) read. Have an artist draw the scene being set in this song/scripture as it is sung/read (a field of flowers with birds in the air). Lyrics can be found online.

Focus Moment

Share The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, Harper Collins, 1964. ISBN 0-0605-6656

Message

Based on Matthew 6:24–34/6:24–39 IV

Disciples’ Generous Response

Each Sunday, as part of the Disciples’ Generous Response, we ask you to integrate the message of “share equally” between Local and World Ministries Mission Tithes. Offertory stories are provided to keep the church in touch with how contributions to Mission Tithes spread the peace of Jesus Christ. Please use the stories, testimonies, and up-to-date contribution information as part of your offertory ministry. Visit www.CofChrist.org/offertory to print a copy, or contact your pastor, congregational financial officer, or worship coordinator for a copy.

Scripture: III Nephi 5:85–90

Blessing and Receiving of Mission Tithes

Scripture of Humility and Wonder: Psalm 131

*Congregational Hymn:

“I Have Called You by Your Name” R-10
OR “Lord, I Give You” NS 32

*Benediction

*Sending Forth:

Leader: Who will go forth and serve?
People: We speak, “O God, send us.”
Leader: To bring your peace and healing touch,
All: We go now in your name.
—Adapted from HS 499

Sermon Helps

Scriptures: Isaiah 49:8–16a; Psalm 131; I Corinthians 4:1–5; Matthew 6:24–34/6:24–39 IV; III Nephi 5:85–90; Doctrine and Covenants 17:5

Exploring the Scriptures

This passage from Matthew deals with the struggle we have to choose between giving our all to God’s service and giving our all to attain individual economic security. One choice fosters life abundant and the other idolatry—as corrupt as the Israelites worshiping the golden calf. There is a definite choice to be made that sets the ultimate direction and quality of our lives.

We simply cannot serve two masters. If we try to serve two masters, our allegiances and efforts will be divided and compromised. Similarly, we cannot serve God and mammon. In this context, mammon refers to excessive pride in property, wealth, success, and public image.

According to Jesus, God wants us to have lives that are free from incessant worry and fear so our energies can be focused on building up the kingdom of God. “Be not afraid” is a constant reminder in the scriptures.

The secret to a life without constant anxiety is having faith in God’s abundance and generosity, believing that there is enough and to spare, and choosing to seek first the kingdom of God. Then everything we actually need will come to us because our priorities are rightly established.

Right stewardship is seeking the common good of all, not just our own economic security. The economic welfare of all humans in a village, city, nation, and the world should be a disciple’s concern. We cannot eat our bread or rice with a good conscience if anyone is without the basic necessities of life. We should first seek to build Zion where poverty is abolished (Doctrine and Covenants 36:2h–i). Ultimately, our security and salvation rests in the well-being and peace of all.

Central Ideas

1. Jesus taught that total trust in God is the way to a peaceful and productive life. By putting the kingdom of God first in our lives, we do not have to constantly choose what our priorities will be.

2. Faithful stewardship (a Disciple’s Generous Response) emerges from recognizing God’s generosity and then responding in a similar spirit by generously sharing the resources we have with others.

Questions for the Speaker

1. When have you had to choose between serving God and serving other concerns in life?

2. How have you experienced the promise of God’s abundance and generosity in your life?

3. What is the difference between worshiping wealth and being a wise steward who develops wealth to share with others?

4. How does seeking the kingdom of God first relate to your congregation’s mission to reach out to others, especially those trapped in poverty?
    

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