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Woship Resources 2007-2008 — Year A: Passionate for Peace
Return to Year A: 2007-2008
Resource Index
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Set Your Mind on Life and Peace
Ordinary Time (Proper 10)
Scriptures:
Genesis 25:19–34; Psalm 119:105–112; Romans 8:1–11; Matthew 13:1–9,
18–23/13:1–7, 17–21 IV; II Nephi 6:99–104; Doctrine and Covenants 16:4c–g
Sharing Christ’s Peace
Jesus Christ, the embodiment of God’s shalom, invites all
people to come and receive divine peace in the midst of the difficult
questions and struggles of life. —Doctrine
and Covenants 163:2a
Prelude
Welcome
Spirit of the Living God, Fall Afresh on Me
*Song of Praise
“Come Down, O Love Divine” HS 289
OR “Touch Me, Lord, with Thy Spirit Eternal” HS 409
*Opening Prayer
*Response
Melt Me
Call to Worship
Choose one of the following:
A. Read Psalm 119:105–112
Meditation Music: “Thy Word” by Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith,
available on the albums
Straight Ahead and
The Collection.
Also available on
Songs 4 Life: Embrace His Grace!
B. Read or sing “Spirit of the Living God” (camp song by Daniel
Iverson).
Focus Moment
Invite children and youth to dramatize the parable of the sower (Matthew
13:1–9) while it is read. Then have the leader explain how the parable
expresses the importance of being focused on the life and peace of Christ
and God’s Kingdom. The leader will be helped by reading Matthew 13:18–23 in
preparation.
OR
Share the story Peace Begins with You
by Katherine Scholes (Little, Brown, and Company, 1990). ISBN 0-316-77436-7
Fill Me
Scripture Reading: Romans 8:1–11
Morning Message
Based on Romans 8:1–11
Use Me
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: II Nephi 6:100–101
Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your
labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently to me, and
remember the words which I have spoken; come to the Holy One of Israel,
and feast upon that which perishes not, neither can be corrupted, and
let your soul delight in [goodness].
Prayer
Use us to do thy will, Lord. Melt our hearts to care for others; mold
our desires to your own. Fill us with the spirit of giving. Use our
gifts for your purpose.
Receiving of Mission Tithes
Inspire Me
*Hymn
“O Holy Dove of God Descending” HS 285
OR “Touch Me, Lord, with Thy Spirit Eternal” HS 409
*Closing Prayer
*Sending Forth
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on us.
May we all be melted by grace,
molded with peace,
filled with joy,
and used to love the world.
*Postlude
Sermon Helps
Scriptures: Genesis
25:19–34; Psalm 119:105–112; Romans 8:1–11; Matthew 13:1–9,
18–23/13:1–7, 17–21 IV; II Nephi 6:99–104; Doctrine and Covenants 16:4c–g
Exploring the Scriptures
This week’s text continues Paul’s concerns (arising from his discussion on
the previous week’s text) with the words: “There is therefore now no
condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (v. 1). In this pericope Paul
demonstrates how those who are in Christ Jesus are not ruled by the law of sin,
but by “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus” (v. 2) who sets us free
from bondage to self and sin, from life influenced by rebellion and idolatry.
Those who are in Christ, that is who follow Christ, “live according to the
Spirit” (v. 5). This is sharply contrasted with its opposite: “those who live
according to the flesh” (v. 5) have set their minds on things of the flesh. Our
perspective, our outlook, is determined by our setting our minds on these
respective alternative “worlds.” These two worlds are described by Paul in
verses 9–11 as two mutually distinctive realms where we live out our existence.
The worlds that we inhabit shape us. They dwell in us. Our world results from
what we have allowed to shape us.
Having Christ dwell in us (v. 11) does not prevent our moral struggles. When
we experience the presence of Christ in our mortal bodies, sin still occurs.
However, the righteousness of Christ begins to influence us within our lives. We
experience sin, but we also experience the righteousness of God in new life in
Christ in the hope of the Resurrection: “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus
from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life
to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you” (v. 11).
Therefore, according to Paul, we are able to set our minds on the Spirit, which
is life and peace (v. 6).
Central Ideas
1. Those who are in Christ, that is, who follow Christ, live according to
the Spirit.
2. The worlds we inhabit shape us. Care must be given to the environments
and conceptual worlds that we inhabit.
3. Christians live in the hope of the Resurrection which results in
setting our minds on life and peace in Christ.
Questions for the Speaker
1. What are the two worlds described by Paul in this pericope? How would
you describe Paul’s language here in your worlds?
2. How do you recognize “Christ in us” by the Spirit? What evidences this
life?
3. What examples of people setting their minds on life and peace might
you share with the congregation?
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