The Heart of Sunday Worship: The Significance of the Sermon
What is a Sermon exactly? How does it differ from, say, a graduation speech, or TED talk, or a university lecture? Why do we dedicate the largest portion of our gathered time to listen to it?
A few weeks ago, I wrote to us about the Call to Worship being like my mother calling us children to sit up at the table. To keep to the illustration, then, the Sermon would be the main meal of a 3-course dinner. Sometimes we prefer the entrée or dessert, but we all know the main has the greatest potential and is really where the sustenance is.
Now the term ‘sermon’ comes from the Latin word for ‘speech’, but it differs from TED talks and lectures in that the message is derived from and controlled by the Word of God. That is, God is the one dictating the message. It is his mind and character that is expounded upon, not the ideas, musings or reflections of men. The preacher is to take the raw ingredients of truth and love, then stir-fry, pan-sear, boil or smoke them in order to make the ingredients more digestible. The result should be a hearty, well-seasoned, nutritious and hopefully delicious meal – best served hot!
Deuteronomy 8:3 says,
“Man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”
Psalm 63:5 says,
“My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food”
John 6:27 says,
“Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life.”
Okay, but why should we eat it together? Well, just like a family dinner, the main meal brings a unity that otherwise cannot be achieved. To eat the same food is to receive the same nutrients. We may not like the vegetables, but eating together helps get them down. Child and father alike can comment on their mutual enjoyment or appreciate that the potatoes were her favourite part, while he was most impressed by the garlic sauce. Laughter ensues, and joy is brought to the family. All are built up, and it will be in the strength each receives from this meal that they will serve God as a unit. This is the significance of the Sunday Sermon.
So, how can we prepare ourselves well to receive it? Come eager, come with a listening ear and undivided attention, but above all, come with faith. For it is faith that swallows the bread of life.
Written by Ben Taylor, Elder