Be Like Me
February 26th, 2008 by tempe
This sermon was preached at Midlane Park Presbyterian Church on February 17, 2008.
“ I beg of you, brethren, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have done me no wrong; 13 but you know that it was because of a bodily illness that I preached the gospel to you the first time; 14 and that which was a trial to you in my bodily condition you did not despise or loathe, but you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself. 15 Where then is that sense of blessing you had? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me. 16 So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17 They eagerly seek you, not commendably, but they wish to shut you out so that you will seek them. 18 But it is good always to be eagerly sought in a commendable manner, and not only when I am present with you. 19 My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you– 20 but I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.” ~ Galatians 4:12-20
Thanks again for these Sermons. I have found them quite edifying. What is next after Galatians?
Again, thanks for the encouragement, my brother. I’m taking a break from Galatians during the month of March and preaching a series entitled “The Way of the Cross.” Part of the reason is emphasizing the necessity of our Lord’s death in our redemption, as well as the importance of discipleship. Pray that the Lord will be with me in proclaiming His word, and that His people will hear His word and be both challenged and encouraged in what He has done.
After Galatians, I’m not sure, but I’m heavily leaning toward an OT book. I might preach through Zephaniah, since that’s sorely neglected. When I was in MS, I was preaching through Judges on Sunday evenings (never finished before I received another call), so I wouldn’t mind taking up that book again.
Of all the silly things I worry about dealing with in the Parish “sermon series” and what to preach on are probably the most bothersome. Especially as someone who is leaving a place that relies completely on the calender and seasons.