SESSION FIVE-B

Ephesians 5:15-20 Are We Building Up: Part II Year B—Lectionary 20 and 11 Preaching Supports Theme Statement An overarching glimpse of the entire worship series.

Often we don’t notice that a building is being constructed until the walls go up. From purchase of the land to the architectural design, from surveying to excavating, a lot can escape our notice if we are not personally involved in the project. Then one day something changes Focus Statement and we see a new edifice rising. As beloved children we are learning to live in imitation Many of Paul’s letters were written to churches with a long laundry of our heavenly Father, se- list of problems. The letter of Ephesians is unique. Paul saw the need cure and joyful in God’s love for a new vision for the church. It does not address problems within for us through . the church but problems outside the church and ways that God’s people could gracefully meet those challenges. This would be a church built on love. The town of Ephesus proved to be an especially Key Verse good building site for this increasingly visible church. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, Membership in many churches today is declining. Some consider the and live in love, as church to be an ineffective earthly institution. This series is an op- loved us and gave himself portunity to examine the church’s divine origins and lessons which up for us, a fragrant offering can guide us in mission and ministry. Paul’s message in Ephesians is and sacrifice to God. Ephe- not limited to the people of ancient Ephesus. Its powerful insights are sians 5:1-2 designed to inspire churches and leaders for all time.

1. Are We Building in Love? Tip :3-14 (Year B—Lectionary 15 / 6 Pentecost) Many of the creative worship 2. Are We Building without Walls? suggestions in these preach- :11-22 (Year B—Lectionary 16 / 7 Pentecost) ing and liturgy supports 3. Are We Building beyond Measure? require some preparation, :14-21 (Year B—Lectionary 17 / 8 Pentecost) so please look through them 4. Are We Building as One? well in advance. :1-16 (Year B—Lectionary 18 / 9 Pentecost) 5. Are We Building Up? Part I: Ephesians 4:25—5:2 (Year B—Lectionary 19 / 10 Pentecost) Part II: Ephesians 5:15-20 (Year B—Lectionary 20 / 11 Pentecost) 6. Are We Built to Withstand? :10-20 (Year B—Lectionary 21 / 12 Pentecost)

NOTE: Preachers and worship planners should take note that the small group study materials combine the texts from Lectionary 19 and 20 into a single session. Text Study An expository summary of the reading related to the Together in Faith Adult Bible Study.

Ephesians 5:15-20 asks whether or not we are raising the roof of God’s house with music and singing. The house of the Lord should resound with Spirit-filled, heartfelt singing (Ephesians 5:19-20). This is not

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Book of Faith is an initiative of the ELCA, © 2009 Augburg Fortress. May be reproduced for local use provided that each copy carries this notice. described as a rote intoning of mindless dirges, but an engaged and lively worship with a rich variety of “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” (see also :16). Each of these three terms offers a unique understanding of music that is pleasing to God.

The psalms (psalmOIS) are songs that were used in the ancient liturgical worship of God’s people. The book of Psalms has even become part of Holy Scripture. Their authors include King David himself and psalms remain, to this day, central to the worship life of the church. While both psalms and hymns (HYMnois) offer praise and thanksgiving to God, hymns in the Bible are also used to teach and build up the church (1 Corin- thians 14:26). As for “spiritual songs” (Odase pneumatikAIS), these often connect with deep emotions, both joy (Psalm 107:22) and sadness (Psalm 137:1-3). There’s a newness connected to songs in the Bible (Psalm 33:3) and a sense of spontaneity as David’s singing and dancing illustrates in 1 Samuel 18:6 (see also Deuteronomy 31:22 and Numbers 21:16-17).

Paul also knew firsthand about the power of singing; after casting a demon out of a slave girl in Philippi, he and Silas were cast into prison. Acts 16:19-40 records their plight, but in the midst of it we find them singing hymns (verse 25). That’s when the miracles started to happen.

Sermon Outlines The first outline is designed for use if the scheduling of this series corresponds with the Church Year calendar. The second outline is provided for general use at any time of the year.

Outline 1: (Lectionary-based Sermon) Gospel Connection: In John 6:51-58, Jesus says: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live for- ever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” (verses 51-52).

The concept of communion was confusing to many in the ancient world. Christians were accused of being cannibals by some and suspected of being followers of mystery cults by others. The Israelites were also confused when God gave them bread from heaven in the wilderness. The word manna means “what is it?” 1 Corinthians 1 reminds us that worldly un- derstanding is always inferior to the wisdom of God. The world takes; God gives. The world hates; God loves. The world lies; God is living truth. The world rejects; God accepts. The world destroys; God regenerates.

Title: “Under the (Holy Spirit’s) Influence” Introduction: This section is the culmination of the “wisdom” theme throughout Ephesians. “Fools say in their hearts, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is no one who does good (Psalm 14:1 and 53:1). The wise are those who have learned Christ (Ephesians 4:20) and those who understand the true mystery of God (Ephesians 1:8; 1:17; 3:8).

1. The early Christians confronted Greco-Roman mystery religions. a. This involved the worship of Dionysius (the god of wine and inspirer of ritual madness and drunkenness). b. They claimed that over-consumption of wine brought freedom liber( ) and truth (en vino veritas). c. These cults usually focused on fertility and were accompanied by drunken, erotic ceremonies. The word orgy means “secret rite.”

2. The temple of Artemis was known as a site of this “mystery religion.” a. This was reinforced by the many astounding “miracles” that occurred in the great temples of the day. Ephesus was no exception. b. Heron of Alexandria (a contemporary of Paul’s) was a gifted scientist who described many ways that pagan priests used trickery:

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Book of Faith is an initiative of the ELCA, © 2009 Augburg Fortress. May be reproduced for local use provided that each copy carries this notice. i. With chemicals changing colors of liquids such as water into blood. ii. With mechanical devices that made statues come alive. iii. Magnets that mysteriously made objects float in air. iv. Tubes inserted into statues enabling sounds to mimic voices or thunder. v. Tubes inserted into statues enabling multi breasted statues (similar to Artemis) to lactate.

3. Ephesians counters pagan mystery with the true mystery of God “in Christ.” This is an expression of God’s great design in creation. a. This is a mystery in the eyes of the world but makes sense for those who have experienced mystical union with the body of Christ. b. This is a mystery enabled by wisdom and joy as compared to foolishness and drunken stupor. By the indwelling Spirit of Christ, Christians can keep “making the most of the time” God gives us (Ephesians 5:15-16). c. This is a mystery that ignites a “melody in our hearts” (Ephesians 5:19).

Conclusion: Ephesians 5: 18-20 reminds us, “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The world tries to quench its spiritual thirst with a drug-induced high and life filled with loss of self control. That is a counterfeit spirituality. These are people of the lie. Mature Christians are filled with the uninhibited love of God (1 Corinthians 13). On Pentecost, the Chris- tians were accuse of being drunk; they weren’t. They were filled with God’s joy-filled Spirit.

Outline 2: (Thematic Sermon)

Title: Money, Sex, and Power Introduction: In Christian Reflections on Money, Sex, and Power, Richard Foster asserts the need for a mod- ern day renewal of spiritual experience with an ethical emphasis. Spiritually, we make faithful commit- ments (vows) regarding poverty (money), chastity (sex), and obedience (power). The Ephesians certainly dealt with the major themes of money (the temple was a bank), sex ( fertility cult), and power (mystery adher- ents surrendering bodies and minds). This chapter encourages a review of these key topics covered in this letter.

1. Money. a. There is a dark side of money. i. Luther observed “there are three conversions necessary: the conversion of the heart, mind, and the wallet.” ii. Jesus spoke about money more than any subject except the kingdom of God. Money can threaten a healthy, vibrant relationship with God. iii. The word “Ephesus” means “great appetite.” The city was renowned for its great wealth. In reality, the temple was a significant source of spiritual poverty. b. There is also a positive side of money. i. This involves a life of enlightened stewardship that realizes all belongs to God. Our gifts reflect the goodness of God’s grace. ii. Acts 4:36-37 describes the generosity of Barnabas to provide for the needs of others. Ephesians 3:8 reminds us of the boundless riches of Christ.

2. Sex. a. Rabbi Akiva (50–135 c.e.) insisted that the book of Song of Solomon be included in the approved scriptures to remind us that sexuality is a special gift from God. b. Unfortunately, many in the church listened to the teachings of Augustine when he stated that “shame attends all sexual relationship.” c. One of the great tragedies of has been the divorce of sexuality from spirituality. Yves

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Book of Faith is an initiative of the ELCA, © 2009 Augburg Fortress. May be reproduced for local use provided that each copy carries this notice. of Chartres taught that the devout should abstain from relations on Thursdays in remembrance of Christ’s rapture, Fridays because of the crucifixion, Saturdays in honor of Virgin Mary, Sundays because of the resurrection, and Mondays out of respect for departed saints. No wonder many outside the faith sometimes see Christians as repressed! d. Current deliberations regarding our church’s stand on sexuality reflect the challenge of addressing the issues for our current times. There are two key words that occur throughout the documentation: “grace” and “love.” e. Our relationships should reflect the same “faithfulness” we share with God. These words guided the church in Ephesus as it was challenged with addressing sexual matters in its day and should guide us in our studies and decisions today.

3. Power. a. Lord Acton, with doctorates from Cambridge and Oxford, wrote that “power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Acton, a faithful Catholic, wrote this in a treatise opposed to Papal infallibility. b. Power can be destructive in any contex,t but in religious matters it can be used diabolically. In the sixth century, St. Benedict established a rule because many monks and clergy were allowed to wander and do as they pleased “in the name of God.” c. Today there are media preachers who suffer from the same lack of accountability. A number refuse to openly share their financial records. d. We are called to a ministry of empowering others and not selfishly seeking power or control over others.

Conclusion: The adherents to mystery religions surrender personal power in rites of drunkenness and loss of control. Paul wrote about confronting false authorities: “for I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Ro- mans 8:38-39). It is God’s agape love that makes all the difference. God does not encourage loss of control or power but empowers us to transform the world.

We do not need intoxicants to bring us false sense of happiness, but we can experience true joy. The Holy Spirit wants to put a melody of praise in our hearts. The last three verses of the hymn “Take My Life, That I May Be” addresses each of these topics: “take my silver and my gold . . . take my intellect and use every power as thou shall choose . . . take my love, my Lord, I pour at thy feet its treasure store” (ELW 685). Frances Havergal (a pastor’s daughter) wrote these words for worldly people desperately seeking a closer relationship with God. This is our timeless treasure.

Children’s Lesson The first option is designed for use if the scheduling of this series corresponds with the Church Year calendar. The second option is provided for general use at any time of the year.

Option 1: (Lectionary-based Lesson) Supplies needed: 1) various musical instrument—some real and some toys, 2) a jar of imaginary music dust. Who here would like to play a musical instrument? (Hand out toy instruments and conduct the cacopho- ny.) Wait, wait, wait . . . something’s missing. I know—my mysterious magic music dust. This will make us sound like a symphony orchestra for sure! (Sprinkle dust.) OK, let’s play Scarlatti’s Sonata in E Major. . . Hey, how come we don’t sound any better? What am I missing here? Oh, practice! Lessons! It’s not easy getting good at anything—in fact, it’s not easy being good for God. We have to work at living and loving the way God wants us to. But music helps to inspire us! You know, you can whistle while you work. And if you can’t whistle yet, practice! And even when we are not so good, know that if we keep making melody in our hearts in love for Godm what’s on the inside will come out!

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Book of Faith is an initiative of the ELCA, © 2009 Augburg Fortress. May be reproduced for local use provided that each copy carries this notice. Option 2: (Thematic Lesson) Ask the children about signs of God’s love in the sanctuary. Take a tour. Discuss the Bible (messages of love), the baptismal font (God’s family and forgiveness), the cross (a sign of God’s love, John 3:16), and communion. Remind them that Jesus first shared communion on Maundy Thursday (the root word maundy means “commandment”). That was the same night he shared his commandment of love (John 13:34). How is communion a sign of God’s love?

Ideas and Images for Preaching What follows are a variety of creative ways to enhance the communication of the message. While some links to ideas and images are provided, permission and payment may be required for congregational use.

Clips TV, movies and miscellaneous video. Option #1: Sailing (from http://www.sermonspice.com/videos/10342/sailing---filled-with-the-holy-spirit)

Option #2: Filled (from http://www.sermonspice.com/videos/13162/filled)

Illustrations Stories and anecdotes that enhance understanding. Illustration #1: Melody in Our Hearts “Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs” are often connected in scripture with deep emotions, both joy (Psalm 107:22) and sadness (Psalm 137:1-3). There’s a newness connected to “songs” in the Bible (Psalm 33:3 and 96:1) and a sense of spontaneity as David’s singing and dancing illustrates in 1 Samuel 18:6 (see also Deuteronomy 31:22 and Numbers 21:16-17). Paul also knew firsthand about the power of singing; after casting a demon out of a slave girl in Philippi, he and Silas were cast into prison. Acts 16:19-40 records their plight. But in the midst of their imprisonment, we find Paul and Silas singing hymns (verse 25). That’s when the miracles started to happen.

Illustration #2: Frances and Fanny Frances Havergal (1836–1878) of Britain found a kindred soul in another female hymnist, American Fanny Crosby (1820–1915). The two never met, but their mutual admiration can be heard in a surviving letter from Fanny to Frances: Dear blind sister over the sea— An English heart goes forth to thee. We are linked by a cable of faith and song, Flashing bright sympathy swift along, One in the East and one in the West, Singing for Him whom our souls love best. Singing for Jesus! Telling His love All the way to our home above, Where the severing sea, with its restless tide Never shall hinder and never divide. Sister, what shall our meeting soon be When our hearts shall sing and our eyes shall see? (from http://www.wholesomewords.org/biography/bhavergal.html)

Projection NOTE: The PowerPoint presentation provided for use in the Book of Faith Adult Bible Studies can be easily adapted for worship settings.

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Book of Faith is an initiative of the ELCA, © 2009 Augburg Fortress. May be reproduced for local use provided that each copy carries this notice. Quotes Theme supporting, thought provoking, words from notable sources. Option #1: Martin Luther (compliation)—“I wish to see all arts, principally music, in the service of him who gave and created them. Music is a fair and glorious gift of God. I would not for the world forego my humble share of music. Singers are never sorrowful, but are merry, and smile through their troubles in song. Music makes people kinder, gentler, more staid and reasonable. I am strongly persuaded that after theology there is no art that can be placed on a level with music; for besides theology, music is the only art capable of affording peace and joy of the heart . . . the devil flees before the sound of music almost as much as before the Word of God.”

Option #2: J. S. Bach—“All music should have no other end and aim than the glory of God and the soul’s refreshment; where this is not remembered there is no real music but only a devilish hub-bub.” He began his compositions with the abbreviation “J. J.,” or Jesus Juva, which means “Jesus, help me.” He ended them with the abbreviation “S. D. G.,” or Soli Dei Gratia, which means “To God alone be the glory.”

Images Links to photos or art that enhance multimedia presentations. Option #1: King David Singing (from http://media.photobucket.com/image/King%20David%20singing/ davrlorenz/king-david.jpg)

Option #2: Paul and Silas Singing (from http://apostolicbiblestudy.org/images/paul_silas.gif)

Option # 3: Luther Restored by Music (from http://archive.elca.org/archives/luther/LutherPlate09.jpg)

Links Are you a helpful link? Consider making any creative worship ideas that your congregation develops available for more churches to use via the social networking features of www.bookoffaith.org.

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Book of Faith is an initiative of the ELCA, © 2009 Augburg Fortress. May be reproduced for local use provided that each copy carries this notice.