Lectionary Year A
May 5, 2002
1 Peter 3:13-22

Contemporary Address

(JFC) A. DESCRIPTION OF THE AUDIENCE

The older members are agriculturally oriented. There is a small United Methodist College there, so higher education does exist in the church. Piety might be a strong point for this congregation. The congregants presumably try painstaking to keep Christ centered in their lives. If they are honest with themselves, this attempt at faithful living might bring them some consternation.

This is my first trip to preach down in rural Kentucky, way off the Interstate Highways, to a congregation whose pastor of some several years retired recently. It'll be Mothers Day, not to be overlooked even if the texts fail to mention it.

(JFC) B. INTENDED GOALS FOR THE ADDRESS

Some of 1 Peter 3:13-22 might inspire them and give them some hope and support. A thesis statement might read, "Affirming dedicated Christians' attempts to life to righteousness, acclaiming Christ's exemplary efforts to do so and pointing parishioners in new directions in response tot he above topics."

(JFC) C. ADDRESS

Possible Outline:

INTRODUCTION
Your mother is or was a perfect example of Christian love.

I. WE ARE LESS THAN PERFECT EXAMPLES OF CHRISTIAN LOVE
Are we eager to do much right? Do we do right very often? Often enough? Why and/or why not? When we do right is it for blessings from on high?
Are we prepared to defend our faith?

II. JESUS WAS AN EXAMPLE OF CHRISTIAN LOVE
Christ gave His all and that for us! The Righteous for the unrighteous.
Christ went to proclaim Good News to the disobedient imprisoned in the underworld.

III. HOW WE MIGHT BECOME BETTER EXAMPLES OF CHRISTIAN LOVE
Developing and exercising good and clear consciences. Having Christ in our hearts.
Learn to use gentleness and respect with others, even and especially those challenging our faith.

CONCLUSION
Mothers do such exemplary things, as did Christ. Did/do they do so as following Christ? We can.



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