The word “sermon” comes from an old English word meaning a discourse, speech, or talk. In our society, it means a public lecture based on Scripture. Interestingly, “sermon” isn’t found in the Bible, but the idea definitely exists.
There are approximately 15 sermons or addresses in Acts. These include the sermon on Pentecost, Stephen’s sermon before the Jewish council, and Paul’s Aeropagus sermon in Athens. Furthermore, Paul “reasoned” several times with unbelievers (Acts 17:2; 18:4, 19; 24:25).
Over the years, likely millions of sermons have been preached but none greater than the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. It begins with what’s referred to as “the beatitudes.” This word means “blessed,” and it refers to the character of Christians. If they can be poor in spirit, mourn for their sins, meek, hunger and thirst for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and persecuted for the sake of righteousness, then they’ll be fit citizens of the kingdom of God.
What are Christians? After Jesus spoke of the beatitudes of kingdom citizens, He declared that Christians are “salt” and “light”. Salt preserves and gives flavor. When we are the “light of the world,” we help the world see truth and see God in us. We shouldn’t put our light under a basket, but on a lamp stand so that everyone can see the light. Jesus concluded by saying, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (v. 16).
Paul declared to the Corinthians: “You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart” (2 Corinthians 3:2-3). You are an “epistle” presented to the world in your transformed state, reflecting the glory of God and of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:31; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 4:20-24). That means that Christians can manifest the character of Christ: “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: ‘Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth’; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;…” (1 Peter 2:21-23). Christians can worship God in spirit and truth. Hebrews 10:22 explains, “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” Christians can trust in God during trials, like Job who said, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him” (Job 13:15).
You’re a Christian. You’re “salt” and “light”. You’re an “epistle” to the world. You’re a sermon that’s preached to everyone who sees you. Make it a special one. Make it an effective one. Make it glorify God and Jesus Christ.
Kyle Campbell