BBC Sermon Cast

The accomplished work of Christ on our behalf, by his Grace, is the greatest motivation to live godly lives that adorn the gospel for his glory.

Luke 23:46 challenges us to reflect on the art of dying well by looking at how Christ faced death: with peaceful confidence and intimate trust in the Father. Jesus teaches us that preparing to die begins with cultivating intimacy with our heavenly Father now. As believers, we are called to live with that same assurance, entrusting our lives—and our deaths—into God’s faithful hands.

Acts 12:20–24 records a brief but striking narrative about a man who, in his pride, opposed the church, only to find himself opposed by God. Herod was a man who suffered deeply from delusions of grandeur: ideas and visions of one’s self worth and importance that are out of step with reality. This malady is a temptation for all who are not clearly fixing their gaze on the mission of Jesus. When we seek the flattery and praise of others, we are at risk of deluding ourselves. We consider three things from this text:

1. ⁠God’s Purpose on Stage (vv. 1–19)

2. ⁠Herod’s Pride on Stage (vv. 20–22)

3. ⁠God’s Power on Stage (vv. 23–25)

Psalm 63, written while David was in the wilderness of Judah, fleeing from Absalom’s murderous coup, reveals David’s deep longing for intimacy with God. Exiled from tabernacle worship, he knew that intimacy was still possible, and he offers some counsel for all who, like him, seek, thirst, and faint for intimacy with God. We consider this Psalm under four broad headings:

1. Desire God Genuinely (v. 1)

2. Seek God Corporately (vv. 2–4)

3. Be Satisfied with God Privately (vv. 5–8)

4. Celebrate God Consistently (vv. 9–11)

“A Pastor’s Prayer for His People” from Philippians 1:9–11 shows Paul praying for love, fuelled by truth and discernment, which leads to a life of purity and fruitfulness. This powerful prayer reveals God’s work in us, not only for our transformation but ultimately for his glory and praise. We consider the text under two broad headings: (1) A Pastoral Purpose (v. 9a); and (2) A Prayer for Profound Transformation (vv. 9b–11).

After thirty sermons in the Sermon on the Mount, the closing verses remind us that it is not only about the teachings but about the Teacher. The Pharisees taught by authority (handed down), but Jesus taught with authority—because he is God, the great “I AM.” The God who gave the law to Moses on Mount Sinai is the Jesus who delivered the Sermon on the Mount. But instead of “stay away from the mountain,” Jesus invites us to come because he is the law and the mediator and the sacrifice.

First Samuel 22 presents a comparison between two contrasting kings—Saul and David—which illustrates the choice every person must make between following God’s chosen king or the world’s way. Neutrality is impossible: Everyone must choose a side. While following Jesus may not bring popularity or earthly success, it offers the only true safety and eternal life.

In the final words of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells a parable about two builders—one wise, one foolish. Both hear his words, build houses, and face storms. But only one house stands. This message reminds us, that the direction of our lean—our foundation—matters more than appearance. Which way are you leaning and what are you building on? We will look at this parable under the following headings:

1.⁠ ⁠Foundations Matter

2.⁠ ⁠Same Blueprint, Different Lean

3.⁠ ⁠The Storms Will Reveal Your Lean

As Paul prepares for this third visit to the church at Corinth, he is apprehensive over what he might find. He is concerned about the damage done by the false apostles and by those who are self-willed and self-indulgent. He writes, therefore, to give them the heads up by:

1. making a foolish admission (vv. 11–13),

2. professing his fatherly affection (vv. 14–18), and

3. pastorally admitting his fearful apprehension (vv. 19–21)

Matthew 7:21–23 is one of the most sobering passages in all of Scripture. The mark of the King’s servants is that they live according to the will of the King. There are many who are quick to speak in the name of the King, but will one day find themselves unwelcome in his presence.