Anatomy of a Sermon: “Gazing on the Beauty of the Lord” by David Schmitt

Anatomy of a Sermon: “Gazing on the Beauty of the Lord” by David Schmitt


Anatomy of a Sermon: “Gazing on the Beauty of the Lord” by David Schmitt

For almost three decades Professor David Schmitt has been teaching the art and the heart of preaching to apprentice preachers at Concordia Seminary. This particular sermon was preached in the chapel at Concordia Seminary for the dedication of new stained-glass windows. Like a master weaver, Schmitt creatively combined the four threads of discourse to deliver a custom-made tapestry for the benefit of all who had gathered


Proper 27 · 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 · November 12, 2017


Proper 27 · 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 · November 12, 2017

By David Peter, This sermon is the fourth in the sermon series entitled “Fatherly Encouragement.” It is based on 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18. The Apostle Paul addresses the Thessalonian Christians as his dear children, giving them encouragement in their journey of faith in Jesus. Fatherly Encouragement toward Expectation Focus Statement An informed expectation of Christ’s return ..


Proper 26 · 1 Thessalonians 3:11–4:12 · November 5, 2017


Proper 26 · 1 Thessalonians 3:11–4:12 · November 5, 2017

By David Peter, This sermon is the third in a series, entitled “Fatherly Encouragement,” based on texts from 1 Thessalonians. In this epistle the Apostle Paul encourages the Christians of Thessalonica who are young in the faith. He acts as their spiritual father. Today’s theme is based on 1 Thessalonians 3:11–4:12. Fatherly Encouragement toward Sanctification ..


Proper 25 · 1 Thessalonians 2:1–13 · October 29, 2017


Proper 25 · 1 Thessalonians 2:1–13 · October 29, 2017

By David Peter, This is the second in a series of sermons based on texts from 1 Thessalonians. The series is entitled “Fatherly Encouragement.” Paul writes as the spiritual father to his children who need guidance and encouragement to grow in faith and faithful living. Fatherly Encouragement toward Motivation Focus Statement The motivation for advancing God’s ..


Proper 23 · Philippians 4:4–13 · October 15, 2017


Proper 23 · Philippians 4:4–13 · October 15, 2017

Editor’s note: David Schmitt provides this homiletical help as the fourth and final in a sermon series on the lectionary’s successive readings from Paul’s letter to the Philippians. By David Schmitt, Textual Connection In Paul’s closing exhortations, he encourages the Philippians in their devotion to Christ, in their support of one another, and in their engagement ..


Proper 22 · Philippians 3:4b–14 · October 8, 2017


Proper 22 · Philippians 3:4b–14 · October 8, 2017

Editor’s note: David Schmitt provides this homiletical help as the third of four in a sermon series on the lectionary’s successive readings from Paul’s letter to the Philippians. By David Schmitt, Textual Connection At this point in his letter, Paul opens his heart and offers a personal confession of faith to the Philippians (3:4–14): having the righteousness ..


Proper 21 · Philippians 2:1–4 (5–13) 14–18 · October 1, 2017


Proper 21 · Philippians 2:1–4 (5–13) 14–18 · October 1, 2017

Editor’s note: David Schmitt provides this homiletical help as the second of four in a sermon series on the lectionary’s successive readings from Paul’s letter to the Philippians. By David Schmitt, Textual Connection Paul’s separation from the Philippians causes him to focus on that which holds them together as a community of Christ, involved in humble service ..


Proper 20 · Philippians 1:12–14, 19–30 · September 24, 2017


Proper 20 · Philippians 1:12–14, 19–30 · September 24, 2017

Editor’s note: David Schmitt provides this homiletical help as the first of four in a sermon series on the lectionary’s successive readings from Paul’s letter to the Philippians. By David Schmitt, In a culture that is redefining what it means to be family, the Christian church has devoted significant efforts to defending God’s design of the ..


Proper 15 · Romans 11:1–2a, 13–15, 28–32 · August 20, 2017


Proper 15 · Romans 11:1–2a, 13–15, 28–32 · August 20, 2017

Editor’s note: the following homiletical help is taken from David Schmitt’s sermon series “God’s Greater Story: A Sermon Series on Romans 6–14,” which is available for download here. By David Schmitt Have you ever noticed how some art museums post guards near the paintings? If they don’t post a guard, they might put a red velvet ..