Tag: Tim Keller
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Santa Claus and the naughty-or-nice list | Tim Keller Sermon Illustrations
Biblical exposition Isaiah 56:1 says:“Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand.” At first glance, this sounds as though people must behave well to earn salvation. Keller explains that this would contradict the Bible’s teaching about salvation by grace. Illustration – Better watch out, better not cry Keller refers…
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The solar system with too many centres | Tim Keller Sermon Illustrations
Biblical exposition Keller explains that humanity was created to live with God at the centre, to love one another and to care for creation. When humanity rejected God’s authority, relationships became damaged: between nations, social classes, races, families and friends. Illustration – A solar system with everyone at its centre Keller compares human relationships to…
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Cancer and the loss of physical shalom | Tim Keller Sermon Illustrations
Biblical exposition Keller explains the Hebrew word shalom, often translated as peace.He argues that shalom means much more than the absence of conflict. It describes wholeness, flourishing, harmony and the proper functioning of relationships.He uses the human body to make the meaning understandable. Illustration – When the body loses its harmony A person’s body experiences…
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The exhausted person climbing the ladder of success | Tim Keller Sermon Illustrations
Surrounding biblical exposition Keller explains the consequences of a society built on self-salvation.Isaiah contrasts the lofty city with the strong city. The strong city enjoys peace because its security comes from God. The lofty city, however, is characterised by exhaustion and oppression. Illustration – The endless climb Imagine someone who has worked extremely hard to…
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When you forgive, you pay | Tim Keller Sermon Illustrations
Biblical exposition Keller explains the three shocking aspects of the death of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53:The violence of His death.The vicarious nature of His death.The voluntary nature of His death.He then explains how Jesus could voluntarily suffer in our place to forgive our sins.He draws on a statement by Dietrich Bonhoeffer Illustration –…
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The metaphysical second-chance comedy | Tim Keller Sermon Illustrations
Biblical exposition Keller explains that the Gospel does not merely tell us to change our behaviour. It gives us a new understanding of ourselves through the work of Christ.He refers to a movie review in The New York Times. Illustration – A second chance to become a new personThere was a recent movie review in…
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The artist and the bulldozer | Tim Keller Sermon Illustrations
Biblical exposition Keller explains why worship changes the heart. Christian transformation happens when we grasp how much Jesus Christ loves us and what He sacrificed for us.He compares Christ’s sacrifice to an artist’s love for his work. Illustration – The artist and the bulldozer > If you saw an artist who’d done a beautiful sculpture…and…
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Doubt is also a form of faith | Tim Keller Sermon Illustrations
Biblical exposition Keller explains that everybody is converted by something. Even people who reject Christianity have a worldview that shapes their identity, values and understanding of life. He uses an article by Mark Lilla, a professor at the University of Chicago, to demonstrate this. Sermon Illustration – Doubt is also a form of faith The…
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Avoiding Jesus by avoiding sin |Tim Keller Sermon Illustrations
Biblical exposition Keller explains the surprising truth that the older brother can be just as lost as the younger brother. His obedience is motivated by a desire to control his father and obtain benefits. He refers to Flannery O’Connor’s novel Wise Blood. Illustration – Avoiding Jesus by avoiding sin > Flannery O’Connor in Wise Blood,…
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The musical Oklahoma! Tim Keller Sermon Illustrations
Biblical expositionJesus describes a younger son demanding his inheritance while his father is still alive. Keller explains how shocking this request would have been in the ancient Middle Eastern world. The father’s land was not simply property or money. It represented his identity, family standing and place in the community. Selling a third of it…
