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DESTRUCTION INSTRUCTION
MAIN POINT
What is it about directions, that make them so hard to follow? Sometimes, it's
the way they are written. We don't understand them. Sometimes, they are very clear and
easy to understand, yet we choose to ignore them. We think we can do it on our own. It is
this last statement that this sketch pokes most fun at. When believers have God's Word,
perfect instructions for life to follow, why do we continue to try and do it our own way?
CHARACTERIZATION
Deb is an average wife and mother; a bit on the nervous side. She likes
things neat and orderly. She likes to read and follow directions.
Dennis is a bit on the creative side, likes to do things his way in his time. He has a good sense of humor. He hates to read and follow directions.
DIRECTOR'S NOTES
Though the sketch is humorous, make sure it remains believable. The characters should not
become too broad. Deb really is concerned about the cake. Dennis really is thinking the
contraption he put together might be a great gift for his son. For the tricycle itself,
purchase the most inexpensive, unassembled one you can find. Have fun putting it together
"wrong," leaving some of the major features off ... including one of the wheels.
If the box the tricycle came in has a picture on it, make sure the audience cannot see it.
Another option is to find a tricycle and partially disassemble it ahead of time. (If a
tricycle cannot be found, any child's toy, dollhouse, or chalkboard which needs to be
assembled, will work.) We want them to be intrigued by what Dennis is doing. Also, Deb
will have to begin talking without actually looking at the tricycle. She doesn't see it
until Dennis holds it up. The smoldering pan at the end can be created by having someone
off stage light a small piece of paper in a cake pan and then blow it out just prior to
Dennis' second entrance. If it will be possible for the audience to see what is inside the
pan, a dark sponge or actual "burnt" cake will need to be placed inside the pan
(smoldering paper or matches underneath it).
RELATED SCRIPTURES
Psalm 119: Covers the blessedness of those who
keep God's law, a prayer for eyes to behold the truth of God's law, and a prayer to
understand God's precepts. Verse 105 reminds us that God's word is "a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path." Good instructions!
2 Timothy 3:16-17 says that all scripture is inspired by God and equips us for the work of God.
Luke 4:1-12 records the temptation of Christ in the wilderness where he combats all temptation with the Word of God. In all of the scriptures, we learn that the best instruction is to rely upon the teaching of God's word.
RELATED THEMES
This sketch will work well for any message related to Bible Study or knowing God's Word,
temptation or The Ten Commandments.
RELATED SERMON
See "'Go There,' but 'Don't Go There'" in the March-April 1998 issue of HOMILETICS.
To order call 1 800 922-2144.
