Random Thoughts on Preaching
In no particular order, here are some random thoughts on preaching.
First, one of the most important areas of focus for a preacher must be his own soul. I agree with George Müller, who said that our first and greatest priority must be to make our souls happy in God. There's a world of difference between a preacher who is walking with God and one who isn't. A sermon can be impressive, and God can work through any pastor, even an ungodly one. However, nothing compares to the preaching of someone who has a close relationship with God. Watch your life and your doctrine (1 Timothy 4:16).
Second, never underestimate the power of preaching. Don't listen to those who question its effectiveness. Measuring the impact of a single sermon is challenging, but if you believe in Scripture, you must also believe in the power of God's preached word. I get tired of hearing that preaching doesn't change lives. My life has been radically changed by the preaching I've heard. A steady diet of solid biblical preaching is transformative for both individuals and the church. Preaching isn't the entire ministry of a church, but it's hard to overstate its importance.
As a preacher, divide your time equally between studying the text and planning how to deliver its message. Preachers can make mistakes in two ways. Sometimes they rush through the text and focus too quickly on how to preach it to the congregation. This skips the important work of understanding the text on its own terms. We need to understand what a message meant to its original audience and how it fits into the broader storyline and theology of scripture before sharing it with the church.
Some preachers make the opposite mistake. They spend most of their time studying the text and not enough time thinking about how to apply it. Wise preachers dedicate plenty of time to both tasks. Take time to understand the text, and then consider how it relates to your congregation.
Next, don't just preach the text; rejoice in God and the truths you're preaching. This is what John Piper calls expository exaltation. Some of the most powerful preaching I've heard is by preachers who are amazed by what they're communicating. They have a holy sense of awe and wonder about the incredible truths they get to proclaim. We should aim to be that kind of preacher—someone who's captivated by God's truths and can't wait to share them.
Next, be prepared for the wonder of what happens as you preach. A unique transformation occurs when a sermon evolves from mere notes on paper into words spoken to a particular congregation, driven by the power of the Holy Spirit. It's hard to describe, but it's almost like the sermon comes alive. Good preaching takes off during the preaching event; it transforms from mere words into something powerful.
It doesn't always happen, but I pray that it happens more often than not. When I enter the pulpit after prayer, having applied the message to myself and focused on my congregation's good and Jesus' glory, it happens more often. Pray that the Holy Spirit gives power to your preaching.
Finally, prepare yourself for the inevitability of discouragement. Discouragement is just part of preaching. We could always do better, and there's always a sense that we are not equal to the task. Expect it; it's part of the course. Aim to improve, but don't get overly discouraged by discouragement. Satan seeks to discourage preachers who love God's Word and aim to glorify Christ while serving their congregations.
The truth is we are weak and limited, and some of us are prone to being overly critical of ourselves. The encouraging news is that God has pledged to work through imperfect yet dedicated preachers who are resolute in their commitment to fulfilling their mission. Just expect discouragement and keep going.
Preaching matters. Stay faithful to your task and trust that God will use you as you preach God’s Word to his people.
