Preaching

1. Preaching must faithfully expound the Word and engage the culture

"So the two positions of 'adapt to the culture' and 'confront the culture' are not as mutually exclusive as they appear."

Faithful exposition. Expository preaching that carefully explains the meaning of Scripture in its context is essential. This grounds the message in God's Word rather than human opinion. However, exposition alone is not enough.

Cultural engagement. Preachers must also understand their audience's cultural context and engage with it. This involves:

• Identifying baseline cultural narratives and assumptions
• Affirming what is good and true in the culture
• Challenging idolatries and false beliefs
• Showing how the gospel fulfills cultural longings

Contextual communication. Following Paul's example, preachers should contextualize without compromising. This means:

• Using accessible language and concepts
• Employing culturally respected authorities
• Demonstrating understanding of doubts and objections
• Making gospel offers that address cultural pressure points

2. Every sermon should preach the gospel, not just moralism

"If you don't every time emphatically and clearly fit that text into Christ's salvation and show how he saved us through resisting temptation, fulfilling the law perfectly, and taking on the ultimate giants of sin and death—all for us, as our substitute—then you are only confirming moralists in their moralism."

Avoid moralism. Simply telling people how they should live without relating it to the gospel leads to self-righteousness or despair. Moralism cannot change hearts.

Preach grace. Every sermon should show how Christ has fulfilled the law and secured our salvation. This frees us from both legalism and antinomianism.

Gospel motivation. Only when we grasp God's grace in Christ can we truly change. The gospel provides:

• A new identity as beloved children of God
• Forgiveness and acceptance that frees us from guilt
• The Spirit's power to obey from the heart
• Motivation of gratitude rather than fear or pride

3. Christ is the central theme of all Scripture and every sermon

"To preach the gospel every time is to preach Christ every time, from every passage."

Christ-centered interpretation. All of Scripture points to Christ as its fulfillment. Preachers must show how each text relates to:

• God's unfolding plan of redemption
• Biblical themes that find their climax in Christ
• Old Testament types and shadows of Christ
• Prophecies and promises fulfilled in Christ

Proclaiming Christ. Every sermon should exalt Christ by showing:

• His perfect life fulfilling God's law
• His sacrificial death atoning for sin
• His resurrection securing our justification
• His ascension and ongoing intercession
• His future return to consummate all things

Gospel application. Practical exhortations must be grounded in Christ's work. Show how:

• Christ's obedience, not ours, secures our acceptance
• Christ's sacrifice motivates and empowers our obedience
• Union with Christ transforms our desires and behavior

4. Effective preaching requires understanding and addressing cultural narratives

"Unless we call these out and contrast them to the great themes and offers of the Bible, both believers and nonbelievers in a culture will be unconsciously influenced by them."

Identify cultural narratives. Preachers must understand the underlying beliefs and assumptions of their audience, including:

• Views of identity, freedom, morality, and purpose
• Hopes, fears, and aspirations
• Objections and obstacles to faith

Engage sympathetically. Show respect and understanding for cultural values while exposing their flaws:

• Affirm partial truths and good aspirations
• Expose internal contradictions and inadequacies
• Show how the gospel fulfills and transforms cultural longings

Present the gospel as the better story. Demonstrate how Christ offers:

• A more secure identity than self-creation
• True freedom through joyful submission to God
• A foundation for morality and human dignity
• Purpose and meaning in God's grand story

5. The late-modern mind presents unique challenges for gospel communication

"We now believe that there is no 'external cosmic order … to which we must conform' but that truth can be 'constructed according to the individual's will.'"

Understand the secular mindset. Late-modern culture is characterized by:

• Radical individualism and self-creation
• Rejection of external moral authority
• Belief in human progress and technological solutions
• Suspicion of religious claims and institutions

Address common objections. Anticipate and respond to prevalent critiques:

• "Religion is oppressive and limits personal freedom"
• "Science has disproven the need for God"
• "All religions are equally valid paths to truth"
• "Christianity is intolerant and exclusive"

Expose hidden beliefs. Show how secular assumptions often rely on:

• Unacknowledged faith commitments
• Borrowed capital from the Christian worldview
• Internal contradictions and inadequate foundations

6. Preaching must engage both the mind and heart of listeners

"Change happens not just by giving the mind new arguments but also by feeding the imagination new beauties."

Aim for the heart. True change requires more than intellectual assent. Preaching must:

• Engage emotions and imagination
• Address underlying motives and desires
• Paint a compelling vision of life with God

Use vivid language. Employ illustrations, metaphors, and stories to:

• Make abstract truths concrete and memorable
• Connect biblical concepts to lived experience
• Evoke wonder and delight in Christ

Apply practically. Show how the truth applies to real life:

• Address specific situations and struggles
• Provide concrete steps for obedience
• Anticipate and answer objections

Preach affectionately. Let your own heart be moved by the truth:

• Speak with authentic passion and conviction
• Express joy, grief, and wonder appropriately
• Let your life authenticate your message

7. The Holy Spirit's power is essential for truly transformative preaching

"The difference between good preaching and great preaching lies mainly in the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of the listener as well as the preacher."

Depend on the Spirit. Recognize that true heart change is ultimately God's work:

• Pray fervently for the Spirit's illumination and conviction
• Trust God's Word to accomplish His purposes
• Avoid manipulative techniques or reliance on human wisdom

Seek spiritual power. Cultivate your own walk with God:

• Nurture a deep prayer life and intimacy with Christ
• Allow the truth to transform your own heart first
• Preach out of the overflow of your communion with God

Expect God to work. Preach with faith and expectancy:

• Look for the Spirit to apply the Word powerfully
• Be sensitive to the Spirit's leading as you preach
• Leave room for God to work beyond your preparation

Last updated: August 13, 2024