Spirit-Led Preaching

Since I was a young boy, I have thought about preaching a sermon before a congregation. I remember being mesmerized by the pastors of my youth as they held the attention of parishioners for nearly an hour. As I got older, I often would critique the pastors’ sermons. Although unqualified in my own right, I always felt I could do a better job than the trained clergy. My attitude about preaching was based on an immature understanding of scripture and a misunderstanding of the work required to bring a message from the Lord to His people.

It was not until 30+ years later, at age 47; and after completing collegiate biblical training did my understanding of preaching mature. Today, I see preaching very differently. My new understanding is largely based on my growth in the Lord. However, my new biblical training has helped to shape my appreciation for the artform of preaching and the Spirit in which it must be carried out.

The Sermon Construction and Presentation class were one of the most difficult classes for me to complete. It was unlike the earlier classes that I thoroughly enjoyed because they were based purely on scripture study. However, this class challenged my misinformed preaching dogmas. One of the critical tools I learned from the class is how to approach the question, “What is it they need? If you know that and speak to that, you will never have to worry about whether or not they are listening.”

This is a daunting question because it first depends on how you see the needs of others. There are real needs that can be experienced as you know those to whom you will preach. However, other needs are spiritually revealed to preachers as they sense something amiss in the body of Christ. I have often wondered how guest preachers would approach congregants they have never met. As a long-time church attendee, I often marveled at how many visiting preachers made me feel that they were talking directly to me. This is truly the work of the Holy Spirit.

Next, in the Seven Marks of a Good Sermon course, I found each step provided as an effective outline that I will follow. However, I appreciated step #3 the most. I believe that “a good sermon connects God’s Word to the lives of God’s people”, is fundamental to preaching God’s Word. This powerful quote from the class stuck with me; “preaching that is only “relevant”–focusing on the latest perceived need, trend or tragedy in the community without viewing these issues from the perspective of the gospel–is at best therapy and at worst mere pandering”. This made me think about “what” God is trying to accomplish through me each time I am in the pulpit. I had never thought about preaching that way. In the past, my thoughts would drift to how clever, inspired, or passionate I would sound. These shallow aspirations were first reflected in the immaturity of my faith. Yet even as I grew up in my walk, I still did not know how to apply my maturing knowledge of the Lord to preaching before hungry congregants.

Today as I step out as a Commissioned Minister, I am more humbled and less eager to stand in the pulpit. The sheer awesome task of “rightly diving the Word of Truth”, gives me pause. I do have doubts that my exegesis of the text will not suffice everyone’s biblical understanding. I often think about the potential challenges I will face to my interpretation of scripture. Yet, I am confident that my ability as a preacher will not ensure my effectiveness at it. I am reminded that only the Spirit of God can convict people to Him and inspire believers to a greater relationship with the Lord.

The moment I believe in my talent, gifts, and understanding of scripture, is the moment I replaced the Holy Spirit with my flesh. This humbling truth must always guide me. The Bible teaches us in James 4:6, “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” As I grow in the Lord, I am learning that humility must first lead me as I live out my faith.

I understand that cannot have humility in preaching and be prideful in my Christian walk. This approach is false piety and will embarrassingly reveal itself before a congregation. I firmly believe that a humble, spirit-filled, trained preacher is what God requires.

For His Word teaches me that “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise (Psalm 51:17)”. As I continue to grow in my walk and God’s ministry, these truths will guide my steps. I look forward to the opportunities that will come to live this truth in pulpits as God’s Spirit shines through me as I preach His Word. May this attitude fill my faith and my sermons today and until His return.

References

1. Bible scripture is just a part of sermon preparation. (n.d.). Retrieved February 13, 2021, from https://www.preachology.com/Bible-scripture.html

2. Retrieved February 13, 2021, from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+4%3A6&version=NIV

3. Retrieved February 13, 2021, from https://biblehub.com/psalms/51-17.htm

4. Homiletics Professor Michael Rogness and Assistant Professor David Lose. (n.d.). Seven marks of a good sermon. Retrieved February 13, 2021, from https://www.luthersem.edu/story/2003/07/14/seven-marks-of-a-good-sermon/