During the past few months, I've been critically and honestly reviewing my preaching. What do I mean? I've been examining it from the viewpoint of what I preach, how I present each lesson, my purposes, and lastly, the sermon contents. Briefly I want to share with you my conclusions. Also, in this special issue, we're going to look at what some others have written on the subject of preaching.
Balance preaching. "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." {2 Timothy 4:2} In reviewing the subjects of the sermons I've preached during the past few years, I noticed that in some years, I emphasized certain areas. One year, we looked at personal evangelism; another year, we looked at information concerning our differences with other religions; and mixed in, were sermons about first principles. I did arrive at one conclusion-I am going to approach series lessons differently. There were too many, and some were too involved. Still, to the best of my ability, I tried to reach a balance.
Tone from the pulpit. "And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power." {1 Corinthians 2:4} This is an area where I need to make some changes. I do not apologize for being emotional about what I preach. I love sinners, but I hate sin, compromise, and false teaching. But God's word says we must preach the truth in love {Ephesians 4:15}. Sometimes, my tone is louder than it needs to be. My goal is to never come across as being angry with anyone, but to be righteously indignant about ungodly living. Some have commented that this is an area where I need to improve. Thank you for your comments. I will work harder at striking a different tone. I cannot promise my voice will never again be loud, but I will try to raise it only when it will be most effective.
Motivating the audience. "Not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things." {Titus 2:10} "This is an area where I seem to be in disagreement with some of my critics. My preaching goal is to help the audience see the truth and apply it in their own lives. Every sermon cannot be a motivational sermon, and every sermon can affect the same audience in a number of different ways. A person's love for God and his desire to live a Godly life must come from within his own heart. Preaching can touch the heart-but only if the hearer has a tender heart that is touched by the truth of God's word.
I can do better, and I continually struggle to be more effective. Thank you for your encouragement and constructive criticism. My constant prayer is that God will give me the wisdom to strike a perfect balance. Please be patient with me! (KMG)