"Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (1 Corinthians 1:20-25)

Preaching is the activity of a redeemed man, standing in Christ's stead, by His (Christ's) authority, and in obedience to His command. This man proclaims, explains, illustrates, and strongly urges obedience to God's word, the gospel of Christ. The preacher does this in such a manner as to make it possible for responsible people to understand and accept it unto life, or reject it unto death.

Of What Does Preaching Consist?

Preaching has also been defined as, "the authoritative proclamation of the word of the living God, by living men of God, in God's ordained manner of moving people to Christ and salvation and on to eternal life." (Romans 10:14-17) It is in this respect that preaching differs from all other public speech and rises above secular activity. Preaching does not consist of excellency of speech, or the wisdom and power of the world, but of the testimony, wisdom, and power in God's word (1 Corinthians 2:1-5). It is by the power in God's word, faithfully preached by faithful men, that dead souls are raised from their spiritual graves to spiritual life, joy, and victory (Romans 11:13-15).

Preaching Is a Divine Function Accomplished Through Men.

A human voice, fused with love for God and men's souls, delivers God's divine message of love and salvation to men. Preaching is a proclamation, in clear, understandable terms, that reveals God's heart and will to men and urges them to obey Him.

If it is not the declaration of the authoritative word of God's Son, then it is not preaching (Galatians 1:6-9). The gospel preacher does not create facts. The King gives them to him, and he must not alter them (1 Peter 4:11). The preacher speaks as a herald announcing God's message, declaring the facts of God's word, not his own. Preaching, if it is to please God and save men, must be identical in content and spirit to the apostolic preaching.

What Is Good Preaching?

Good preaching is not a parade of a man's knowledge, a show of his speaking ability, a fashion display, or an effort to build a personal following.

1. Good preaching is Bible-centered (2 Timothy 3:16; 4:1-2; 1 Corinthians 2:2). It harmonizes with truth (Galatians 1:6-7). It is simple (Mark 12:37). It reveals both the awfulness of sin (Romans 7:7,13) and the love of God through Christ (John 3:16; Romans 5:8).
   
   
2. Good preaching is well-rounded (Acts 20:20,26-27,31-32,35). It accomplishes its intended purposes:
   
   
   • Bringing people to Christ so they can be saved (John 6:44-45).
   • Causing Christians to grow spiritually (1 Peter 2:1,2; Hebrews 5:12-14).
   • Keeping Christians saved (James 1:21; 1 Corinthians 15:1,2).
     
     

Examples of Good Preachers

1. The Apostle Paul. He considered himself a debtor to all men, so he devoted himself to preaching the gospel to save them (Romans 1:14-17). He respected the gospel (1 Corinthians 1:17; Romans 1:16). He was honest and sincere (2 Corinthians 4:1-7; Galatians 4:16). He declared that which was profitable (Acts 20:18-35). His message was limited to God's will (1 Corinthians 2:1-5; Philippians 2:5). He did not back down before those who taught things which were contrary to the doctrine of Christ (Romans 16:17,18).
   
   
2. Jesus, the Master Teacher. He was prepared to teach. He knew the Law (Matthew 12:3-8; Luke 4:16-21).
   
   
   • He possessed the characteristics a preacher should have. He was:
     • Frank and sincere (Luke 13:1-5; Mark 8:31-38; John 15:1-5).
     • Cheerful and energetic (Matthew 14:16; 15:32).
     • Optimistic (Matthew 10:17-26; 24:1-51; Luke 17:20-37).
     • Tactful and resourceful (John 8:1-11; 4:4-26).
     • Clean in mind and body (Matthew 5:22, 28,34; 7:12).
     • Sympathetic and kind (John 11:35; Mark 7:31-37; Matthew. 19:13-15).
     • One who loved humanity (John 13:34; Galatians 2:20; 1 John 3:16).
     • Spiritual-minded and consecrated (Luke 2:40,49).
     • Patient and prayerful (John 6:15; Matthew 27:14; Mark 1:35; John 17:9).
     • Indignant at sin (Matthew 23:1ff; 21:13; Mark 11:17).
       
       
   • He had a proper attitude toward His listeners. He:
     • Loved them (John 11:35,36).
     • Reproved them (Luke 9:37-43).
     • Associated with them (Matthew. 9:9-13).
     • Yearned for them (Matthew 23:37-39).

Keys to Good Preaching

1. Good study and preparation. Good study employs observation, interpretation, application, and communication.
   
   
   • Observation - what does the passage say?
   • Interpretation - what does the passage mean?
   • Application - how does the passage relate to me?
   • Communication - how do I relate the meaning of the passage to others?
     
     
2. Good presentation. The preacher must have the right attitude (2 Timothy 2:14-26) and the right motive (1 Timothy 3:5). He must be persistent and patient (2 Timothy 4:1-5), present the Bible as the word of God (2 Peter 1:16-21), and make his conclusion personal and decisive (Acts 26:29).
   
   
3. Good life. The messenger who delivers God's word must live in accordance with that word. He must take heed to himself and his teaching (1 Timothy 4:16). He should be an example to the believers in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity (1 Timothy 4:12).

Conclusion

For preaching to be effective, there must be sincere presentation, clear speech, suitable material, simple lessons, and succinct sermons.

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Brother Taylor has given a good outline of what preaching is all about. As editor of this publication, I would like to add a few thoughts for your consideration.

1. Sermons can be easy to follow only if they contain a message for the audience. Any sermon that does not make application-how does this apply to the hearer-is a sermon that does not need to be preached. Preachers do not make application for individual listeners, but we can tell them how the truth applies to Christians and/or to those outside of Christ.
   
   
2. While brevity is something that many listeners desire, it is not always possible. Some more meaty subjects require more time to develop.
   
   
   • How does one preach a 20-minute sermon about the meaning of the book of Revelation? What about the flaws in the theory that Christ will reign on earth for 1000 years?
   • What modern subjects fit under the Romans-14 umbrella?
     
     
   Please don't misunderstand. I do not advocate "eternal" sermons. Some lessons just require more time than others. Also, preachers sometimes need to divulge additional information to meet the needs of new converts who are learning details that mature Christians already know.
   
   
3. Preaching subjects and topics are matters of judgment. I know of no preacher who has perfect judgment. The subject to discuss is a difficult decision every local preacher makes every week. Some sermons need to fit the needs of the church where the preacher is laboring. Other sermons must address problems that may be affecting various parts of the brotherhood. Error does not confine itself to one geographical location. All churches need to be taught about all things, regardless whether they are presently having problems. Overseas preaching has made me aware of this truth.
   
   
4. Preachers need always to keep in mind-watch-their audiences. If the audience is not following the preacher's train of thought, he can detect it by monitoring the attention spans of its members. Sometimes, he needs to direct more attention to a particular point. Sometimes, he has already made the point.
   
   

These are just a few additional points to be considered, both by preachers and by their audiences. (KMG)