Preachers are accustomed to hearing people say "good sermon" as they leave the worship assembly. Sometimes people are sincere when they say it, other times they are just being courteous. It's not too often that someone says "bad sermon," even if it's what they're thinking. A good thing perhaps, at least on most occasions. What's often never quite identified however is the criteria people use to judge sermons. Just what exactly makes a good sermon? What makes a bad sermon? Many might talk about delivery and speaking style. Although those things have their importance, let's think about the question on more fundamental and essential terms. Approaching it from the negative, here are four things that truly make a bad sermon:
A lack of study. A lot of study needs to go into every sermon. With experience it should become clear that cumulative study over time is also important. Second Timothy 2:15 is a verse that is crucial to gospel preaching. It speaks of the need for diligence in study, in handling the word of truth, and in seeking God's approval (rather than man's). This requires a devotion to God's word which must be at the heart of every sermon.
A lack of biblical content. There are a lot of preferences we may have when it comes to Bible preaching, but may our first preference be the Bible! May we never become so fixated on matters such as personality, education, reputation, humor, storytelling, visual aids, etc., that we accept preaching that lacks the word of God. Without biblical content a sermon only contains human wisdom and opinion, and frankly, you can get that anywhere. First Peter 1:25 tells us that it is the word of the Lord that remains forever. Romans 10:17 tells us that it is the word of Christ that builds faith. If a sermon is missing the distinctive content of the eternal faith-building word, it is a bad sermon. Even if the delivery is excellent and the pews are packed, this is bad preaching and it will not save souls.
A lack of purpose. Bad sermons contain no clear point and purpose. Such a sermon may ramble on about nothing or it may speak eloquently about everything but it accomplishes nothing. Peter reflects on his purpose in preaching in First Peter chapter one and emphasizes the subject of salvation. Salvation is the ultimate purpose of all good sermons. Where does salvation come from? From the truth found in the word of God, which Peter tells us is something so powerful that even angels long to look into it (v. 12). Unless a sermon has the purpose of delivering this same angel-provoking truth that leads to salvation, it is a bad sermon.
A lack of application. A good sermon drives home application. Certainly there is a place for analytical sermons that contemplate concepts and principles, but at some point there must be a call for change, improvement, and action. "To sum up, all of you be..." is how Peter begins his applications in First Peter chapter three. Whether speaking on the day of Pentecost or writing his letters, Peter always made application with his preaching. This is essential for any good sermon.
As we consider these things which make a bad sermon, something very important should strike us: The very things that make for a bad sermon are the exact same things that make for bad living and a bad walk.
A lack of study will lead us into stumbling and darkness. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Ps. 119:105). Like a good sermon, a good walk requires devotion to the word. Clearly then a lack of biblical content in our lives will lead to bad living. It is the word of God that is able to build us up (Acts 20:32). It is the word of Christ which must dwell in us (Col 3:16). Our living, just like our preaching, becomes impoverished when we fail to make God's word the real content. Neither a smooth style nor an engaging personality can make up for such a failing either in preaching or in living. A lack of purpose, spiritual purpose, will render our days without meaning and our walk a pointless wandering. Steadfast purpose is required of those who would remain faithful to the Lord (Acts 11:23). Finally, application of God's word must be made in our daily lives to keep them from going bad. James chapter one warns us that hearing the word of God isn't enough - we must be doers of it.
Whether we're preaching a sermon or listening to one, we're all in this together and our goals should be the same - to preach good sermons and live good lives. The ingredients that make for each are exactly the same. Let's endeavor to never lack but keep these ingredients abundant in all that we do.