THE POWER OF PREACHING (conclusion)
Barry M. Grider
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Powerful
To make sure a sermon is powerful, it must be:
1. Scripture-saturated. Since the power is in the Word
of God, each sermon should be replete with Scripture references. Peter was
a proof-text preacher, quoting the prophecies of Joel and David. It is the
Word of God that can strike a chord in the heart of man. Paul said,
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| For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is
the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew
first, and also to the Greek (Rom. 1:16). |
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Furthermore, the writer of Hebrews states,
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| For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged
sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of
the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of
the heart (Heb. 4:12). |
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Jesus understood the power of the Word when confronted by the Devil. Three
times, after being tempted to sin, He replied, "It is written" (Matt.4).
The gospel preacher must give his audience a proper diet of the Word of
God. By so doing, he will equip them to stand against the wiles of the Devil
(Eph. 6:11). Far too many preachers would rather deliver a tear-jerking,
watered-down, human interest story that is appealing to the listeners (2
Tim. 4:3-4). The apostles followed the Lord’s command and preached the Word
(2 Tim. 4:2).
2. Christ-centered. The focus of our lives should be centered upon
Christ (Gal. 6:14). Hence, our sermons will exalt the Savior and point men
toward Him. Paul stated thusly, "But we preach Christ crucified..." (1 Cor.
1:23). The heart of Peter’s message on Pentecost was a crucified Christ
and a risen Lord (Acts 2:36). Salvation is to be found in Him (2 Tim. 2:10;
Eph. 1:3). This being true, and since one is baptized into Christ (Gal.
3:27), Peter pointed out the necessity of baptism for the remission of sins
(Acts 2:38).
Likewise, Christ-centered preaching is necessary since all authority rests
with Him (Matt. 28:18). Christ-centered preaching does not involve simply
speaking about His good life, but also declaring the doctrine of Christ.
Jesus said,
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| Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of
me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also
shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father
with the holy angels (Mark 8:38). |
Some preachers can present beautiful platitudes concerning the life of
Christ, yet reject His teaching. One should remember on the final day we
shall be judged by Christ and His Word (John 12:48). Therefore, one who
refuses to preach the doctrine of Christ cannot be considered a Christ-centered
preacher.
3. Sinner-sighted. As already noted, gospel preachers are to present
a practical message that meets the needs of the audience. The Bible is designed
by God to do just exactly that. When Jesus walked upon this earth, He clearly
understood His mission. His was a message of redemption for those who were
lost in sin (Luke 19:10). "And Jesus answering said unto them, They that
are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call
the righteous but sinners to repentance" (Luke 5:32). On the day of Pentecost,
Peter had much to say concerning the sins of those gathered, including convicting
his audience that they were guilty of murdering the Lord Jesus Christ. However,
Peter offered a message of hope to these sinners. God was able to save them
through that very death of Christ on the cross. Just a Jesus did not condemn
the world (John 3:17), neither did Peter condemn his audience, but rather
convicted them of sin, and called upon each one to repent. The record states,
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| Then they that gladly received his word were baptized:
and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls (Acts
2:41). |
Therefore, Peter fulfilled his mission on that day. Since soul-saving
ought to be the goal of every congregation’s work, every sermon should be
sinner-sighted. With this in mind, every preacher will be sure to extend
the Lord’s invitation (Matt. 11:28-30) at the conclusion of every sermon.
There should be constant pleading for each sinner to respond in obedience
to the gospel. Those who are not interested in souls should not occupy any
pulpit of our Lord.
4. God-glorifying. Powerful preaching always brings glory and honor
to God. This happened at Pentecost (Acts 2:47). It is through preaching that
God has chosen to save mankind. It is a reflection of His infinite wisdom
(1 Cor. 1:21). God takes great delight in seeing those whom he has redeemed,
out of thankful hearts, declare His message to others. Preaching will always
be worth our every effort, even when men won’t believe us and refuse to
heed the message. Preaching that is true to the Word always brings glory
to God and the crown of life to those who have faithfully proclaimed it
(2 Tim. 4:8).
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