What is Preaching?

Paul E Brown

We preach Christ crucified, wrote Paul (1 Corinthians 1:23), but what did he mean by preach? A dictionary will tell you that the Greek word means, ‘Proclaim, herald, announce’. This refers to the manner of speaking, but of more importance are the biblical ideas that cluster around the concept of preaching. The context of the verse indicates that the majority of people who heard the message of the cross considered it foolishness. Nevertheless, it was the message which Paul had received from God. So preaching is not a man giving his own opinion or advice, even good and godly advice; it is speaking out the Word of God. For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

Bible-based

For us this means that preaching must be based on the Bible. It arises out of what the Bible is saying. It is expository and explanatory; bringing the meaning of a passage to clear view and explaining any difficulties or possible misunderstandings. This doesn’t mean that every sermon has to start with a particular passage or verse. Nor does it mean that every sermon has to stick to one passage. It does mean that the substance of preaching has to be God’s Word. It is possible to raise a problem, or topic, or some item of current discussion, but the answer, the message, must be thoroughly biblical.  Some sermons may explore biblical themes, looking at a number of passages, but they must not be pressed into the service of some extra-biblical theory. Rather, they expose the breadth and comprehensiveness of biblical teaching. The Bible consists of a variety of books – history, prophecy, poetry, proverbs, law and letters. Bible preaching should be rich and varied, matching the wealth of different material in it.  No-one should be bored by the Bible!

 Authoritative

Because preaching deals with God’s Word it has a note of authority about it. A preacher is an ambassador through whom God makes his appeal (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:20). Authority doesn’t mean an authoritarian manner. It doesn’t mean a bombastic, dogmatic style of speaking. It doesn’t invest the preacher with any personal authority, nor give him any right to throw his weight about. It does mean he speaks knowing that as he is faithful to the Scripture the authority of God belongs to what he says. So he doesn’t apologise for what God has said. He speaks with a certainty and confidence. But he knows the authority is in the message, not in him.

 Spirit-empowered

Everyone charged with the high responsibility of making known the Word of God will do their best to fulfil their calling. There cannot be any skimping on preparation. There will be a concern to speak the message as clearly and effectively as possible.  Yet no preacher dare rely on his own abilities. True preaching takes place in dependence on the Holy Spirit. It recognises that only the Spirit can effect any spiritual good through the sermon. Speakers can inform, entertain, amuse, inspire – or the converse of these things! Only the Spirit can save a soul or edify God’s people.  Looking back on his visit to Corinth Paul can say, My speech and my preaching were… in demonstration of the Spirit and power (1 Corinthians 2:4). And thinking of the things freely given to believers by God, he says, These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches (2:13).  Every preacher, knowing his own weakness and total inadequacy, depends entirely on the Spirit and longs to preach by the Spirit sent from heaven (1 Peter 1:12).

Personality

After speaking of the Holy Spirit it may seem a mistake to say that preaching must reflect the personality of the preacher and come from his heart. Still it needs to be said, for the Holy Spirit does not simply use words, he uses the person who utters them. We are not all the same, and it is useless for preachers to try to imitate other preachers. A preacher has to be himself under the influence of the truth that he is going to deliver. This means there will be different styles of preaching: some will be more emotional, some more analytical, some quieter and others louder, some more thoughtful and reflective. There needs to be passion, sincerity, earnestness, humility, and above all else reality. The manner of the preacher will also alter according to the truth he is speaking. No belligerent bellowing, ‘God loves you’. No light-heartedness when speaking of judgment or hell. No dull, gloomy voice when saying, Rejoice in the Lord always.  

Application

Finally, preaching as it should be is always applicatory and directed to its hearers.  There is a real difference here between preaching in the open air and a pastor preaching to his own congregation. The first is like casting a net in the sea hoping you’ll catch at least a few fish. The second is targeted, speaking to those who are known and whose spiritual condition and needs can be fairly accurately judged.  Preaching is to people, and they should feel there is a thought out, prayerful message directed to them. And there must be application, but not necessarily a bunch of ‘Applications’ at the end. Far better to get them in when hearers are not on their guard, an unexpected thrust that has gone home before any defence mechanisms can be called into operation. But not all application is like that. Comfort, encouragement, lifting up, hope, strengthening, inspiring – there are always those who need large doses of these. 

These are some of the main characteristics of true preaching. Preachers aspire to preach as they should, yet are all too conscious of how far they fall short. It was said of Phillips Brooks: ‘Our great preachers take into the pulpit a bucket full or half-full of the Word of God, and then by the force of personal mechanism they attempt to convey it to the congregation. But this man is just a great water main, attached to the great reservoir of God’s truth and grace and love; and streams of life, by a heavenly gravitation, pour through him to refresh every weary soul.’ That’s preaching!

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