2 Timothy 4:1-5—What Makes a Sermon?
Preaching is God [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] communicating His truth by the scriptures, in our world to people in the pew, for the purpose of converting sinners, sanctifying saints, and preparing people for heaven, through human instruments, in order to change their thinking, bridle their emotions, and alter their wills.—Dennis Prutow
I. Some Pillars of Preaching (2 Tim. 4:2,5)
o Preparation and posture: be ready … fulfill your ministry …
o Unwavering commitment: in season and out of season
o Convince: To convince or convict; to show someone their error
o Rebuke: to charge someone as guilty; to warn; to appraise someone
o Exhort: to relieve someone's distress; to comfort or encourage
We know our skills are insufficient for an activity with such vast consequences. We recognize that our hearts are too lacking in purity to lead others to holiness. Honest evaluation inevitably causes us to conclude that we do not have sufficient eloquence, wisdom, or character to be capable of turning others from spiritual death to eternal life. … Ultimately, preaching accomplishes its spiritual purposes not because of the skills or the wisdom of a preacher but because of the power of the Scripture proclaimed. —Bryan Chappell, Christ-Centered Preaching
II. How We Get There (2 Tim. 4:2-5)
o Doctrine: with complete patience and teaching …
o The end of this teaching (2 Tim. 4:5):
Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.—Col. 1:28 |
