Confronting Culture: The Power of Preaching Truth

In today's message, we explored a model of preaching that is both timeless and necessary for the church to confront the world effectively. This model, exemplified by the Apostle Paul, is not the only way to preach, but it serves as a powerful paradigm. Paul’s message was structured around three key points: righteousness, self-control, and judgment. These themes are not just theological concepts but are deeply relevant to our current cultural climate. They challenge us to consider how we present the gospel in a world that often resists persuasion and truth.

Paul's approach was not merely an invitation to believe in Jesus Christ but a didactic engagement with the heart and mind. He understood that before people can come to Christ, they must first understand who Christ is and why they need Him. This requires a deep penetration of the secular armor that many wear, addressing the questions they are truly asking. Paul’s preaching was rooted in a profound understanding of righteousness, a call to self-control, and a sobering reminder of coming judgment.

Reflecting on Paul's method, we are reminded of the importance of motivation, methodology, and message in our own preaching. Our motivation should be driven by the fear of the Lord, compelling us to persuade others with urgency and conviction. The methodology must involve authoritative preaching of the Word of God, which has historically been the catalyst for spiritual revival and transformation. However, there is a concerning trend where preaching is in the shadows, even within the church, due to a loss of confidence in the authority and sufficiency of Scripture.

The message challenges us to examine our own motivations and methods. Are we driven by the fear of the Lord? Do we believe in the transformative power of preaching? Are we willing to confront the cultural norms that discourage persuasion and truth-telling? As we ponder these questions, let us be inspired by the example of Paul and the early apostles, who preached with boldness and clarity, trusting in the power of God’s Word to change lives.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Righteousness, Self-Control, and Judgment: These three themes are central to understanding the gospel and are crucial for engaging a secular world. They challenge us to present a holistic view of the Christian faith that addresses the heart, mind, and will. [01:13]
• 2. The Fear of the Lord as Motivation: True persuasion in evangelism stems from a deep fear of the Lord. This fear drives us to speak truth with boldness, as exemplified by historical figures like John Knox, who feared God more than any human authority. [07:58]
• 3. The Power of Authoritative Preaching: Throughout history, spiritual revivals have been linked to the authoritative preaching of God’s Word. Despite cultural shifts, this method remains vital for transforming lives and communities. [09:58]
• 4. Confidence in Scripture: A loss of confidence in the authority and sufficiency of Scripture leads to passive congregations and ineffective preaching. We must reaffirm our belief in the Bible as the sword of the Spirit that pierces hearts and brings people to faith. [10:36]
• 5. Challenging Cultural Norms: In a world that resists persuasion and truth, we must be willing to confront cultural norms and preach with clarity and conviction. This involves addressing the real dilemmas of humanity, not just offering feel-good messages. [11:13]
  ** [11:13]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:13] - Three Key Points: Righteousness, Self-Control, Judgment
• [02:19] - Understanding Faith in Jesus Christ
• [03:17] - Paul's Preaching Model
• [04:10] - Learning from Stephen's Example
• [05:21] - The Reaction to Stephen's Message
• [06:08] - Evaluating Our Approach
• [07:00] - Motivation: The Fear of the Lord
• [09:11] - Methodology: The Power of Preaching
• [10:24] - Confidence in Scripture
• [11:00] - Addressing Humanity's Real Dilemmas
• [12:06] - The Need for Revival
• [12:22] - Congregational Expectations
• [13:02] - Cultural Challenges in Preaching
• [13:49] - Conclusion and Call to Action

1. Psalm 1:5 - "Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous."
2. 2 Corinthians 5:11 - "Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others."
3. Acts 7:51-60 - Stephen’s speech and martyrdom, which Paul witnessed.

1. What are the three key points of Paul's message as discussed in the sermon? How do these points relate to the current cultural climate? [01:13]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of fear in motivating evangelism? What historical figure is used as an example? [07:58]
3. According to the sermon, what is the relationship between authoritative preaching and spiritual revival? [09:58]
4. What concerns are raised in the sermon about the current state of preaching within the church? [10:36]

1. How does the concept of righteousness, as discussed in the sermon, challenge the secular worldview? What implications does this have for how Christians engage with society? [01:13]
2. In what ways does the fear of the Lord serve as a motivation for evangelism, according to the sermon? How might this differ from other motivations? [07:58]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the power and necessity of authoritative preaching in the face of cultural shifts? How does this relate to historical examples of revival? [09:58]
4. How does the sermon address the issue of confidence in Scripture? What are the potential consequences of losing this confidence? [10:36]

1. Reflect on the three key themes of righteousness, self-control, and judgment. How can you incorporate these themes into your conversations about faith with others? [01:13]
2. Consider your own motivations for sharing the gospel. How does the fear of the Lord influence your approach to evangelism? What changes might you need to make? [07:58]
3. How can you support and encourage authoritative preaching in your church community? What steps can you take to ensure that the Word of God remains central in your congregation? [09:58]
4. In what ways can you challenge cultural norms that resist persuasion and truth-telling? How can you engage with others in a way that addresses their real questions and concerns? [11:13]
5. Reflect on your confidence in the authority and sufficiency of Scripture. How does this confidence (or lack thereof) affect your daily life and interactions with others? [10:36]
6. How can you prepare yourself to be a more effective witness for Christ in a world that often resists the gospel message? What practical steps can you take this week? [11:13]
7. Think about a time when you felt passive in your faith. What changes can you make to become more active and engaged in your spiritual journey? [12:22]