Preserving the Essence of Preaching in Worship

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we explored the importance of maintaining the integrity and purpose of preaching within the church. The central theme revolved around the dangers of succumbing to practices that detract from the true essence of worship and the proclamation of God's Word. One significant point discussed was the practice of announcing sermon topics in advance. This practice, which gained popularity in the 19th century, can lead to a pseudo-intellectualism that shifts focus from worshiping God to satisfying intellectual curiosity. It encourages a fragmented approach to Scripture, isolating topics from their biblical context and promoting an imbalanced Christian life.

Furthermore, we delved into the impact of modern media, such as radio and television, on preaching. While these platforms can reach a wide audience, they often impose constraints that hinder the freedom of the Spirit and the depth of the message. The emphasis on results and audience numbers can overshadow the true purpose of preaching, which is to foster a deep, communal engagement with God's Word.

We also examined the pitfalls of professionalism in ministry. The danger lies in allowing preaching to become a mere routine or performance, rather than a heartfelt response to God's calling. This can manifest in various ways, such as relying on natural talents or preparation rather than the Spirit, or succumbing to pride and self-promotion.

Finally, we addressed the balance needed in preaching, particularly concerning intellectualism, sentimentality, and polemics. While each has its place, an overemphasis can lead to a distorted message that fails to edify the congregation. The ultimate goal is to present a balanced, holistic message that encompasses the full counsel of God, fostering spiritual growth and unity within the church.

Key Takeaways:

- Avoiding Announced Topics: Announcing sermon topics in advance can lead to a pseudo-intellectualism that detracts from the true purpose of worship. It encourages a fragmented approach to Scripture, isolating topics from their biblical context and promoting an imbalanced Christian life. Worship should focus on God and His Word, not on satisfying intellectual curiosity. [03:18]

- Impact of Media on Preaching: While radio and television can reach a wide audience, they often impose constraints that hinder the freedom of the Spirit and the depth of the message. The emphasis on results and audience numbers can overshadow the true purpose of preaching, which is to foster a deep, communal engagement with God's Word. [12:47]

- Dangers of Professionalism: Professionalism in ministry can turn preaching into a mere routine or performance, rather than a heartfelt response to God's calling. This can manifest in various ways, such as relying on natural talents or preparation rather than the Spirit, or succumbing to pride and self-promotion. [23:37]

- Balancing Intellectualism and Emotion: Preaching should strike a balance between intellectualism, sentimentality, and polemics. An overemphasis on any one aspect can lead to a distorted message that fails to edify the congregation. The goal is to present a balanced, holistic message that encompasses the full counsel of God. [37:19]

- Self-Forgetfulness in Preaching: The greatest enemy of the preacher is self, and the only way to deal with it is to be so absorbed in the glory of the message and the presence of God that self is forgotten. This self-forgetfulness allows the preacher to honor God and effectively communicate His truth. [56:11]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:54] - Preparation and Preaching
- [02:14] - Announcing Sermon Topics
- [03:18] - Pseudo-Intellectualism in Worship
- [04:37] - Shift in Worship Practices
- [06:50] - Misunderstanding Needs
- [08:11] - Dangers of Imbalance
- [09:16] - 19th Century Church Practices
- [11:05] - Radio and Television Preaching
- [12:47] - Constraints of Media
- [14:29] - Evaluating Results
- [19:59] - Impact on Church Attendance
- [23:22] - Avoiding Professionalism
- [27:51] - Display of Knowledge
- [37:19] - Balancing Intellect and Emotion
- [56:11] - Self-Forgetfulness in Preaching

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Acts 2:42-47
2. Galatians 2:11-14
3. Philippians 1:27-30

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Observation Questions:

1. What are some reasons given in the sermon for why announcing sermon topics in advance might be problematic? ([02:14])

2. How does the sermon describe the impact of modern media, such as radio and television, on the practice of preaching? ([12:47])

3. What are some examples of professionalism in ministry that the sermon warns against? ([23:37])

4. According to the sermon, what is the greatest enemy of the preacher, and how can it be overcome? ([56:11])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How might announcing sermon topics in advance lead to a fragmented approach to Scripture, and what are the potential consequences for the congregation? ([03:18])

2. In what ways can the constraints of media platforms hinder the freedom of the Spirit and the depth of the message in preaching? ([12:47])

3. How does the sermon suggest that professionalism can turn preaching into a routine or performance, and what are the spiritual dangers of this? ([23:37])

4. What does the sermon mean by "self-forgetfulness" in preaching, and why is it considered essential for honoring God? ([56:11])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own church experience. Have you noticed a focus on sermon topics over the holistic message of Scripture? How can you encourage a more balanced approach in your community? ([03:18])

2. Consider the role of media in your spiritual life. Are there ways in which media consumption might be affecting your engagement with God's Word? How can you ensure that your focus remains on deep, communal engagement? ([12:47])

3. Think about your own talents and skills. Are there areas where you might be relying more on your natural abilities than on the Spirit? How can you shift your focus to ensure that your actions are a heartfelt response to God's calling? ([23:37])

4. How can you practice self-forgetfulness in your daily life, allowing yourself to be absorbed in the glory of God's message and presence? What steps can you take to minimize self-focus and maximize God-focus? ([56:11])

5. Identify a specific area in your life where you might be leaning too heavily on intellectualism, sentimentality, or polemics. What practical steps can you take to achieve a more balanced approach? ([37:19])

6. Reflect on a time when pride may have influenced your actions or decisions. How can you cultivate humility and ensure that your focus remains on honoring God rather than self-promotion? ([33:06])

7. How can you foster a sense of unity and communal worship in your church, moving away from a detached or individualistic approach to faith? What role can you play in encouraging others to engage more deeply with the church community? ([21:59])

Devotional

Day 1: The Perils of Announced Sermon Topics
Announcing sermon topics in advance can lead to a pseudo-intellectualism that detracts from the true purpose of worship. This practice encourages a fragmented approach to Scripture, isolating topics from their biblical context and promoting an imbalanced Christian life. Worship should focus on God and His Word, not on satisfying intellectual curiosity. By focusing too much on intellectual satisfaction, believers may miss the holistic message of the Bible, which is meant to be experienced as a unified narrative. [03:18]

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a time when you focused more on the topic of a sermon rather than the message God was conveying through it. How can you shift your focus to engage more deeply with the entirety of God's Word?


Day 2: Navigating the Impact of Media on Preaching
While radio and television can reach a wide audience, they often impose constraints that hinder the freedom of the Spirit and the depth of the message. The emphasis on results and audience numbers can overshadow the true purpose of preaching, which is to foster a deep, communal engagement with God's Word. The challenge lies in maintaining the integrity of the message while utilizing these platforms, ensuring that the focus remains on spiritual growth rather than mere numbers. [12:47]

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." (Romans 10:17, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on how you consume spiritual content through media. Are there ways you can ensure that your engagement with such content leads to genuine spiritual growth rather than just passive consumption?


Day 3: The Dangers of Professionalism in Ministry
Professionalism in ministry can turn preaching into a mere routine or performance, rather than a heartfelt response to God's calling. This can manifest in various ways, such as relying on natural talents or preparation rather than the Spirit, or succumbing to pride and self-promotion. The heart of ministry should be a genuine response to God's call, allowing the Spirit to guide and inspire the message. [23:37]

"Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." (Zechariah 4:6, ESV)

Reflection: Think about an area in your life where you might be relying more on your own abilities than on God's Spirit. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to take the lead in that area today?


Day 4: Balancing Intellectualism and Emotion in Preaching
Preaching should strike a balance between intellectualism, sentimentality, and polemics. An overemphasis on any one aspect can lead to a distorted message that fails to edify the congregation. The goal is to present a balanced, holistic message that encompasses the full counsel of God, fostering spiritual growth and unity within the church. [37:19]

"For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." (1 Corinthians 2:2, ESV)

Reflection: Consider your own approach to faith. Do you lean more towards intellectual understanding or emotional experience? How can you seek a more balanced approach that embraces both aspects?


Day 5: Embracing Self-Forgetfulness in Preaching
The greatest enemy of the preacher is self, and the only way to deal with it is to be so absorbed in the glory of the message and the presence of God that self is forgotten. This self-forgetfulness allows the preacher to honor God and effectively communicate His truth. By focusing on God's glory rather than personal recognition, the message becomes more powerful and transformative. [56:11]

"He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a situation where you have been more focused on your own recognition than on God's glory. How can you practice self-forgetfulness in that area to better honor God?

Quotes



I take the view here that this is something that one should not do that it's a wrong practice I do I say that for many reasons but the first and the overriding reason is that people should come to the house of God to worship God and to listen to an exposition of the word and of his truth whatever it may be. [00:02:40]

I feel that it encourages a pseudointellectualism, uh I call it that because I'm sure that that is the ultimate reason for it this was a practice that came in last century as far as one can gather it wasn't done before that and people would come together in the way that I'm saying to worship God and to listen to the exposition of the scripture. [00:03:23]

It has the tendency to isolate subjects from the scriptures and indeed ultimately to regard the scriptures as but a a collection or a series of statements about particular subjects and so one atomizes the scripture and forgets the whole and surely the whole is more important than the parts this seems to me to be a bad practice. [00:05:45]

The danger is that having finished your preparation when whenever that may be but let's assume that it's on a Saturday evening or somewhere like that early the danger now is to say well now then I'm ready for tomorrow because you got a good sermon you finished your preparation and you put your Reliance on that there's no greater danger in the ministry. [00:28:18]

The greatest obviously of all the Temptations to a preacher is pride pride because he's set up there almost on a pedestal he's standing In a Pulpit he's above the people everybody looking at him he's got this leading place in the church in the community and and his greatest intention of all is pride and it takes terrible and horrible forms. [00:33:00]

The best way of checking any tendency to pride pride in your preaching or in anything else that you may do in that way is on Sunday nights to read the biography of some great Saint doesn't matter which of them there are plenty of them you can get the books and read them but uh if you think you've done amazingly well. [00:33:35]

Beware of too much intellect I put that first I put that first particularly to you people I wouldn't have to put it first to everybody but to some this has got to come first I I remember a bit of advice given me many years ago I was preaching on one occasion with another preacher that used to be the custom in Wales. [00:34:50]

Beware of too much sentiment and immersion the first men hasn't sufficient of this too intellectual but then there are some people who are nothing but emotional and sentimental I've heard men give a text and then they start telling stories and on and on and on they go and they become more and more sentimental that's bad. [00:37:55]

The balance in this matter is in the sermon isn't it as Paul puts it to the Philippians in chapter 1 we are set for the defense and the prop, propagation of the Gospel it isn't defense only don't just become a self-appointed guardian of the faith or a defender of the faith defense and the propagation let there be this balance. [00:49:20]

Be natural forget yourself be so absorbed in what you're doing and in the realization of the presence of God and in the glory and the greatness of the truth that you're preaching and the occasion that brings you together that you're so taken up by all this that you forget yourself completely that's the right position. [00:55:48]

Self is the greatest enemy of the preacher more than any other men in society and the only way to deal with self is to be so taken up and enraptured by the glory of what you're doing that you actually forget yourself all together. [00:56:11]

We are all going together into the presence of the Living God I cannot emphasize too much this point that we should go out of our way to show the difference between this you see the whole other notion is well no there's nothing strange about this so you say good morning folks and you put them at ease and a few jokes. [00:52:10]

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Transcript
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