Martyn Lloyd-Jones, famous Welsh pastor of London’s Westminster Chapel for nearly 30 years, referred to preaching as “the highest and the greatest and the most glorious calling to which anyone can ever be called.” 1
And so it is! The preacher is called to proclaim a life-changing message that transforms all who will receive it. However, a tough week of ministry can rob preachers of the joy and wonder of their calling. With this in mind, here are three reminders to encourage you as you prepare for this weekend:
1) Remember You’re Bringing A Message, Not A Sermon
We use “message” and “sermon” interchangeably because they are nearly synonymous. I find it especially helpful to remember that I am not merely sharing information from the Bible (sermon) but an ambassador speaking God’s Word (message). Preaching isn’t simply getting at the meaning of a text and sharing it with others. It is standing as God’s appointed messenger and proclaiming His urgent, life-saving message.
Thinking this way transforms our sermon preparation and delivery. We find ourselves more engaged throughout the process, looking forward to the final moment when we stand before God’s people with the compelling message He has given in the text. A greater sense of urgency drives us, and a passion fills us like Jeremiah’s “fire shut up in his bones” (Jeremiah 20:9).
2) Remember You’re Preaching Good News
Gospel preaching is not simply adding an evangelistic appeal to the end of a sermon but demonstrating how the gospel addresses listeners in light of the text.2
Preaching the gospel liberates people from guilt and shame. Listeners are encouraged to hear that God accepts them based not on their performance but on Christ’s righteousness. Preaching the gospel reminds Christians that they don’t have to earn God’s approval because, in Christ, they already have it. The gospel is a message that never grows old and is always good news!
3) Remember You’re To Leave The Results To God
We cannot overstate the familiar axiom that God has called us not to be “successful” but “faithful.” We are called to proclaim His Word and to shepherd His people. When we do these things to the best of our ability, we faithfully discharge our ministry’s duties.
Whatever “results” may or may not be visible this Sunday, rest assured that God honors the preaching of His Word. Like the rain that falls from heaven and doesn’t return without watering the earth to make it bud, so your message from God will not return to Him void, but will accomplish whatever He desires (Isaiah 55:10-11).
- D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones., Preachers & Preaching (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1972), 9.
- Helpful books here include Sidney Greidanus, The Modern Preacher And The Ancient Text (Eerdmans, 1989 ), Bryan Chapell Christ-Centered Preaching (Baker, 2005), and Graeme Goldsworthy, Preaching The Whole Bible As Christian Scripture (IVP, 2000).
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