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Preaching for Renewal
Over the years, I have preached countless sermons- some better than others. While reading books on homiletics and listening to other sermons, I developed convictions about what constitutes effective preaching- what the late Timothy Keller called "preaching for renewal".
1. Distinguish between religious obligation and true Gospel transformation. Preach “grace then works”, not “works then grace”. Expect Spirit-empowered change only through Christ’s indwelling power, rather than self-righteous morality. Such Christ-centered preaching critiques both legalism in search of self-improvement, and lawlessness that thirsts for self-satisfaction. Such preaching finds fulfillment in Christ alone.
2. Cross the bridge between “that biblical world and our current world” as often as time allows. Some preachers focus on “that” biblical world, giving great detail about the passage, while others spend too much time focused in “this” contemporary world, dwelling on the issues of our lives. Help congregants see themselves in both settings. Expository preaching has a long history of bridging these two worlds.
3. Preach both the Holiness and the Grace of God. Renewal preaching enables us to see that Christ is full of both truth and grace. When people discover He is simultaneously awe-filled holiness and grace-filled mercy, the cross of Christ can electrify their spiritual lives.
4. Apply the Gospel to every facet of life, not just the need for conversion. The Gospel has a ongoing ripple effect that washes upon all the shores of our existence. Jonathan Edwards noted that many Christians have an intellectual and rudimentary grasp of the Gospel but lack a sense of how the Gospel impacts everything in all of creation.
5. Preach Christ from every text. All roads and passages eventually lead to the cross, regardless of the text’s location. Keller added, “There are only two primary questions when we read the Bible. What do I learn about me and what does it declare about Jesus?” This is especially important in dealing with the Old Testament.
6. Address both Christians and not-yet believers. Evangelize and edify in every sermon. The not-yet believer might not comprehend all that is said, but their hunger will bring them back. The Christian needs to hear the Gospel again and again. Martin Lloyd Jones cautioned that we should not assume that all so-called Christians are truly born again. He warned against “preaching morality without the cross as the firm foundation.” ( MLJ Revival (Wheaton 1988)
7. Use illustrations and stories with care, ensuring that the light of the story does not overpower the message of the passage. Like oncoming high-beam car headlights, some sermon stories blind us to the all important message of the passage.
Keller, Timothy (2012) Center Church: Doing Balanced, Gospel-Centered Ministry in your City (Zondervan: Grand Rapids) p 77-80