In Preaching Articles: "Self Importance"

Everyone's Least Favorite Preacher- The Cocky Kind

By Joe Mckeever on Jul 19, 2023

You’re sitting in his church listening to him preach. He’s not five minutes into the message before you realize Mr. Hotshot is appearing before you in the flesh. His words and mannerisms give him away.

Scripture: Isaiah 57:15, Micah 6:8, 1 Peter 5:7, 1 Peter 5:3, Isaiah 6:5, Matthew 18:3, 1 Peter 5:6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Humility, Pride, Preacher, self importance, preacher  (view more)  (view less)

You Are Not The Story!

By H.b. Charles, Jr. on May 3, 2022

People should not leave the sermon having learned more about the preacher than Christ. When we stand to preach the word, we should prayerfully whisper to ourselves, “You are not the story.”

Scripture: Colossians 1:28, John 12:20, 2 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Timothy 4:1-2

Tags: Pride, God's Story, self importance, Bible as a story

The Most Important Word In The Bible?

By Lance Witt on Jul 21, 2023

In your opinion, what is the most important word in the Bible? And you can’t say God or Jesus.

Scripture: Luke 7:50, Exodus 33:12-23

Tags: Glory

The Most Important Ingredient For Rebuke

By Marshall Segal on Nov 1, 2022

"The recipe for good rebuke involves far more than one ingredient, but one ingredient may be the most important."

Tags: repentance, Word of God, brotherly love, patience, Christian Love, Biblical truth, pastoral leadership, rebuking sin, Repentance  (view more)  (view less)

Prisoners Of Self: Incessant Autobiography In The Smartphone Age

By Tony Reinke on Jul 21, 2022

The man doting over a smartphone screen, scrolling through media with his fingertips, is like a gorilla meticulously picking out little bugs from his own hair. That was the subversive quip of anthropologist Thomas de Zengotita.

Scripture: Isaiah 14:12-13, Job 1:7, Job 2:2, Luke 10:18, 1 Peter 5:8, Revelation 12:9  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Vanity, Technology, Appearance, Selfishness, social media, Cell Phone, Self Centeredness  (view more)  (view less)

The Hidden Struggles Of The Introverted Pastor

By Ron Edmondson on May 30, 2020

Introverted pastors often face misunderstandings, exhaustion, and hidden stress. Naming these struggles helps leaders guard their souls and shepherd with wisdom.

Scripture: Proverbs 4:23, Mark 6:31, Philippians 2:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:14, Ecclesiastes 4:9  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: self awareness, Self Awareness

3 Reasons Good Preaching Is As Important As Ever

By Joe Hoagland on Jul 28, 2022

People love to tell you that preaching is irrelevant in this day and age. But contrary to this kind of thinking, good preaching does remain important. In fact, preaching remains as important as it has ever been.

Tags: Communication, Preaching, Teaching God's Word, Pastoral Ministry, faithful preaching, Value of Preaching, Modern Age, Busy Culture, Shepherd the Flock, communication, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

When Preachers Intrude Too Much

By Joe Mckeever on Aug 22, 2024

Personal stories can help a sermon—but too much “me” distracts from Christ. This reflection warns preachers to minimize self and elevate the Savior.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:5, Psalm 141:3, John 3:30, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, 1 Peter 4:11  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Self examination, Sermon Craft, Self Examination

Preaching Real Gospel Change In A World Obsessed With Self-Improvement

By Ed Stetzer on Jan 7, 2025

True transformation is not moral effort but new life in Christ. Preachers must translate “change” into gospel terms, clarifying how God recreates, reshapes, and renews His people.

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:7

Tags: Church, Growth, Discipleship, Preaching, Change, Transformation, Christian Growth, New Life In Christ, counsel, Christian growth, new life in Christ, Spiritual Transformation, preaching, church  (view more)  (view less)

How Does A Sermon Differ From A Self-Help Video?

By Peter Mead on May 16, 2023

When you finish preaching, where is your listeners' final focus? The answer makes all the difference.

Scripture: Matthew 16:18-19

Tags: Preaching, Self, focus, preaching

Gird Your Preaching: 10 Supports

By Peter Mead on Nov 14, 2020

Imagine the Bible as a "superstructure." Which texts gird the grand message of the Scripture?

Scripture: Joshua 4:1-9

Tags: prevent, preaching, bible, Bible, Preaching, important, entire  (view more)  (view less)

4 Important Reasons To Give Yourself A Week Off

By Josh Reich on Nov 4, 2025

Yes: go ahead and take a Sunday off every once in a while. But Josh Reich says be smart about it.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

The Dangers Of Self-Righteousness: Lessons From Luke 18:9-14

By Josh Read on Oct 30, 2025

In today’s world, especially in the age of social media, it’s easy to curate a version of ourselves that looks impressive—sharing successes, opinions, and spiritual highlights while hiding our struggles. But Jesus’ parable in Luke 18:9–14 cuts straight through that façade. It reminds us that self-righteousness doesn’t bring us closer to God, it drives us further from Him.

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14, Romans 3:23-24, James 4:10

Tags: Mercy, Parable, Prayer, confession, repentance, justification, sanctification, Repentance, Justification, Confession, Sanctification  (view more)  (view less)

7 Important Reasons Pastors Need A Summer Preaching Break

By Josh Reich on Mar 25, 2025

It's not just about taking a break; it's about becoming a better preacher.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

3 Important Reasons Why You Should Preach On Thanksgiving A Month Early

By Ray Hollenbach on Nov 17, 2025

Everyone knows they're supposed to be thankful on Thanksgiving Day, but the heart-attitude won't kick in by magic; it has to be cultivated.

Scripture: Mark 6:45-52

Tags: gratitude, holiday stress, preaching, Thanksgiving, Preaching, Thankfulness  (view more)  (view less)