In Preaching Articles: "Self Importance"

Live To Make God Look Good

By SermonCentral .com on Sep 1, 2022

The great tragedy of the universe is that while human beings were made to glorify God because of who they are and what they see, we have all fallen short of this purpose.

Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-3, Romans 3:23, Romans 1:23, Isaiah 40:4, Isaiah 42:8, Isaiah 44:23, Isaiah 48:9-11, Isaiah 60:2, Isaiah 49:3  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Sin, glory of God, meaning of life, glorify Christ, what is the purpose of life, Eternal Purpose, Self glory  (view more)  (view less)

Your Thoughts Will Betray You

By Christina Fox on Jun 13, 2022

A certain amount of self-evaluation can be good. We should have insight into ourselves, our motives, our choices, and our actions. But sometimes we can go too far. When self-evaluation ends with ourselves instead of pointing us beyond ourselves, there’s a problem.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:5, 1 Corinthians 11:28, Philippians 2:3-8, John 17:17, Romans 8:32, Psalm 139:23, 1 John 2:1, Isaiah 43:1  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Rely on Grace, Remember the Gospel

When Pastors Misplace Their Identity: 10 Probing Questions

By Charles Stone on Sep 18, 2022

“No one is more influential in your life than you are, because no one talks to you more than you do.” ––Paul Tripp

Scripture: 1 Samuel 28:1

Tags: Ministry, identity, Identity in Christ, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, church leadership, Right Priorities, self assement, ministry  (view more)  (view less)

The Greatest Gift You Give Your Team- Part 2

By Lance Witt on Jul 14, 2024

Some of the qualities that people will applaud in your life are the very things that will wreck your soul.

Tags: sanctification, Personal Growth, pastoral care, Examine self, Time of Reflection, Guarding your heart, motives, soul care  (view more)  (view less)

Fully Known, Fully Loved

By Peter Mead on Feb 23, 2022

If we are not careful we can paint our own self-at-the-centre approach in the colors of Christianity and assume all is well.

Scripture: Romans 5:8, Luke 19:10

Tags: known by God, Fully Known, Fully loved, narcissism

Do You Know Your Pulpit Blind Spots?

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Feb 12, 2023

Every preacher gravitates toward familiar themes. Addressing pulpit blind spots requires intentional planning, biblical breadth, and pastoral self-awareness.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:13, Acts 20:27, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Colossians 1:28

Tags: Preaching, spiritual growth, preaching, Spiritual Growth

How To Land Speaking Engagements Without Looking Desperate

By Ben Arment on Oct 13, 2020

If you want more speaking invitations, focus less on self-promotion and more on value, credibility, and relationships. Here’s a strategic approach that works.

Scripture: Colossians 3:23, Proverbs 22:1, James 3:1, John 2:24, Proverbs 16:3  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Speak, Preaching, Ability, public, language, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Is Your Preaching God-Centered?

By Bernie Van Eyk on May 25, 2021

"Therapy has replaced theology in much contemporary preaching. The self has acquired center stage, and God, if He is there at all, has been marginalized."

Tags: God, Preaching, focus, Center

Legalism And Preaching

By Peter Mead on Feb 3, 2021

Defining legalism carefully is vitally important. It is important for each follower of Christ. It is a serious business to discount a restriction as legalism when it actually is displeasing to the One who loved us and gave Himself for us.

Tags: obedience, Preaching, Legalism

How To Pastor Your Worship Leader

By SermonCentral .com on Aug 18, 2023

Jay Pathak discusses an important relationship -- the link between worship and sermon.

Tags: leader, Worship, Leader, pastor, Pastors, Pastor  (view more)  (view less)

Can We Put An End To Trite Preaching And Teaching?

By SermonCentral .com on Dec 25, 2025

TRITE / (Adjective) Overused and consequently of little import, lacking originality or freshness.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Jerry Rice And The Art Of Preaching Well

By Derwin Gray on Jun 25, 2024

Insights from Jerry Rice’s passion, self-awareness, and heroic mindset show preachers how to cultivate love, authenticity, and Gospel-centered confidence.

Scripture: Ephesians 3:16-19

Tags: Evangelism, Witness, Gospel, Sports, Preaching, Lost, football, Christian Witness, pastoral leadership, gospel ministry, evangelism, gospel, preaching, Pastoral Leadership, Gospel Ministry, Sermon Craft, Ministry Skills  (view more)  (view less)

Why Preaching Still Matters In A Postmodern Age Of Uncertainty

By Kenton C. Anderson on Jan 19, 2025

Preaching may seem arrogant in an age that distrusts certainty, yet God’s self-revelation turns human limitation into a vantage point for truthful witness.

Scripture: Leviticus 5:2-6

Tags: Revelation, Teaching, Preaching, pastor, Pride, Arrogance, Pastor, preaching, teaching  (view more)  (view less)

Is Your Preaching God-Centered?

By Bernie Van Eyk on Sep 10, 2024

People crave practical help, but their deepest need is God Himself. God-centered preaching lifts hearts from self to the glory revealed in Jesus Christ.

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:4, Genesis 1:1, Psalm 73:17-26, John 1:18, 1 Corinthians 2:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, spiritual formation, preaching, Spiritual Formation

What Listeners Really Wish They Could Tell Their Pastor

By Dr. Larry Moyer on Jun 13, 2021

A speaker recalls blunt feedback from a child to show how honest listener frustrations can shape better preaching—especially length, self-focus, and dryness.

Scripture: John 2:1-11, 1 Corinthians 9:16

Tags: Communication, leadership, Preaching, Church Health, Feedback, Leadership, communication, preaching  (view more)  (view less)