Homiletics 101
“What Preaching Should Be”
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
INTRODUCTION: As we approach this passage of Scripture, and in doing so leave the first chapter of the letter, it is important that we understand what it is we are leaving behind. Chapter 1 has Paul laying foundation concerning division in the church at Corinth. This church was experiencing division over “pulpit supply” and the past contributions of pastors. Paul wants them to understand that preaching is not based on the contribution of the preacher, but on the message being communicated. Preaching, in the mind of Paul is to be valued in the core truth, not in the charisma of the speaker!
I THE APPROACH OF PREACHING – verse 1
1 Cor. 2:1 When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.
A Sound preaching is not Eloquence
1 The meaning of the word is superiority, elevation, rising above
2 Paul was more concerned for the message than the recognition of his preaching
B Sound preaching is not philosophical
1 We live in a world that thrives on knowledge.
2 We live in a humanistic world
a We often pursue things that are of no benefit to us.
b The world does not know the benefit of eternal preparations
c Some believers have forgotten the benefit of eternal preparations
3 Everything in the world is unfulfilling within itself
a Caught up with the new
b How long doe it take for something to be passé?
4 Paul was concerned with the truth behind preaching, not sounding novel, or coming up with a new position.
C Sound preaching is a testimony
1 The word testimony is the word we get mystery from
2 Preaching is communicating the mystery of God
3 Preaching is communication that focuses on Jesus Christ
4 When preaching moves to self-help or positive thinking, and leaves the person of Christ, it ceases to be preaching
a These areas have their place, but not at the expense of the gospel
I once attended a chaplains seminar at a local hospital. The community clergy organized the chaplain service. One of those in attendance made this statement, “When someone is here in the hospital, they do not need someone to talk to them about eternity, but to comfort them, and we should be careful about what we say.” Now she was taking a swipe at those of us who thought salvation was a necessary topic to those in the hospital. Let me ask you a question, when is there a better time? Some of those people would NEVER get well enough to hear it ANYWHERE else!
THE GENUINE PREACHER OF GOD PREACHES WHAT GOD WANTS PREACHED, AND THE GENUINE CHURCH OF GOD STANDS FOR WHAT GOD STANDS FOR!
II THE THEME OF PREACHING – verse 2
1 Cor. 2:2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
A Preaching the theme of preaching comes from strong determination
1 Paul uses the Greek word – “EKRINA”
a Means – a deliberate decision, or strong determination
2 Paul made it his determination to preach only Christ crucified
a Paul did not preach, Christ the great model for men
b Paul did not preach Jesus the great teacher
c Paul did not preach Christ, the great man of purpose
d Paul did not preach Jesus, the great example
e Paul did not preach Christ, the great martyr
IT IS ALWAYS EASIER TO PREACH OTHER THINGS THAN THE CRUCIFIXION OF CHRIST.
When there is strong preaching concerning the person of Christ, men are forced to make a choice regarding where they stand. This type of preaching brings conviction.
ü A church that brings conviction will always be attacked
ü A church that does not water down who Christ is will be accused of many things
3 “All I want to know around you is Jesus”
a Thrust of Paul’s preaching was the death of Christ
b Theme of Paul’s preaching was the death of Christ
c Message of Paul’s preaching was the death of Christ
d Principle of Paul’s preaching was the death of Christ
e Heart of Paul’s preaching was the death of Christ
B Sound preaching focuses on the person of Christ
C Sound preaching focuses on the sacrificial work of Christ
WHY IS THIS KIND OF PREACHING IMPORTANT?
ü By the death of Christ we are cleansed and freed from sin
ü By the death of Christ we are made acceptable to God
ü By the death of Christ we are justified
ü By the death of Christ we are eternally redeemed
ü By the death of Christ we are delivered from death
ü By the death of Christ we are delivered from condemnation
ü By the death of Christ we are delivered from the condemnation of the Law
ü By the death of Christ we are delivered from the judgment and wrath to come
ü By the death of Christ we are delivered from the present evil world
ü By the death of Christ all men are drawn to Christ
ü By the death of Christ we have access to the presence of God
ü By the death of Christ we know the power of God
ü ………….and I could go on!
III THE INADEQUACY OF PREACHING – verse 3
1 Cor. 2:3 I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.
A The value of the message
1 Sound preaching must stand on the merits of the message, not the charisma of the messenger
2 The value of the messenger is in his knowledge of the Word of God
B The adequacy of the messenger
1 No man should stand before the congregation in his own strength
2 No man can convert and change people
3 No man can deliver another from death
4 No man can give another eternal life
IV THE TRANSMISSION OF PREACHING – verse 4
1 Cor. 2:4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,
1 Cor. 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
A Sound preaching is declaration, not conversation
1 Speech/message and preaching
2 Two words that strike a difference between daily conversation and preaching
3 Also identified that if Pauls was going to talk about anything, he was going to talk about Jesus
B Sound preaching is more conviction than persuading
1 Persuasion comes at the request of another
2 Conviction comes from a personal decision
C Sound preaching is concerned with the truth
1 The truth is the only real antidote to what is around us
John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
D Sound preaching comes from the Spirit of God
1 The gospel is convincing when communicated through the power of the Holy Spirit
2 The gospel is convicting when it is preached through the power of the Holy Spirit
a Only the holy Spirit can convict
b Only the Holy Spirit can convince
c Only the Hoy Spirit can convert
V THE PURPOSE OF PREACHING – verse 5
1 Cor. 2:5 so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.
A Sound preaching leads to faith
B Wisdom of man cannot save man
1 No eternal value to know that
a Jesus really lived – a historical person
b Jesus is really the Savior – the son of God
c Other religions and positions are not true.
C Men who preach without power or conviction preach without the power to effect real change
1 Preaching is not just to convey knowledge. Preaching is to impart faith
a Not in human strength
b In Divine guidance and power
If we are to be the church we should be coming to then we need to be a church that values the (content) message from the pulpit above the messenger in the pulpit!
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