Following the Biblical Model in Preaching
Introduction:
A.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
was like any other day in Witchita, KS. Quiet and peaceful. Many of the city’s
residents made their way to worship services across the city.
1.
One of these was the
notable abortion rights advocate Dr. George Tiller.
2.
Led the nation in
pushing for partial birth abortions.
3.
He was highly
respected in the pro choice community for his
incredible safety record while performing abortions – he never killed a
woman during the process of terminating a pregnancy.
4.
He won numerous
awards, including the National Abortion Federations highest honor – the
Christopher Tietze Humanitarian Award.
B.
On May 31, Tiller
& his wife assembled in their church for worship.
1.
They had been long
standing members of the Reformation Lutheran Church.
2.
While they worshipped,
Scott Roeder slipped in the back of the church building & shot Tiller
multiple times.
3.
While we do not
condone Roeder’s actions – his actions will never be justifiable –
God never condones vigilante justice – there are some important questions
we should ask:
C.
What was Tiller doing
in church?
1.
Not only was he a
member of the Reformed Lutheran Church, he was an usher.
2.
Not only was he an
usher – his wife was in the church choir.
3.
What is going on, when
someone with such an openly, public anti-Christian record can find a home
without conviction, without repentance, without condemnation, and
disfellowship?
4.
Place yourself in the
position of the local church minister.
a.
Imagine having the nation’s top abortion doctor in your
midst week after week….and saying NOTHING about it.
b.
How could a preacher NOT stand up for the most innocent of
life?
c.
Is there anything a church member could do to warrant
expulsion from the local congregation?
d.
What would Jesus say to George Tiller hanging around Him
while sacrificing innocent unborn children?
e.
What do you suppose the apostles would say or do about
someone attempting to be a part of the first century church?
D.
Is
it loving to let sinners sit next to
you in worship without ever confronting them on their sin?
1.
We have been beset by
a misguided love – one that will love people right into hell.
E.
While the story above
is an extreme example – it does serve as food for thought.
1.
This should remind us
of the tremendous responsibility that comes along with preaching & teaching
God’s word.
2.
Lessons delivered from
the pulpit are not just academic exercises to impart information.
3.
A good sermon is a
“word of exhortation.” It involves a call to repentance and often a dire
warning of the consequences if the exhortations are not heeded.
I.
There are several examples in Scripture that serve as biblical models for
preaching.
A.
Acts 13:14- –
Paul’s message to Antioch.
1.
Notice how Paul begins
the lesson by seeking to build a common ground with all his Jewish listeners.
a.
13:17-19 – begins to recount their much beloved story
– redemption from bondange in Egypt….
b.
13:20-23 – then retraces their moving into
nationhood, culminating in the the annointing as David
as King and a promise of a Messiah from His line.
c.
Jews would have taken great pride in this story…all would
have been in agreement.
2.
13:24-43 – Paul
then begins to teach:
a.
Jewish leaders in Jerusalem fulfilled the words of the
prophets by having Pilate put Jesus to death.
b.
13:25-26 – the message of this salvation had been
sent to both Jew & Gentile.
B.
13:44 – result
of this preaching: met with great success & strong opposition.
1.
13:45 – next
Sabbath – entire city came to hear the preaching of Paul/Barnabas.
2.
13:50 – jews drove them out of the city.
II.
What can we learn?
A.
It is preferrable for
a preacher to emphasize points of agreement before trying to correct areas of
disagreement.
1.
His preaching on the
Jews beloved history, from Egypt to Canaan, to Saul/David – opened their
ears as they recognized “one of their own.”
2.
It made them more
receptive to the rest of what Paul would say.
B.
It is necessary,
however, for the sermon to move on beyond the area of agreement to what the
hearers need to know.
1.
This is what is
lacking in so many places today.
2.
13:23 – when
Paul arrived at David while recounting their history, He used this as a jumping
off point to begin His discusion of Jesus as Messiah.
3.
He then moves to prove
that Jesus was the Messiah – by proving that God raised Jesus from the
dead.
4.
References OT
scriptures – Psalm 2:7; Isaiah 55:3; Psalm 16:10.
C.
13:38-42 - Then Paul
calls them to action.
1.
Called them to receive
by faith in Jesus what they could never had thorugh the Law.
2.
Issued a warning to
them of the terrible consequences to come if they rejected Jesus.
D.
Preaching is not finished until there is a call for action,
for change.
III.
Examples from Hebrews:
A.
Urgent
attention was needed by the Hebrews.
They had to give attention to the things discussed – needed to make
change.
B.
We must not hesitate
to call upon people to make change.
1.
Hebrews 2:1-3
2.
3:12; 4:16
3.
6:1-2
4.
10:19, 22-25
C.
Those who ignore such
calls for change are told:
1.
6:6, 6:8
2.
Then after such strong
warnings – we see a return to encouragement – 6:9-10. There is a need for the positive
– after the negative.
D.
Sermons…are not just
for academic purposes. When we preach/teach – we call people to change.
1.
All while doing so
with a spirit of love and respect for those who hear.
2.
Hebrews 12:28-29
Conclusion:
A.
We must never be
afraid to waver in our teaching.
1.
There is nothing wrong
with looking for points of agreement – with those we disagree.
a.
That is not compromise.
b.
Rather, it is to establish commonality – and a
foundation upon which to build.
2.
Then, with a spirit of
love & concern – we must urge our listeners to positive change.
B.
We must not give into
the temptation to compromise.
1.
2 Timothy 4:1-5
2.
Those who speak
– will give an account for their words/actions.
3.
James 3:1