Challenging Times

I’ve written a few times recently about preaching (here and here). I don’t think there’s much justification in the New Testament for preaching as we see it, as making sermons. The NT seems to put much more emphasis on teaching.

Tim Chester has just started a series of blog posts called Dialogue on Sermons (part 1, part 2). These are really worth reading. He makes the case I’ve been trying to make – but does a much better job:

‘To be honest, Adams’ six points look very like special pleading to me and only reinforce my view that the status of the preacher is what is being defended. The irony is that those who trumpet their adherence to the word do not teach that word in the way it describes itself being taught!

The case for the sermon seems to be that it reflects the authority of God’s word, because the word is proclaimed without interruption or question. Think about it for a moment. What a bizarre definition of authority. Authority = lack of interruption! Surely the authority of the word is best expressed when we live in obedience to that word. So let’s work the truth down into people’s hearts and lives.

Preach it, Tim!
Or teach it.