The power of gospel preaching lies in the power of gospel living. If you have been following my Substack, I’ve been thinking really deeply about preaching, mostly its sermonic structure. However, one thing I realized this week was that I could write a flawless, gospel-centered sermon, but without the gospel-living behind it, it lacks power.
An image that comes to mind is like a sail boat. The sail boat could be assembled flawlessly. However, with no wind, it has no power to move forward. The same applies to preaching. I could write a flawless gospel-centered sermon, but without the gospel-living behind it, it lacks power.
So, practically, I use the gospel-centered preaching on Sundays as a way to keep me accountable before God in terms of my gospel-centered living. For example, before I stand to preach on Sunday, I make sure to have reconciled with the people whom I might have had anger or bitterness towards. In the morning before our worship time, I meet with a brother who I confess my sins to, pray together with in repentance, and ask for the washing of our sins through the blood of Jesus together. In other words, preaching the gospel is one way to keep me accountable to living out the gospel.
If you are in church leadership and want to see the power of the gospel transform your church, it must start with your living out the gospel, yourself.
Share this post