by Dave Marriott

•  Textual accuracy—the preacher has a stewardship before God to speak “the oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11), while “rightly handling the Word of truth” (2 Peter 2:15). If the preacher isn’t content to speak God’s words after Him, he will be susceptible to compromise, novelty, or ear-itching.
•  Spiritual preparedness—if preaching will be a demonstration of the “Spirit and of power” (1 Corinthians 2:4), it must flow from the hard work of Spirit-illumined study and prayer.
•  Application—if preaching fails to “exhort and rebuke with all authority” (Titus 2:15) by proclaiming ways in which the text intersects and even transforms daily living, it ceases to be preaching and becomes indistinguishable from an academic exercise.
•  Structure—preaching must never be merely verse-by-verse study notes on a particular text. Rather the best preaching is comprised of propositions that are (a) drawn from the text, (b) logically connected to each other, and (c) arranged inductively or deductively.
•  Illustration—better preaching is complemented by metaphors, current events, stories, parables, or examples in order to increase understanding or to aid faithful application.

Opening Question

What are the notable characteristics of the most memorable or impactful sermons you’ve heard?

Closing Thoughts

•  Practice! Preaching is both a gift and a craft.
•  Stretch yourself by preaching new genres and in various venues!
•  Listen to or watch your preaching.
•  Seek critical feedback from friends.
•  Alliteration is so 90s!