I have preached a lot of sermons over the years. From the very beginning, I settled on an expository method with the goal of preaching through every book, chapter and verse of the Bible.
In my view, doing so keeps a pastor accountable to say what God says about all matters rather than simply choosing the easiest, most popular subjects to share. I am not suggesting that this is the only way to preach, but I do believe it is the best way to preach.
The Bible accurately predicted a time, which I believe has come, when most would not endure sound doctrine but would accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their sinful desires, wanting to have their ears tickled (2 Timothy 4:3).
Apart from the robust accountability of walking through the Bible consecutively, pastors may unknowingly fall into the trap of preaching for likes and reposts on social media rather than standing as prophets to the people assigned to them. Admittedly, I do not trust the whims of my disposition or my need for approval as an accurate measuring stick of biblical fidelity.
Recently, while walking verse-by-verse through 1 Corinthians, I found myself wrestling with texts that, frankly, I would have never chosen to preach if my only concern was what people wanted to hear. Yet, in moments such as these, the preacher must decide if he sincerely believes that all Scripture is profitable for doctrine (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and whether he is firmly committed to preach the word in season and out season (2 Timothy 4:2).
Throughout his letter to Corinth, the Apostle Paul addresses numerous controversial subjects that touch on so many of the modern issues people struggle with today. He confronts, for example, celebrity culture in the church because the Corinthians were dividing over their favorite preachers (1 Corinthians 1:10-31). He rebukes their sexual immorality and tolerance of sinful lifestyles while promoting the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman (1 Corinthians 5-7).
He offers clarifying guidance about the freedoms we enjoy because of God’s grace so as to avoid liberalism on the one hand and legalism on the other (1 Corinthians 8-10). He challenges their gender confusion by doubling down on the distinct roles for men and women in the church and home (1 Corinthians 11:2-16).
He disparages their efforts to flex socially, leading to their insult and neglect of the poor (1 Corinthians 11:17-34). He corrects ancient and modern misunderstandings and abuses concerning spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12-14). Finally, he insists that the past resurrection of Jesus and the future resurrection of saints is essential for orthodoxy (1 Corinthians 15).
These examples have far reaching implications for those who proclaim God’s truth. Pastors must work hard so as not to be ashamed, but workmen who accurately handle the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). The sacred accountability of preaching surfaces in James’ warning that not many should desire to be teachers of Scripture, knowing that doing so invites a stricter judgment (James 3:1). Even when the preached message invites criticism or contempt, the most important audience of every sermon is God Himself (2 Timothy 4:1).
Foundational to these efforts is a resolute confidence that Scripture will do the work if the messenger is faithful to communicate it accurately and boldly. The writer of Hebrews describes the Bible as “living and active, sharper than a two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12).
In other words, we read the Bible, but the Bible also reads us. In doing so, it reveals belief and unbelief. The sword of the Word cuts us deeply, exposing sincere commitment or unbridled carnality. With pinpoint precision it exposes the heart of who we are while beckoning us to who we should become. Hidden motives, secret intentions and closeted intentions emerge under the divine scalpel of holy writ. The preacher’s goal is not to make the Bible relevant, but to simply show its relevance in our modern context.
Any pastor worthy of his calling will do the hard work of studying to understand and share the Bible. He will proclaim what God says unapologetically no matter the personal cost. Rather than conform to the culture, he is to confront it with truth. Impressing people or drawing attention to himself is a violation of the sacred privilege bestowed upon him. The last thing I want to do as a pastor is aid and abet spiritual treason due to my cowardice or a narcissistic pursuit of affirmation.
So, the next time your pastor preaches a difficult text, be sure to lean in and pay close attention. If he happens to say something controversial to worldly sensibilities, don’t fire off an email to complain. First, ask if his words are true. If so, commit to apply them to your life. Then, take a moment to thank the Lord for a pastor who is faithfully watching out for your soul, knowing full well he will give an account to the Lord for doing so (Hebrews 13:17).
(EDITOR’S NOTE — Adam Dooley is pastor of Englewood Baptist Church in Jackson, Tenn. He writes at adamdooley.org.)
