I am Joe Thorn, the Lead Pastor of 
Before You Preach
April 22nd, 2008So, I am working on Philippians 2:6-11 for our upcoming worship gathering. In my sermon prep throughout the week, and again after the studying is complete, I typically ask myself a number of questions. These questions help to clarify and correct my preaching even before I stand up on Sunday.
1. Does this message exalt the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Will people walk away from this gathering encouraged to trust in law or grace? Can a person hear this message and know our only hope of redemption?
2. Will people know what to do after hearing the message?
I never want my preaching to merely grant knowledge. Good theology always impacts the will. Does a man know what he should do in response to the truths unpacked in the message beyond the general call to repent, and believe? What will repentance and faith look like for my audience?
3. Am I saying anything that will distract from the point I am trying to make?
Here I am thinking less of content and more of expression. Might the language I use, or the illustrations I choose, become the focus rather than the message I am trying to communicate?
4. Do I, at any point, make much of myself in this sermon?
I have heard a number of people express frustration with how some preachers make much of themselves in their preaching and teaching. It is as if some men are ever the example of how to do things well. This will either lead men to think “That pastor is awesome!” or “That pastor sure thinks a lot of himself.” Either way I am getting in Jesus’ way during the sermon if I make much of myself.
5. Would I like this to be the last sermon I ever preach?
It’s a good question to ask, because it just might be the case. Believing that this may be my last opportunity to preach Christ will clarify what really needs to be said. Am I okay with this message being the last thing my family and church hears from my lips? And more importantly, am I okay with this message potentially being the last thing a man, woman or child will hear about the gospel before they die? This too just might be the case.
When asked, these questions bring a sense of sobriety and urgency to my preaching. Do you ask yourself any questions like these before preaching/teaching? What else might we ask ourselves?
April 22nd, 2008 at 4:09 pm
I consider one much like your #4. Do I, at any point, make little of someone else in this sermon? I am sensitive to the fact that many pastors will illustrate at the expense of others (and sometimes even their own family). By the way, I like the new look on the blog…
April 22nd, 2008 at 4:15 pm
That last one (#5) is tough, isn’t it?
One the one hand you preach as dying man to dying men, but on the other you know you can’t say all there is to say in that morning’s service.
You have to in some way take into account that you’re preaching on Philippians 2:12-13 next week.
As far as other questions, they’re not as sexy as yours, but I like to ask the following developmental questions:
1. What needs to be explained? (of the text, theology, etc.)
2. What needs to be validated? (What will they have trouble believing? Do they value something else more? Do they see the connection? Do they see themselves as the exception?)
3. What needs to be applied? (This feeds into your #2 above.)
April 22nd, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Great thoughts and great questions… although tough to ask!!!
I wish more of us would reflect like this - and do less harm in the name of Jesus.
April 22nd, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Good stuff.
I always ask, “What is my central thought?” Quoting Haddon Robinson, we need to fire a bullet not buckshot. After the sermon, I often ask my children, “What was the central thought?” I ask to critique them, not me.
Is it clear? I also reflect a great deal on the clarity of progression in a sermon. A sermon is like leading someone through a city. If we make sharp turns without warning, our hearers will soon be lost.
In the end, if a sermon is “a biblical bullet fired at the life of the listener in the clear light of day,” and I’m prayed up, then I’ve gone in a good direction.
The developmental questions Gunny raised are great too.
April 22nd, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Oops! I meant to say, “I ask my children to critique ME, not them.”
April 22nd, 2008 at 5:25 pm
I thought the preaching application grid from Mark Dever was really good. I guess it’s more about the content, where as your questions include a lot more than just what you are saying.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Joe,
Thanks for this post. What a great challenge!
As to Matt’s point, when I was a youth pastor we could always tell who the pastor was angry with by what he preached. Not a good thing.
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:21 pm
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April 23rd, 2008 at 10:13 am
Good, helpful questions!
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April 28th, 2008 at 8:36 am
Hi, Joe
These are good reminders for all teacher/preacher.
I am the editor of a Chinese Christian Magazine (Behold) published in U.S.
Can I translate it into Chinese and share with our Chinese readers?
I will provide the link to your original.
Thank you in advance.
April 28th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Of course Luke. Have at it. I hope it’s helpful.
April 28th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
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