What an odd thing to say, especially when our Lord (Mark 16:15; Acts 10:42) and Paul (2 Tim. 4:2) say to preach! I’m not saying don’t preach at all, but there’s too much “preaching” that is not really preaching. We must not preach that way.
Don’t preach self! No matter how funny, folksy, charismatic, creative, good-looking, glamorous, smart, or suave I might be, it’s not about me. I am no Savior. I am a sinner proclaiming the Savior.
Don’t preach doubt! People already wrestle mightily with doubts. Don’t reinforce them. Clear away such cobwebs with the definitive, hopeful, concrete message of truth.
Don’t preach man-made doctrine! It’s a foundation of sand. It will land countless people on the Lord’s left hand at the day of reckoning. If a doctrine is at odds with the gospel, keep it from the message.
Don’t preach unprepared! Every hearer deserves a well-planned, well-thought-out, and well-practiced sermon. They are giving their time. Make sure you have put in yours.
Don’t preach in a pandering way! Audience analysis is helpful, but don’t “play to the crowd.” It seems insincere and disingenuous. Don’t carry the standard down to the people. Call the people up to the standard.
Don’t preach philosophy! Philosophers prefer questions without answers more than answering questions. “What ifs” may be fun with sports teams and political elections, but they too often tear down rather than build up faith.
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Don’t preach timidly! Should we apologize for the Lord’s message? We never want to be harsh, antagonistic, or in any way present an obstacle with negativity or our presentation, but we must have the courage to share what the Lord said. If the Lord commands it, we must convey it, even if it’s difficult to do so.
Don’t preach indistinctly! Truth stands out. We must let it. We cannot hide the parts that may make the church or the preacher seem in the minority or at odds with prevailing views. We must be Micaiahs, intently committed to preach with this philosophy: “As the Lord lives, what the Lord says to me, that shall I speak” (1 Kin. 22:14).
Instead, preach the Word! Saturate your message with His message. The late Wendell Winkler would say, “Fill your lesson with Scripture. At least that much of it will be right! Let God get a word in edgewise!”
Some have convinced themselves that they know better than God does what makes sermons effective. The old song, “None of Self and all of Thee,” is in order here. Hide behind the cross and lift Him up. Being thoroughly biblical, applicable, and practical, we will grow the church and we will grow people.
If one is prone to veer from His pattern and example of New Testament preaching, may we ask such a one is genuine, loving candor, “Don’t preach!”
Neal Pollard
