10 Convictions on Biblical Preaching

In class Monday, I shared with my Introduction to Preaching class 10 convictions I have on biblical preaching. I formulated this list during a Ph.D. seminar and have worked on them a bit since.

• Biblical preaching is grounded in the belief that there is "one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all" [Eph 4:6].
• Biblical preaching lifts up the name of Jesus whose "name is above every name" [Phil 2:9].
• Biblical preaching is empowered by the Holy Spirit, "the Spirit of truth," who testifies of Christ [John 15:26].
• Biblical preaching is done under the conviction that the Scriptures are "God-breathed" and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" [2 Tim 3:16]. The Scriptures are the primary authority for biblical preaching.
• Biblical preaching should lead people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ [Romans 10:14].
• Biblical preaching should "prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ might be built up" [Eph 4:12].
• Biblical preaching should be done by one called and gifted by God [Rom 12:3-8].
• Biblical preaching should be done by one who lives a life worthy of one called [Eph 4:1].
• Biblical preaching is communicated with the context of the congregation [note the letters of Paul, written to specific congregations].
• Biblical preaching is not determined by sermon "type," but according to biblical content. [Scholars and preaching students cannot agree on definitions such as expository, topical, etc. I would agree with Brown, Fasol, and others that biblical preaching is determined by how closely the sermon is tied to the biblical text.]