The Measure of a Sermon, 7

Here is another thought: is conviction of sin the measure of a sermon?  I am not sure why, but I used to notice that people would give me the most response to a sermon that was the most demanding.  "Oh Pastor, that was such a wonderful sermon, I was so very convicted."  Should I have found this encouraging?

First, I have to wonder about how we have trained people -- to think that feeling terribly guilty and exposed is the measure of a great sermon.  Seems like the equivalent of "Hit me again, I really like pain."

Second, before I get reaction to that, let me add -- I think the reason we try to bring conviction and like conviction is one and the same. We think people are not yet persuaded of how much God demands of them.  What they need is sharper and sharper moral instruction.  If I can get them to see the holiness of the law, then they will change!  And I love conviction because it gives me a sense of something that needs to be done. 

Third, while conviction is a gift to us, it is always conviction to lead people to the cross.  I know the arguments about people needing to be slain by the law --- and agree that awareness of need of forgiveness is crucial.  But if I leave them there, I have not been faithful to the Savior.  Conviction should drive people to the cross -- and they should leave with hope toward the Savior.

The question is this -- where do I accent the truth? Do I want people to leave full of faith and joy -- or looking inward?  Read any NT letter at one sitting and tell me which way it leaves you.

Comments

[Jacob Hantla]

Mark, thank you for this series. Having read through it slowly and even repeatedly I come away deeply affected and even (gulp) convicted :-). However, my motivation to "do better" as a teacher has been guided to the right place. I want to preach Christ-centered sermons because Christ is the center of the Bible, the center of history, the center of my hope, the end of my life.

Mark, I hope that these posts turn into a book.

[Martin Thorley]

Surely the answer is that a sermon MUST bring:
1. conviction AND
2. the motivation to change (which is the gospel) AND
3. the means to change (which, however practical it may get, has grace at its heart) AND
4. the hope that change is possible even in a sinner like me.

All must be present else how can we expect people to grow? Comments?

Martin

[Jim]

It's so good to hear you say that whips and chains are not needed in gospel preaching. I was away from the church for over fifteen years. I came back solely due to the grace of God. I see red, and begin to rage inwardly whenever I hear a pastor beating the sheep rather than leading them. Many Christians believe that a masochistic relationship with preaching is a good thing. They'll pay extra for it!

Not me.

[gracevet]

it leaves me with feeling how great is the grace ...... grace upon grace .... and then knowing that is how I'm to respond to all of life...