Sermon Central
-
Seven Deadly Sins In The Pulpit
By Steve Murrell on Aug 21, 2020
"Unlike many modern preachers, Paul refused to edit out the difficult parts of the message. He insisted on preaching the whole gospel."
It is increasingly common today to hear parts of the gospel proclaimed. The same was happening in the early church. In Acts 20, Paul says to the Ephesian church elders, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of any of you. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the WHOLE WILL OF GOD (Acts 20:26, 27).
Unlike many modern preachers, Paul refused to edit out the difficult parts of the message. He insisted on preaching the whole gospel.
In 604, Pope Gregory wrote about the "Seven Deadly Sins" which included pride, gluttony, envy, lust, anger, greed, and laziness. In the spirit of the Pope's top seven, here's my list of "Seven Deadly Sins of the Pulpit."
1. Preaching Christ Without the Cross.
No-cost Christianity. Paul was determined to know and preach nothing except Christ and Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2). Today it seems we preach everything but Christ and the cross, causing many to live as enemies of the cross (Philippians 3:18).
2. Preaching Salvation Without Sanctification.
No-change Christianity. So many claim Christ today with no evidence or change in their lives, and the pulpit is at least partially to blame.
3. Preaching Decisions Without Discipleship.
No-commitment Christianity. I know we are getting crowds and decisions, but are we making disciples?
4. Preaching Love Without Lordship.
No-compliance Christianity. Jesus is Lord, and because He is Lord, He heals, delivers, provides, and saves.
5. Preaching Prosperity Without Purpose.
No-cause Christianity. God blesses us so that we can be a blessing.
6. Preaching Blessing Without Birthright.
No-covenant Christianity. Esau threw away his birthright and still expected a blessing. It does not work that way. If we want the blessing, we must accept the covenantal responsibilities that go with the birthright.
7. Preaching Revival Without Reformation.
No-transformation Christianity. We are called to be salt and light, to impact individuals and cultures, families and nations. The gospel is supposed to be transformational.
I have certainly been guilty of all of above at different times in my life as a preacher. As I have matured, hopefully, I'm being more and more faithful to preaching the WHOLE WILL OF GOD. How about you?
Related Preaching Articles
-
Can We Preach The Tithe?
By Dean Shriver on Jun 30, 2018
Tithing is a volatile topic—even away from the pulpit. Dean Shriver suggests a novel approach to the "fuzzy edges" of tithing.
-
Just What Is Pulpit Plagiarism?
By Ron Forseth on Jan 1, 2024
Executive Editor of SermonCentral.com Ron Forseth answers the thorny question in defining pulpit plagiarism.
-
Why Preparing Sermons Takes Me So Long
By Joe Mckeever on Jul 31, 2020
Proper preparation is not for the faint of heart. It takes prayer, study, and practice.
-
Managing The Clock In Your Preaching
By James O. Davis on May 29, 2020
James O. Davis reminds preachers that the length of a presentation is not determined by the clock but by the crowd.
-
The Critical Relationship Between Pastor And Worship Leader
By Chuck Fromm on Mar 4, 2020
Worship Leader magazine editor Chuck Fromm discusses the key imperative in a pastor establishing a meaningful relationship with his/her worship leader and team.
-
Busting Out Of Sermon Block
By Haddon Robinson on May 28, 2020
Give your sermons new life every week with this timeless advice from Haddon Robinson.
-
Energizing Your Sermons With Multisensory Preaching
By Rick Blackwood on Jun 2, 2020
Rick Blackwood helps preachers communicate God's Word in a form that is engaging, crystal clear, unforgettable, and more fun for the speaker.
-
Why I Love To Preach
By Joseph M. Stowell on Nov 25, 2021
Joseph Stowell says he loves preaching, but it's not like anything else he loves. Read this article and remember why you love to preach.
