Gospel Preaching: Gospel of Luke #13
This is an exposition of Luke 4:14-29. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, May 15, 2016.
Intro:
It has become quite an issue in the last few years. Hotly debated in seminary classrooms, seminars and conferences. What is the role of Gospel preaching within the church? Some are arguing that the sermon is an outdated method. Sermons have no place in today’s worship service – some of you are thinking, “Amen to that!” We live in a visual age. With television and the internet being our primary means of communication. Vivid images and short – “sound bites” is the argument. Sermons are boring. “That preacher is like the energizer bunny he just keeps going and going and going.” I know that the standard fare on Sunday afternoon is roast preacher – I do the same thing! We’ve all had to endure dull, lifeless preaching. But the answer is not in throwing out the sermon. The answer is a return to Gospel preaching. Preaching that points to Christ. Preaching that is true to the Word of God. Preaching that is solidly biblical. Everyone has his or her idea of a great preacher. I have my favorites. You may not care for them at all. You may like someone that I don’t care for. But we can all agree that the greatest preacher who ever lived was the Lord Jesus! He spoke as no other man ever spoke. He spoke as one having authority. When He talked people listened.
I want us to look to the Lord Jesus and learn something about Gospel preaching. Now hold on. I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, “It’s bad enough we have to set through a sermon but a sermon on sermons! Wrong crowd preacher save that one for a meeting of your preacher buddies.” We all have something to learn in this area because you preach the Gospel every day. Every time you speak to a neighbor or coworker about Christ – you’re “preaching Christ.” Your very lifestyle is preaching Christ. When others know that you are a believer they are watching you. Everything you do is declaring something about Christ. But I will acknowledge it applies specifically to what I’m doing right now. Yet it is something that we all must consider as more and more churches abandon the sermon for theatre. What is to be the role of the sermon? How can we most accurately present the message of Christ and God’s grace? To help us with that I want us to take a look at Luke 4:14-29.
Text: Luke 4:14-29
Nazareth was filled with excitement. One of their own has returning. He left town and obscure carpenter, He is returning a renowned rabbi. Great crowds are following Him. Reports of great miracles accompany Him. Almost a year has passed between Luke 4:13 and Luke 4:14.
Jesus is returning to His hometown following a fairly successful year of ministry. He cleansed the temple in Jerusalem; He’s already had His conversation with Nicodemus and visited with the woman at the well. Word is spreading rapidly so folks in the hometown synagogue are excited when He stands up to take the scroll and read from the prophets. His text was a favorite of the people. It was a messianic passage describing the work of God’s Anointed One. After closing the scroll He sits down, indicating this was an “official” message. The crowd waits with breathless anticipation. Their initial response is one of wonder and amazement. But as the message sinks in they become furious. In fact they get so upset they want to kill Him!
[Read the text]
Thesis: Gospel preaching rather than being focused on results is consumed with the glory of God.
As we explore this great passage we learn three important characteristics about Gospel preaching. Three timeless truths that relate to us today.
- Because of this focus on God’s glory, Gospel preaching relies on the power of the Holy Spirit and not press clippings and reputation. (4:14-15)
- Gospel preaching plainly, simply sets forth the great truths of God’s grace and the Savior’s provision. (4:16-21)
- Gospel preaching pierces the heart. (4:22-29)
You see Gospel preaching rather than being focused on results is consumed with the glory of God.
That is why it:
- Relies on the power of the Holy Spirit and not press clippings and reputation.
- Plainly, simply sets forth the great truths of God’s grace and the Savior’s provision.
- And pierces the heart of those who hear it.