I am currently reading Chuck Swindoll’s incredible book Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit from his Great Lives Series. In the chapter entitled “Preaching as Paul Preached”, Swindoll analyzes Paul’s message to the Athenians found in Acts 17.
The following are his 4-Part Plan For Powerful Preaching he uncovers in the text as well as supporting comments:
Always Stay On The Subject – Christ
- “For Paul it was always about Christ.”
- “Preaching that doesn’t exalt Christ is empty preaching. Paul wrote to the Corinthian believers, ‘For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”” (1 Corinthians 2:2)
- “Great preaching carries a theme, and that theme is Christ. When Christ is preached, lives are transformed.”
Always Speak the Truth Without Fear
- “Do not be overly impressed with those who have come to class or who sit in the church where you serve.”
- “One of your primary responsibilities is to be unintimidated when you speak the truth.”
- “What they need (and what they will appreciate) is a fearless witness, well prepared, who knows where he’s going.”
Always Start Where Your Audience Is
- “Know your audience well enough to build a bridge quickly.”
- “You’re beginning with the familiar in order to acquaint them with the unfamiliar.”
Always Surrender The Results To God
- “Once they have heard the message, your part ends. Your task is to communicate truth. It’s God job to draw people to Himself.”
- They don’t need manipulation.”
- “God will reach them, just as He did in Athens.”
- “When you finish your message, graciously greet those who linger, and walk out of their midst.”
- “You entrust the results to God. Don’t keep score; that’s His job.”
- “Trust Him. Trust the power of His Word. Trust it to haunt them and humble them. Your job is to love them and speak truth to them, graciously and wisely.”
- “Leave the results to God.”
What is one thing your learned from Chuck Swindoll and Paul himself which will make you a better preacher and teacher?
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