Preaching For Life Change   by Dan O’Deens

Moving at the speed of implementation.  Biblical preaching is more about obedience-based disciple making rather than imparting content and theology.   We are called to be ‘doers of the word’ not hearers only.

Biblical ‘preaching’ is more than a ‘sermon’ during a weekend experience.  Values are caught, not taught.  We preach loudly as we ‘model’ the principles of Jesus.  Our preaching is not only loud but effective when its actions are louder than its words.  Our walk must match our talk, or we become irrelevant.  Every ‘ordinary’ believer, follower of Jesus or disciple maker is called to be a ‘preacher.’  How will they know…unless someone tells them?

There is a substantial difference in being moved by the spirit and actually taking the steps to align our lives to what the Spirit of God is saying to us.   Too many ‘followers and attenders’ subscribe to ‘transactional’ discipleship methods rather than ‘transformational’ methods.   Both mean well, but only one crosses the line into ‘obedience.’

Conviction without correction can lead to spiritual stagnation.  Conviction is not about ‘feeling.’  We hear, “Thanks Pastor, that really convicted my hear.”  I am happy that you felt something, but were you moved to action and change?  The very essence of ‘conviction’ is that is something I would die for.  The purpose of preaching is not inspiration although preaching can inspire.  God’s Word is a two edged sword and it often cuts into our preferences and certainly swims against cultural status quo.

Transformational preaching….preaching for ‘life change’, happens when people hear the Word of the Lord and then put it into practice.  As learners we must first listen, but then we must obey whatever the Word of God is telling us to do.  This is not optional.   As my parents taught me so well, ‘delayed obedience’ is disobedience.

We too often shy away from those who have the spiritual gift of prophecy.  I am ‘not’ referring to foretelling.   This gift is about forth telling.  Speaking forth the Word of the Lord, even when the Truth is difficult or swims against cultures current.  His Truth remains the same, yesterday, today and forever.

Yes, of course…we MUST speak that Truth in love!  But, will I love you enough to say the hard things that will point you into a deeper relationship with the heart of Jesus?

We do not preach to ‘tickle ears’ or to draw large audiences, we are called to ‘rightly divide the word of Truth.’   As preachers…let’s be better and more biblical.

As disciples…let’s learn to exegete the Bible and culture at the same time.  Let’s be like the Bereans who put all teaching/preaching under the lens of study to ensure it in fact is founded in the teachings of Jesus and let’s be like the Men of Issachar, who understood their times.  AND, let’s be open to the Truth cutting into our hearts and minds and make the necessary changes to become more like Jesus.