Proclaimer Blog
Duplicity (3) – I love the Bible
The preacher spends all his time in the word of God. He loves the word of God. He meditates on it day and night. He treasures it in his heart. He delights in its decrees. He does not neglect the word of God (all Psalm 119). He is paid money to do this. What could be better.
Right?
Or is this a more recognisable pattern?
Read the passage. Ask "How is this going to become a sermon?" Grab a piece of paper right away. Jot down ideas. Perhaps do this diligently. Big idea? Theme sentence? Aim? Outline? Introduction? Illustration? By Friday, it's taking shape and by Sunday the people get a good sermon. Monday. Start over.
No one knows. They assume that if you're giving them a good sermon, then you're fingers are covered with the ink of the text and the words have gone deeply into your heart.They assume that the message they are getting on Sunday is just the tip of the iceberg of your Bible study during the week. "If this is the message," they think, "imagine what other treasures he has mined this week!" Yes, you say to them – I separate out my devotions from my prep. That much is true. But what you don't say is that your devotions are rubbish if they exist at all. It's just been a prep week. Again. Again.
And, like prayer, this is not a failing you care to admit to. This is not something you will announce from the pulpit. At first you are ashamed. Then you convince yourself that your sermon prep is your devotion and that's fine. It must be sinking in. Until you review your spiritual progress over the last twelve months and you realist that you have not grown at all; in fact, if anything…..
How can I explain this so accurately? Well……
Tomorrow, some remedies.