The Act of Preaching

We continue our series of reading through M.D.Loyd-Jones classic Preaching and Preachers. And we are now on Chapter 5, part 1. By the way, you still have time to pick up a copy and join me.

This chapter presents 11 elements of preaching that Lloyd Jones considers vital to the act of preaching.

1. Action
2. Authority 
3. Freedom
4. Receiving from the Congregation
5. Seriousness
6. Zeal
7. Warmth
8. Rapport
9. Urgency
10. Pathos
11. Power

Action - this involves the whole person. Preaching is more than "giving a talk" but is the truth delivered through the personality of the whole man.

Authority. "The preacher should never be apologetic, he should never give the impression that he is speaking by their leave as it were; he should not be tentatively putting forward certain suggestions and ideas...He is a man, who is there to declare; he is a man under commission and under authority." Note that when a person tries to undercut the preacher, they first attack this very point by attacking the man they are trying to undercut the authority of his words. 

Freedom. Lloyd-Jones is speaking of pulpit freedom. He mentions what I think many have experienced, when fresh thoughts and a liberty of mind comes in the preaching act and the man feels particularly blessed. Applications of truth come to mind that never crossed our minds in the study. "Preaching should be always under the Spirit - His power and control..." Sometimes the best things I say when preaching come to my mind as I am preaching and that is the Spirit's work. You have to be free to ditch the outline, if need be. 

Next time, we'll consider some of the other points.