Pitfalls and Romance of Preaching
A Lecture on the Romance of Preaching
Scripture
Sermon Description
Should a preacher repeat his sermon? What are the dangers in doing so? Is it ever appropriate for a preacher to preach another person’s sermon? In this sermon titled “Pitfalls and Romance,” these questions are handled as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones lectures under the topic of preaching and preachers. A sermon takes on a personality of its own. As the preacher comes to know his sermons, there are certain benefits in preaching them again and again. Yet there are pitfalls. The preacher who is no longer moved by his sermon turns the act into a mere performance. The same applies to preaching another person’s sermon. While it may be useful on occasion, Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains the dangers in this habit. He emphasizes, however, that there is nothing like waking into one’s own pulpit with a fresh sermon. There is an uncertainty to the service and the preacher doesn’t really know what’s going to happen. Referencing this as the “romance” of preaching, he talks of times when his first point became its own sermon in the pulpit and the remaining points became a series. While repeating sermons may be useful, what a great privilege for the preacher to remain for many years in the same pulpit, preaching fresh sermons to a congregation.
Sermon Breakdown
- The question of repeating sermons arises in ministry. Some people are surprised preachers repeat sermons, thinking it almost sinful. However, repeating a sermon in a different church or place is legitimate and beneficial.
- A sermon is not just an exposition but a message and burden. Some sermons are given in a special way, with unusual clarity and order, and are used by the Spirit. Why not repeat these sermons? A preacher should always give their best.
- Sermons grow and develop through preaching. A preacher sees more while preaching than while preparing. Familiarity with a sermon also improves preaching effectiveness and freedom.
- How often should a sermon be repeated? Not a question of figures but stopping when it no longer grips, moves or blesses the preacher, as then it becomes mechanical or a performance.
- Warnings for repeating a sermon elsewhere: avoid dishonesty like pretending to search for the right word; changing the text is not enough, as listeners can tell; and adding illustrations does not cover it. If repeating a sermon, do not start with the same first sentence.
- A sermon tends to have a character of its own, like a novel's characters handling the author. Some sermons preach themselves, some require careful handling. Know your sermons to pick the right one for the occasion.
- Preaching others' sermons is utterly dishonest unless acknowledged. Stories of Spurgeon and a student preaching Spurgeon's sermon, and a preacher using another's sermon to restore Spurgeon's confidence. Warnings against the practice, though understandable in desperation. If done, do not use the same first sentence or claim the sermon's development.
- The romance of preaching: the thrill of preaching a fresh sermon; the relationship between preacher, people and preparation; the uncertainty, as true preachers do not know what will happen; the effect on health, as preaching can invigorate; knowing on Saturday the likely Sunday result when gripped in preparation; themes developing while preaching, with sermons growing; being restrained from preaching the whole sermon, then seeing the reason next week; never knowing the listeners or what may happen, like conversion or a word for a desperate need. Examples of a man kept from suicide by a prayer and a couple given an answer. In God's hands, nothing is impossible.
Sermon Q&A
Does Lloyd-Jones Believe in Repeating Sermons? A Guide to His Preaching Philosophy
What was Lloyd-Jones' view on repeating sermons in different places?
Lloyd-Jones believed it was thoroughly legitimate and even beneficial to repeat exceptional sermons in different places (not in the same church to the same congregation). He argued that some messages are given to a preacher "in a very special way" with unusual clarity, and when these are honored by the Spirit and used effectively, there's good reason to share them elsewhere. He stated: "Surely it should be the preacher's concern always to give the best that he's got, the very best that he has. And so it is surely legitimate that he shouldn't select his best sermon and preach that to the people."
Did Lloyd-Jones approve of preaching other people's sermons?
Lloyd-Jones was firmly against preaching other people's sermons without acknowledgment, calling it "utterly dishonest." He stated: "I never have understood how a man can live with himself who does this. He receives the praise and the thanks of people, and he knows that it isn't due to him. He's a thief. He's a robber, he's a sinner." He warned that changing the text or adding personal illustrations doesn't disguise the theft, as discriminating listeners will detect it.
How does Lloyd-Jones describe the "character" of sermons?
Lloyd-Jones describes sermons as having their own unique character or personality, saying "a sermon tends to have a character of its own." He explains that some sermons "virtually preach themselves" while others "require very careful handling" and can "half murder you" if not handled properly. He advised preachers to "get to know your sermons" to understand which sermon is right for which occasion and for one's particular physical and mental state.
What does Lloyd-Jones mean by "the romance of preaching"?
Lloyd-Jones describes "the romance of preaching" as the thrilling, exciting and wonderful aspects of preaching that make it "the greatest work in the world." Elements include:
- The special feeling of walking into a pulpit with a fresh sermon
- The "endless possibilities" and "uncertainty" of a service
- The physical reinvigoration that can happen during preaching
- How sermons can develop and grow while being preached
- The unexpected ways God works through preaching to reach specific people
- Not knowing who will be listening or how they will be affected
He states: "There is no romance comparable to that of the work of the preacher."
When should a preacher stop repeating a particular sermon?
Lloyd-Jones advised that a preacher should "stop preaching that sermon when it ceases to grip you, when it ceases to move you, when it ceases to be a means of blessing to you." At that point, he warned, the sermon would become mechanical or "even become a performance," which he considered terrible. He emphasized that the number of times one preaches a sermon isn't a mechanical matter but depends on the sermon's continued spiritual impact on the preacher himself.
Sermons: Preaching and Preachers
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.