John Piper has an interesting video (with transcript for those who prefer to read) on how he prepares his sermons (link). Obviously, his approach will work better for some ministers than for others. It is interesting, nevertheless, to hear how he does it. In my own opinion (for what little that is worth), I've always thought of Piper as a preacher first and foremost, so it was very interesting for me to hear how it is that he prepares to preach.
-TurretinFan
Sunday, July 25, 2010
3 comments:
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10. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you; and abstain from doing to others what you would not wish upon yourself.
It really is unwise to compare ourselves with others.
ReplyDeleteI am not settled that what I just witnessed on that 4 minute plus video clip on sermon prep. is what the Apostle was getting at, here, especially when he also commends the paymasters to give double honor to the elders who rule well and work hard at teaching and preaching to God's Elect and Chosen:
2Th 3:7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you,
2Th 3:8 nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you.
2Th 3:9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.
I quite agree, my armor is custom made and fitted for me in the fight we fight as His good soldiers:::>
Eph 3:8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
Eph 3:9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things,
Eph 3:10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
Eph 3:11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,
Eph 3:12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.
Eph 3:13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.
Finally, it only seems reasonable that his reasonableness is expressed here, TF, in light of what the Apostle also wrote, here:
Php 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
Php 4:5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;
Php 4:6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Apropos sermons...
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed John's thoughts on this subject...particularly his simple prayer to ask God to show him what's there. Instead of just reading for another commentary or concordance, there was simple, child-like humility...this should be the root of all our sermons..and everything we do for that matter.
ReplyDeleteBrad