Over the weekend The Gospel Coalition posted an article I wrote titled, “8 Lessons Calvin Teaches Us About Preaching.” As we approach Reformation Sunday this coming weekend, it is a good time to reflect on various ways we can learn from this significant time in church history.
My article draws from the time I spent editing and updating a new English version of Calvin’s 54 sermons on 1 Timothy (which ran to over 800 pages in manuscript). In these sermons you find a pastor who cares deeply for his people, esteems highly the Scripture and wants people to know God. There are numerous lessons to be drawn from these sermons but I pointed out these eight:
- Focus on Scripture itself.
- Not every sermon will soar.
- Most preaching is done in the midst of difficulty.
- Preachers must be both bold and humble.
- Preachers must be burdened for the salvation of souls.
- Preachers must be patient.
- Preaching must address everyday life, including marriage, family, and child-rearing.
- True biblical preaching requires searching application.
The article briefly expands each point. I hope it will be helpful particularly to those who preach the Word each week to the people of God.