I imagine I am biased in this appraisal, but there is nothing in the world that can compare to a good gospel sermon! The word of God delivered in spoken form (as well as any other form) is designed to uplift and encourage (Acts 20:32). It is to be something of which we are never ashamed (Romans 1:16), but rather something in which we joy (Acts 8:39). However, when you compare that scriptural perspective of preaching to society’s, you draw a drastic contrast in attitudes. The Bible exalts Bible preaching, but society denigrates it. The Bible commends Bible preaching, but society hinders it. The Bible revels in Bible preaching, but society cringes at it. Sitting down and through a sermon, to many, is no longer a joy but a “necessary evil.” It is not something from which we can benefit, but through which we must suffer. Too many are no longer thrilled by preaching, but merely tolerate it.
As a preacher I have a much different perspective of preaching (as do most all preachers). The normal church member sits and listens to as few as one or as many as four sermons/class lessons in the course of the average week. To them it becomes commonplace. Bible instruction is a normal part of their regiment. But many preachers are involved in the instructing aspect of at least three and maybe all four regular services of the local congregation. Because of this it is not uncommon for most preachers to have to go weeks and maybe even months at a time between opportunities to be instructed! Preachers need preaching too! For anyone who truly hungers and thirsts after righteousness, that is far too long to have to wait to be filled (Matthew 5:6). Thankfully there are more and more opportunities being made available outside of the regular assemblies of the church for such instruction to be received (gospel meetings, lectureships, seminars, etc.); time and means must simply be found to avail one’s self to them. But I think it is that perspective that sometimes discourages me about many peoples’ attitude toward preaching.
To some, preaching is an inconvenience; to a preacher it is invaluable. To some, preaching is exhaustive; to a preacher it is exhilarating. To some, preaching is stale; to a preacher it is stimulating. To some, preaching goes far too long in view of the time allotted; to a preacher the time allotted is far too short in view of what needs to be said. To some, the truth contained in preaching is inaccessible; to a preacher, to not receive the truth spoken is inexcusable.
See, preachers have a much different view of preaching than do most everybody else. It is a matter that is very personal to them. It is their life and the essence of their being. So next time you wonder what the big deal about preaching is and wonder why your preacher loves it as much as he does, just think about preaching, not through the eyes of society, but through the eyes of a preacher.