The Use & Abuse of Sermons
Preachers, a good note of caution from The Gospel Coalition Website:
A NOTE ON THE USE AND ABUSE OF SERMONSThe instant availability of thousands of expository sermons andaddresses prompts us to reflect a little on how they should not beused, and how they should be used.To take the latter first: many of our Council members avidly readthe sermons of others, or, increasingly commonly, listen to them whilethey are driving or walking or jogging. Good preaching not only opensup texts, but helps us learn how others tackle the challenge ofstructure, apply Scripture to their particular congregations, relatetheir texts to the central themes of God and the gospel, and much more.We soon sense their urgency and God-given unction. We are sent back tothe study and to our knees to become better workers who do not need tobe ashamed of the way we handle the word of truth.The bad way to listen to the sermons of others is to select one suchsermon on the topic or passage you have chosen and then simply stealit, passing it off as if it is your own work. This is, quite frankly,theft, and thieves, Paul tells us, will not inherit the kingdom of God(1 Cor 6:10). Yet in some ways that is not the most serious aspect ofthis form of plagiarism. Rather, it is the deep damage you are doing toyourself and others by not studying the Bible for yourself. Ministersof the gospel are supported by their congregations so they will givethemselves to the ministry of the Word and prayer. That demandsrigorous study. A faithful minister of the gospel is never merely abiological tape recorder or CD, thoughtlessly parroting what someoneelse learned, thought through, prayed over, and recorded. Indulge inthis exercise and before long you will starve your own soul -- and, nomatter how good the sermons you steal, your ministry will sooner orlater, and deservedly, become sterile, for the stamp of inauthenticitywill be all over you.One helpful suggestion: Listen to many sermons, not just one or two.You will be far less likely to steal, and far more likely to bestimulated and helped, if you listen to five or ten sermons than if youlisten to one.