Keller on Preaching: Part 1

I’ve reviewed books for my BLOG on numerous occasions. As a common practice, the author (or someone else) provides a free copy in exchange for a review. Recently I received a free copy, not by the author, of Tim Keller’s new book, ‘Preaching’. Lane Sebring does a fantastic BLOG and podcast under the name Preaching Donkey (click here), that deals with the how’s more than the what’s of preaching. As part of celebrating his first year, he choose to give away a copy of the book, and I was honored to have won (the contest was based on reviews on iTunes-mine was Lane’s favorite).

I want to do more than a review of the book, more than a short, one BLOG post overview of this valuable resource. So for the next few weeks, I estimate 8-10, I’m going to use the book as a guide for us. Now, before you stop reading, and the next 10 weeks, this book is not just for the Pastor, minister, or preacher. No, Keller, as I do, thinks everyone is a ‘preacher’ at least in some sense (see my BLOG post here). This is a resource anyone can glean value from, as I hope to show in the weeks to come.

So, I’m going to start with the title, as it literally speaks volumes of information to us. I’m not talking JUST the title ‘Preaching’ but the subtitle, which is, ‘Communicating Faith in an age of Skepticism’. This should give you an indication that this is more than a ‘preachers’ book. There is an aspect of this book that deals with pulpit, pastoral preaching, but much of it is valuable to anyone that claims Christ and wishes others to know him, too. And, as the subtitle indicates, our culture is in need of a voice, nay, many voices, to speak the words of reconciliation, that is mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:18 (KJV) “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.”

The book opens with a long section, the Prologue, which is used to set the tone, or point, of the rest of the book. Keller starts with, what he calls, the three ‘levels’ of preaching. These levels, simply designated as level 1, 2, and 3, are based upon the notion that the NT uses 33 different Greek words for preaching, and that all these types were not public addresses. Peter’s quoting of Joel in Acts 2:17 points to the fact that “sons and daughters” would be anointed to “prophecy” (which Keller seems to equate with preaching, as do I). So, to let me explain his categories of preaching, the first is what we would call one-on-one conversations.

Colossians 3:16 (KJV) “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Notice Paul said, “teaching and admonishing one another” which Keller points out as a clear reference to informal conversations. Keller rightfully uses Priscilla and Aquila’s private instruction to Apollos (Acts 18:26) as a Biblical example. Keller admonishes us, that every Christian should be able to ‘teach’ and ‘admonish’ others the truths of scripture and Christ. These words of Paul are clearly meant for all believers, not just Pastors/Preachers/Ministers.

The Third Level (and I’ll go back to level two) is the more formal idea of the Sermon. This would be the idea of addressing the assembled (or an assembly). This is prepared (mostly) sermons/lessons, done with a more structured view than level 1. The book is a valuable resource to those that prepare sermons and lessons in Church settings, such as Pastors, ministers, and ‘preachers’ of every stripe. Keller even included in the appendix, helps in writing and preparing sermons. This part of the book is a tremendous value to the person preparing sermons, such as myself, as it gives the how, what, and why of sermon preparation. This book would be a tremendous asset to your favorite pastor/preacher’s library, though all, as I’ve previously stated, can glean much from this tome.

Keller’s level 2 is the level between, informal conversations and the more formal prepared public gathering sermon. This level, according to Keller, would include Bloggers, writers, teachers (in small group settings in Churches), mentors, moderators (of groups discussing faith issues), and so on. This book is meant, mostly, for the Level 2 and 3 of preaching, though I contend all can get great value from it. Keller points to Peter’s designation of ‘speaking’ as a category of spiritual gifts, which I previously wrote and posted here, also. These spiritual gifts can be counseling, instructing, teaching, and/or evangelizing, according to Keller. He notes that these gifts can be more or less formal lesson preparation and though they are not ‘sermons’ they must convey the truths of God’s Word as faithfully as any sermon does.

Keller quotes Peter Adam as saying that no one should “make preaching carry a load which it cannot bear; that is, the burden of doing all the Bible expects of every form of ministry of the Word” (Peter Adam, ‘Speaking God’s Words: A Practical Theology of Preaching’). Keller stresses that the Church’s ministry of developing Christ-likeness in us is not just by the sermons delivered in the pulpit. Paul states in 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” And this admonition is not intended to the formal sermon-deliverer only, but all that ‘handle’ God’s Word. And here, in this section of the Prologue, Keller states the need for the culture today for truth, authoritative, Biblical truth delivered from pulpits and the more informal sermons of the Level 2.

One of the last parts of Keller’s Prologue deals with the notion of ‘great’ preaching. This would seem to be directed at the ‘Level 3’ type of preaching, but anyone can learn value from this part of the Prologue. Keller gives great instruction on doing ‘good’ preaching. He realized early in his ministry that his sermons were sometimes well received and at other times, not so much. Many times it was the same sermon, but one would be blessed and from the same sermon another would not be as similarly affected. Keller points to, Acts 16:14 (KJV) “And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.” In this verse is the phrase, “whose heart the Lord opened,” and Keller emphasizes God’s part in preaching, as this verse seems to indicate. This is where 'Great' preaching happens, by the Lord's doing.

This brings us to the end of the Prologue, and Keller’s admonition to Preach Christ, preach to the heart of the culture, and the purpose for/of ‘preaching’. Keller points us to 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, and Paul’s emphasis to “preach Christ and Him crucified” as our main emphasis of preaching. This is true of every level of preaching, also. Then he points to going at the heart of the culture, their idols, by pointing to Paul’s description in 1 Corinthians 1:21-24. In these verses Paul deals with the difference of Jews and Greeks, and how Christ speaks to each, as we must to our culture today. Finally our Prologue is completed with ‘The Tasks of Preaching’ which he summarizes as follows, “It is “proclaim[ing]…the testimony of God” (1 Corinthians 2:1)-preaching biblically, engaging with the authoritative text. This means preaching the Word not your opinion.” Interesting, very similar advice my own father gave me as I began my preaching ministry. Hope you enjoy our walk thru this book.

#TimKeller #preaching #truth #culture