Homiletics (3): Preaching as one inspired 

What are my sources of inspiration as a preacher? What breathes life into my sermon preparation and delivery? Join us on a journey of discovery.

At times it can feel like a daunting task. The time to conduct a divine service is approaching. You read (or listen to) the Divine Service Guide. You re-read it; and read it again. You investigate the Bible text and its context. You wrestle with the message and content of the service. You think of the needs of the congregation and hold them in prayer. And then comes the turning point: the moment where listening shifts. The time has come for God to speak, so that one may speak to the congregation. 

Letters and words on paper—or on a screen—must now become something more: a living and inspiring sermon. But, in a sense, our whole life is already delivering a sermon—if daily living is inspired by faith. Each moment, each choice, becomes an opportunity to speak through action, embodying the message long before the words are spoken.

Inspiration through living the faith

Preaching does not occur in a vacuum. Preaching is an extension of what we already are, or what we are in the process of becoming: a new creation in Christ. As mentioned in a previous article, the Holy Spirit is not only active during the sermon, but also during and before sermon preparation. We are speaking here of a life that is rooted in faith and orientated towards the triune God. Faith is a life immersed in the Holy Spirit—divine inspiration that flows from above and bubbles up from within.

In the gospel of John, Jesus speaks about this divine life. Those who believe in Him, He says, “out of [their] heart will flow rivers of living water” (John 7: 38).  

Life in the Holy Spirit, in Christ, is also a life of prayer and personal sanctification. It is to be quiet so that God can reveal Himself in a still, soft voice. Divine inspiration is often found on your knees.

Inspiration through personal experiences of faith

To once again draw attention to what was said in a previous article: one can only give what one already possesses and has experienced. A life of faith, lived in the Spirit, is a treasure trove of inspiration. There was that time you personally wrestled with God in prayer, when all hope seemed lost, and you were overwhelmed with a sense of peace. Or that time you dug deep and made a new discovery in your faith. Perhaps it was the time you visited a family during their struggle or bereavement and witnessed their courage and hope. Or that time you experienced God in a special way during the divine service, or in the company of a brother or sister, or even in the words of a child. We can all look back and recall moments of faith that are deeply personal …

Inspiration from personal experience translates into personal conviction. The sermon is not merely paying lip service to what needs to be said, but an open declaration of personal conviction in the presence of the congregation. It is being authentic.

Inspiration through loving and understanding your faith

Jesus said that what lies within will inevitably become manifest as visible fruit: “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12: 34). It is much easier to speak about something you love and understand. 

At the heart of the matter is our love borne out of the knowledge and understanding of the gospel, and particularly the person of Christ. Paul prayed that God would grant believers a deeper understanding, that they “may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3: 18–19). 

It is our love for Christ—and a deep understanding of His love for us—that inspires preaching. “Oh, taste and see,” the psalmist says, “that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (Psalm 34: 8). And with that love comes a humble longing: a desire to know and experience Him more deeply. That knowledge and experience comes about through meaningful engagement with all aspects of Christian life.

The same holds true for our love of the Church and understanding its doctrine. The Church has a specific theology and mission authorised by the Apostle ministry, and this is something that one needs to bring to the bride of Christ in a convincing manner. 

Reflecting on our life of faith

Reflecting on our sources of inspiration casts light on our relationship with God, our neighbour, and what comes from within. It casts light on our life of faith, that is, a life immersed in the Holy Spirit and knowledge of Jesus Christ. It is about meaningful engagement—in a life often full of distractions and responsibilities—to make that new creation a lived reality, which in turn, we can share with others. 

Photo: khonkangrua – stock.adobe.com

About the author

Markus Cromhout (born 1972) is a theologian at the New Apostolic Church Southern Africa. He is active in his congregation as an Evangelist. He studied at the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Pretoria and obtained his doctorate in New Testament Studies. In addition to scientific publications, he also writes popular science. He conducted seminars on the subject of “Homiletics” and provides weekly background videos.