The Sermon: Proclaiming Christ
It is not merely a motivational speech or a platform for personal opinions; rather, the sermon is where the gospel message—the good news of Jesus Christ—is proclaimed, expounded upon, and applied to the lives of believers.
This understanding is crucial because, without this focus, a sermon may lack its essential character as distinctly Christian, potentially veering into motivational or manipulative territory.
At its core, a Christian Sermon centers on the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Biblical Foundation
The Bible itself sets forth Christ as the central focus of preaching and teaching:
- 1 Corinthians 2:2: Paul declares, “For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified”.
- Colossians 1:28: Paul’s aim in teaching is stated as, “which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach…”
- Acts 8:35: Philip, in explaining the Scriptures to the Ethiopian eunuch, “preached unto him Jesus” demonstrating the pattern of proclamation centered on Christ.
Theological Foundation
A Christian Sermon, therefore, is not merely about imparting wisdom or motivation but about proclaiming the gospel—the message of salvation through Jesus Christ:
- Redemptive Focus: It focuses on Christ’s redemptive work—His life, death, resurrection, and ascension—as the central narrative of Scripture and the foundation of our faith.
- Transformational Power: It recognizes that only through Christ can lives be transformed and reconciled to God.
- Spiritual Nourishment: It provides spiritual nourishment, pointing believers to the person of Christ.
- Unity and Clarity: It brings unity and clarity to the message of Scripture, understanding that all of it points us to Him.
Without the proclamation of Christ, a sermon risks becoming a Motivational Message; Focusing solely on self-improvement, positive thinking, or worldly success, which may inspire but lacks the eternal impact of the gospel. Or, a Manipulative Message; Using emotional appeals or psychological tactics to elicit a response, which can manipulate but can never genuinely transform hearts.
The Importance of Discernment
In discerning a Christian Sermon, believers are encouraged to consider:
- Scriptural Fidelity: Does the message align with the gospel message as presented in Scripture?
- Christological Emphasis: Is Christ proclaimed as central to the message, offering hope, forgiveness, and new life?
- Spiritual Edification: Does the sermon edify and equip believers to live out their faith?
In essence, a Christian Sermon is distinguished by its unwavering focus on proclaiming Christ and His redemptive work. It is through this proclamation that believers are nurtured, challenged, and transformed by the power of God’s Word. As we engage with the sermon, let us seek those who faithfully proclaim Christ, knowing that in Him alone we find the fullness of life and salvation.