August 15, 2010 - How Do You Evaluate A Sermon?

Meditation on Ezekiel 3

I wonder how a preaching professor or speech writer would evaluate Ezekiel's sermon. No doubt his sermons were full of vivid images. But there seemed to be no lengthy, attractive introduction, no joke or humor, no oratorical outline, no control of how long or short it should be. (e.g. Ezekiel 16). God had already told him that no body was going to adhere to his message. He should not be afraid of the flat expression and rebellious attitude of the audience. (v. 7-11) God just ordered Ezekiel to be a watchman who should faithfully warned the people of his country the coming judgment of God. (v. 16-21) The result and effect of the message is entirely up to the LORD.

Some preachers find that God will bring surprising result as long as they are sure that their messages are from God. But those who have prepared their sermons by the best technique may fall down flat face. Most audience would remember the illustration, but their lives are not being affected.

But that does not mean that the preachers should not prepare well. What every preacher should be certain is whether his sermon is from God. How does a preacher know his message is from God? By eating and digesting the word of God like Ezekiel did. (v. 1-2) When he studies and digests the word to the point that he finds the word of God is so sweet in his mouth, he is going to proclaim the message from the heart of God.

The congregation may not like it. But he has fulfilled his mission from God. Some may say that this man is a prophet but not a pastor. But I say that a pastor should please God before he pleases man.