What are we trying to accomplish every time we preach a sermon?
I came across the following quote about the purpose of our sermons, and I thought it was worth sharing.
The purpose of the sermon is not to impart knowledge but to influence behavior - not to inform but to transform. The goal is not to make listeners more educated but more Christlike. - Donald R. Sunukjian, Invitation to Biblical Preaching, 12
The message we proclaim is not some dead book. We proclaim the living, powerful word of God.
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
The message we preach is relevant to us today. When we preach, we need to help those listening to our sermon understand that what we are learning together is meant to influence how we act, talk, and think.
Hopefully, our sermons refresh and reinforce our knowledge of God’s word, but they shouldn’t stop there (2 Peter 3:18). Simply knowing what God has said isn’t sufficient. We must act upon the things we learn.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, [for what purpose?] that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Learning the Scriptures isn’t merely a mental exercise - learning what God has said is meant to motivate us to live for Him.
So the purpose’ purpose - or end goal - is not merely to better inform the brethren about some biblical topic.
The purpose is to proclaim God’s living word and urge those who hear to respond to what God says by obeying Him.
Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. (Luke 9:23)