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There is a massive difference between a lecture on a text (which is how I would categorize far too many sermons I hear in Reformed circles) and the preaching of a text.
A sermon without Christ! As well talk of a loaf of bread without any flour in it.
There is a massive difference between a lecture on a text (which is how I would categorize far too many sermons I hear in Reformed circles) and the preaching of a text.
If a preacher is preaching through the Book of Esther, how would he go about mentioning how Christ saves people from their sin and how man is justified before God?
Est 4:11 "All the king's servants and the people of the king's provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law—to be put to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter so that he may live. But as for me, I have not been called to come in to the king these thirty days."
....
Est 5:1 On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king's palace, in front of the king's quarters, while the king was sitting on his royal throne inside the throne room opposite the entrance to the palace.
Est 5:2 And when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.
If a preacher is preaching through the Book of Esther, how would he go about mentioning how Christ saves people from their sin and how man is justified before God?
If a preacher is preaching through the Book of Esther, how would he go about mentioning how Christ saves people from their sin and how man is justified before God?
How about something like this:
Est 4:11 "All the king's servants and the people of the king's provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law—to be put to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter so that he may live. But as for me, I have not been called to come in to the king these thirty days."
....
Est 5:1 On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king's palace, in front of the king's quarters, while the king was sitting on his royal throne inside the throne room opposite the entrance to the palace.
Est 5:2 And when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.
Even before an earthly king, presuming to enter in his presence means death.
How much more with God? How could we sinners dare stand before the throne of the most Holy King?
We cannot hope for a golden scepter to be pointed toward us, who only have filthy rags to clothe us. Yet, we can be clothed in royal righteous robes, clothed in the righteousness of one who does stand before that throne on our behalf.
If a preacher is preaching through the Book of Esther, how would he go about mentioning how Christ saves people from their sin and how man is justified before God?
Vic gave a great answer. Let me add another one. I can't resist, since my book has about half a chapter devoted to teaching the gospel from Esther. Here's a shortened version.
There are two kings in Esther: Xerxes and the unnamed King of Heaven, who showed Himself to be the one truly in charge. Haman should have sought honor from Him instead of from Xerxes, and Esther proved herself wise for putting Him and His people first. Like Esther, we need to remember that we belong to a far better King than even the great king of Persia:
* The king of Persia ruled an empire. But King Jesus rules all heaven and earth.
* The king of Persia was duped by a gift to his treasury. But King Jesus owns all things and freely shares them with us.
* The king of Persia will love you for a night, use you for his pleasure, and then send you back to the harem. But King Jesus gives a costly love that’s faithful forever.
* The king of Persia executes all traitors, impaling them on the gallows. But not King Jesus. We have all been unfaithful to him and deserve to die, but he has gone to the gallows in our place, impaled at his hands and feet.
Always remember who you are and what King has saved you to serve Him. It will make you wise and brave like Esther.
My pastor uses the illustration of the game tether-ball. The ball may be closer to the post at some times more than others, but it's never far away from it. And the goal is to wrap the cord around the post as tightly as you can (but you do have to hit the ball!)
1. Some use a phrase like "gospel presentation" to mean there must be an altar call with every sermon.
2. Others, though, especially recently, mean to say that the preacher should include a mention of how the larger context of the text leads to Jesus and his saving work, or that exhortations should be grounded in an encouragement first of all to more deeply appreciate and believe the good news.
and generally should-ed all over us throughout the body of the sermon.