4 Sermon Illustrations on Simplicity in Preaching

4 illustrations

Simplicity in preaching emphasizes clear, straightforward communication of the gospel so that all listeners, regardless of background, can understand and be edified. It values plainness over complexity, trusting that true learning makes God's truth accessible to everyone (2 Timothy 2:15). This approach often uses pictures of plain speech and universal accessibility to highlight its effectiveness in conversion and blessing.

Simplicity Of Wesley

Wesley’s simple preaching edified both the poorest and the most learned listeners alike.

In June, 1790, the Rev. J. Wesley preached at Lincoln: his text was, Luke x. 42; "One thing is needful." When the congregation were retiring from the chapel, a lady exclaimed, in a tone of great surprise, "Is this the great Mr. Wesley, of whom we hear so much in the present day? Why, the poorest might have understood him." The gentleman, to whom this remark was made, replied, "In this, madam, he displays his greatness; that, while the poorest can understand him, the most learned are edified, and cannot be offended."

Learning Makes Plain

True learning makes God’s truth plain and understandable to all, not obscure or complex.

The late Rev. Dr. C. Evans, of Bristol, having once to travel from home, wrote to a poor congregation, to say that he should have occasion to stay a night in their village, and that if it were agreeable to them, he would give them a sermon. The poor people hesitated for some time, but at length permitted him to preach. After sermon, he found them in a far happier mood than when he first came among them, and could not forbear inquiring into the reason of all this. "Why, sir, to tell you the truth," said one of them, "knowing that you were a very learned man, and that you were a teacher of young ministers, we were much afraid we should not understand you; but you have been quite as plain as any minister we ever hear." "Ay, ay," the doctor replied, "you entirely misunderstood the nature of learning, my friend: its design is to make things so plain that they cannot be misunderstood." Similar was the view of Archbishop Leighton, who says, in one of his charges to his clergy, "How much learning, my brethren, is required, to make these things plain!"

Few Pleased, But One Converted

Simple gospel preaching may displease many but can lead to true conversion and blessing.

The Rev. John Cotton was an eminent minister of the seventeenth century, who labored for many years at Boston, in Lincolnshire. When at the university of Cambridge, he was remarkable for learning and eloquence; and being called upon to preach at St. Mary's church in that town, high expectations were raised as to the character of the sermon. After many struggles in his own mind, arising from the temptation to display his talent and learning, and from a powerful impression of the importance of preaching the gospel with all simplicity, he at length wisely determined on the latter course. The vice-chancellor and students were not pleased, though a few of the professors commended his style; but his sermon was blessed to the conversion of Dr. Preston, who became one of the most eminent ministers of his day.

Romaine'S Plain Preaching

Romaine chose to preach plainly so even the least educated could understand the gospel.

Some persons in the Rev. Mr. Romaine's congregation, thinking his style of preaching too plain and common, had requested him to exhibit a little more learning in the pulpit; accordingly, on a certain occasion, he read his text in Hebrew. "Now," said he, "I suppose scarcely one in the congregation understands that." He then read it in Greek, and added, "Perhaps there may be one or two that understand me now: I will next read it in Latin." He did so, and said, "Possibly a few more may comprehend me, but the number is still very limited." He last of all repeated the text in English: "There," he continued, "now you all understand it; which do you think is best? I hope always so to preach, as that the meanest person in the congregation may comprehend me."

# 260. Fidelity and Boldness.

Talk of God's Wondrous Works

by C.H. Spurgeon

The true way of preaching is to focus on the plain, unvarnished truth of the Gospel, rather than grand displays of intellect.