Talk of God's Wondrous Works
The true way of preaching is to focus on the plain, unvarnished truth of the Gospel, rather than grand displays of intellect.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of simply sharing the story of God's wondrous works rather than relying on eloquent rhetoric or intellectual displays in preaching. He argues that true ministry should focus on the plain and unvarnished truth of the Gospel, which is more impactful for the conversion of souls than elaborate sermons. Spurgeon encourages Christians to communicate their faith in a straightforward manner, akin to telling a child, as this approach brings more glory to God and comfort to believers. He critiques the notion of sermons being mere intellectual treats, asserting that the essence of preaching lies in its simplicity and authenticity.
Text
You cannot all preach, but you can all talk; and, if some preachers would refrain from rhetoric and tell their plain unvarnished tale, they would succeed better than they do now. Do you think that God meant his ministers to kill themselves in order come out on Sundays with one or two splendid displays of "intellect" and eloquence? Surely this is not God's way of doing things. I do not believe that Paul ever preached a fine sermon, or that Peter ever dreamed of any display of intellect. I asked the other day of one who had heard a sermon if it was likely that sinners would be converted by it. He said, "Oh no; by no means; but it was an intellectual treat." Is there anywhere in the Bible a word about intellectual treats, or anything approximating to such an idea?...
But the way for the Christian - the real Christian - is to talk of God's wondrous works. Tell me the old, old story. Tell it not stately, but do tell it simply, as to a little child. More glory will come to God from that, more comfort to your soul in reflection, and more benefit to the souls of those you teach, than from all the flights of poetry or the flourishes of rounded periods.
From a sermon by Charles Haddon Spurgeon entitled "The Student's Prayer."
Sermon Outline
- The Problem with Rhetoric in Preaching
- The Example of the Apostles
- The Way of the Christian
- Talk of God's wondrous works
- Tell the old, old story simply and sincerely
Key Quotes
“Do you think that God meant his ministers to kill themselves in order come out on Sundays with one or two splendid displays of 'intellect' and eloquence?” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Tell me the old, old story. Tell it not stately, but do tell it simply, as to a little child.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“More glory will come to God from that, more comfort to your soul in reflection, and more benefit to the souls of those you teach, than from all the flights of poetry or the flourishes of rounded periods.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Preachers should focus on sharing the Gospel in a sincere and simple way.
- Intellectual displays can distract from the true message of the Gospel.
- Talking about God's wondrous works can bring more glory to God and comfort to the soul.