Preaching without Profit

Saturday, April 13, 2019

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.”

Hebrews 4:1–3

The most famous sermon in American history is no doubt Jonathan Edwards’ “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” With its vivid description of the peril and the horrors of the judgment awaiting those who were lost, the sermon is a masterful use of Scripture to call men and women to salvation. Certainly very few other sermons from 1741 are still widely available to be read and studied today. Although Edwards first preached it in his own pulpit in Northampton, Massachusetts, it is not that event that people remember.

Edwards was invited to speak at a church in Enfield, Connecticut, which had not been touched by the revival known as the Great Awakening. When Edwards preached there, people began to cry out even before the sermon was finished, asking, “What shall I do to be saved?” The sermon was basically the same message. Edwards had not become a more skilled orator. In fact, he read the entire sermon in what was described as a monotone voice. The difference was in the hearers.

While there are some churches where the Bible is not faithfully preached and taught, there are also cases where the problem is not with the speaker but with the hearer. Each time we approach the Word of God, whether in public or private, we need to be sure our hearts are willing to hear what it says.

Today's Growth Principle: 

The greatest message will have no impact on your heart unless it is open to receive the truth.