Preparing for Sunday

Preparing for Sunday Sermons
I recently read a review for a book titled Expository Listening. The reviewer wrote:

As Christians we (rightly!) have high expectations of our pastors as they preach the Word of God. We expect that that they will dedicate themselves to studying and understanding the Bible, that they will live lives marked by their commitment to holiness, that they will expend the effort necessary to craft Gospel-centered, Spirit-empowered sermons. In short, we expect that they will come to the pulpit prepared, having dedicated themselves to the task they’ve been called to. How odd it is, then, that we are content to have such low standards for our own preparation and our own diligence in listening. We expect to turn up at church and be blessed by the preaching of the Word, even while we have expended no effort in seeking to prepare ourselves to hear it and even while we sit passively throughout.
(Read the whole review here)

This got me thinking. When I preach I allocate my time to make sure I’m prepared. I spend time thinking about the passage throughout the week. I make sure I get a good night’s sleep. Do I do the same when I am listening to a sermon? Since Stephen generally preaches through a book, I could read the passage during the week and think about it. Do I make sure I’m well rested to hear the sermon?

Sunday should be the highlight of the week for a Christian. It is the great opportunity to worship our God with brothers and sisters, to sit under the teaching of God’s word, to speak Gospel words to brothers and sisters. We all have the concept of the “work night” or “school night”, where we make sure we are ready for the next day. How much more should be have the “church night”, and be prepared to get the most out of Sunday.

Posted by David Fenton on Apr 29, 09:09 PM