Slow Down the Scriptures
I was practicing a sermon a few weeks ago. (Yes, I do that…yes, it’s out loud…but, hey, it works!) As I did, there was something I noticed, and it was something that I have worked on before but it obviously needed work again.
It is also something I have noticed other preachers doing. At least that means I’m in good company. But, maybe it is not the best practice when delivering a lesson from God’s Word.
It is this: when we get to a verse in Scripture to quote (or even read), we put things in about 5th gear and fly through it. Then, when we are done with the passage, we slow back down to our normal cadence.
Why is it that the most important thing we will say while we are preaching–the very Word of God–is the thing we hurry through the most? Certainly, I cannot read anyone else’s heart or tell his motives, but let me offer some possible reasons, and I know this because–as I said–I have done this before.
It is possible that there is pride behind it. The idea might be, “Let’s get through this, so they can hear what I have to say.” I pray that’s not the case for any preacher, but…well…pride is always lurking nearby, so it very well could be.
It is also possible that we just think, “They already know this.” If that is true, then why do we often turn around and bemoan how little people know about the Bible! There are people listening to you preach who do not know well-known passages. But, even if they all did, they need to hear them clearly over and over again.
It is possible that it is to show off a bit. “Look how fast I can say these verses.” Pride…again?
And, certainly to be fair, it could also just be habit. There is no real “negative” reason behind it. We just get used to doing it. After all, preachers are people, and people fall into many habits over time.
Whatever the reason, personally, I think it is something that needs to change. After all, the highlight of any sermon should be the very Word of God! That should be the focus and what we are trying to place before people as the center of it all. If we are hurrying through that, then how can they really focus on it?
Preachers–including the one writing this–slow down the Scriptures! Let the people clearly hear the Word of God throughout your sermon. Let it shine through.
I hate to burst your (my) bubble…but it’s better than anything else you will say anyway!
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AUTHOR: Adam Faughn
