Seminary Preparation ... Part the Second

So I have been assigned the task of preparing a sermon. Granted, I won't be preaching in front of the whole congregation, but in front of the staff. Originally I was assigned something from the Sermon on the Mount, but that was deemed too difficult for someone who has never preached a sermon before ... apparently it's hard enough even for my brothers who are seasoned by years of ministry. Then I thought I might do something from one of Paul's epistles, but alas those are hard as well for the novice, so I'm shooting for a Gospel narrative. I have chosen Christ's baptism in Matthew 3. While that should give me plenty to work with, I am still a little nervous about how one moves from point A) choosing a text to the final product, a sermon.



It was suggested that I read Bryan Chapell's Christ-Centered Preaching. In the opening chapted, Dr. Chapell eases my burden a little when he reminds me that,"Ultimately, preaching accomplishes its spiritual purposes not because of the skills or the wisdom of a preacher but of the power of the Scripture proclaimed. Preachers minister with greater zeal, confidence, and freedom when they realize that God has taken from their backs the monkey of spiritual manipulation."

And yet, preachers are still called to wrestle with the Word, to mine its depths for the truth that is there and to not come at it with ulterior motives. I still have to prepare the sermon, deliver it and receive the feedback from ministers far more seasoned in sermon preparation and the realities of day to day ministry than I am. To be honest, I am a little scared ... I still feel unworthy to do what God has called me to do, to minister his word and shepherd his people. Thankfully, the Lord makes his servants ready for the calling he has for them.

Here's a verse for thought:

For as the rain and snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:10-11 (ESV)