This post is part of a brief series on how to create sermons that sanctify the saints and justify the sinners at the same time. I’m building off the foundation of Paul’s analysis of the effectiveness of prophesy recorded in 1 Corinthians 14:24-25. The prophetic Word unmasked the man. An insider-directed message reached an outsider. Through my observations of the preaching of Jonathan Edwards (ancient), D. M. Lloyd-Jones (recent history), and Timothy Keller (current), I’ve started a list of ways these effective preachers reach both Christians and non-Christians with the same message. Here’s how they unmasked the man:

1. They categorized their listeners according to their spiritual condition (see previous posts)

2. Search the heart through questions.

In his book, The Preaching of Jonathan Edwards, Carrick cites Kimnach’s observation that Edwards was “perceived by the people of Northampton to be ‘a searcher'” (p. 304). All three preacher’s I read used searching questions to force their listeners to evaluate their spiritual condition. In one of Lloyd-Jones’ sermons on Genesis 3:8-9, I counted 46 of these kinds of questions! That’s 46 searching questions in the span of less than 10 pages. Through these questions, the conscience is pricked. Or, at least that’s the goal.

Here’s one example from Edwards: “Examine yourself as to this matter, and ask what has been the nature of your anger….Has it not been of the nature of ill-will….Has not your anger been…” (Carrick, p. 308). It’s almost as if you are acting on God’s behalf in interrogating someone on His witness stand.

This is different from asking rhetorical questions, questions that don’t really ask for an answer. These questions are effective because the listener’s spiritual condition is being exposed. See if you have opportunity in your sermon this coming Sunday to probe the hearts of your listeners and force them to come face to face with their sin and need of Christ’s righteousness (both saints and sinners).

Preach well for the sake of God’s reputation.

Your brother in Christ,

Randal