On October 19, 1757 Edwards wrote to the trustees of the College at Princeton:

“My method of study, from my first beginning the work of the ministry, has been very much by writing….penning what appeared to me my best thoughts on innumerable subjects for my own benefit.” (Kimnach, p. 71, emphasis added).

Edwards didn’t say, “for sermon preparation.” He was preparing for sermons, of course, by studying for his own benefit. The sermon material was the result of all Edwards’s explorations of theological subjects.

I believe I’ve written before that many pastors are not reading substantial theological material and, therefore, not advancing their own theological understanding. It’s tempting, of course, to read church growth, leadership material, and other areas of interest.

But Edwards?

He was reading and writing all the time. You might be interested in one of his writing projects he called, “Harmony of the Old and New Testament” (p. 72). It had three parts:

1. OT prophecies of the Messiah and how they came true.
2. OT types of Christ and how so many objects, events, and people pointed to the Gospel.
3. The final and longest portion was a harmony of the Old and New Testaments.

And if you’re wondering how comprehensive this study was and how it connected to preaching, Edwards continued:

“In the course of this work, I find there will be occasion for an explanation of a very great part of the holy Scriptures…to lead the mind to a view of the true spirit, design, life and soul of the Scriptures, as well as their proper use and improvement” (p. 72).

I guess I’ve got some work to do!

And may our Lord receive glory in the church and in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:21) because of the way you study each week, first for your own benefit and then for your listeners.

Randal