What Makes Preaching "Biblical"?
Dr. Pablo A. Jiménez
Preaching is the faithful exposition of the Gospel in alignment with the Scriptures. However, certain criteria distinguish a specific preaching style as “biblical.” This raises the question: What makes a preaching style truly “biblical”?
Biblical preaching occurs when there is a positive alignment between the sermon’s content, function, and structure, and the biblical text. It involves shaping sermons in ways that reflect Scripture. Let us now explore the elements that define biblical preaching.
Content: A biblical sermon presents theological insights grounded in a valid interpretation of the text. The Bible, as a written work, is—hermeneutically speaking—separated from its authors and original audiences, granting it a certain degree of autonomy from its primary context. When modern interpreters engage Scripture, the biblical text offers new insights, stimulating fresh interpretations based on its surplus of meaning.
These new insights require validation. Fresh ideas sparked by contemporary readings must be evaluated against two key criteria. The first is the canon. The Bible, while composed of diverse writings, forms a unified book with major theological themes that flow from Genesis to Revelation. Therefore, any new insights must align with the overarching theological currents found throughout Scripture.
The second criterion is the distinct theological perspective of each biblical text. Biblical authors addressed specific contexts and challenges, often reinterpreting existing traditions to respond to their audiences. Consequently, each biblical document presents a unique theological outlook. We can assess the validity of our interpretations by testing new insights against the key theological perspective of the text. This approach does not imply that our interpretation is the only possible or valid one; rather, it ensures that our reading is legitimate.
Once we establish the validity of our insights, we can reflect on the hermeneutical implications of the text for our modern audience. This process respects the depth of Scripture and its faithful interpretation in biblical preaching.
Function: The biblical texts were written with clear intentions; authors sought specific responses from their audiences. To achieve their purposes, they employed forms and rhetorical devices designed to evoke various reactions among listeners. While much of the author’s original intent is now lost to history, the form of these biblical documents still resonates with contemporary audiences, stirring distinct responses. Some passages deliver a message of judgment, others a message of hope, and still others a call for transformation. The intended effect on the audience is what I refer to as the “function” of the text. A sermon aligns with Scripture when its function mirrors that of the biblical text.
The function of a biblical text can be determined with relative accuracy through form criticism. By correlating the social contexts depicted in the text with the contexts of our audience, we identify points of contact between the experiences of the text and the realities of our listeners, thus making the text’s function relevant to today’s hearers.
Although this hermeneutical approach can be applied broadly, it is especially powerful in oppressed communities, where issues of domination, severe poverty, and the yearning for a just order closely mirror the situations portrayed in the Bible.
An additional key element is the vantage point from which the preacher narrates the biblical story. A preacher who consistently aligns with the authoritative perspective in the text risks alienating the congregation. To foster connection, the preacher must also identify with the congregation’s perspective. Moreover, preachers must practice what they preach, embodying the spirit of the crucified Christ in their lives and actions. This integrity of word and deed deepens the impact of their message, reinforcing its authenticity and power.
Form: Ideally, the form of your sermon should mirror the form of the biblical text. Why? Because the text’s function is often accomplished through the “movement” embedded in its form. Take, for example, the Psalms of Lament: their purpose is to instill hope and provide restoration to those who pray them. This effect is achieved through a sudden shift in tone—from lament to praise. The movement from sorrow to joy reaffirms God’s love, solidarity, and justice, allowing the person praying to find a renewed sense of hope in God’s faithfulness.
In short, a sermon is more likely to fulfill the function of a Psalm of Lament if it similarly transitions from lament to praise. By incorporating this movement, the sermon can lead the listener through an experience of struggle and, ultimately, of restored faith in God’s presence and promises.
Conclusion: Preaching becomes truly biblical when there is a strong correlation between the sermon’s content, its function, and the biblical text. The task of the biblical preacher, then, is to let the text speak! The preacher’s aim should be to present theological insights with such vitality that those who hear the Word are drawn closer to God.
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