Talk 13: What to Avoid when Preaching

Preaching and Preachers by Martyn Lloyd-Jones

As the proclamation of God’s Word is the task of every preacher, certain things must be avoided. These things creep into the preaching ministry and detract the man from his work. As Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones continues his lectures on preaching and preachers, he begins with a few observations on radio preaching. As this grew in popularity during his day, the radio posed new problems for the preacher which led to a sense of professionalism in the pulpit. The preacher must not be bound by time, always watching himself, and tremendously interested in techniques. In contrast to this performance, he must forget himself as the the Spirit leads his preaching. Other things to avoid in the pulpit include intellectualism and an affinity for too much polemics in the pulpit––always preaching what one is against as opposed to what one is for. Dr. Lloyd-Jones warns against an imbalance between exposition and exhortation. Some preachers expose the Scriptures with no exhortation to the people. Other preachers burden the people with exhortation with little exposition. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains what preachers must avoid, listen in and be challenged by his primary concern that the people of God receive the Word of God in a manner that is clear.