In part 1 we considered the importance of establishing and underlining the biblical authority of a message. We underlined the importance of a commitment to expository preaching and the need to reinforce that commitment through attitude and action throughout a sermon. Now some thoughts on reconsidering the traditional placement of the reading before or at the start of the message:
In some sermons the reading “up front” would be ideal. If you think through the options and conclude that this would be best for audience, for sermon flow, etc., then do not become a rebel against tradition for the sake of rebellion. Reading first is a good option with much in its favor.
If the tension of the sermon is tied to the unfolding of the text, then perhaps reading the passage as you proceed would be better. It may be helpful for the sake of clarity if the text is read in its entirety first. However, this does run the risk of dissipating any tension in the sermon. A sermon without any inbuilt tension can be as dull as a predictable joke (although with more value). If the text is a narrative, then it is probably better not to read the resolution of the inbuilt tension before telling the story. If the sermon contains an element of intrigue, then it also may be wise to split the reading throughout the sermon. If reading the text and then stating the big idea (or even just the “subject” half of the big idea) leaves listeners feeling as if they could leave at that point because they know what is coming, then perhaps the reading should not have been completed at that moment in the sermon.
If tradition requires or expects an earlier reading, perhaps offer a helpful alternative. If the text for the message would be best, then by all means have it read earlier. However, if tension would be lost, select an alternative. (Be careful also not to let worship leaders steal the tension of a sermon by their pre-message comments!) For example, many New Testament texts rely heavily on one or two Old Testament texts. So a sermon in 1st Peter could use a reading from the Old Testament such as Psalm 34 (if the passage is focused on the suffering of God’s people in “exile”) or Isaiah 53 (if the passage is focused on Christ’s passion). Both passages were heavy on the mind of Peter as he wrote his letter. If a passage is quoted in the preaching text, perhaps reading that passage in its context would be helpful.
Biblical Preaching 