As preachers we have to determine a fundamental perspective in our approach to preaching. Do we preach the Bible, or do we preach a theology? Obviously when we preach the Bible we will preach theology, and hopefully we will do that well. And there are times when we must chose to address a particular theological issue (the atonement, for example). But generally, when we have a text to preach. Which is it to be? Preach the text or the system?
Let me be honest. There are some passages that feel slightly less comfortable in my understanding of theology than others. If you’re honest, that happens to you too. But my conviction is that when I have a passage to preach, I want to preach that passage. If my study of the text prods at my theology, then hopefully the theology is the one that gets reshaped.
The comment that sparked this post was just a throw away line. The biblical narrative was read. After a theological background was put in place we were brought back to the story. It was summarized in one sentence. Then the implication given was along the lines of, “the story is that simple, so let’s leave that behind . . .” The rest of the message felt like the preaching of a theology, with the narrative functioning as a loose illustration of the theology. (It would be better if the passage were ignored, rather than abused in this way, then listeners wouldn’t go away thinking they’d heard the passage preached.)
This is not about homiletical technique. It’s fundamental to our view of our role as preachers. We are to preach the text. Prayerfully wrestle with the text. Understand the text. Preach the text. Let the preaching of the text shape the theology, not vice versa.
Biblical Preaching 
Great reminder. As a matter of fact, if I tell the truth, I struggle with letting scripture reshape theology. I’m not against it, but I think my surroundings, education, and preferences work against this. However, at the core, I will trust and preaching scripture over theology.
I dearly appreciate reading your blog daily. Today you hit on an area of preaching that is particularly humbling to me. Over the last thirty odd years, God has been reshaping my personal theology. In fact, I could said that we have wrestled over some of my personal, pet doctrines. But at the end of the day I have to submit what I believe to the ever-searching Holy Spirit and rely on the Scripture for theology and not what I have learned in Sunday School, Bible College, or from sermons.
Now that I am a pastor myself, I find that before I preach any message, I check my doctrine with the teaching of God’s Word. If needed I reform my thoughts and leanings toward the Bible and ask the Lord’s directing power to keep me from inserting personal theology that is not in line with His Word.
Personal reformation must take place in my life, if I expect to see it in those who hear the message.
Thanks Peter,
2 thoughts:
1) I try to remember Theo-ology is not just the study of God but applying that study to our lives too. We “do” theology through the whole sermon. Let’s hope we do it well. Good preaching and good theology has its head above the clouds (God) but keeps both feet firmly planted on the ground too (application).
2) I do think it’s ok to declare some specifics a “mystery”. It’s ok to vocalize our needs and aspirations as humans to know. It’s ok to declare God as omniscient and we as so limited. Theodicy is a prime mystery. Paul’s thorn in the flesh is too. Let’s think out loud a little but remind each other that one day it will make sense when we get in heaven; then we shall see him as he is. 🙂
chip.