There’s a certain level of anxiety within the heart and mind of a preacher ever time he deals with a controversial topic. The topic may be instructed throughout the bible but viewed as improper throughout the culture. The preacher knows what he is about to say will rub many people the wrong way. No matter how softly he says it, some will be offended. Yet he knows that these Biblical truths must be explained for the betterment of his audience. The temptation to be vague and speak in generalities is always there. I personally have thought of using parables as Christ did to teach some while confounding others. But I lack the intellect and knowledge of the heart that my Lord possessed. Maybe there are some things that should be left unsaid? Ah, but we have Paul’s example of preaching the whole council of God. Then there’s that line about “reprove, rebuke and exhort...” and so on.
This inward struggle was what Jeremiah spoke of when he said “I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.” The preacher knows he must address the issue regardless of the outcome. He knows that silence is not an option and the burden only gets heavier if it remains sealed up. The Word must be preached for healing to happen. Maybe he should sugar coat things a bit? That spoon full of sugar could never fully disguise the bitter taste of the medicine. He can’t ask them to hold their nose and drink it all in one gulp like medicine. So how does a preacher deliver an offensive message to those he loves?
First off, the preacher must be respected by the congregation before he can be taken seriously. It is all to easy to dismiss those who we do not trust. Now that trust is in place, he must deliver these unpopular truths in love. He must have love for God and love for them. These truths are not shared for shock value, they’re for sanctifying value. He wants the best for them, and God’s Word is the best. Lastly, the preacher must balance his messages. I don’t mean water it down, I mean weigh it out. Your message can’t be all judgment all the time. Paul didn’t deal with all of Corinth’s problems in his first letter. So how does a preacher balance his sermons without piling on his opinions? The surest way I know of is to cover the Scriptures verse by verse. This will ensure that the congregation is praised, encouraged, corrected and challenged at the same rate as Scripture. While no God called preacher can shy away from his calling, he can do it in such a way as to lovingly instruct his hears in all truth while still glorifying God with his gift.
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