Appealing to the Flesh

Posted Wednesday, September 19, 2007

I Corinthians 4:20, "For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power."

Flesh-stirring sermons are the easiest in the world to preach by just sitting back and thinking of a common problem that humanity has, particularly if it revolves around instinct, sex, self-protection, food, or unforgiveness. Such topics will pretty much hit everyone in the congregation. Then show Jesus as not having any of these problems and talk about a few saints that supposedly never had these problems. At this point, you are ready for the final plunge of the knife: "How can you be a Christian with these problems? You must change." Then end the whole thing with a list of things they can do to change, a list that you have never kept yourself. In the end, you will get nearly the desired 100% response. However, there is another approach. Focus on and talk about Jesus, highlight the revelation that we can't but He can, and remind the people that the commands of Christ are exactly His description of how He lived. Then move to a passage concerning the Christ who lives in us. End with a plea to rest, knowing that He understands our struggles, that there is nothing we have done to make Him reject us, and that He lived in a body and won the battle in blood. Explain the Way and what is not the Way. See if the hearts cannot be stirred toward Jesus, rather than guilt being stirred that makes people run from Jesus and the only possibility of such living. Remember that according to the parable of the sower and seed, three-fourths of your work is a complete waste of time. Relax and let God give growth to the seeds. Only a few may respond, but from those few you will see a 6,000 and 10,000% return, for they will not be acting like Jesus, but allowing exactly Jesus to emanate from them.