Preaching’s Relationship to the Scriptures

Now that a Biblical and theological definition of preaching has been established, it is important to examine preaching’s relationship to the Scriptures. Is preaching an activity that happens independently from the Scriptures? Is Scripture a mere footnote in the grand design of the preaching? Does the preacher cite Scripture solely for audience participation, as they turn to chapter and verse in the pew? On the contrary, the very essence of preaching is inextricably tied to the Scriptures. It is the sacred Scripture that mandates the very opportunity and obligation for preaching. In addition, the Scriptures provide the foundation for the content of preaching. Illustration and application are necessary and helpful tools to be used in the exercise of preaching. However, these tools are not to be used at the expense of the text. Finally, attention will be given to the connection of preaching and the Scriptures to the idea of hearing God’s voice.


One component within preaching’s relationship to Scripture is the latter’s testimony to the former. In other words, the Scriptures support and even command the exercise of preaching as a means of communicating the gospel and God’s word. An account is given in the book of Acts regarding new growth in the church at Antioch. This growth was initiated and sustained by Paul and Barnabas’ work of “teaching and preaching the word of the Lord” (Acts 15:35, ESV). 


The apostle Paul understood the Scriptural call to preach and was personally “eager to preach the gospel” (Romans 1:15, ESV). The outworking of the preached gospel was and remains “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16, ESV). In his same letter to the Romans, Paul elevated preaching to a high level and made appeal for the mechanism of preaching to deliver the good news (Romans 15). If we take the words of Paul as inspired by God the Spirit, then part of the relationship between preaching and Scripture is the mandate for preaching that comes from Scripture.


In additional to his personal obedience to preach, Paul also exhorted his partners in the gospel to do the same. He charged Timothy, his son in the faith, to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2, ESV). In an earlier letter to Timothy, Paul spoke of the honor that should be given to elders who “labor in preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17, ESV). In Paul’s mind, preaching was to be a critical component within the life of the church.


The United States is currently gearing up for another presidential election. As the potential candidates garner for support, they engage in a form of proclamation in attempt to generate action from their constituents. What differentiates these politicians from Christian preachers? The answer is the content of their messages. From aspiring politicians to Apple’s latest marketing campaign, one does not need to look far to find preaching in today’s society.


The difference for Biblical preaching is the adjective Biblical. This speaks to another dynamic of the relationship between preaching the Scriptures. That is, the content of the preaching must be saturated in and by Scriptures, if it is to be effective and faithful. In his book Folly, Grace, and Power, John Koessler notes that the goal of preaching through the venue of the sermon is “to animate the text without altering it. The written word has been detached from its original context but is not freed from it.” Koessler illustrates the need for preaching to remain faithful to the original message and intent of the text. The Scriptures govern the practice of preaching. This governance occurs by infusing the process of preaching with Scripture.


This does not mean that illustration and modern application have no place in preaching. Good preaching is not the same as good exegesis. Both illustration and application are appropriate and even necessary for effective preaching. However, these tools must serve the content of the text. If they do not grow out of a Scripturally rich content, even the most vivid illustrations and relevant applications will fall short of Biblical preaching. This type of communication may pass as a motivational speech or pitch for morality; but it will not produce the life change that comes from the word of God, which is “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12, ESV). Biblical preaching remains faithful to the Scriptures and exercises the living word.


The idea of hearing God’s voice through preaching leads to a final point of examination in preaching’s relationship to the Scriptures. There is a connection between preaching and the Scriptures as the voice of God. In a short essay originally published in the Westminster Teacher, B.B. Warfield notes that God speaks “directly through the Scriptures themselves as his inspired word.” According to Warfield, if one desires to hear God speak, he need not look further than the Scriptures.


This is certainly consistent with Scripture’s teaching of itself. Paul told his son in the faith Timothy, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The unique word for the phrase “breathed out” points to the special inspiration of the Scriptures by God the Spirit to the human writers. The Scriptures, therefore, feature the voice of God.


What does this have to do with preaching? If the Scriptures serve as the foundational content of preaching, then preaching the Scriptures is a means to experiencing and hearing the voice of God. While modern preachers are not speaking with new revelation, as in the days of the prophets and apostles, they are communicating the inspired word of God. This allows the listener to hear God’s voice and observe His actions through the voice of the preacher. From Folly, Grace, and Power, Koessler notes, “Those who preach break God’s silence.” This is a remarkable and humbling revelation for those who engage in the exercise of preaching. It also intimately connects both the Scriptures and the preaching of the Scriptures with allowing God’s voice to be heard among His people. 


Preaching has a special and unbreakable relationship to Scripture. It’s nature is rooted in Scripture. It’s message is constructed upon Scripture. It’s function as speaking on behalf of God is shared by Scripture. Preaching’s relationship to Scripture is truly a remarkable one.