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Introduction:
We are living in times when many sermons preached from the pulpit are designed to please the audience, soothing their egos with promises of blessings and prosperity. Although God's Word brings comfort and hope, its main purpose is to transform lives, confronting sin, calling for repentance, and leading us to holiness.
True preaching is not about saying what people want to hear, but what they need to hear. And what we need to hear is not always comfortable—but it is liberating.
1. God’s Word Is Not Meant to Please People
"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."
— Galatians 1:10 (NIV)
Paul reminds us that the true preacher is not called to please the crowd. His mission is to deliver God’s truth. When a church or preacher seeks applause more than transformation, they’ve lost the focus of the Gospel.
2. The Truth Must Be Spoken, Even If It Hurts
"For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear."
— 2 Timothy 4:3 (NIV)
That time is already here. Many people seek preachers who affirm their lifestyle and desires while rejecting the doctrine that confronts and corrects. But God's Word is like a double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12), piercing to the depths and revealing what must change.
3. Repentance Is the Beginning of Transformation
"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."
— Acts 3:19 (NIV)
Without repentance, there is no true conversion. A message that only talks about victory but ignores sin is misleading. Jesus began His ministry with a clear call:
"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."
— Matthew 4:17 (NIV)
4. Holiness Is the Way of the Believer
"Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."
— Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)
Prosperity can be a blessing from God, but it is not the center of the Gospel. God calls us to holiness. Biblical preaching must challenge people to separate themselves from sin and live pure, godly lives.
5. Jesus as the Example: Truth in Love
"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent."
— Revelation 3:19 (NIV)
Jesus loved people, but He never avoided confronting them. He spoke with love, but also with firmness. He didn’t tell the adulterous woman, “Keep doing what you’re doing.” He said:
"Go now and leave your life of sin."
— John 8:11 (NIV)
True love corrects. Spirit-filled preaching is not meant to entertain but to save.
Conclusion
The church must return to life-transforming preaching—that which confronts sin, calls to repentance, and leads to holiness. The Gospel is not a product to attract consumers; it is the powerful message of salvation that delivers us from eternal condemnation.
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness."
— 2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)
Final Call
Today, the Holy Spirit invites us into a new season—a season of truth, holiness, and genuine commitment to the Kingdom. Let us reject soft words that don’t produce change and embrace the truth that sets us free!
"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
— John 8:32 (NIV)
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