John Piper, a widely respected theologian and author, recently opened up about the unique process he undergoes in deciding what to preach, particularly for special occasions like speaking engagements at prisons.
Piper shared his insights during the “Ask Pastor John” podcast, offering a glimpse into how he applies the “will of God” as a foundation for sermon preparation. Piper describes this will as “a spiritually discerned application of the mind of Christ to a particular situation.”
“It’s not just rational; it’s more than rational,” explained Piper, who served at Bethlehem Baptist Church for 33 years. He emphasized the many factors, both rational and spiritual, that influence even seemingly mundane decisions like choosing a shirt or a parking spot.
Piper referenced Colossians 1:9, highlighting the importance of being “filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.”
He noted, “There’s no command in the Bible to tell me what text to choose or what illustrations to use,” pointing out that his approach relies heavily on wisdom and personal experience, both of which he admits are influenced by subjective feelings.
Piper acknowledged the unpredictability inherent in sermon preparation, stating, “It would be presumptuous of me to say that I make my choices in such situations simply because I am wise. … Too much of the process is simply out of my control.”
Sharing a personal anecdote, Piper recounted a prison sermon he delivered to about 120 inmates. His sermon was prepared the morning of the engagement, blending rational decisions with “hugely subjective inclinations” and practicality.
Prayer played a crucial role in his preparation. “For days, I had been praying, pleading, pleading with the Lord to guide me,” Piper explained, trusting that divine guidance would make his message effective for both salvation and strengthening faith.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
