On this Wednesday’s broadcast of Law and Gospel on AM 850 KFUO we unveiled a possible paradigm or outline of a Law and Gospel sermon. The outline is the following:

A Paradigm for Preaching a Law and Gospel Sermon

Two parts: A. Interpretation; B. Application

A. Interpretation through Lecture using the primary principle of:

Scripture Interprets Scripture

along with

New information on the basis of:
a. Historical background;
b. Cultural background;
c. Archaeology

B. Application through Proclamation using the primary principle of:

The Distinctions between applied Law and Gospel

through primary not secondary speech by an

a. Execution of the Law (not just content)
eg.: I sentence you to ten years in jail.

and

b. Declaration of the Gospel (not just historical events)
eg.: I declare you husband and wife.

Purpose of preaching L&G: John 20:31
these are written,
that ye might believe that
Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God;
and that believing
ye might have life through his name.

Goal of preaching L&G:
1. Provide insights into the text.
2. Proclaim the radical theology of Law and Gospel.

Ingredients included in preaching L&G:
1. The cross; 2. The resurrection; 3. Baptism; 4. Lord’s Supper

Elements in preaching L&G:
1. Analogies; 2. Stories; 3. Humor; 4. Poetry.

Summary

Interpretation through Information & Application through Execution and Declaration.

END OF OUTLINE

Additional Explanation:

This paradigm is an attempt to counter the notion that psychological sermons such as preached by the Joel Osteens or Rick Warrens today are proper. It is also a way of helping the laity to analyze what they are hearing even from preachers who preach proper interpretation of the Scripture but whose Gospel includes calls for decision, additional good works to please God and the like.

While I believe that insightful interpretation of a text is necessary, the real core of the L&G sermon is the application of Law and Gospel. Such application is NOT achieved by simply talking about the content of the Law and the Gospel. Instead, distinguishing Law and Gospel takes place by an execution of the Law followed by the corresponding declaration of the Gospel.

This outline for proper L&G preaching is not a chronological outline. For example, a sermon may begin with a strong dose of Law accusation which is then explained by a insightful interpretation of the text followed by the Gospel which counters the accusation of the Law. The elements noted such as “analogies,” “stories” and so forth can be included in any of the three parts of interpretation of the text, execution of the Law and declaration of the Gospel.

It is also my practice that somehow in the sermon what I refer to as the ingredients of any sermon (the cross, resurrection and the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper) need to be included.

In my preparation of a sermon, I first look for the Law handle from the Biblical passage used against the hearers of that day and then update that Law for the hearers today. When the old Adam death of the hearers has been executed by the accusation of the Law, then the declaration of the Gospel–not just the content of the Gospel–is used.

In regard to the three uses of the Law, I have found that the third use of information is often included with the second use of accusation which is the specific execution of Law against the hearer. While the Gospel may include content such as the historical events of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, it is still not preached until the primary speech of “I…you” takes place; for example, when I, as the preacher, in the stead and by the command of Jesus Christ declare that your sins are forgiven.

Stay tuned to this blog for additional explanation of this paradigm in future postings. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to react with comments. questions or improvements to the paradigm outline of what I consider to be proper preaching of Law and Gospel sermons. You may also hear the entire broadcast unveiling this paradigm by going to kfuo.org and under Law and Gospel listening to the 1/9/08 program.