The sermon vs. the Word of God

Here's an interesting question. What gets more attention when we gather to worship: the sermon or the Word of God?Even in churches that emphasize the public reading of Scripture, I suspect that the sermon is seen as the main event. We read Scripture to prepare for the sermon.What if it is meant to be the opposite? Imagine the reading of Scripture as the main event. The preaching, then, becomes commentary in service of the text. "We've read God's Word today," the preacher says. "This is what it could mean for our church community today. I don't want to give you my thoughts. I simply want to reflect on today's Scripture reading as it relates to us."I don't know that we're supposed to pit the sermon vs. the Word of God, but I suspect it's happening. Perhaps our preaching needs to take a more subservient role to the text. "This is the Word of God," the preacher might say. "I simply offer commentary on what it means for us."

Comments

[Steve]

I think there is wisdom to your words here. Thanks. Good stuff to think about.

[Trish]

I can understand an exhortation to pull up our socks on reading the Scripture with purpose and reverence, because many churches are short-changing today, but I think your question could insinuate superstition or bibliolatry. The main event is both the reading and expounding of God's word. They are co-terminus.

[Roger Baker]

From the Reformer days, I think it was Martin Luther who took us to the twin-terminus of word proclaimed and word expounded. The danger here is that the word expounded often comes from an anthropocetric POV rather than a bibliocentric or theocentric position. That's the danger.In simpler words, the pastor moves from fellow bondservant to priest/prophet. In some denominations, that's expected... but its not a shift I am comfortable with.-Rog (a United Methodist pastor (elder)